https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-697-Trusting-Fengye-is-of-course-a-better-option-/12560108/
Chapter 698: S-Class Trial
Chapter 698: S-Class Trial
After Wendy's birthday, Erza and Mira fell into a frenzy of competing for commissions, leaving them with little time for their usual sparring.
They weren't the only ones; about eighty percent of the other wizards in the guild were also vying for jobs.
Everyone yearned to become an S-Class Wizard.
Becoming an S-Class Wizard was not only a recognition of one's strength and a badge of honor for the Fairy Tail guild, but it was also the only way to access the second floor and take on the extremely lucrative S-Class and above commissions.
In this regard, Erza longed to become an S-Class Wizard more than Mira. After all, only then could she hope to repay her debts, and only S-Class Wizards had the capability to fight side by side with Feng Ye without holding him back.
Currently, there were four S-Class Wizards in the Fairy Tail guild.
They were Gildarts, the first to attain the rank, followed by Feng Ye, Laxus, and Mistgun.
Among the four, it was unanimously acknowledged that Feng Ye was the strongest.
Gildarts had once lost to Feng Ye and conceded that he was the superior wizard, and Laxus, after challenging Feng Ye following his own promotion, had very 'sensibly' concluded that Feng Ye was likely the most powerful wizard.
Half a month passed.
Finally, Fairy Tail was ready to hold its annual S-Class Wizard promotion trial.
"Alright," Makarov announced, raising a stack of papers in his hand and addressing the multitude of Fairy Tail wizards gathered before him in the guild. "I will now announce the names of the five wizards participating in this year's S-Class trial."
"Biggslow!"
"Erza!"
"Mira!"
"Mystogan!"
"Fried!"
As the list of names was read out, Erza and the others found themselves the center of attention.
Natsu, who was not chosen, slumped in disappointment. "Why wasn't I picked again?"
"You're still too green," Makarov said amiably, glancing at Natsu.
Natsu had indeed been working hard, and his overall strength was not lacking, but the number of commissions he had completed fell short of the others.
S-Class Wizards needed to possess not only formidable strength but also a high rate of commission completion. Each S-Class Wizard represented the guild's reputation, and failing to complete an accepted commission would severely damage Fairy Tail's standing.
While Fairy Tail paid little heed to external evaluations, the guild's reputation in terms of commission completion directly impacted the number of jobs they received and, consequently, the wages of all the wizards in the guild.
This was a significant matter.
With fewer commissions, those who couldn't secure jobs would go hungry, and some had families to support.
"This year's trial will take place on our guild's sacred ground, Tenrou Island," Makarov continued. "The basic rules of the trial will be explained to you later. For now, those of you who have been chosen can go and prepare."
With that, Makarov strolled out of the guild, leaving behind a group of dejected wizards who hadn't made the cut.
"Damn it..." Natsu muttered, fire flickering in his mouth as he clenched his fists.
Makarov's son, Makarov, patted Natsu on the shoulder. "Don't take it too hard, Natsu. You're only 13, and you're already very strong. Besides, just because you're eligible doesn't mean you'll necessarily pass the S-Class trial."
Natsu turned to Makarov. "Have you ever taken the trial, Makarov?"
Makarov scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, once. And then I met Gildarts."
"Oh..." Wendy managed a strained, resigned smile.
Gray furrowed his brows as he spoke, deep in thought.
Wendy nodded with her big, adorable eyes and a sweet smile, "Yes, Brother Feng Ye said he would be an examiner."
Slap!
Makarov patted Natsu's shoulder, his mouth twitching as he said, "Alright, I think it's time we held a moment of silence for those participating in this year's exam."
...
An hour later.
Magnolia Port.
The Fairy Tail guild's ship, docked at the port, pulled up its anchor and slowly sailed out of the harbor, heading towards Tenrou Island.
On board were not only Makarov and the exam participants like Erza but also the examiners, Feng Ye and Gildarts, as well as Juvia and Wendy.
Juvia had sneaked on board, her body merged with the seawater, going unnoticed by almost everyone except Feng Ye, who merely chuckled and did not stop her.
And so, she successfully stowed away on the ship.
As for Wendy... well, she was on board as the lucky charm for this S-Class Mage exam.
Her role was to cheer everyone on.
Makarov approved of Wendy's presence, thinking that her adorable cheers might just give everyone that extra boost of motivation.
With Feng Ye's magic enhancing its speed, the ship sailed swiftly and precisely towards Tenrou Island.
The weather at sea was scorching, so almost everyone, including Feng Ye, changed into swimsuits.
"It's not that big, Erza."
"I think yours are smaller."
Erza and Mira, donning white and blue swimsuits respectively, continued their bickering, each critiquing the other's figure.
Feng Ye couldn't help but sigh as he watched the two quarrel incessantly. Erza had truly grown up.
When he had first brought her back to the guild, she was only eleven, still a child. But now, four years later, the fifteen-year-old Erza had blossomed into a graceful young lady.
People had all sorts of preferences when it came to grown-up girls—some liked a curvaceous figure, some preferred a pretty face, and others had peculiar tastes. It was hard to satisfy everyone.
But that innate cuteness that young girls possessed was something that almost all normal people unanimously adored, even if they didn't like it, they wouldn't dislike it.
"... "
Feng Ye turned his head and noticed Wendy, her face reddened as she stood there with her head down, adorable wisps of steam rising from her blushing cheeks.
Evidently, Erza and Mira's unabashed argument had made her a little shy.
Seeing Wendy like this, Feng Ye couldn't help but sigh again. Even little Wendy had grown up a bit. She didn't understand these things before, but now she seemed to grasp a lot more.
Half a day later.
The guild's ship finally approached Tenrou Island, its silhouette now clearly visible.
Although everyone on board had been members of the Fairy Tail guild for over two years, not all of them had visited Tenrou Island. Even Erza, who had been a member for four years, was setting foot on this sacred ground for the first time.
"Is that our sacred ground? It's breathtaking!"
Erza's eyes widened as she gazed at Tenrou Island, a pair of islands stacked one above the other, connected by an immense tree.
Makarov walked over and replied casually, "Yep."
"I heard that our guild's first master, Mebis, met her teacher here, learned magic from him, and then founded the Fairy Tail guild."
"You could say that this is where our guild originated."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
