Cana leaned toward Kazu, whispering, "So basically, we gamble."
Kazu muttered back, "So, business as usual. It's your domain."
Makarov ignored them.
"Second Trial — The Search for the First. Those who pass Round One will enter the island's interior. Your goal: find the grave of Mavis Vermillion, Fairy Tail's first master. There will be distractions—and each other."
He swept his gaze over the crowd. "You can cooperate or compete. The only rule is: don't die."
A few nervous laughs broke out.
"Third Trial — Battle Royale. Survivors of the search will face off until one mage remains standing. No partners, no time limits."
Mira folded her arms, smiling faintly. "Straightforward enough."
"And finally," Makarov said, "Fourth Trial — Trial of Resolve. The last mage standing will face an S-Rank beast. The Great Crab of Tenrou— I made up that name, but it's pretty strong.
We have an extermination mission for that, so I am incorporating that as part of the trial. You win that, you become S-Rank. You lose… You become seafood."
The guild collectively grimaced.
"Questions?"
Gray raised a hand. "Yeah, are we seriously fighting a crab?"
"Yes," Makarov said. "And it's in a bad mood. Probably."
The old man floated back down, staff tapping the sand. "Now, the participants!"
He read from the list as the crowd murmured in anticipation.
"Team One — Kazu Sukehiro and Natsu Dragneel."
Natsu punched the air, flames crackling around his fist. "We're taking this one home!"
Kazu muttered, "Preferably without burning the island."
"Team Two — Gray Fullbuster and Levy McGarden."
Levy waved nervously towards the projection rune. "Do we… have to fight each other later?"
Gray shrugged. "We'll cross that ice bridge when we get there."
"Team Three — Cana Alberona...and nobody else"
Cana lifted her bottle in salute. "I will solo this exam."
"I really want to see you getting humbled," Kazu added.
"Unfortunately for you, you are going to get disappointed."
"Team Four — Mirajane and Lisanna Strauss."
Mira smiled softly. "Let's make our family proud."
Lisanna grinned. "We're in this together."
"Team Five — Erza Scarlet and Happy."
Happy saluted. "Aye!"
Erza crossed her arms. "Don't underestimate him. He is a wild card."
"Team Six — Macao and Wakaba."
Macao lit a cigarette. "We're the veteran flavour."
Wakaba blew a smoke ring. "Old, not expired."
"Team Seven — Warren Rocko and Reedus Jonah."
Reedus twirled his brush dramatically. "Art and telepathy—an unstoppable duo!"
Warren sighed. "Sure, let's call it that."
"And finally, Team Eight — Freed Justine and Bickslow."
Bickslow laughed, his floating dolls spinning around him. "Let's make it flashy!"
Freed adjusted his sword calmly. "Let's make it efficient."
Makarov raised his hand. "Each route begins on my signal. The S-Rank examiners are already stationed along the island. Remember: teamwork matters, but strength of heart matters more."
The platform drifted back as he finished. "Now—begin."
The lacrimas flared to life. Dozens of bright orbs rose above the teams, projecting the images to Tenrou Island, where the guild sat watching. Cheers echoed faintly across the sea.
Each pair turned toward the eight branching paths that led into the forested cliffs ahead.
Natsu was already bouncing on his heels. "Which one do we take?"
"The one that feels dangerous," Kazu said flatly.
"That's all of them."
"Then we're in the right competition."
Cana flipped her card deck through her fingers lazily. "North path for me. Might as well tempt fate."
Gray and Levy took the southern route, Mira and Lisanna headed east, while Erza and Happy chose the winding cliff trail that led inland.
The remaining teams split off in different directions until only Kazu and Natsu stood before their chosen route—a narrow valley lined with jagged stone pillars.
Natsu sniffed the air. "Smells like Gildarts."
Kazu gave him a sidelong glance. "That's because it is Gildarts."
The moment they stepped past the entrance, the air shifted. The magic pressure hit like gravity. Dust rose from the rocks as a tall figure stepped out from the shadows—broad shoulders, unshaven grin, and an aura that warped the ground beneath his boots.
"Yo," Gildarts said, waving casually. "Long time no see, Kazu."
Natsu grinned, fists igniting. "Yes! This is gonna be awesome!"
Kazu didn't share the enthusiasm. His expression stayed calm, eyes narrowing as he adjusted the weight of his stance. "Figures we'd get you. I was hoping for something easier, like a volcano."
Gildarts laughed. "Oh, don't worry. You'll get plenty of explosions."
Natsu cracked his knuckles. "Let's go—"
Kazu raised a hand. "Not yet. Don't forget the plan."
