Makarov's gaze swept over the eager faces below him.
Almost all of them had already awakened their Second Magic Source through months of training and real battle after returning from Tenrou Island.
Even Levy, who had been the slowest to progress, only needed a little more time.
If any one of them were placed in another guild, they'd instantly become a core member.
Makarov's chest swelled with pride… and a bit of dread.
He hesitated for a long moment before saying something utterly irresponsible:
"Actually, I haven't decided yet! Hahahaha!"
"WHAT KIND OF ANSWER IS THAT?!" a chorus of voices shouted back at him.
But truthfully, no one was that surprised.
Lucy hesitated. Maybe if she volunteered right now, she'd secure a spot?
Before she could even raise her hand, Natsu leapt onto the table.
"Of course it should be me!"
"Aye!" Happy cheered in instant agreement.
Then Gajeel barreled forward and punched Natsu straight off the table.
"No matter how you look at it, I'm stronger!"
Elfman immediately jumped up and smashed Gajeel with a kick.
"A real manly man can't just sit there and listen to that!"
Before Gajeel could reply, Gray, already shirtless, as usual, charged in and kicked Elfman away.
"Sorry, but I want that spot too!"
"Gray-sama!"
Juvia was the only one to rush forward without attacking. She threw her arms around Gray's waist and pressed her cheek against his back.
"Juvia won't fight Gray-sama! Juvia will be Gray-sama's substitute!"
"Hey, too close! Let go already!" Gray struggled to pry her off.
"Perfect chance!" Natsu yelled, recovering just in time to headbutt Gray in the chest, sending both of them crashing down.
Juvia fell too, but with the happiest smile imaginable, because Gray had landed right on top of her.
Just as the guild descended into full-blown chaos again, a wave of silent dread suddenly washed over the crowd.
Natsu, laughing mid-taunt, froze.
One by one, everyone else followed.
Because Laxus, Rhodes, Mira, and Erza were watching them coldly from above.
They didn't release any magic power, but it felt like the air itself might explode if anyone dared to move.
Lucy shivered and hugged Levy tightly.
"So scary… it's the first time I've seen four S-Class mages angry together."
Levy nodded rapidly. "It's not your imagination. I swear they're scarier than the Master right now."
The four spoke in perfect unison:
"Quiet down, and let the Master finish."
"Aye~~~!"
Instantly, the guild was filled with a chorus of obedient Happys.
Wendy and Asuka looked up in awe.
"So cool!"
Lily chuckled. "To silence everyone that fast… truly worthy of Fairy Tail's S-Class."
Carla flicked her tail, trying to act casual but clearly proud. "Well, naturally. This is standard for us."
Happy: "Aye!"
Makarov cleared his throat with great dignity.
"Since everyone wants to go, we'll use the S-Class Exam method as reference! Over the next two months, through your missions and training, I'll select the two most outstanding mages!"
Rhodes added with a grin, "How about we spice it up? If anyone can defeat one of us, they can take our spot."
Lucy whispered under her breath, "That's the same as saying no one can take your spot…"
Rhodes ignored her and continued, "Also, if you compete in the Grand Magic Games and perform exceptionally, it'll count as bonus points toward this year's S-Class Exam."
That immediately changed the atmosphere. The ones who had looked hesitant just seconds ago now burned with new determination.
Freed, ever the perfectionist, raised his hand. "Master, is that true?"
"Hm? If Rhodes says so, then sure!" Makarov waved lazily.
He was already thinking ahead: 'By the end of the year, I'll probably hand the Master position to Rhodes anyway… Then he can deal with all the exam logistics, hahaha!'
His face softened into a dreamy grin, he was so happy that he was on the verge of blowing a snot bubble.
And then;
"THEN I'LL DEFEAT YOU RIGHT NOW, LAXUS!!!"
The shout shattered his pleasant daydream.
"Here we go again…"
"That idiot."
"Actually…" Rhodes said, smiling faintly, "I feel a little nostalgic."
"Bets are open!" Macao shouted immediately, springing into action.
"Those betting on Natsu, line up here! Those betting on Laxus, over there!"
The entire guild moved instinctively, as if this were a weekly event.
Natsu stomped hard, breaking the table beneath his feet as flames burst around him.
"Let's go, Laxus!"
He rocketed forward, the air crackling from the heat.
"Alright." Laxus's smile was calm, almost gentle, a far cry from the arrogant smirk of his past self.
But while his smile was warm… his fist was not.
Electricity surged down his arm, and in a blink, a thunder-charged uppercut smashed squarely into Natsu's face.
BOOM!
Natsu flew backward, plowing through two tables before cratering into the floor.
"Natsu!" Happy fluttered over with teary eyes, patting his partner's cheek.
"Wake up! We didn't even get to place our bets yet!"
Lucy crouched beside him and sighed, patting Happy's head. "You're too heartless! Shouldn't you at least check if he's okay first?"
Happy blinked. "The current Laxus is the old-old Laxus, so it's fine."
"'Old-old', what does that even mean!?" Lucy shouted.
Gray crossed his arms. "Tch. Idiot. What's with that weak punch? At least hit him with the same strength you use when fighting me."
Erza added evenly, "Natsu isn't fighting at his full strength, but Laxus hasn't stopped improving either."
From upstairs, Rhodes cupped his hands and called out, "Laxus! The floor! You two each fix half! And those dishes from the last hit, I saw them break!"
Laxus's jaw tightened as he tried to keep a straight face. "I know."
Rhodes managed to hold in his laughter, barely.
Mira leaned over and gave him a playful nudge. "You already knew this would happen, didn't you?"
Rhodes tilted his head innocently. "Was it too much?"
Mira's eyes sparkled. "No, it was fun."
"Then let's make it more fun." Rhodes looked toward the crowd and grinned. "Elfman! Does a Manly Man want to challenge his sister?"
The guild immediately erupted in cheers and whistles.
Elfman froze for a moment, his expression stiff. Then, under the weight of the crowd's laughter, he said solemnly, "A Manly Man… still needs two more months of training."
"What a shame." Mira smiled wistfully. It had been quite a while since she'd last exchanged blows with her brother.
"Mira-nee," Lisanna leaned closer and whispered, "Don't make Elfman lose face in front of Evergreen."
Mira blinked thoughtfully. "But don't you think it's cute when he messes up sometimes?"
Lisanna groaned, covering her face. "That's not the point…"
But before she could continue, she caught sight of Rhodes, who had that suspiciously smug expression again.
Rhodes spread his hands innocently. "Don't look at me like that. Your brother-in-law has always maintained a tall, handsome, and reliable image. I've never made a fool of myself."
Lisanna gave him a look of pure disbelief. "Really?"
He turned toward Mira. "Isn't that right?"
Mira smiled sweetly, resting her chin on her hand. "Yes, yes. Of course."
After all, ever since he'd become her husband, Rhodes had always been strong, dependable, and handsome.
...
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