"Kael, why are you here? Have you chosen your partner?"
Lucy looked up, smiling as she addressed Kana.
Wendy, Lisanna, and the others also watched with curiosity, eager to know who Kana would select to participate in the S-Class exam.
"I'd like to invite you, Lucy, to be my partner. Would you accept?"
"Eh~ I… I…"
Lucy was caught off guard, then flustered, waving her hands nervously. She had never expected anyone to invite her to be their partner for the S-Class exam.
Juvia stopped blowing on Gray's head and stood up, recalling their synchronized combination magic with Lucy. She nodded firmly, praising her: "Lucy is indeed a great partner! Her power is impressive."
"Yes, Lucy," Kana said sincerely, clasping Lucy's hands. "You're strong—don't doubt yourself! With your help, I'll make sure our opponent sees the full extent of my strength."
"In that case, I'll do everything I can to help you become an S-Class mage, Kana!"
Lucy looked around at her friends, all showing her support. Her lips curved into a small smile, and her eyes sparkled with unshed tears. She clasped Kana's hands tightly, making a firm promise. She would also rely on her Aquarius spirit, Aquia, to assist Kana. Her earlier worry about her own power had been because Leo had told her that the contract needed to be temporarily suspended for personal reasons.
But before she could think too much, a figure that hadn't appeared in the guild for a long time was walking toward them.
"Long time no see, everyone!"
Roki's hair was neatly cut, and he adjusted his bow tie as he greeted the group with a smile.
"That voice…" Lucy froze, disbelief spreading across her face as she slowly turned.
"You… what are you doing… here?" Lucy stammered. In her mind, she had expected a date with her Aries spirit, so she had ignored Leo's instructions and quickly closed the star gate, planning to rely on him to arrange things. Now, Roki's sudden arrival unsettled her.
Elfman also spoke up in confusion. "Roki?"
"Lucy, I'm sorry. During the exam, I'll temporarily suspend our contract," Roki said. He noticed Lucy's stunned expression and assumed she was worried about her magic. He added, "Don't worry—you can still use your magic. I crossed through the portal using my own power."
"Eh, why can't I see Gray? He said yesterday that today we'd train!"
After reassuring Lucy, Roki scanned the guild but couldn't spot Gray anywhere.
"Roki, you came! Good thing you remembered… ow, what happened just now? My head hurts…"
Gray held his head, dazed, and clumsily grabbed Juvia's hand to help him stand. He had no memory of what just happened, only rubbing his throbbing head.
"Well, whatever. Training comes first. See you during the exam."
Gray shook his head, unable to recall, and decided to focus on training. He left with Roki, arm in arm, heading toward the back of the guild.
"Lord Gray… you…"
Juvia was heartbroken, covering her face and crying.
"I didn't realize they were so close!" Lucy muttered angrily, feeling sorry for Aries.
"Snap!"
"Fine, then I'll pair with Juvia and take Gray!" Lisanna clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling with gossip. She grabbed the still-crying Juvia and whispered something in her ear, slowly strengthening her resolve.
"Wait… Lisanna, doesn't that leave me without a partner?" Elfman exclaimed, tears in his eyes, looking at his sister.
"No, Elfman! Over there, someone is looking at you very warmly." Lisanna turned and pointed to Abagren sitting at the bar, causing Elfman to tremble.
"I heard Freed chose Bigus Law as his partner. She's a little upset!" Lisanna added, noticing her brother still shaking, and advised, "Go on, Elfman. Don't keep your partner waiting."
Elfman swallowed nervously. His partner hadn't been confirmed yet, so he summoned courage and stepped forward, walking in sync with his anxious heart.
"Great! It looks like everyone has found a partner. Levy-chan also has a strong partner!" Wendy said, holding Shalulu as she sat down, smiling and congratulating everyone.
At the same time, the others saw Levy being lifted by Gajeel. They could faintly hear their conversation:
"Let me go! I'm serious! My strength… I'll be knocked out in the first round!"
"Don't say that, Levy. I'll make you stronger," Gajeel said firmly. Levy froze, her cheeks flushing as she gazed at him.
After the gathering ended, by the riverside, Wendy carried Shalulu back to the dormitory.
"It seems everyone is really looking forward to the S-Class exam. Shalulu, you've been quiet all day. What's on your mind?" Wendy asked, concerned.
"I'm thinking about something… I have a bad feeling. And… Kael…" Shalulu said slowly. She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "But, Wendy, you'd better not participate in this exam."
"Don't worry, Shalulu. No one has asked me to be their partner…" Wendy replied.
"That's not certain, Sky Maiden."
A voice spoke behind her. Wendy spun around in surprise.
"Who are you…?"
"I'm Meister, Mistragon's disciple. I hope you can be my partner, Wendy. I need your help."
"…Alright," Wendy said cautiously, thinking of Mistragon. She agreed, even as Shalulu tried to intervene.
"Have you chosen your partners? Then tomorrow morning, meet at the Eastern Forest. The week-long intensive training begins."
Kael delivered the message and then vanished, turning into particles of light.
Meister wiped sweat from his brow. In that brief moment, he had clearly felt Kael lock his attention on him.
...
Hey everyone! Want to read ahead and unlock up to 100 early-access chapters? 📖Plus, enjoy even more exclusive novels! Join my Patreon now and dive into the adventure!
patreon.com/Rawink00