The first day of Year X780
Time flowed swiftly by, and before anyone knew it, a new year had arrived. Everyone had enjoyed the party that day, each bringing gifts they thought would be useful.
Macao had brought his whole family to the party. His son Romeo had looked around with curious little eyes, so adorable that everyone loved him and competed for a chance to hold him.
On the first day of the new year, Zorn was in the East Forest, getting used to all his abilities. When he woke up that morning, he discovered that he had officially gained the full strength of an Admiral, and his affinity with the Light Element had reached 100%. So he came to the Training Ground with Cana to practice.
Zorn floated in the air with his eyes tightly shut, focusing on the Light Element that filled his surroundings. It was like a warm, powerful force filling his body.
His body gave off a peaceful, warm glow. The grass on the ground grew greener, the flowers bloomed more brilliantly, and the entire Training Ground was filled with life and vitality.
Cana was stunned by the sight. She covered her mouth, unable to believe what she was seeing. She had never seen any Magic that could bring such vitality to life.
The light around Zorn slowly withdrew into his body. Sunlight enveloped him, as though he had become one with it. Then he turned into a beam of light and crossed space in an instant, appearing elsewhere among the dappled shadows of the trees. His body returned to normal.
After several attempts, Zorn discovered that his Observation Haki had been extended by the light. Now he could sense anywhere in the entire Town, and he should have been able to extend it even farther. He could use light to move instantly to any place within his perception.
Zorn tried using Magic. With a casual wave of his hand, streaks of intense light gradually gathered and formed Light Swords around him, filling the air with a powerful aura of energy.
Zorn flicked a finger, and one of the Light Swords shot out. The energy within its blade erupted with tremendous force in the air, sending currents spreading outward along its path. Just as it was about to strike a tree, Zorn waved his hand again, and all the Light Swords vanished instantly.
But the energy unleashed by the Light Sword did not disappear. It formed a vortex of energy, destroying the surrounding trees and blasting open the ground. Smoke filled the air, and the area was left in ruins.
Zorn looked at the destruction caused by that tentative move. He thought of all the Light Swords around him just now, and what their combined firepower could have done... to say nothing of his current Light Magic.
Zorn marveled inwardly. Was this what a qualitative change was? While he was still lost in thought, Cana rushed into his arms, cheering for him.
Now he could be said to have gained some strength. It was time to study, and while he was at it, take on some S-Class Missions. He had no spare money in his pocket, so it was time to replenish his funds.
Holding Cana, Zorn thought with determination in his eyes. The two quietly exchanged a few words, then Zorn took her hand, and they walked toward Fairy Tail together.
Just as Zorn and Cana entered Fairy Tail, everyone was surprised to discover that they could no longer sense Zorn's Magic Power. They were confused. Usually, they could sense his powerful, warm Magic Power, but now he gave them only a warm feeling. His Magic Power was gone, and that was all.
Laxus and the master also noticed something was wrong. They studied Zorn closely and suddenly spotted a faint halo around his body. Only then did they understand.
To confirm his suspicion, Laxus suddenly attacked. A large amount of lightning gathered in his hand, and in an instant, he thrust it through Zorn's body.
"Tch, just as I thought. You got stronger again."
Laxus spoke in a low, excited voice as he pulled his hand back and slipped it into his pocket. The hole in Zorn's chest was slowly filled in by the Light Element.
"Hahaha, of course," Zorn replied with a hint of confidence.
At that moment, everyone in Fairy Tail was stunned. They couldn't understand what had happened, but they knew Zorn was now very strong, beyond what they could currently comprehend.
But that didn't stop them from being happy. Everyone immediately worked themselves into a frenzy and cheered for Zorn. Amid the excitement, Zorn went up to the second floor to look over the S-Class Missions.
Erza and Mirajane pulled Cana aside to ask about Zorn's current situation. The S-Class Exam would be held at the end of the year, and they needed to prepare. There was nothing wrong with learning about the examiner beforehand.
Natsu and Gray were away on a mission. If they had been at Fairy Tail, they would undoubtedly have challenged Zorn again.
Laxus followed Zorn upstairs to the second floor.
Makarov raised his cup and drank even more heartily. He marveled at the steady stream of newcomers and was genuinely happy for Zorn. He was also thinking of finding an opportunity to teach the two of them Fairy Tail's super magic. Then he could consider retiring.
"What kind of mission are you planning to take?" Laxus asked casually, leaning against the second-floor railing.
"I'll pick a few S-Class Missions that aren't too difficult. I'm planning to take Cana with me." Zorn answered without looking back, then continued picking through the missions.
"This one's good. There's a scenic spot at the destination."
"This one's good too. There's a food city right next to it."
"And this one, and this one. They're bound to be fun."
As Zorn chose, he checked whether the local areas had anything fun, good food, or beautiful scenery. It was almost too much to watch. How was this going on a mission? He was practically going on a trip.
Laxus was so exasperated he laughed. Helpless at the sight of Zorn, he shook his head, leaned over the railing, and propped up his head with one hand as he looked down at the lively scene in Fairy Tail. The smile in his eyes grew warmer.
"All right, that's it. I'm off, Laxus." Holding several mission sheets, Zorn waved them at Laxus in farewell.
"Master, these are the ones. I'll definitely be back before the end of the year." Zorn handed the sheets to the master with a grin. Suddenly remembering something, he hastily added, "I want to take Cana with me this time."
"Oh?" The master made a questioning sound and looked down at the sheets in his hands. He found that they really were a breeze for Zorn at his current strength, but taking nearly a year was a bit much, wasn't it?
He looked up at Zorn, whose face had reddened a little under his questioning gaze, and understood everything. He secretly laughed to himself.
"All right, you can go. Have a nice tri—cough, cough, good luck with the missions." Master Makarov coughed twice and quickly corrected himself, smoothing things over.
"Haha, let's go, Cana!" Zorn took back the mission sheets, ran over to the three girls, who were still chatting happily, and pulled Cana out of the group. He hurried out of Fairy Tail, paying no attention to the two still teasing them from behind.
"I need to work harder too. I have to pass the exam this time." Erza turned to look at the second floor. She also wanted to take S-Class Missions, so she spoke to encourage herself.
"I'll pass first, knight girl."
"Dream on, demon girl."
Erza drew her Knight Sword and coated it in Armament Haki, her back to the mission board. Mirajane likewise took over a pair of Demon Arms. They faced each other, and a fight was about to break out.
Mirajane charged first. After a feint, she lunged forward, snatched several of the more difficult missions, and ran out of Fairy Tail.
"Haha, fooled you, redhead!"
Mirajane left only those mocking words hanging in the air. She kicked off the air and used Geppo to fly away.
Seeing this, Erza used Requip, spread her wings, and flew after her. The two began fighting in the distance, flying farther and farther away. The members of Fairy Tail burst out laughing at the turn of events.