The morning sun shone through the stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns of light and shadow on the floor of the Fairy Tail guild hall.
In stark contrast to the usual chaos of flying tables and chairs, a rare solemnity filled the hall today.
Those who usually dressed casually had changed into relatively formal clothes.
Even Gray, for the first time ever, was actually wearing his shirt.
Lisanna and Levy were in tasteful dresses.
The smell of coffee and breakfast drifted through the air.
Everyone, whether they were a candidate or someone who hadn't been selected, held their breath, their eyes fixed on the second-floor railing at the front of the hall.
There stood Master Makarov Dreyar.
Today, he was uncharacteristically dressed in a dark robe symbolizing his authority, complete with a small top hat.
His short stature was held ramrod straight, and his small eyes, usually filled with drunkenness or mischief, were now as sharp as an eagle's, slowly sweeping over every familiar face below.
"Ahem." Makarov cleared his throat.
"Today, you who have planted the flag of Fairy Tail in every inch of Magnolia and protected this city," his gaze moved slowly, passing over Natsu, Gray, Elfman, Cana... one young face after another, finally pausing briefly on Ace
"Are all the pride of the guild, the indispensable wings of Fairy Tail."
His voice was deep and powerful, filled with unquestionable authority.
"However, the path of a mage has no end. Greater power means greater responsibility. It also means facing darker abysses and protecting more precious things." Makarov's voice rose slightly.
"An S-Class Mage is not just a title, not just an honor. It represents the guild's top combat power, the most solid shield for our comrades, and the most terrifying nightmare for our enemies. It means you will single-handedly face threats far beyond the ordinary, make decisions that could affect the lives and deaths of countless people, and bear the heavy responsibility of guiding those who come after you."
"The annual S-Class Mage Exam now officially begins." Makarov took out an ancient roll of parchment from his robes and slowly unfurled it.
"The following is the list of candidates who, after evaluation by the guild's senior members, have qualified for this year's S-Class Exam—"
The air seemed to freeze.
Everyone unconsciously straightened their backs, hearts pounding.
"Erza Scarlet." The first name was no surprise.
The scarlet-haired knight nodded slightly, a determined flame burning in her eyes.
"Mirajane Strauss." The smile on the She-Devil's lips deepened as the last trace of hesitation in her eyes replaced by resolve.
"Cana Alberona." The heavy-drinking fortune-teller put down her barrel with a rare serious expression on her face as she unconsciously stroked the edge of her tarot cards.
The list paused.
The crowd's breathing hitched along with it.
There was only one spot left.
Natsu, Gray, and the others whose names hadn't been called clenched their fists, knuckles turning white.
Makarov's gaze swept over the crowd, finally landing on the quietly standing figure, and he slowly read out the last name.
"Ace."
"Whoa—!"
Although it had been anticipated, when the Master's voice finally dropped, an irrepressible commotion erupted in the hall.
All eyes instantly focused on Ace—a mix of surprise, admiration, jealousy, approval, and curiosity.
"I knew it would be him!"
"Getting to participate in the trial in his first year... what a monster!"
"With his strength, it's well-deserved!"
"Those Summoned Beasts are just too powerful..."
Ace's expression was calm as he simply gave the Master a slight nod.
On the surface, he showed little reaction, but in his heart, he felt a sense of excitement!
'It's finally here.'
"Quiet." Makarov raised a hand to silence the room. "The above are the candidates for this year's S-Class Exam. The list is now complete."
The four stepped forward and stood in a line.
Erza, Mirajane, Cana, Ace.
They represented the strongest combat power below S-Class among Fairy Tail's younger generation.
"The trial will begin in three days. We will gather at the port in the morning and take a boat to this year's trial location—" Makarov paused, then enunciated each word. "Tenrou Island."
"Tenrou Island?!"
"The legendary..."
"The resting place of the First Master!"
Exclamations rang out again.
Tenrou Island held extraordinary significance for the members of Fairy Tail.
It was the guild's original sacred ground, the resting place of the First Master, Mavis Vermillion, and one of the most mysterious and difficult grounds for the S-Class trials.
Makarov ignored the crowd's surprise and continued. "The trial will be in the form of a test. As for what kind of challenges you will face after landing on the island, the specific details will not be disclosed for now."
His gaze became incredibly serious. "Now, I will announce the first, and one of the most important, rules of the trial: Choose your partner."
"A partner?" The crowd was taken aback.
"That's right," Makarov said gravely. "The trials on Tenrou Island are by no means something that can be easily passed by one person alone. Trust, cooperation, and synergy are the keys to survival. Each candidate may choose one comrade from within the guild to be their partner. This choice is crucial. They will be your most reliable shield, your sharpest sword, and the one you entrust your back to. You must personally report your choice to me before sunset today. Once chosen, it cannot be changed."
"Now, choose your partners."
As his words fell, the atmosphere in the hall shifted from solemn to tense.
The candidates sized each other up, while the unselected members waited with bated breath, filled with both anticipation and anxiety.
"Ace! Pick me, pick me!" The first one to jump out was, as always, Natsu.
His eyes gleamed as he squeezed in front of Ace, sparks flying as he smashed his fists together.
"If we team up, we'll definitely turn the trial grounds upside down!"
Ace looked at the overly enthusiastic Natsu and spoke with a wry smile, "Natsu, I appreciate the confidence. But..."
"You know my fighting style... I rely more on my Summoned Beasts. If I team up with you, you might... not get much of a chance to fight." He put it tactfully.
Teaming up with Natsu would be fun, but they really weren't a good match.
"Eh?! I guess that's true!" Natsu's face fell instantly.
Ace was right.
He scratched his head, then turned to the side. "Erza! Then I'll team up with you! We're the strongest!"
Erza shook her head, "I've already chosen. My partner is—Gray."