Qualified

Despite being on the verge of their physical limits, Mirajane and Erza supported each other and forced themselves to stand up.

He stared intently at Yuri.

"What? Still want to fight?" Yuri asked with a smile.

"Of course!" the two replied with unwavering conviction.

"Why?" Yuri spread his hands and said, "If it's just for the S-Class Exam, then I can declare right now that your strength is sufficient."

"No, that's not true!"

Mirajane shouted, struggling to straighten himself up. "I didn't risk my life for that kind of thing!"

"Oh?" Yuri crossed his arms and asked with interest, "Then what else do you want?"

Mirajane smirked, "I told you, I'm going to beat you!"

"Why should you defeat me?" Yuri raised his head and laughed, "You're completely drained of magic; you can barely stand."

"Even without magic, I still have my fists," Mirajane said seriously, clearly not joking.

"Really? And Erza, what about you?" Yuri didn't say much, then turned his gaze to Erza beside him.

Unlike the bold and direct Mirajane, Erza had never proposed a bet to Yuri before.

But judging from the meaning behind their previous words, it's clear that Erza also had similar plans to Mirajane.

Erza hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath and stood up straight. "If I win, I hope you'll practice swordsmanship with me!"

Want to practice swordsmanship?

Yuri smiled suddenly, as if he had thought of something, and murmured, "So you really don't intend to give up..."

"Okay, I agree."

Although Yuri verbally agreed, the smile on his face gradually faded.

"Since you are so aware of this, it would be disrespectful for me to continue joking around."

He waved to the two girls again, this time quite seriously, and said, "Come on, didn't you say you wanted to defeat me? Then prove it to me, at least get up here..."

"Bring it on with all your might!"

Have you said it?

Suddenly, that muscular body erupted with surging magical power, and a beam of azure magical light shot into the sky.

Yuri's loose hair, stirred by magic, transformed into a slicked-back style, and his trench coat billowed wildly behind him.

A pair of scarlet eyes emerged from the azure pillar of light. At this moment, Yuri resembled a true Devil king, exuding an aura that sent shivers down one's spine.

This magic was so powerful that it was almost tangible, causing the surrounding air to freeze.

Pressure, terrifying pressure...

An overwhelming pressure descended upon the two girls.

Erza and Mirajane stared wide-eyed, their bodies drenched in cold sweat.

The feeling was like the calm before a storm, or the harbinger of a volcanic eruption.

More oppressive than mountains, more suffocating than tsunamis.

Erza and Mirajane faced immense pressure with every step they took.

As they drew closer, the magical power they carried intensified, causing their backs, which they had managed to straighten, to bend over once more.

Mirajane gritted his teeth, desperately trying to keep himself from collapsing.

With trembling legs, he kept moving forward step by step, determined not to stop.

At the very least... I should punch that arrogant guy to make him realize I exist.

One day, she will stand on the same level as him and make him look at her squarely.

Erza shared a similar thought...

Ever since Yuri refused to teach her swordsmanship, she had been racking her brains trying to figure out what Yuri meant by "not suitable."

Is it talent or skill?

The final answer is... no, none of those!

It wasn't until recently that she realized that what she considered unsuitable was actually her own weakness.

Those who wield a sword must have an unwavering determination; if they are always thinking about protecting themselves with armor, they will never be able to learn true swordsmanship.

She knew she wasn't strong enough yet, which was why she needed to practice swordsmanship with Yuri even more.

Face it, don't run away.

One day, she will cut off that cowardly part of herself!

Suddenly, an unknown magical power erupted from the two of them.

Their bent backs gradually straightened, their steps became more firm, and they actually began to run under the heavy pressure of Yuri's magic.

A dark magical power surged from Mirajane's right hand, while a beam of light simultaneously appeared in Erza's hand.

Partial Take Over - The Devil Bringer!

Requip - Sword!

He relied solely on the most ordinary longsword and the Devil arm he once loathed.

Erza and Mirajane roared as they charged forward, while standing opposite them was Yuri, now completely serious!

He was fully armed with the top-tier magical artifact, Balrog, with arm armor and gauntlets covering his hands, boots and leg armor on his legs, and shoulder armor with two horns attached to his shoulders.

He held the bow with both hands behind his back, seemingly preparing some kind of ultimate move.

Despite the apparent disparity in strength between the two sides, the two girls charged forward relentlessly towards Yuri.

A sword and a fist were swung at Yuri simultaneously.

"Boom!"

The clash of magic stirred up a gust of wind, whipping Yuri's trench coat and hair.

But the next moment...

The longsword shattered instantly, leaving not even a scratch.

The Devil Bringer vanished, leaving not a trace of bruising.

Erza and Mirajane's eyes glazed over completely, and their bodies lurched forward uncontrollably.

With the two girls' attacks finished, it was naturally Yuri's turn. He suddenly swung his arms forward, which had been held back...

He caught them both just as they were about to fall to the ground.

The terrifying magical power emanating from his body suddenly dissipated, and his previously demonic expression became gentle and warm.

Looking at the two unconscious girls before him, Yuri smiled faintly and finally announced the results of the third assessment...

Congratulations, you've passed!

Whether it's the determination to catch up with someone or the determination to overcome oneself, both are powerful enough to motivate a person to become stronger.

Magic is the power of the heart. The S-Class Exam values not only strength, but also a person's unwavering resolve.

It doesn't matter if you're not strong enough, or if you're not mentally strong enough. As long as you have a heart that dares to face challenges, you will one day reach the other side you want to go to.

Now that you have this awareness, you are qualified to become S-Class Mages...

"But you still went easy on me." Griffon, the mood-breaker, jumped in as always.

"Shut up, Griffon!" Yuri, his lips twitching.

"I~ absolutely~ won't hold back~" Griffon said in a mocking tone, mimicking Yuri's mannerisms with exaggerated intonation, his voice sarcastic and obnoxious.

"You dead bird, today I'm going to pluck all your feathers off!" Yuri held back for a long time, but finally couldn't resist.

"Hahaha!!"