The S-Class Exam Returns, and an Unexpected Examiner

Time flies, and almost two years have passed in the blink of an eye.

It was the end of Year X780, the time for another S-Class Exam.

Yuri stretched lazily and headed to the guild early from home.

Logically, he should still be fast asleep at this time, so why is he here so early today?

Because he is the examiner for this year's S-Class Exam.

Of course, Laxus was with him too.

Even though they didn't see each other often, their relationship remained good.

However, Laxus seems to be far from satisfied even after becoming S-Class Mage, and his rebellious symptoms haven't lessened much.

I just hope he doesn't go down the wrong path...

Speaking of which, Gildarts didn't specifically return as an examiner for this assessment, perhaps feeling that the two of them were enough to handle this year's candidates.

As for this year's test takers...

As the younger generation gradually grows up, including Natsu, Gray, Elfman, Lisanna, Levy, and others, they all have shown considerable activity.

However, only three people were selected for this S-Class Exam.

These are Erza and Mirajane, two "friends" who are constantly at odds, which is only natural.

After all, they have always been the first tier of the younger generation, behind Yuri.

However, to Yuri's surprise, Cana was also selected to participate in the S-Class Exam.

Although she had resolved the knot in her heart since recognizing Gildarts and had indeed made rapid progress during this time, Yuri still found it incredible.

Hmm... how should I put it?

After all, in his memory, Cana should still be a fragile little girl. How did she grow up to the point where she could participate in the S-Class Exam without him even realizing it?

Or am I just getting old? I'm only 16!

Yuri was filled with self-doubt.

Lost in thought the whole way, I arrived at the guild in no time.

Together they headed to the port and boarded a ship to the location of this assessment: an uninhabited island within the Fiore.

It was still the assessment location personally confirmed by Makarov, but this time there was no hunting of magical beasts to earn points.

It's a very direct battle.

Three candidates, two examiners.

With this setup and these rules, it's destined that someone will have to face an S-Class Mage alone, while the other two can form an alliance.

Although it may seem somewhat unfair, Fairy Tail's S-Class Exam has always been a comprehensive test for mages.

Besides pure ability, perseverance, mental fortitude, and even luck were all included in the assessment.

This meant that when Cana faced Laxus alone, she could only shake her head helplessly.

Fortunately, she no longer has such a strong obsession with becoming S-Class Mage, so she can just focus on doing her best.

Unlike the somewhat laid-back Cana, the two who were already at odds with each other happened to encounter Yuri together.

This only added fuel to the already boiling flames of conflict between the two.

Forget about cooperation, these two almost started fighting amongst themselves.

However, considering the importance of the S-Class Exam, the two decided to focus on passing the current test first.

After all, becoming S-Class Mage first and outshining the opponent is not a bad way to duel.

Just as the two were rushing toward Yuri suddenly raised his hand to stop them!

"Just a heads up, this path is slightly different from the other one. Because there are two of you, you'll have to overcome two obstacles."

"And I am the examiner for the second round. If you want to fight me, you must pass the first round first."

Mirajane asked impatiently, "Who is the examiner for the first round? Let him come out now!"

Erza quickly added, "No matter who the opponent is, I will not lose!"

It's clear that both of them are eager to prove themselves and outdo each other.

Yuri smiled. Confidence is a good thing.

He pointed behind them with one finger. "Look, your examiner for the first round is right there."

The two turned their heads at the same time and saw a large bird flashing blue light flying behind them.

"Griffon?!" they both exclaimed simultaneously.

"Hey girls, how have you been lately? You probably never expected that the first hurdle you'd have to overcome would be me!"

Griffon greeted them cheerfully, but to his surprise, he didn't receive the two girls' delighted faces.

Mirajane's face immediately fell, and she looked somewhat disappointed.

"Yuri, we're not really going to fight Griffon, are we?" Mirajane asked, turning around.

Erza didn't speak, but she also turned to look at Yuri, clearly conveying the same meaning.

Although it's not that they look down on Griffon, with their current strength, they are no longer the little girls who could be easily frightened by it.

Rather than doing that, it would be more satisfying to directly confront Yuri.

Yuri chuckled, not answering their questions, but instead looking at Griffon and mockingly saying, "Silly bird, you're being underestimated."

"Ah, I feel it." Griffon's voice was also somewhat low.

Because Yuri is very strong, it doesn't usually have many opportunities to use its abilities, and even when it does, it's generally unknown to others.

This led most people in the guild to believe that Griffon was just a mascot with some fighting power, similar to Natsu's Happy.

But is that really the case?

Mirajane and Erza will soon experience it...

Griffon let out a sharp shriek, his body crackling with purple lightning, and charged toward the two of them in an instant.

Mirajane and Erza reacted simultaneously, quickly rolling to the sides to avoid the attack.

But as soon as they turned around, a barrage of lightning bolts shot towards them.

"!!!"

The two stared wide-eyed, and the next moment they were engulfed by lightning, creating a cloud of dust.

"Gah gah." Griffon laughed wildly, "Two little girls, you dare to underestimate me, Grandpa Griffon? Now you know how powerful I am!"

"Such speed..."

"Indeed very fast..."

Two female voices came from the smoke and dust; it was Erza and Mirajane, who reappeared before Griffon unharmed.

"But this level alone won't stop us." At this moment, the two were radiant with confidence.

Looking at the two girls standing in front of him, facing him directly, Griffon suddenly changed his expression and felt inexplicably gratified.

This feeling is just like when I was watching Yuri.

However, it won't let that deter it!

"Aww--!"

Suddenly, Griffon let out another long howl, but did not launch a surprise attack.

It flew in mid-air, the purple lightning wrapped around its body gradually turning into a blue-white lightning flash.

Its size also swelled from that of an ordinary eagle to about seven meters, instantly becoming more majestic and imposing, just like the legendary griffin.