Hey sorry for the short chapter but I promised you a chapter and I delivered. It was a little rushed though so there will probably be errors please point them out as you see them.
Varion felt a small pang of guilt—he knew the gap in their strength was massive, and part of him didn't want to humiliate Laxus. But that didn't mean he would hold back. He raised his fists, scales faintly rippling under his skin. "Let's do this."
The fight started fast. Laxus lunged with a lightning-charged punch, the air sizzling around his fist. Varion blocked it with his forearm, the impact sending a shockwave that cracked the ground beneath them. Laxus followed with a flurry of strikes, each one faster and more powerful than the last, lightning arcing off his body like living whips. Varion dodged and parried, his superior physical stats allowing him to easily keep up, but he could feel the raw power behind every blow.
Laxus was strong—very strong—but Varion's Dragonoid body was on another level. He countered with a solid punch to Laxus's ribs, the force lifting the older mage off his feet for a moment. Laxus recovered quickly, snarling as he pressed the attack again, but it was clear the fight was one-sided. Varion wasn't even using his magic yet, relying on raw strength and speed.
After a few more exchanges, Laxus realized he couldn't win like this. His expression darkened, and for the first time in years, he fully unleashed his Dragon Slayer magic—lightning exploding around him in a violent storm, his body crackling with power as he roared, "Lightning Dragon's Roar!"
A massive beam of electricity erupted from his mouth, tearing through the clearing toward Varion. The blast was impressive, the air ionizing and the ground scorching in its path.
Varion watched the attack with calm eyes. He wasn't impressed—Laxus's power was strong, but it lacked the refinement and sheer overwhelming force of a true Dragon Slayer at his level. Still, Varion wasn't cruel. He didn't say anything mocking or belittling. He simply raised his hands and met the roar with his own Star Dragon's Roar toned down as it was—a beam of pure celestial fire swirling with star elements that clashed with Laxus's lightning in a violent explosion of light and energy.
The two forces canceled each other out in a blinding flash, but Varion's attack had more power behind it, pushing Laxus back several steps.
Laxus growled, charging again with everything he had—lightning fists, roaring blasts, enhanced speed—but Varion met every strike without pulling his punches. He blocked, countered, and pressed forward, his physical strength and magic overwhelming Laxus bit by bit.
The fight was one-sided, and it was clear to everyone watching—including Laxus—that he was outmatched.
Varion decided it had gone on long enough. Laxus was strong, determined, and clearly giving everything he had, but the gap in their strength was too wide to ignore any longer. He didn't want to drag this out or humiliate him unnecessarily.
With a deep breath, Varion stepped forward, his body moving with calm precision. He met Laxus's final lightning-charged punch with his own fist, the collision creating a massive shockwave that blasted outward, uprooting trees and carving a deep crater into the ground. Laxus's lightning shattered against Varion's raw power, the force difference sending the older mage flying back across the clearing. He crashed hard into the base of a massive tree, the impact cracking the trunk, and slumped to the ground, unconscious.
Varion stood in the center of the crater, breathing steadily as he calmed himself. He looked at Laxus for a moment, a flicker of respect in his eyes, then turned to Makarov.
Makarov nodded, a proud smile on his face. "Well done, Varion. You're the winner of this year's S-class trials."
Makarov hopped onto a nearby rock so he could look Varion in the eye, his small frame somehow radiating authority. He placed a hand on Varion's shoulder, his voice carrying clearly through the clearing.
"Varion Nava," he said, his tone formal but warm, "you have proven yourself beyond doubt in these trials. Normally, I would have you fight Gildarts as the final test, but you've already been doing that before the S-class trials even began as training. You've also been observed by Gildarts on the S-class missions you took together, and he is more than happy with your performance."
Gildarts, standing a short distance away, gave a thumbs-up with a big grin. "Kid's got what it takes. I approve."
Makarov smiled proudly. "Therefore, I officially promote you to S-class mage of Fairy Tail!"
The small group of observers cheered—Macao and Wakaba clapping enthusiastically, the eliminated members nodding in respect. Varion bowed his head slightly, a quiet sense of accomplishment settling over him.
