https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-159-Three-Years-of-Study-One-Year-of-Simulation/12810398/
Chapter 158: Rod, the In-Demand One
Chapter 158: Rod, the In-Demand One
"Kana is participating again this year. With her strength, she should pass, right?"
"It's tough. Every year, there's always a monster who shows up."
"Mest and Bisca aren't surprising, but why is Warren selected and not Natsu or Gray?"
"Does that mean Warren is really that good? He's pretty strong."
The four selected candidates were all familiar faces, and no one really objected to their inclusion.
However, someone did mention Rod, but they quickly dismissed it. After all, he had only been learning magic for less than half a year, so it wasn't surprising he wasn't chosen.
Natsu, on the other hand, was fuming. He shouted up at the stage, "Old man! Why wasn't I chosen again? I've gotten stronger!"
"Because you're still too weak, Natsu," Laxus said with a dismissive sneer. "When you can hear about this without immediately shouting and causing a ruckus, then you might be ready."
His words were reasonable, but his condescending expression was infuriating. Natsu wanted nothing more than to jump up and punch Laxus in the face.
"Don't say unnecessary things, Laxus," Makarov said, "The qualifications for the exam are based on a comprehensive evaluation of your abilities, mental fortitude, character, and more. Reflect on your shortcomings, Natsu."
"Damn it!" Natsu grumbled, unwilling to accept it.
If he could pass the S-Class Exam… he would finally be able to see Igneel, at least that's what he believed.
In contrast, Gray was silently reflecting on his own shortcomings. It couldn't just be because he had a habit of stripping, could it?
Rod, puzzled, asked, "I know everyone else, but who is Mest?"
"Mest? He's been a member of the guild for a long time," Mira thought for a moment, realizing she didn't know much about him. "You joined later, so you might not know him. He doesn't show up much, almost as mysterious as Mystogan, but everyone knows he's strong."
Elfman pointed to a short-haired man with a scar on his face. "That's him, a real man!"
Rod found this strange. He had been in the guild for five months and worked as a bartender, so he should have at least remembered seeing someone who was a candidate for the S-Class Exam.
He had even run into Mystogan a couple of times outside the guild, and while he had never seen Gildarts, he at least knew the name. But he had never heard anyone mention Mest before. Was someone with the qualifications to take the S-Class Exam really that low-key?
Rod asked, "When was the last time he showed up?"
Mira thought for a moment and said, "I can't remember, but it must have been a long time ago."
Rod nodded hesitantly. Was it like Gildarts, who was often away for years at a time?
He should take some time to go through the guild's photo albums and Laxus's sketches to see if he had just missed him.
Makarov was already explaining the details of the exam. "This year's exam will take place in the Croba Grand Canyon."
The location was familiar; the train from Magnolia Station ended in Croba City.
The canyon was located between Oshibana City and Croba City, with very complex terrain.
Rod had been to the Sunflower Village near the canyon when he and Alzack were on a mission to eliminate bandits.
"The exam will begin in a week, and the rules will remain the same as in previous years. Only one candidate will be chosen. Additionally, each participant must choose a partner."
"The specific details of the exam will be revealed once you reach the exam site, but I can tell you this…" Makarov smiled, "The three people behind me will be your obstacles."
Laxus raised his hand, and golden lightning crackled in his palm. "I won't let any weaklings rise to my level."
Mystogan's muffled voice came through his mask. "Since the Master asked, I have no choice."
Erza looked serious. "I will give it my all!"
"Please don't give it your all!"
Warren's exclamation, transmitted through telepathy, echoed in everyone's minds.
Lagassus's expression was filled with disdain. "If you're scared, it's not too late to back out. It would save me the trouble, anyway."
Woliam forced a defiant response. "Who... who's scared?!"
In truth, if he calmed down and thought about it, this was just an exam. They probably wouldn't use their full strength. Moreover, they could choose a partner, so a two-on-one match with the opponent holding back might not be hopeless.
The exam candidates quickly began to think about who would give them the best chances of success as a partner.
Those who weren't chosen also started to consider who they could ask for help if they got a chance next year.
"Obviously, it's Levy!" Jett and Troy said in unison, then glanced at each other, their eyes flashing with a competitive spark.
Happy commented, "Natsu should partner with Rod, right?"
Natsu replied matter-of-factly, "Why Rod? I'm partnering with Happy, of course."
"Aye!"
Alzack and Bisca exchanged glances, their faces turning slightly red. They had to make it next year!
Gray also thought partnering with Rod would be a good idea, but he figured the guy would likely qualify next year as well.
At that moment, Loki put an arm around Gray. "If you qualify next year, how about I help you?"
"Sure, it's a deal." Gray smiled. Loki was strong.
Mira asked, "Who do you think Rod will choose?"
"Who else?" Rod chuckled, "The Master, of course."
He couldn't choose Mira or any other S-Class members, but there was no rule against choosing the Master.
Mira covered her mouth and laughed. "The Master definitely can't be chosen."
"Then... how about Porlyusica?" Rod had another idea. "If I can get her to come out of retirement, I'll just support her as we stroll around the exam site. I doubt anyone would dare attack me then."
Mira laughed even harder. What a perfect plan.
But she had a feeling the Master would beat him up before it could even happen.
"The four who qualified and their partners, meet at the station in a week. Adjust your conditions accordingly," Makarov concluded, signaling the end of the meeting.
Those who didn't qualify dispersed, having taken on too many missions recently in preparation for the S-Class exam. They needed a good rest.
Some left the guild immediately, while others stayed to discuss the participants, even placing bets on who would pass.
The candidates themselves began choosing their partners.
Mishi planned to pick someone from her team, as they had better chemistry. She just needed to decide who.
Mest disappeared as soon as the Master announced the results, his intentions mysterious.
Kana and Woliam, however, found themselves in the same place, both saying the same thing to the same person: "Rod, please help me!"
Rod looked at the two of them standing before him. "Huh? Are you sure you want to choose me?"
In the original story, the Master said, "This year's exam will take place on... Tenrou Island."
This suggested that the exam site changed every year, which was confirmed by the surprised expressions of the candidates.
The Master then continued, "Since some of you are participating for the first time, I'll explain the rules..."
From this, it seemed that the basic rules were the same each year—finding a partner—but the specific content of the exam varied.
However, the core purpose of the exam—to test strength, strategy, and teamwork—remained constant.
Regarding Mest, he believed he was a member of the Magic Council and had altered his and everyone else's memories to infiltrate Fairy Tail. His goal in participating in the S-Class exam was to uncover any dirt on the guild.
In reality, the Master might have felt that Mest had made too many sacrifices and wanted him to pass the S-Class exam quickly so he could return to the guild.
(End of Chapter)
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