Makarov said, "Tell me your recommended candidates."
"Recommended candidates?!"
This was Takeshi's first time attending the 'S-Class Mage Promotion Trial' meeting, so he wasn't very familiar with many things.
Mirajane explained, "It's about recommending candidates you believe are capable of participating in the 'S-Class Mage Promotion Trial'. Every S-Class Mage has the right to recommend one person. Master will select the participants for the 'S-Class Mage Promotion Trial' based on our recommendations and overall consideration. By the way, I was the one who recommended you back then."
After Mirajane finished speaking, she winked at Takeshi.
In fact, it wasn't just her who recommended Takeshi back then, Erza and Makarov also recommended him. After all, at that time, in terms of strength alone, Takeshi had surpassed the average S-Class Mage, and not recommending him would have seemed like a hidden agenda.
"I recommend Natsu."
Gildarts said, "Natsu's strength has improved very quickly, and he's also a Fire Dragon Slayer. It's time to give him a chance."
Makarov nodded upon hearing Gildarts' words.
Natsu was indeed very good. When serious, his strength was formidable and fully capable of reaching S-Class. Now that Natsu was 18, he could try to participate in the S-Class exam.
Erza said, "Since Gildarts-san recommends Natsu, then I'll recommend Gray. Gray's strength is very good, and he's smart, capable of handling various combat situations."
Makarov nodded in agreement to Erza's recommendation of Gray.
Gray and Natsu were the same age, and they were evenly matched when fighting. If serious, Gray's strength was inferior to Natsu's, as Natsu's magical advantage was clear.
Mirajane said, "Then I'll recommend Juvia. Besides, Juvia was previously an S-Class Mage."
"Since Juvia can get a recommendation, then Gajeel..."
Makarov also wanted Gajeel to get a spot. Gajeel, like Juvia, joined Fairy Tail and had carried out very dangerous missions.
Makarov's words were cut short and rejected by Erza.
"Master, Gajeel still needs more observation. After all, he was the main culprit in destroying the Guild. If he gets a spot, the Guild members might not quite agree."
Makarov turned to Takeshi. "Uh... in that case, forget it. Takeshi, who do you recommend?"
An S-Class Mage is not merely an S-Class Mage, they are also the high-ranking members of the Guild. Even the Guild Master must give serious consideration to an S-Class Mage's suggestions, and S-Class Mages are required to participate in decisions on some important matters.
Takeshi said, "Me? I'll recommend Elfman."
"Elfman?"
Mirajane was a little surprised. Although she was Elfman's sister, she felt that Elfman's strength was still lacking quite a bit.
Takeshi nodded. "Yes, although Elfman only recently managed to overcome his mental block and can use Full Body Take Over, his overall abilities are good, and he can try the promotion trial."
"Hmm... since you recommended him, then he's in."
"Next is the trial location. I've decided to set this exam's location at Fairy Tail's Holy Land, Tenrou Island."
"The content of the assessment is..."
Makarov and the others discussed the details of the S-Class promotion trial for about an hour.
After the meeting, Takeshi and the others returned to the Guild. The details of the trial naturally needed to be kept secret from the Guild members.
"Work! Work!"
"Aye!"
Natsu ran past in a hurry.
"Wait a minute! If it's work, I also..."
Lucy saw Natsu and Happy going to work and realized she had been idle for several days, so she also wanted to go with them.
Natsu quickly said, "Sorry! I'm going to do this one alone!"
"I'm back!"
Gray, shirtless and covered in scars, ran into the Guild, immediately grabbed a Quest from the quest board, and approached Mirajane.
Mirajane asked, "You're back, Gray. Where are your clothes?"
"Now is not the time to worry about clothes. Next quest." Gray ran out without stopping to take on the next quest.
"Sister, I want to take this quest." Elfman came to Mirajane with a request form.
After that, a crowd of people squeezed in front of Mirajane, clamoring to register for quests.
"What's going on?" Lucy was a bit bewildered.
These drunkards usually just drank all day, so why were they all so active now?
Lucy noticed that some people had become active, while others were still eating, drinking, and having fun as usual.
"What's this? Some people are rushing to work, while others are the same as usual. What's going on?"
Mirajane said with a smile, "You'll know tomorrow."
The next day.
The stage in Fairy Tail was enclosed by white cloth, and many people gathered in the Guild, almost everyone was concentrated there.
"What's happening?" Lucy looked puzzled.
Wendy said excitedly, "It seems Master has something important to announce."
"Completely uninterested."
Carla disliked being cryptic, but even though she said she wasn't interested, she actually had a little interest.
Natsu was currently looking around, appearing restless.
Happy said, "Natsu, calm down."
Whoosh!
The white cloth was pulled open, and Makarov, along with several S-Class Mages of Fairy Tail, all stood on the stage.
"Master!"
"We've been waiting for you!"
"Hurry up and announce it! Who is it this year?!"
Seeing the few people, the Guild suddenly became lively.
"Cough, cough!"
Makarov lightly coughed, and the Guild quieted down.
"According to Fairy Tail's long-standing tradition, we are now about to announce the list of participants for the S-Class Mage Promotion Trial!"
"Ohhhhhh!"
"S-Class Mage Promotion Trial?!"
Lucy hadn't expected it to be this matter.
"I'm fired up!" Natsu shouted excitedly.
"This year's test venue is Tenrou Island, our Guild's holy ground."
"I have carefully observed your individual strengths, minds, and souls over the past year. There are eight participants."
"Natsu Dragneel!"
"Received!"
Natsu calmed down upon hearing his name.
Happy congratulated, "That's great, Natsu."
"Gray Fullbuster!"
"Finally, this day has come." Gray smiled.
He had been looking forward to this day for a long time.
"Juvia Lockser!"
"Eh? Juvia too?"
Juvia was a little surprised, not expecting her name to be called.
"Elfman Strauss!"
"A man must become an S-Class Mage!"
"Go, Elfman-nii!" Lisanna cheered for Elfman.
"Cana Alberona!"
"Freed Justine!"
Freed declared, "I will inherit Laxus's position."
"Levy McGarden!"
"I... finally..."
Levy hadn't expected her name to be on the list.
"Levy was selected!"
Levy's two teammates, Jet and Droy, cheered together.
"Mest Gryder!"
Makarov announced the names of all participants.