After this exam, most of the veterans had completely abandoned any hope of ever reaching S-Class.
Before, they could console themselves—it wasn't that they were weak, but that Gildarts was too strong, the standards too high.
Moreover, since no one had passed the exam before, the specific criteria weren't entirely clear, and everyone thought they might have a chance.
But this time was different.
They were first beaten up by Laxus, then witnessed Marco's terrifying strength.
The standards for an S-Class Mage seemed a bit more higher now.
Everyone was saying they should have listened to Master Makarov after all!
They shouldn't have come this time just to try their luck!
Indeed, only those chosen by Makarov, those formally granted qualification by the guild master—namely Marco, Erza, and Mirajane—had any real possibility of passing the S-Class Exam.
This exam also gave many a true glimpse of the strength and talent of the two girls, Erza and Mirajane.
"So, future exams will strictly follow the original method, with Master Makarov determining who qualifies to participate in the S-Class Exam," Marco said with a smile.
This was something he and Makarov had already agreed upon—future exams would revert to the original rules.
As for this time, it was considered a special case.
Since the guild had many strong newcomers who hadn't taken the S-Class Exam before, this was like giving them a trial run.
"Huh? Then what are the specific criteria?" Mirajane widened her eyes and asked.
She had been planning to participate again next year, hoping to become an S-Class Mage before Erza.
But now, she might not even qualify to take the exam.
"Mira, you don't need to worry. The main assessment criteria are all closely tied to the guild," Marco reassured her with a smile, confident that Mira would have no issues.
"For example, the number of missions completed in a year, mission success rate, and the benefits brought to the guild. Of course, strength is also a very important criterion."
These requirements were no problem at all for Mirajane, who was practically a workaholic.
Her mission count, completion rate, and contributions to the guild were undoubtedly up to standard—far exceeding them, in fact.
Though these criteria might seem a bit utilitarian, they were actually the core metrics determining whether a magic guild could thrive.
As a magic guild, Fairy Tail's primary assessment criteria naturally revolved around mission commissions.
An S-Class Mage who couldn't bring any benefits to the guild definitely wouldn't be a qualified S-Class Mage.
Strength wasn't the sole standard—just the most basic requirement.
"I see..." Mirajane sighed in relief after hearing this, and Erza beside her also relaxed.
For Erza, these weren't issues either.
While Mirajane often went out on missions, Erza was never one to fall behind.
The two of them had been quietly competing in this regard.
This kind of healthy competition was something both Makarov and Marco were happy to see—even encouraged.
Thus, although some of the older generation worried that the rivalry among the younger members might become too intense and affect the guild's atmosphere, Makarov had always turned a blind eye.
Having lived for so many years and presided over the guild for over four decades, Makarov was no idle or incompetent guild master.
His eyes could see through the essence of many things.
"Let me remind you all, S-Class Mages have the authority to evaluate during daily life. Their suggestions might influence the final outcome."
Makarov had been listening quietly the whole time.
After Marco finished speaking, he suddenly interjected with this reminder.
This rule had essentially become meaningless back when Gildarts was the only S-Class Mage in the guild.
After all, Gildarts was rarely at the guild.
Even when he occasionally returned, he wouldn't stay long before leaving again.
What kind of opinion could someone like Gildarts offer?
He'd just say everyone was doing fine and encourage them all to give it their best shot.
As for Laxus, his opinions could only be accepted in small doses because he was the complete opposite of Gildarts - he believed most people weren't qualified.
After Makarov's words, everyone's gaze turned to Marco.
Clearly, the only one who could play a significant role in this aspect seemed to be Marco.
"Ahem, it's just the authority to offer minor suggestions. No need to make a big deal out of it."
Marco cleared his throat and made a "tiny bit" gesture with his fingers.
He truly hadn't expected Makarov to reveal this information so openly.
How was he supposed to observe things discreetly now?
"That's right, they only offer suggestions. The final decision still rests with me."
Makarov nodded, easing some of the pressure on Marco so he wouldn't keep getting stared at like some "privileged jerk."
As for Laxus, with his cold expression, no one even looked his way.
Nobody expected to get any favorable "evaluation" from Laxus.
"Don't worry everyone. As long as all the criteria are met and you truly feel the guild is your home, I definitely won't deliberately block your qualifications."
Marco explained his evaluation criteria, adding just one basic requirement - they must be true "family" of Fairy Tail.
By "family," he meant those who considered Fairy Tail their home and embodied the spirit of Fairy Tail.
Those with divided loyalties need not apply.
"..."
The group fell silent.
Marco's requirement didn't sound particularly difficult, but it was highly subjective and based on personal judgment.
"I'm different. I only care about strength." Laxus chimed in from the side.
Everyone glanced at him but remained silent.
Laxus's strength requirement was actually much harder to meet.
"Alright, let's hurry back to the guild. We'll have a proper celebration when we return - my treat!"
Seeing everyone deep in thought, Marco cheerfully called out.
At the mention of a party, everyone immediately perked up and cheered.
Amid laughter and chatter, the large ship docked at Hargeon Port, the guild members disembarked and took the train back to Magnolia.
Once back at the guild, a grand feast naturally ensued.
Those who had stayed behind and didn't participate in the S-Class exam were equally happy for Marco's achievement.
In the corner, Laxus silently watched the lively scene, his emotions somewhat complicated.
This was probably the difference between him and Marco.
Laxus knew that even if Marco didn't mention it himself, everyone in the guild would spontaneously celebrate for him.
This feast was bound to happen.
But when he had passed his exam, there had been no such feast.
He hadn't held one, and no one had held one for him either.
Only Marco had given him a congratulatory gift.
Marco had given him a plush toy—a supposedly electric squirrel called Pikachu.
"Now that I've become an S-Class Mage, I can finally take S-Class missions on the second floor. Any advice, senpai?"
As Laxus stood lost in thought in the corner, Marco's cheerful voice snapped him out of it.
Laxus turned to look at Marco and saw that ever-smiling face.
"What's wrong? Not going to take me there? Going to the second floor is a privilege for S-Class Mages, you know."
Looking at Laxus, Marco spoke with a smile.
He still remembered when Laxus had first become an S-Class Mage and came to brag about being able to take S-Class missions on the second floor.