Chapter 141: The X780 S-Class Trial
Noah reminded the guild members that the storage space could only hold inanimate objects, not living things. Anything alive put inside would die. Also, because there was air inside, food that wasn't properly preserved could easily spoil, so it was best to store non-perishable items. After noting down all the other precautions, the members all ran home to start filling their new personal storage spaces. Seeing this project successfully completed, Noah's face was also full of smiles.
He said goodbye to Makarov and then teleported to the training ground; he still hadn't done his own training for the day.
Time passed quickly, and before he knew it, it was almost the end of the year. Everyone had been diligently improving themselves during this period. As the end of the year approached, it was time for the annual important event. The guild members were all taking on requests with great enthusiasm, and you could see them running back and forth between the request board, the registration desk, and the main gate.
"It's that time of year again. I wonder how many people will be chosen?"
On a rare day off, Noah was relaxing in the guild, sipping milk and watching the bustling members with a sigh.
"It reminds me of last year," Ultear, who was also resting nearby, replied. "That battle is still fresh in my mind. Who would have thought you'd use such a powerful spell? Every time I think about it, my heart starts pounding." As she spoke of the battle, she stared intently at Noah, making his own heart skip a beat.
He quickly apologized. "S-sorry about that. It was to test your self-preservation ability, that's why I used such a powerful spell."
Ultear shook her head. "It's fine. But ever since that fight, I've become much more cautious when I'm out. I always test the waters first, afraid I'll trigger a trap with the same power as your spell and get myself blown to bits."
"Hahaha!" Noah scratched his head and laughed awkwardly, not knowing what to say. Ultear didn't press him, just quietly sipped her drink and watched the other members run around.
"Noah, come over here. I need to talk to you about something."
Suddenly, Noah heard someone call his name. He turned and saw it was Makarov on the counter. A bad feeling crept over him. Don't tell me he wants me to be the examiner again?
"It's very likely," Ultear said with a grin. "Good luck. Your ability is worthy of the Master's trust."
"But why not ask someone else? Aren't there other S-Class wizards?"
"It seems like everyone else is busy. My mother took on an S-Class request a while ago, and it looks like it will take a long time. Gildarts has taken on a lot of requests and probably won't be back before the new year. Laxus is also out on a mission and hasn't returned. As for me... I don't want to do it. So it has to be you."
Noah looked at her, completely helpless. He finally shook his head. "I'll go and hear what Gramps has to say first."
He walked to the counter. "Gramps, you wanted to see me?"
"It's almost the end of the year. I was thinking of having you be the examiner for the S-Class trial," Makarov said, getting straight to the point.
"What about the others? Gildarts? Laxus? Can't they do it?"
"Those two took a bunch of requests and left the guild a long time ago. Especially Gildarts. He told me he'd be very relieved to leave the S-Class trial to you."
That bastard! Noah cursed Gildarts in his heart. The man was a master of shirking responsibility, now spending all his time traveling around with his precious daughter, Cana.
Noah thought about it and agreed. "Alright then, I'll do it."
"Good. That sets my mind at ease. You can go and prepare. Find a nearby island for the exam."
"Can't we do it in the training ground?"
"Not this time. There might be a lot of people. It would be best if you set up some trials using your formulas. Something like this—"
Makarov explained his requirements. Noah listened and nodded. "I can do all that. It should take about two days to complete. But Gramps, you need to tell me who and how many people are participating so I can make the arrangements."
Makarov nodded and told him the candidates. Noah listened and, after a moment's thought, found that these people were indeed qualified. He nodded in agreement.
"Then I'll go and prepare now, Gramps. I'll let you know the location and the details when I'm done."
"Alright, go on."
Noah returned to his seat. Ultear asked with a grin, "Did the Master ask you to be the examiner?"
"You guessed it. He did. And he has a lot of requirements this time."
"Oh? Then there must be a lot of people participating, right?" Ultear thought for a moment and said with a smile.
Noah nodded. "Indeed. The Master feels that quite a few people are ready to take the test this year, so he wants me to prepare."
"Quick, tell me who's participating!" Ultear whispered excitedly.
Noah shook his head. "No. I can't tell anyone in advance. Besides, you'll find out in two days, won't you?"
"Stingy! What's the problem with telling me a little early?!" Ultear puffed out her cheeks, looking displeased.
Noah smiled and poked her cheek, making it deflate. "Alright, I have to go and prepare now. You can come and watch the exam in two days."
With that, he turned and left the guild. Ultear watched him go and let out a small "Hmph," though a faint blush appeared on her cheeks.
Noah found a suitably sized island at sea and began a series of modifications, setting up all sorts of magic formulas. It took him two days of work to get everything ready.
A few days later, Makarov gathered everyone in the guild.
"It's time for the S-Class trial again! I wonder how many people will be eligible this time?"
"It should be quite a few. The younger generation has really started to grow up. Look at people like Erza, Sorano, and Lyon. They're already very strong."
"Simon is also good. He's one of the most hardworking people in the guild."
"Don't forget Mirajane. She can often fight Erza to a standstill."
"Counting them up, there really are a lot of people who meet the requirements."
"Oh no! I don't think I can beat any of them! Does that mean I can't participate again this time?!"
"My condolences, brother!" a guild member said, comforting his sobbing comrade.
Just then, Makarov took the stage. "It is once again time for the annual S-Class Wizard Promotion Trial. This year, I have watched all of your actions, your performance, and your determination. After my careful consideration, I have decided to allow the following members to participate in the S-Class exam."
Everyone on the floor below stopped and held their breath, listening intently.
"They are—"
"Erza Belserion!"
"Mirajane Strauss!"
"Sorano Aguria!"
"Lyon Vastia!"
"And Simon Mikazuchi!"
"The five people above will participate in this year's S-Class Wizard Promotion Trial. Everyone, prepare yourselves. In three days, we will gather at the guild and then depart for the exam site. Dismissed!"
~~~
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