The night had deepened.
Demon's Heart formally announced a truce with Fairy Tail.
Although whether there's a truce or not makes little difference, Precht believed that attitude was crucial.
Makarov believed that Demon Heart would probably not exist in the future, but he still requested Precht to leave Celestial Wolf Island as soon as possible with his subordinates.
No one outside the guild is allowed to set foot on the island without permission, not even a former president can break this rule.
For this reason, the old man also casually scolded Laxus, who wasn't a guild member anymore either.
Laxus pretended not to hear.
He had witnessed firsthand how anxious his grandfather was when he was injured earlier.
So he didn't mind, making an excuse to check on the Thunder God Tribe and heading to the camp on his own.
As for Precht...
He couldn't leave for the time being.
The Demon's Heart's airship was first blown up by Natsu, then collided with the stubborn Canyon Vanguard.
Now, in its fragile state, it seemed like even a fly landing on it could cause it to shatter.
Precht stated that he needed to find Ultear to repair the airship, taking the opportunity to rest here as well.
While Makarov was still hesitating, Mebius had already agreed, albeit through Rhode's words.
The Fairy Tail members returned to the camp to rest, while Precht used Telepathy Magic to contact his subordinates who were still awake to set up camp near the Fairy Tail camp.
The situation was slightly odd.
Two guilds that were just fighting to the death were now resting on the same island, just a few hundred meters apart.
"Laxus!" Fried, startled from his feverish state, sprang up from the bed like a spring, sticking to Laxus and bombarding him with questions.
Wendy anxiously tried to pull him back: "Mr. Fried, your body shouldn't be moved recklessly yet."
However, not only did she fail to pull him, but Biguslo and Ibarglin also gathered around, causing a ruckus.
"You two as well..." Wendy was sweating profusely, feeling troubled as all the injured in the guild didn't listen to medical advice.
"Those guys are quite tough, there's no need to worry about them." Rhode patted Wendy's head, "Must have been exhausting for you today, huh?"
"It's fine," Wendy replied. "Everyone fought so hard, helping with healing is my job."
"Alright." Rhode knew that although Wendy was usually obedient, she could also be a bit stubborn inside—she was the kind who would exhaust herself to save others.
Having no other choice, Rhode silently boosted her with buffs.
"So, we won against the enemy thanks to me~ and Natsu destroying that strange heart?" Lucy deliberately emphasized the word 'me,' her entire demeanor brimming with pride.
Being able to play an important role in a significant battle was what made her the happiest.
Lucy was already imagining the scene where everyone praised her to the skies.
She fantasized about receiving the "Best Newcomer" award this year, leaping to a status just below S-Class, with Rhode and Mira jointly presenting her the award, Erza acknowledging her abilities and handing over the captaincy, Natsu and Gray all listening to her commands, and the president taking her to attend the regular meetings to show off to the other presidents...
However, Hapi's voice pulled her out of her dream: "But Lucy, all you did was scream wildly while Natsu fought."
Lucy argued, "No way! I fought hard too!"
"Aye."
"Don't be so dismissive!" Lucy pulled on Hapi's face, turning her head to shout, "Natsu, come prove it for me!"
Natsu nonchalantly said, "That doesn't matter. President, what about our exam?"
Lucy was indignant: "How can you say it doesn't matter!"
"Oh no, the exam! Loki's already back in the Star Spirit Realm!" Gray held his head, having a partner was mandatory, without one meant disqualification.
He seemed to be automatically eliminated?
Jubia crawled over, clinging to Gray's leg: "Master Gray~ Jubia will be your partner!"
Seeing her covered in bandages, Lucy quipped: "You should focus on healing first."
Jubia stood up sharply and gloomily approached Lucy: "Rival."
Elfman also perked up and said, "A real man also wants to continue the exam."
"Well..." Makarov hadn't figured out how to handle it, "It's actually already over because Rhode passed..."
"What?!"
This news hit Natsu, Gray, and Elfman like a bolt from the blue.
We just started, and he's already passed?!
"Hi~ Before you now stands S-Class Mage Rhode." Rhode cheerfully waved at them, "In the next exam, I'll be a proctor, maybe even help the president design questions."
"No way!!!" Elfman held his head—if his brother-in-law came up with the questions, he felt his future was bleak.
Gray quickly said, "Even if Rhode passed, isn't there still one more spot?"
"There's still room for one more, not necessarily guaranteed... Given the current situation, it's impossible to continue the exam, right?" Makarov sighed and said, "We have to return tomorrow, and we might even have to visit the Council. It's better to end this exam here."
Jubia wasn't overly concerned about continuing the exam.
Although Gray and Elfman were annoyed, they were pretty obedient, and since the president said so, they had no choice but to comply.
Only Natsu was unwilling to give up: "I don't care! I must become S-Class! If they give up, then let me take the exam alone! Grandpa, let's start right now!"
"Honestly..." Makarov was a bit frustrated, "Why don't you pick an S-Class to challenge, and if you win, you'll pass. That includes Rhode."
"Can we do that?" Gray and Elfman were tempted too. Although Rhode was strong, he hadn't yet established an almost unbeatable image like the other S-Class, especially Kildas.
Challenging him might actually offer a chance.
Even if it sounded like the president was just placating Natsu, Gray and Elfman still entertained the idea of trying.
However, Gray was conflicted about not having a partner, while Elfman's partner... hid behind Laxus.
To fight that super terrifying and insanely scary perverted sadist? No way.
Ibarglin still viewed Rhode that way.
"It's settled then!" Natsu, without so much hesitation, stretched a bit and directly charged towards Rhode.
Without considering whether the tent was suitable for a fight.
But with a thud, Natsu was already on the ground.
Mira retracted her fist after just entering the tent, her right hand still holding a large tray with several dishes on it.
Mira smiled sweetly and said, "Rhode got injured before, can you avoid strenuous activities, Natsu?"
Lucy spoke weakly: "Natsu's injured too, right?"
Hapi quietly echoed: "Aye."
"I... I lost." Natsu, lying on the ground, trembled.
Just then, he felt a sensation of encountering a natural enemy—so terrifying, even scarier than Erza.
"Alright, Natsu is eliminated." Makarov announced the result impassively, "Anyone else want to try challenging?"
Mira looked at Gray and her brother with a gentle gaze.
Gray frantically waved his hands: "No, I forfeit."
Elfman looked at his sister's eyes, then at Ibarglin, who was hiding and unwilling to come out, and reluctantly said, "A real man knows when to retreat... I'll work harder next time."
Makarov nodded: "Alright, the exam is over."