As Lucy continued to gape in surprise, the guild master conveniently began explaining the rules.
Makarov cleared his throat and continued, "Some of you are participating for the first time, so let me go over the rules!!"
"The eight of you selected this time must find a partner within one week to take the exam together."
Mirajane chimed in at the end of Makarov's words, mischievously winking at the crowd below.
Lucy frowned. "A partner?"
"This is a two-person team battle," Mirajane explained, "so it will also test the bond between partners!"
"But this is a bit easier compared to before," she added. "Back when Kael and the others took the exam, it was all one-on-one battles. Only those who passed the solo tests advanced!"
"Back then… they…"
Lisanna, noticing Lucy's confusion, stepped in to clarify. Her thoughts drifted back to the exams that Erza, Mirajane, Laxus, Kael, and the others had endured. She remembered the intensity of those battles and paused, reflecting on how fierce they had been.
Before she could continue, Erza's voice echoed down from above.
"Those choosing a partner must follow two rules."
"First, your partner must be a member of Fairy Tail."
"Second, you may not select an S-Class mage."
As soon as she said this, the crowd below murmured in disappointment.
"So that means we can't pick Kael or the others on the platform!" Wendy muttered, pointing to her chin as she considered the rule.
But no one noticed that, beside her, Shalulu stood wide-eyed, staring at Kael on the stage. Her expression was a mixture of shock and fear.
Kael, noticing Shalulu's stunned look, smiled at her. For a brief moment, he remembered that Shalulu had the power to foresee the future. Whatever she had seen, he would have to find the right moment after the meeting to ask her about it.
"The details of the exam will be explained once you reach Tenrou Island!" the guild master announced.
"The assessment of your abilities will involve resistance from Kael, Erza, and the others standing behind me."
"Ehhh~~"
The guild members all drew a sharp breath, gasping at the difficulty.
"This level of challenge…" Lucy whispered incredulously, silently praying for the eight participants. She had no idea she would be one of them.
"No complaints! This is the path to becoming an S-Class mage!"
"Back in Kael and Laxus' exam, there weren't nearly as many complaints!" Kildas remarked lightly.
Many in the crowd had witnessed Kael and Laxus' previous exam, which had been terrifying enough to destroy half a beach and send seawater flooding backward. The memory of that spectacle made everyone gulp.
Their eyes instinctively flicked to Kael, but he merely smiled cheerfully at the crowd.
"Boom~"
"I'll just say this: you'd better approach me with the intention of defeating me. Don't expect me to go easy!" Laxus clashed his hands together, sparks crackling with a mischievous smirk.
"This is also my first time serving as an examiner," Ul said gently, though his calm words sent shivers down the spines of those listening. Gray, who had been excited moments before, shivered instantly at Ul's presence.
"Gray… are you cold? Juvia will warm you up."
Juvia wrapped her arms around Gray, nestling close with a mixture of affection and mischief. Gray didn't react, much to her delight. The tactic clearly worked. A female chasing a male through layers of charm.
"This exam is impossible… how can anyone pass…"
"No way…"
Elfman and Levy trembled nervously. The sheer intimidation of those on the stage had already sunk deep into their hearts.
Meanwhile, Freed looked up at Laxus with reverent determination. "Lord Laxus, I will stand by your side. I'll show you my strength, Lord Laxus…"
"Those selected, along with your partners, must gather at Harugion Port one week from today."
"That concludes the announcement!"
After Makarov finished, Kael waved his left hand, and a golden magic circle rose beneath the participants' feet.
"Wait for us~"
Shimi broke free from Kanala's embrace and flew up to the stage with Tami. Shimi dove straight into Kael's arms, while Tami perched on Laxus' shoulder.
Just before Kael and the others vanished, he called out one final reminder:
"Choose your partners wisely. Prepare yourselves—we need to set up the exam site first!"
Once the exam announcement concluded, the guild members gathered, discussing potential partners.
Gray sighed. "This year's S-Class exam is pure hell!"
"Ah~ I don't care who the examiner is! I WILL become an S-Class mage! I'm fired up!!!" Natsu yelled, spitting flames into the air to express his fiery determination. He had dreamed of this opportunity for years and would pass no matter what.
"Manly Elfman, why do you keep moving further from S-Class?!"
Elfman clutched his head, groaning. As Mirajane's younger brother, he knew his sister's terrifying reputation, and then seeing Kael and Laxus reach S-Class before her was even more daunting. And Laxus was one of his examiners.
"Haha~" Lucy laughed through her tears. She knew how difficult passing the S-Class exam would be.
She noticed Freed had chosen Bigus Law as his partner, prompting her to ask the group:
"So… has everyone picked their partner yet?"
"My partner is obviously Habi." Natsu answered immediately.
"That's cheating! If it's a race, Habi can fly—he'll basically guarantee your win…" Elfman grumbled.
Lisanna comforted her brother. "It's fine, Elfman. You could also get a faster magical creature if you need speed."
"Yeah, I don't mind at all. If it's about combat, though, that's a different story!" Gray shrugged casually, glancing at Habi.
"Gray! That's harsh! Just wait, I'll make Natsu an S-Class mage!" Habi's confidence soared.
"As your partner, I won't give up either!"
"Training begins~ Habi, let's go! We'll give it our all!!!"
"Yes~!" Natsu clenched his fists, flames rising to reflect his determination. Soon, he and Habi vanished into the distance.
"Good luck, Natsu!" Lucy called after him, smiling in encouragement. Her gaze then fell on Juvia, who looked shy.
"Um… I want to quit… I want to team up with Lord Gray…"
Juvia's hands rested on her lap, shoulders trembling, cheeks flushed. Gray, oblivious, leaned in.
"What are you saying…" he asked, confused.
"Th-this…" Juvia's face burned brighter as she felt Gray's breath near her.
"Bang!"
Kanala suddenly punched Gray on the head, sending him sprawling, a huge lump forming on his head.
"Such an idiot~ couldn't you understand the obvious?"
"Juvia, Gray's yours!" Kanala said, nudging her. Juvia immediately leaned over Gray, fussing and blowing on the lump.