nownovels Chapter 312 S-Rank Assessment, 9th Person!
Chapter 312 S-Rank Assessment, 9th Person!
Chapter 312 S-Rank Assessment, Ninth Person!
Two days passed in the blink of an eye, and the day for announcing the list of candidates for the S-rank mage exam was just around the corner.
This is one of the few large-scale events Fairy Tail holds each year, so the guild was packed with Wujuejue members early in the morning.
Almost all the Fairy Tail mages who had gone out returned. Those with enough strength hoped to be selected, while those without confidence curiously speculated about who might be selected this year, making the whole scene quite lively.
Not to mention Natsu, who is always clumsy and idiotic, even those like Gray and Elfman, who have a chance of being selected, have shown great anticipation and a strong desire to become S-class mages.
Lucy, who knew about the S-rank assessment in advance, was also in the same boat.
Although he felt that as a newcomer to the guild, he probably didn't have a chance, the affirmation from Chess and the enthusiastic atmosphere made this salted fish unusually motivated, and he silently cheered himself on.
Juvia and Gajeel, who joined the guild later than her, seemed somewhat confused, only knowing that the guild leader had something important to announce.
However, the specific content is unclear.
Despite it being a hot topic recently, they knew nothing about it.
However, it's understandable, since Juvia's mind is entirely on Gray, and she's still gazing at Gray's back with loving eyes.
As for Gajeel, although the guild members' wariness and resistance were not as strong as before after the battle with the Devil's Heart, his unruly and arrogant personality still made it difficult for him to integrate.
Unless he asks, no one will specifically tell him this kind of thing.
Wendy and Charlotte had already learned of this news from the strongest team's request a couple of days ago.
Splash!
The stage curtain in the guild hall suddenly opened.
As the ribbons fell, five figures appeared in the expectant and curious gazes of the crowd.
Chairman Makarov stood in the center, with Chess on his left, Gildarts on his right, and Erza and Mira on either side.
Apart from Mystgang, who remained in Edolas, and Laxus, who was expelled from the guild, all the active S-class guild members were present!
The invisible pressure permeating the air in this scene moved the audience.
Especially Lucy, who knew in advance that these S-rank individuals would serve as examiners.
"Are we really going to fight these monsters? I guess it's better not to be chosen at all; being a bystander and spectator is much better."
She was full of enthusiasm just a moment ago, but now she's starting to back down, her feelings are complicated.
Just then, she suddenly felt like someone was watching her. She looked up and saw that Chesgo was looking in her direction.
Chess shook his head and sighed helplessly.
As the examiner, he naturally already knew the list of candidates for the S-level assessment.
Is that not possible?
Lucy, having received the answer, hung her head, feeling a little dejected for some reason. She comforted herself, thinking: It's okay, I'll try harder next year.
What a conflicted person.
"Following Fairy Tail's tradition, we will now announce the list of candidates for the S-Class Mage Exam!"
Just as he was feeling dejected, Makarov's powerful voice rang out from the stage.
A simple and direct sentence instantly ignited the entire audience, and Juvia Gajeel finally understood why his companions were so excited.
Those with keen senses, such as Warren who uses telepathic magic, noticed that the president's aura seemed to have changed in some way.
Although his voice was still full of energy and unfathomable, it was indescribably different from a few days ago!
"This year's assessment venue is set at our guild's sacred ground, Sirius Island!"
Makarov clenched his fist, interrupting the noise, "I have witnessed your strength, spirit, and will over the past year. There are nine qualified participants in total, namely..."
"Natsu Dragneel!"
"Hahaha! Did you hear that? I'm number one! It's in the bag!"
"Grey Folpass!"
"The moment has finally arrived! And you fiery idiot over there, stop dreaming! I'm the winner!"
"Elfman Strauss!"
"Wow! What a man!"
"Juvia Rox!"
"Huh? Juvia has one too? But I'm a newbie—."
"Kana Arupelona!"
"Hehe, bring it on! I'm determined to have an S-rank mage!"
"Felid Justin".
"For Laxus! For the Thunder Gods!"
"Levy Markugarden!"
"That's great, Levy-chan~" x2
"Meister Glad!"
"Mester? What a pity last year, I remember he was quite powerful."
Whether it was a well-deserved contestant or a completely unexpected newcomer, every time a name was called out, an uncontrollable commotion would erupt in the audience.
"And the last one"
Makarov paused deliberately while holding the list in his hand.
The audience's curiosity and anticipation were indeed piqued, especially those ambitious mages who barely met the requirements. They held their breath and waited for the final list, hoping to hear their names.
"Lucy Heartfilia!"
"Wrong?!!" *n
"What?!"
Lucy's beautiful eyes widened as she squeezed them out of the frame, somewhat doubting if she had misheard. "Wait, Wadasi? But Chesgo wasn't just..."
She suddenly looked at Chess and saw that he indeed had two rows of big white teeth and was openly chuckling.
asshole!
I got tricked by Chess, oh wait, I mean, that damn card player got tricked!
Lucy realized what was happening instantly and glared angrily at Chess.
Immediately afterwards, the heart that had given up began to stir again: Wait, am I really going to become an S-class mage?
On stage, Mira, holding a folder, nudged Chase with her elbow and whispered with a laugh, "How naughty of you, Chase, to tease Lucy on such an important occasion."
"After all, her competitor this time is a member of the guild. I'm training her to be more vigilant in advance. If she doesn't even have this much awareness, she'll only be eliminated in the assessment," Chess said seriously.
"That seems to make sense, but I feel the real reason is that Lucy is easier to fool?"
"Haha, that's right." Chase didn't refute it.
"Hey you two, the president hasn't finished speaking yet!"
Erza suddenly appeared between the two, hands on her hips, looking serious.
It's unclear whether she, who should have been in Gildarts, came here to maintain order or for some other reason.
Fortunately, the guild members' attention was all drawn to the published list, and they didn't notice this.
"Ahem, everyone, please be quiet!"
Makarov coughed twice and continued, "Since many of them are participating for the first time, I'll explain the specific rules again."
"There can only be one person advancing. The formal assessment will begin in a week. While you are adjusting your condition, you can also find your partner to form a team."
The most likely meaning is that it's possible no one will pass, just like last year.
There are two conditions for becoming a partner.
Erza seamlessly picked up where Makarov left off, taking a step forward to look at the crowd below, "First, they must be guild members; second, they cannot choose S-rank magical soil."
"By the way, I'll also be serving as an examiner this time, hindering everyone's progress~" Mira tilted her head and revealed a sweet smile. However, to the chosen ones, this smile was more terrifying than a demon.
"Although this is my first time playing this kind of role, I won't hold back no matter who it is. Be prepared to get beaten to a pulp!"
Chase's remarks were even more brutal and direct, leaving no room for hope.
Alzak and Nob, who were not selected, suddenly felt a sense of redemption, thinking, "It's so good that I wasn't chosen."
"This is the only way to become an S-class, so put in a little effort," Gildarts said calmly.
Unfortunately, aside from Natsu, who was eager to try, these words didn't have much of an encouraging effect on the other contestants; instead, they made them even more apprehensive.
Is there really any chance of winning against these monsters?
This year's assessment is way too difficult!
"Selected personnel will gather at the port of Harugion in one week. Detailed assessment criteria will be announced then. That's all!"