"Thank you, Master," he said.
Makarov patted his shoulder. "You've earned it. Welcome to the elite, my boy."
The journey back to Magnolia was filled with a mix of exhaustion and quiet pride. The small group sailed smoothly, the sea breeze carrying the scent of victory. When they finally docked and made their way to the guild, the sun was beginning to set, painting the streets in warm orange hues.
Makarov pushed open the guild doors with a dramatic flourish, his voice booming across the hall. "Listen up, you brats! We have a new S-class mage!"
The guild fell silent for a split second, then exploded into cheers. Mugs slammed on tables, fists pumped the air, and shouts of congratulations filled the room.
"Varion! You did it!"
"The kid's an S-class already?!"
"Way to go, Star Boy!"
Varion smiled modestly, but he barely had time to respond before the kids swarmed him. Wendy was the first to launch herself at him, her small arms wrapping around his waist in a tight hug. "Varion! You're S-class now! I'm so proud!"
Natsu jumped on next, nearly tackling him from the side. "That's my big bro! I knew you'd win!"
Sting and Rogue piled on, Sting laughing as he grabbed an arm, Rogue quietly hugging from the other side. Gajeel smirked and gave him a solid punch to the shoulder. "Not bad, red."
Lisanna and Elfman joined the chaos, Lisanna giggling as she hugged his leg, Elfman sniffling proudly. "Y-You're the manliest!"
Varion laughed, hugging them all as best he could, his heart full. "Thanks, everyone. Couldn't have done it without you guys."
The guild erupted into a massive party almost immediately. Tables were shoved together, barrels of ale rolled out, and food appeared from nowhere. Music started playing, mages dancing and singing off-key. The older members—Macao, Wakaba, and a few others—quickly surrounded Varion, shoving mugs into his hands.
"Drink up, mr S-class! You earned it!"
One after another, they kept refilling his mug, toasting to his victory. Varion tried to pace himself, but the sheer volume and the celebratory atmosphere overwhelmed even his Dragonoid physique. Before long, he was tipsy—his cheeks flushed, his movements a little looser, a goofy smile on his face.
In his slightly drunk state, a thought crossed his mind: he needed to "answer" the kisses from earlier.
He marched forward, a bit unsteady, straight toward Lucy. She turned to greet him, her face already blushing as she remembered what she'd done that morning. "Varion, you—"
Before she could finish, he gently grabbed her chin with his fingers, tilting her face up toward his. For a brief moment, their eyes met—hers wide with surprise and anticipation, his soft and warm despite the alcohol. He leaned in slowly, giving her a second to pull away if she wanted, then pressed his lips to hers in a soft, lingering kiss. It was gentle but full of affection, his thumb lightly brushing her cheek as he held her there for a few heartbeats. The guild erupted in cheers and whistles, mugs slamming on tables. He pulled back with a warm, tipsy smile. "We'll talk about this later." He said while staring her in the eye.
Lucy stood there stunned, her face bright red, hand touching her lips in shock, her heart racing wildly.
Varion turned next to Erza, who was watching with wide eyes. He gently pulled her close by the waist, his hand warm against her back. She stiffened for a split second, then relaxed as he leaned in, capturing her lips in a firm, confident kiss. It was deeper than Lucy's—more intense, matching her strong personality, his fingers threading lightly through her red hair. Erza's face turned as red as her hair, her usual composure completely shattered as she melted into it for a moment before he pulled away.
Finally, he spotted Mira nearby. Before he could reach her, she moved first—stepping forward with purpose. She grabbed the front of his shirt, pulled him down, and kissed him hard, pouring aggression and hunger into it, her hands fisting in his collar as if she refused to let go. The kiss was fiery and passionate, her lips moving against his with a desperate intensity that left no doubt about her feelings. When she finally released him, she was breathing heavily, her cheeks flushed, but she looked satisfied.
The guild went wild, the cheers turning into roars of approval and laughter.
Varion, still tipsy, just grinned dazedly and happily as the party continued around them