Chapter 704: The Century-Long Mission
Chapter 704: The Century-Long Mission
With Erza's successful promotion to the S-class Mage, this year's S-class Mage assessment came to a close. Erza, now a fully-fledged S-class Mage, proudly ascended to the second floor of the Fairy Tail guild.
Despite her achievement, Erza remained level-headed and humble. Heeding Makarov's advice, she continued to take on non-S-class missions that offered substantial rewards, rather than rushing into S-class assignments.
Only when she felt the need to challenge herself or when her companions formed a team, would she accept an S-class mission. These endeavors were invariably arduous, but she always persevered and ultimately triumphed.
A year passed.
Within this short span, Erza had firmly established her reputation as an S-class Mage, both within the guild and without. She earned the admiration of her guildmates and the respect of those beyond Fairy Tail's doors.
It was around a year later that an elderly man, leaning heavily on a cane, hobbled into the Fairy Tail guild. With a single eye, he fixed Makarov, who was standing behind the counter, with a steady gaze. He fumbled slightly in his pocket before producing a mission request form, which he proffered to Makarov.
"..."
Makarov's expression grew solemn as he reached out to take the form. A quick glance caused his eyes to widen and a bead of sweat to form on his brow.
"Um... this is..."
Inscribed on the form was a unique mark—a signifier of a century-long mission.
Century-Long Mission:
Expedition to the Zonia Spirit Peak!
A century-long mission was one that had gone unaccomplished for a hundred years. In the entire world of magic, there were very few such missions, perhaps only a handful. And each of these missions had gained a certain notoriety!
Uncountable mages had attempted these century-long missions, and many had lost their lives in the process. They were the most perilous undertakings in this world.
And, of course, they offered the highest rewards.
Aside from the substantial monetary compensation, the successful completion of such a mission would instantly make the mage famous throughout the magical world and bring great renown to their guild.
Imagine the prestige—a guild capable of completing a 'century-long mission' would be regarded as invincible, able to take on any challenge.
The completion of such a mission would result in a surge of new commissions for the guild.
More commissions meant more work and, consequently, more income, leading to an improved quality of life for all the mages within the guild.
"Someone else has failed..."
"I... leave it to you..."
The elderly man with the cane spoke with difficulty, his voice heavy with emotion.
Makarov's brow furrowed as a bead of sweat trickled down his temple. He was all too aware of the challenges posed by century-long missions, which could test even the mettle of the Ten Wizard Saints.
Addressing the elderly man gravely, he said, "We can accept this mission, but I cannot guarantee that someone will take it on."
"..."
The old man looked at Makarov with a hint of despondency. "But you are Fairy Tail... and this commission..."
"This is a century-long mission," Makarov emphasized. "Not just anyone can accomplish it. I heard that a very powerful mage accepted it three years ago, but even they failed."
The cane-bearing elder fell silent.
Just then, a cheerful voice rang out from the side.
Makarov didn't refuse. Instead, he closed his eyes and handed the request form to Giladas.
"Hmm, a century-long mission, an expedition to Zonia Spirit Peak..."
Giladas took the form, his usually boisterous expression turning solemn. His eyes fixed on the request, and after a moment of contemplation, he seemed to have made a decision. "Looks like the last person failed. This request has reappeared, Master. Since that's the case, why don't I give it a shot?"
The elderly man with the cane and Makarov turned to look at Giladas, as did some of the nearby mages who had overheard. They paused, their eyes wide with shock.
"Are you serious?" Makarov asked, his tone grave.
"This is the expedition to Zonia Spirit Peak, a century-long mission!" Makarov emphasized, his expression intense.
Giladas let out a casual 'hey' and his eyes sparkled with determination. "I'm never one to slack off, Master. Lately, I've been feeling stuck in a rut, and I want to break through this bottleneck. This mission might be the perfect challenge for me."
"Giladas?" Naz and Gray looked over, their sparring momentarily forgotten.
"Is he serious about taking on a century-long mission?" Gray's forehead glistened with sweat as he spoke. Even though they couldn't access the second floor, they had heard of these missions—the pinnacle of difficulty and the highest tier above SSS-class missions.
"Yoohoo! I'm fired up!" Naz blazed with excitement, flames erupting from his mouth.
Gray shot him a sideways glance. "Idiot, those missions are super dangerous!"
News of Giladas' intention to take on a century-long mission spread like wildfire through the guild, drawing everyone's attention. Some thought it was incredibly challenging and risky, while others believed that only a powerful mage like Giladas could pull it off!
After all, Giladas was one of the strongest mages in the guild, second only to Feng Ye.
"Have you made up your mind?" Makarov asked, his gaze steady on Giladas.
Giladas held the request form and nodded, his eyes fixed on the paper. "Yes, I have."
He tucked the form into his pocket, stood up, and gazed into the distance. "But before I embark on this mission, there's something I want to do."
"You want to..." Makarov paused, a realization dawning on him.
"Yep," Giladas grinned, his eyes shining with determination. "I'm going to challenge Feng Ye!"
"After a year of training, I ought to beat him at least once before I go!"
His words hung in the air, and for a moment, the guild fell silent.
Then, a deafening cheer erupted, threatening to lift the roof.
"Oooooh!!!!!"
The guild's first S-class mage, Giladas, was about to challenge Feng Ye! This was a battle for the title of 'strongest'!
(End of Chapter)
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