Chapter 164: Self-Reflection
Chapter 164: Self-Reflection
Having too much information isn't always a good thing, as it can affect your mood.
For Kana, the pressure of potentially facing S-Class Mages has now become the certainty of facing them. This is a completely different level of stress, especially since she has been beaten by two of the three S-Class Mages she will face.
Laxus, who is four years older than her, passed the exam early, or she might have faced another defeat.
Rod, on the other hand, has been preparing for the worst from the beginning. Now, he just has a bit more information about the three S-Class Mages they will face.
Laxus, the powerful lightning mage; Mystogan, the mysterious illusionist; and Erza, the one Kana dreads the most. Erza is incredibly versatile, excelling in both close combat and ranged attacks. With her various armors, she can use different elemental magics and even combine them in unique ways.
In a way, Erza is like a fully upgraded version of Kana.
If Kana has to face her, her only advantage is having a teammate—someone who was knocked out by Erza five months ago.
Thinking about this, Kana's confidence wavers.
"Although our opponents are monsters, if you want to become an S-Class Mage, you need to have the determination to become a monster on their level," Rod said, trying to stay optimistic and encourage his teammate. "Being able to participate in the exam means you have the potential to stand alongside them. You might be a bit behind them now, but your shortcomings can be compensated by your teammates. What you can't do, they can do for you. I think this is the Guild Master's purpose in having participants choose partners, not just to test teamwork. This is also a core principle of our guild."
"Become... a monster like them... compensated by teammates..." Kana repeated Rod's words, suddenly feeling unworthy of becoming an S-Class Mage. She had never thought about becoming that strong or turning into a monster. She just wanted to pass the exam to have the right to call Gildarts 'Dad.'
As for what becoming an S-Class Mage meant, she had never really considered it.
Someone like her...
"Man up, Kana!" Elfman said, his eyes welling with tears. "Becoming an S-Class Mage is what makes a true man!"
Rod wished Elfman could be as effective when talking about Lisanna.
Mira reminded him, "Kana is a girl, you know."
And... what does being an S-Class Mage have to do with being a man?
Elfman paused, remembering his sister was an S-Class Mage, and quickly added, "Sis is a man too!"
Mira kept her smile, but her fists were clenched—she couldn't have a brother like this.
But the important thing now was Kana.
Mira patted Kana's back gently. "You're being lectured by a newbie, Kana."
Newbie? Kana looked at Rod. Yes, Rod had only been in the guild for less than half a year, while she had been there for 11 years. She shouldn't be any worse than a newcomer in terms of resolve or anything else.
Rod had put so much effort into her request; she couldn't let him down.
Kana mustered her courage. "This time, we're going to defeat them and pass the exam!"
"Then let's start practicing," Rod said. "First, let's simulate a battle against Mira and Joey."
Their sparring partners would be Mira and Elfman. Mira had a bit of experience in close combat, making her a good stand-in for Mira. Elfman's fighting style was similar to Joey's.
It wasn't a real fight; they were just going through the motions.
Often, Rod and Kana would pause after executing a move, considering how the opponent would respond, and then Mira and Elfman would position themselves accordingly.
Then they would switch roles.
When it came to simulating Mest and the King, the process was similar, but Mest's teleportation magic was tricky. They had to consider where he might teleport to and help Kana plan her traps.
Basic training aside, the three simulated battles helped them determine a strategy for the first encounter in the exam.
Starting from tomorrow, they would focus on enhancing their magic power and figuring out how to deal with the three S-Class Mages.
Today was another fulfilling day.
Rod bid everyone farewell and returned home, where he took a hot bath and comfortably settled into bed.
The mischievous Rod summoned Worm to turn off the lights, then closed his eyes.
A few minutes later, he suddenly opened his eyes and sat up.
"Three times a day, I must reflect on myself: Am I being mind-controlled? Have my memories been tampered with? Am I truly myself?"
Everything seemed fine.
Rod lay back down and continued to sleep.
In the darkness, Worm blinked. Is the master crazy? Will I still get to eat Poro delicacies?
...
Time flew by in a flurry of intense training and exam preparation, and before they knew it, the day of the exam had arrived.
It was already mid-December, and the weather was getting colder. Rod wore a coat identical to Mira's and showed off in the guild hall.
Then, he set off with Cana to meet at the train station.
Before leaving, he left the coat with Mira for safekeeping and changed into another set of winter clothes.
— Fighting during the exam was inevitable, and getting injured was a possibility. A few scratches wouldn't be a big deal, but he didn't want to risk damaging his beloved coat.
Mira found his concern both amusing and endearing, so she helped him store the coat and reminded him to be careful.
In truth, Rod had also wanted to take a leisurely stroll through the guild's storage to ease his nerves.
But today, the storage room had an extra four locks and a "No Entry" sign.
"Master is on the second floor," Rod sighed, feeling uneasy about leaving without any of his cherished items.
He and Cana were the last to arrive at the station. The others had already gathered and were standing around, eyeing each other.
Marcus wanted to chat with everyone, but Will covered his mouth, worried he might spill the secret plan.
Makarov counted the heads and, once satisfied, signaled, "Everyone's here. Let's get going."
Cana asked, "Aren't we waiting for Laxus and the others?"
"They've already left ahead to set up the exam site," Makarov replied. "If you have any other questions, ask them before we board the train."
Rod raised his hand, "Can I go back and get—"
"No, next," Makarov dismissed him without a second thought. The guild's supplies weren't for personal use, especially not during an exam.
"Hmph." Rod felt like the master was targeting him.
The S-Class exam was so stressful that he couldn't even borrow a few crystals to calm his nerves.
Mest, who had been silent the whole time, suddenly appeared at the train door, nibbling on the frame. "I wonder... I really want to know what the train tastes like..."
Rod was bewildered. What the heck? What’s wrong with him?
"Isn't that going to chip your teeth?" Joji, the muscle-bound man, asked with concern.
As soon as he opened his mouth, three teeth fell out and rolled onto the platform.
"Joji, your teeth!" Bisca scolded, hands on her hips. "This is a public place. Can't you break the habit of randomly losing your teeth?"
Is losing teeth a habit?
"Hahaha..." Marcus burst out laughing, "If we strung up all the teeth Joji has lost, would it be enough to make a necklace? Enough?"
Rod leaned in and whispered to Makarov, "Master, are you really going to take this group on a train?"
Character Ages in X783:
- Laxus: 22
- Will: 22
- Bickslow: 21
- Fried and Evergreen: 19
- Nab: 19
- Erza, Mira, and Rod: 18
- Cana, Gray, Natsu (possibly), Elfman, Alzack, Bisca, Jet, and Droy: 17
- Levy, Marcus, and Lisanna: 16
- Wendy: 11 (possibly)
- Happy and Charle: 5
- Master Makarov: 87
- Gildarts: 44
- Macao and Wakaba: 35
- Reedus: 26
- Loki: Age unknown
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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