Chapter 15: The Second Round
Spending a little time, Shun collected all the mission items.
Then he rushed to Eagle Beak Cliff with Natsu.
When Shun and Natsu arrived, someone had already gotten there first.
It was Laxus and Freed.
"Laxus?!"
Natsu was somewhat surprised to see Laxus. He and Shun had collected the items fast enough, but he didn't expect Laxus to arrive a step ahead of them.
"Shun! You're pretty fast! But no matter how hard you try, it's futile, because the one who ultimately advances to S-Class Mage will only be me!"
Laxus lifted his chin arrogantly and looked at Shun.
Shun ignored Laxus's provocation and smiled, "We'll know who advances after the exam ends."
Shun's relationship with Laxus wasn't good, but it wasn't bad either.
It hadn't even been a year since he joined the Fairy Tail Guild, so his interactions with Laxus were limited.
Currently, Laxus wasn't as twisted as he was during the Battle of Fairy Tail arc, but he was still very rebellious. His personality was a bit nasty, but not evil.
Seeing Shun ignore his provocation, Laxus stopped talking.
When Shun formally joined Fairy Tail, Laxus was out on a mission.
Hearing that Shun awakened his Magic Origin, became a Mage, and defeated Mirajane, he was only slightly surprised.
In his view, whether it was Mirajane or Erza, he could defeat them easily. So Shun defeating Mirajane was nothing special.
Beating Mirajane was blown out of proportion. Just wait until we meet; see if I don't beat you until you're looking for your teeth all over the floor.
Time passed second by second. After about an hour and a half, Erza and Gray arrived.
Another half hour later, Mirajane and Elfman also arrived.
They all looked somewhat disheveled, but fortunately, no one was seriously injured.
At this point, there was still half an hour before the end of the first round of the exam.
The latecomers seized the time to rest and recover their magic power, preparing for the next round.
Just as time was about to run out, Master Makarov walked over leisurely with his hands behind his back.
"It seems you all have good luck and passed the first round. I thought one or two teams wouldn't make it past the first stage, but this is good too. Now, the second round of the exam begins."
"This round is simple: two-vs-two combat."
"This round is a test of martial prowess. S-Class Mage is not just a title but the face of a Mage Guild. Therefore, only the strongest can become an S-Class Mage."
Everyone was excited upon hearing Makarov's words. Indeed, for Mages, nothing was more convincing than the outcome of a battle.
"Now, we will draw lots for the second round."
"There are four slips of paper inside, numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4. First, No. 1 will fight No. 2, then No. 3 will fight No. 4."
"The winning teams will then face off against each other. The ultimate winner will proceed to the third round of the exam."
Erza stepped forward first and drew a number.
"Number 1!"
Then Mirajane stepped forward and drew a number.
"Number 2!"
Seeing this result, everyone was slightly stunned.
Gray said, "Erza is No. 1, Mirajane is No. 2, so No. 3 and No. 4..."
Natsu continued, "Shun and Laxus..."
Although four people qualified for this exam, almost everyone knew that Shun and Laxus's strength was a cut above Erza and Mirajane.
The S-Class Mage this time would likely emerge between Shun and Laxus.
Of course, it wasn't that Mirajane and Erza had no chance, but the chance wasn't big.
"Since the grouping is decided, No. 1 and No. 2 prepare to come forward."
Erza and Gray, Mirajane and Elfman all walked to the front.
Mirajane looked at Erza and said, "I didn't expect to face you so soon. This time I'll show you how much my strength has improved!"
Mirajane and Erza were old rivals, and Shun's appearance hadn't changed that.
It was just that they now had one more person to challenge, just like how Gray and Natsu challenged Erza in the original story.
Erza drew the long sword at her waist with a serious expression and said, "You're not the only one who has improved, Mirajane."
"Ready! Begin—!!!"
Makarov announced the start of the match.
"Full Body Take Over: Satan Soul!"
"Requip: Black Wing Armor!"
Mirajane completed her transformation, and Erza completed her requip, then they rushed toward each other rapidly.
"Beast Soul: Weretiger!"
Elfman transformed into his Weretiger form and charged at Gray.
"Ice-Make: Lance!"
Gray used his two-handed Molding Magic, shooting out a large number of ice lances.
Crack! Crack!
Elfman waved his claws rapidly, shattering the lances, and rushed in front of Gray, swinging his claws at Gray's body.
"Ice-Make: Shield!"
Shing!
Bang—!
An ice shield opened in front of Gray, blocking Elfman's claws.
"Gray! I'm going to defeat you, then go help Big Sister Mirajane!"
"That's what I wanted to say to you!"