Just then, Makarov had Mirajane gather all the guild members, while he stood on the counter, looking as if he was about to announce something important.
Acnologia lay sprawled on the sofa, leisurely squinting her eyes, thinking to herself, "Judging by the time, it should be time for the new year's S-rank assessment now."
Given his and Eileen's abilities, it's just a formality; Makarov should have some idea of their true strength.
so...
Will the assessment criteria change?
Seeing that everyone in the guild had arrived, Erza, Gildarts, and Mirajane served as the background, while Makarov stood in the center.
He cleared his throat twice and said, "According to Fairy Tail's long-standing rules, the new year's S-class mage examination is about to begin."
Lucy's eyes widened: "An S-rank Archmage? This is my first time."
Everyone was filled with anticipation; it was time for the assessment again.
"Based on each of your mental abilities and overall assessment, a total of ten people will participate in the assessment this year."
"Yay! That's awesome!"
"There are ten people this year, and I might be one of them!"
The guild members cheered with joy. This was an important moment to check their growth over the past year, and they might even become S-rank archmages.
Makarov raised his hand to silence the commotion and continued, "This year's S-class mage examination will be held on Tenrou Island. I will now announce the list of ten examinees!"
"Natsu Dragneel!"
"Grey Fullpasta!"
"Levy MacGarden!"
"Juvia Rox!"
"Elfmann Strauss!"
"Kana Arupelona!"
"Fried Justin!"
"Meister Glad!"
"Eileen Belserion!"
"Acunorokia!"
"This exam is in pairs. You must choose your partner within the next two days and take the exam together, but you cannot choose an S-rank mage."
"The first stage consists of eight paths leading to the summit, each blocked by an S-rank mage. You can only pass through by gaining their approval. On the paths not guarded by S-rank mages, you will be your opponents, and the winner will advance to the next stage."
"The second challenge is to find the tomb of the first guild master, Mavis!"
Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked: "The first president?"
That was a legendary figure known as the Fairy Strategist, and the three super-level magics of the fairies were all passed down from that era, very likely created by the first generation himself.
Makarov nodded: "After entering the tomb of the first guild master, Mavis, you will receive a super-tier magic. Even if you are the weakest S-rank mages, having super-tier magic will be enough to face any opponent!"
At this moment, his voice suddenly became serious: "Since Acnologia and Irene already possess the top-tier strength of S-rank, the assessment for you will be slightly different."
Amidst the curious gazes of the crowd, he continued, "Your assessment is to guard the tomb of the first guild master, Mavis, and prevent anyone from approaching. In other words, everyone who passes this test will be your opponent!"
"You two can only become S-rank Archmages by defeating all the other examinees. If even one of you enters the tomb of the first guild master, you will both be considered failures!"
Cana suddenly had a flash of inspiration: "So, in other words, we don't need to fight Acnologia and Irene; we just need to enter the First Chairman's territory?"
She guessed that Irene and Acnologia possessed combat power at the level of the Ten Wizard Saints. She had already given up hope, but unexpectedly, there was still a chance.
Makarov smiled and said, "This is also a test of your wisdom. What should you do if you find that the opponent is an invincible enemy?"
"You need to understand that many S-level missions cannot be completed simply by working hard; you also need to learn to observe and think."
Elfman clenched his fist and said confidently, "A real man defeats the enemy head-on!"
Seeing the fighting spirit in everyone's eyes, Acnologia said, "Master, this is not an easy task."
Makarov saw through his thoughts and said with a smile, "You can't go easy on me. Since it's an assessment, you'd better take it seriously."
Acunorokia laughed and said, "I understand. Let them wait another year."
The thought of Nazgre's gloomy face piqued his interest.
Natsu protested, "Why should we wait until next year? The assessment hasn't even started yet."
Eileen chuckled and said, "You're very confident. I hope you can make it to the final stage."
Gray wasn't as confident as Natsu, and suggested, "If we go together, we'll definitely have a chance."
"That's right!"
Seeing everyone's enthusiastic state, Makarov waved his hand and said, "Alright, everyone disperse. Go find your partners and remember to give it your all."
Fairy Tail has stricter requirements for the promotion of S-rank mages than other guilds. Both wisdom and strength are indispensable, so as to reduce the probability of casualties when taking on S-rank missions in the future.
If it were so easy to advance to S-rank, it would be meaningless.
After the president left, everyone gathered together to discuss this year's assessment. Since there was going to be an assessment, they naturally had to be fully prepared.
"This year's exam is so difficult. It won't be easy to pass Erza and Gildarts."
Levy sighed.
"Let me help you. Just watch me beat them all to a pulp!"
Gajeel slapped her shoulder hard, so hard that he knocked the petite Levy to the ground.
Levy sat on the ground, touched her bottom, and blushed slightly: "Then I'll have to trouble you."
Gray pondered, "Actually, Gildarts and the others will probably hold back. The most difficult situation will be when Acnologia and Irene team up."
"That's true."
Lucy wholeheartedly agreed. Those two were incredibly reliable as partners, but as enemies, they were simply impossible to defeat. She felt that even Gildarts might not be able to beat them together.
Fortunately, she didn't have to take the test, and she didn't plan to help Natsu; she'd let him team up with Happy instead.
Natsu looked at the relaxed Acnologia and Irene, and laughed arrogantly, "I'll take you both down!"
Happy stood on Natsu's head, hands on his hips: "Me too!"
"Oh, that's interesting..."
Eileen chuckled and said, "I was originally planning to go easy on you guys, but since that's the case, I'll be a little more serious too."
Acunorokia praised, "Charming courage! I'll be waiting for you at the finish line!"
"No way!"
Everyone immediately turned into a sour face. That damned Nazhabi, why did he have to provoke those two guys for no reason?
Enraged, everyone rushed forward, pinned down the panicked man and cat, and began to beat them.
You two kept talking, now look what happened!