Chapter 23: The Trial Begins! Time to Watch the Show!
"You each have a map in your hand with a destination marked on it. The trial is to go to that destination, retrieve the item I placed there, and then come find me at the location marked on the back of the map."
"Oh, and if you run into each other on the way, you can steal each other's items. If you lose your item, you fail the trial. See you next year!"
Ren stood up and spoke to the three girls standing before him.
The three looked at the maps in their hands. All three destinations weren't far from Magnolia.
"Then, the trial starts now!"
Because Ren set the trial content this time, he didn't make them find partners. They had to complete it alone.
As soon as Ren announced the start, the three exchanged glances. Mirajane was the first to rush out of the guild.
She vanished from everyone's sight, leaving only dust behind.
As Mirajane disappeared, Erza and Cana eyed each other warily.
Then they quickly chased after Mirajane, rushing out of the guild.
Sitting in his chair, Ren yawned and leaned back lazily.
Seeing Ren so relaxed, black lines covered Makarov's forehead.
"Hey, you brat. Aren't you going to head to the destinations and take a look?"
"They won't be back that fast."
Ren waved his hand, completely unconcerned about this trial.
"You didn't put Zeus at their destination, did you?"
Suddenly realizing something, Makarov asked Ren.
Ren grinned. "Otherwise, wouldn't the trial be too simple?"
"Zeus is strong, but there's still a gap compared to my full strength. As long as they can grab the item Zeus is guarding, he'll stop attacking."
Makarov nodded and didn't ask any more.
Last year's S-Class Mage Trial had been conducted by Laxus, but not a single person passed.
In Laxus's words, *trash like them aren't qualified to become S-Class mages.*
But Makarov knew that Erza and Mirajane were definitely strong enough.
After some time passed, the guild members sat together, discussing who would win this trial.
Suddenly, Ren stood up and stretched.
"Finally, someone's here."
Ren muttered to himself, then put his hands in his pockets and walked out of the guild.
Seeing Ren leave, the crowd instantly got excited.
"Is it finally starting?! The final test!"
"I'm kind of looking forward to it! Damn it!"
"Should we follow him and see?"
Natsu suddenly suggested to Gray beside him.
Gray hesitated for a second, glanced at the drowsy Makarov at the bar, couldn't suppress his curiosity, and nodded hard. "Alright! Let's go!"
Natsu, Gray, and Happy sneaked a look at Makarov, then slipped out of the guild.
They followed behind the slow-walking Ren.
Ren moved leisurely toward the Magnolia Cathedral.
He seemed to sense Gray and the others behind him.
Suddenly stopping, Ren turned around, a smiling expression on his face.
"You three. Why are you sneaking around behind me?"
Knowing they'd been discovered, Gray stopped hiding and jumped out from the alley.
"Ren, I want to see Erza fight!"
"Take us! Take us with you!"
Looking at their earnest eyes, Ren refused without hesitation. "No!"
"Damn it! Ren, I'm definitely going to watch!"
After being rejected, Natsu shouted loudly. Flames suddenly gathered around his legs, and he tried to sprint right past Ren.
Bang!
The instant Natsu rushed past Ren.
With a loud thud, Natsu suddenly went stiff and fell to the ground.
His body twitched slightly, and another huge bump swelled on his head.
"Eh?!!!"
"Instant KO again?!!!"
Happy gasped, flapping his wings as he flew to Natsu and shook him.
"Gray, do you want some too?"
Ren smiled warmly as he looked at Gray and asked.
"No thanks!"
Without a shred of hesitation, Gray shook his head decisively.
Ren nodded with satisfaction and pointed at the unconscious Natsu. "Then take this idiot back."
"No problem! Leave it to me!"
Gray patted his chest, went to Ren's side, and helped carry Natsu away.
After sending the three away, Ren turned and continued walking toward the Magnolia Cathedral.
Before long, he arrived at the cathedral entrance.
It was completely silent around the cathedral. Ren sat alone on the steps, waiting for them to arrive.
"Master!"
At that moment, Zeus drifted gently behind Ren and called out in a low voice.
"Mm."
Ren didn't even look up, responding calmly.
"I'm sorry, Master. I couldn't stop Mirajane from taking the item."
Zeus sounded a little dejected, feeling like he'd embarrassed Ren.
Ren smiled, turned around, pulled Zeus over, and leaned his arm on him.
Smiling, he asked, "Did you lose to her?"
Zeus shook his head decisively.
Even though he couldn't protect the item, Mirajane hadn't been able to defeat Zeus either.
"Then it's fine. I intended to give the items to the three of them anyway."
Ren smiled indifferently and leaned back lazily on Zeus.
Before long, Napoleon appeared as well.
Seeing Napoleon, Ren wasn't surprised at all.
Although Prometheus was a bit late, he showed up not long after Napoleon.
Now they just had to wait for the three girls to arrive.
Suddenly, an explosion rang out in the distance.
Ren activated Observation Haki and sensed two people fighting over there.
"Showtime!"
Ren grinned, sat on Zeus, and said, "Let's go watch the show!"
Zeus shot into the sky, speeding in the direction Ren pointed.
In no time, they arrived. On the ground below, Erza stood in silver-white armor, holding twin swords.
Opposite her was Mirajane.
Mirajane was shrouded in demonic energy, bat-like wings beating as she floated in midair.
"Erza, hand over the item!"
Mirajane glared and shouted at Erza.
"If you have the skill, come take it!"
Erza sneered, not afraid of Mirajane at all. She raised her sword high in her right hand, pointing the tip straight at Mirajane.
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