The two sides stood across from each other—the calm before the first spark.
Above, the projection lacrimas zoomed in, broadcasting the image to Tenrou's spectators. The crowd roared as Makarov leaned forward in his seat, smiling faintly.
"Now," he murmured, "let's see who's ready to be Fairy Tail's next S-Rank."
***
The sun hung over Tenrou's eastern cliffs, washing the arena path in gold. Two teams faced each other across a shallow clearing, leaves stirring between them.
Mirajane adjusted her black wristbands, a faint grin tugging at her lips. "Didn't think we'd meet this early, Erza."
Erza's gaze stayed steady. "Neither did I. But I'm glad. It saves time."
Lisanna glanced at her sister. "We're not holding back, right?"
"Of course not." Mira's tone stayed casual, but her fingers twitched—the telltale pre-fight tension she'd never admit aloud.
'It means that only one team would proceed. She's going all out from start.' Lisanna mentally prepared herself for the fight.
Happy floated beside Erza, his little wings flicking nervously. "Should we really fight them? They're your guildmates!"
Erza crossed her arms. "That's the point of the exam. Strength isn't sentimental."
"Then I won't go easy either!" Happy puffed his chest. "For the honour of all fighting cats!"
Lisanna smirked. "Guess that makes me your rival, huh? Cat versus fake cat."
'Animal Soul: Cat' Ethernano covered her body, before her outfit entirely changed. A tail sprouted from her back along with cat ears.
Happy frowned. "You take that back!"
"Make me." Lisanna exactly knew how to provoke Happy. After all, after Natsu, she was the one who spent the most time with him.
Their smaller argument spiralled instantly as the girls ignored the duo.
Erza planted her sword in the ground. "Let's get this over. It's been a while since we fought."
Mira exhaled once, eyes narrowing. "Fine by me."
Both girls vanished from their spots, meeting in the centre with a sound like thunder. Mira's kick met Erza's sword, the impact blasting a ripple of dirt outward. They broke apart instantly—each sliding back in mirrored arcs.
Erza requipped mid-motion, armour replacing her plain armour in a flicker of light.
Heaven's Wheel.
Blades materialised, orbiting her like a deadly halo.
"Already starting strong?" Mira said.
"I came prepared," Erza replied. "I've been training a new style—using various armours. The versatility aspect of Sword Magic is not as strong as Cana's or Levy's. So, I am using artefacts to bring it's max potential."
The swords spun faster, creating a shimmering circle. She thrust her hand forward, and dozens of blades shot out.
Mira crossed her arms, black ethernano bursting outward like smoke. "Dark Reflection."
A sphere of condensed darkness formed in front of her, absorbing the first volley, then exploding outward, swallowing the rest. The clearing filled with flickering light and shadow—metal ringing against solid magic.
Erza dove through the haze, summoning another set of blades midair. "Dual Strike!"
Mira ducked, swept her leg, and sent a wave of black energy across the ground. Erza blocked, but the force pushed her back several meters.
They paused—each analysing the other, breathing in sync.
Mira cracked her knuckles. "Not bad."
Erza's lips curved faintly. "Likewise."
Erza re-equipped again—Black Wing Armour. Black and white wings flared from her back as she shot forward, sword sweeping in an overhead arc. The impact sent a shockwave through the trees.
Mira blocked with crossed forearms, but the force drove her into the dirt. She slid back, crouched low, and exhaled sharply. Her magic flared dark purple. Her fingernails lengthened into claws as her skin shimmered faintly—the beginnings of a Satan Soul takeover.
Her smile widened. "Guess I'll get serious too."
The transformation was fast—wings forming, eyes glowing, voice dropping half an octave. A low hum rolled across the clearing as her aura stabilised.
Erza tightened her grip. "Still holding back?"
"Can't waste full power this early," Mira replied. "You'll understand."
Erza darted in again. Swords clashed—clean, sharp. Mira countered with raw strength, forcing Erza back step by step. A feint, a knee strike, a palm thrust. Erza blocked two, caught one, and spun, using Mira's momentum to throw her into the air.
"Sky Piercer!" Erza hurled three spinning blades upward.
Mira twisted midair, demonic wings flicking open. The blades sliced past her as she countered with a downward blast of darkness. It struck the ground beside Erza, sending a wave of debris across the field.
The forest edge erupted with energy, trees bending under pressure. From a distance, the projection lacrimas flickered to follow them, guild members cheering and shouting as the clash shook the terrain.
***
Join my Patreon to support me.
You can even find 20 advanced chapters there:
- DESIRE96
(search it up)
Check out my other works.