Chapter 6: S-Class Assessment
The Magic Council began its usual theatrics, spreading negative rumors about the guild. Unsurprisingly, corruption exists everywhere in the world.
Makarov bellowed, "You brat! Who told you to act on your own? Because of your stunt, those Council fools have been breathing down my neck! Every request I make gets blocked! And you call yourself a Fairy Tail mage? No one in this guild has completed more missions than you."
Dino Maxim scoffed. "Tch! If you hadn't stopped me, I would've torn down the Magic Council ages ago. Then you wouldn't have to deal with those pompous idiots. Besides, I may not complete many missions, but they're all high-level jobs."
"Nonsense! If the Magic Council disappeared, who would deal with rogue mages and dark guilds?"
"Forget it then. I don't like troublesome things anyway."
Makarov's expression softened into a grin. "You brat. You always complain about missions when you return, crying poverty, yet no one in the guild lives more luxuriously than you. I've got another job for you."
"STOP! I just got back from a ten-year mission! I need at least a month of rest. Life isn't just about missions, you know. I should be thinking about finding someone special, settling down. Let someone else handle it. I'm not going anywhere."
THWACK! Before Dino could finish, Makarov's fist connected with his head.
"How old are you, brat? Talking about settling down! You're far too young for that nonsense! Besides, you won't need to travel for this one. It's the S-Class Mage assessment."
The entire guild fell silent, then erupted.
"S-Class assessment?"
"Is it that time already? Last year Laxus became S-Class. Who's qualified this year?"
"Tell us, Master! Who made the cut?"
Makarov stood atop the bar, letting the tension build. "Hmm! I'd planned to announce this tomorrow, but since we're all here… After careful observation throughout the year, three mages have qualified for the S-Class assessment: Erza Scarlet, Mirajane Strauss, and Cana Alberona!"
Groans echoed through the hall from those who didn't make the list.
Gray slammed his fist on a table. "Damn it! I got beaten out by girls!"
Natsu's hair practically ignited with frustration. "Next time! I'll definitely qualify for the S-Class exam!"
Erza and Mirajane locked eyes across the room, invisible sparks flying between them. They'd been rivals since childhood, perfectly matched in strength. If not for the appearance of the prodigy Dino Maxim, these two would be competing for the title of strongest among the younger generation. This S-Class assessment would finally settle things between them.
"Erza and Mirajane, of course!"
"Cana qualified too?"
"They're only fifteen years old and already taking the S-Class assessment!"
One male guild member muttered, "Wait, are all three candidates girls? What happened to the men in this guild?" The men shifted uncomfortably.
"That's what happens when you drink all day instead of taking jobs seriously!"
Makarov continued, "Since this is the first time for all three participants, I'll explain briefly. Each candidate may choose one partner from the guild members, excluding current S-Class mages. The assessment rules will be announced on the day itself. And Dino will serve as the final examiner."
Both Erza and Mirajane turned their attention to Dino. Though rivals to each other, the person they truly wanted to surpass was this boy their own age who had already achieved what they were striving for.
"Dino's the examiner? He examined Laxus last year too, right?"
"Yeah, though I don't know how that fight went. Laxus did become S-Class afterward."
"Obviously Dino won. He became S-Class at thirteen, the youngest ever. Even Gildarts said Dino's the strongest mage in the guild."
Natsu's eyes blazed with excitement. "Dino's the examiner? I'm all fired up! Erza, let me be your partner!"
Erza shook her head. "I'm sorry, Natsu. I'm choosing Gray this time."
Gray smirked at Natsu triumphantly.
"What?! How is Gray better than me?" Natsu sputtered.
"Gray's Ice-Make magic adapts to various situations. He can provide versatile support in combat and problem-solving."
Gray grinned. "Sorry, Natsu. This chance to fight Dino is mine!"
"Erza and Gray teaming up? That's a powerful combination!"
Natsu spun toward Mirajane, but Elfman beat him to it. "Big sis, I'll help you become S-Class! A real man supports his sister!"
Mirajane smiled confidently. "I'll become S-Class before Erza does!"
"Mirajane and Elfman have great teamwork. They'll be tough competition!"
Natsu turned desperately to his last option. "Cana!"
Cana hesitated. "I guess it's okay, if you don't mind that I'm the weakest of the three…" She was honestly surprised she'd qualified at all, especially competing against Erza and Mirajane.
"Awesome! Don't worry, I'll give everything I've got to help you become S-Class! I'm all fired up!!"
"Cana and Natsu together aren't weak at all! This assessment is going to be intense!"
Dino leaned toward Makarov, speaking quietly with clear irritation. "Old man, you're really good at volunteering me for things. Ever since I examined Laxus, he hasn't spoken a single word to me. Every time we cross paths, he glares at me like he wants to rip my throat out."