You are very strong

The scorching sun hung high above the scorched earth.

Lu Chongwei frowned as he watched the figure that swayed unsteadily, yet refused to fall.

The Ryujin Jakka in his hand had already been sheathed, and the terrifying aura that seemed capable of incinerating the firmament had receded along with it.

"Why?"

Lu Chongwei asked, unable to comprehend.

"This is merely an assessment, not a life-or-death struggle. In your current physical state, you will die if you keep fighting."

He did not understand why Laxus was so persistent. That persistence even transcended the desire for victory or defeat; it was more like he was struggling against some invisible fate.

"Cut... cut the crap..."

Laxus gasped for air, blood streaming from his forehead into his eyes, causing a stinging pain, yet he continued to stare fixedly at Lu Chongwei.

"As long as I can still stand... I haven't lost!"

Lu Chongwei was silent for a moment, then sighed.

"What a stubborn guy."

He released his grip on the hilt and spread his palms, signaling that he was unarmed.

"My magic power is exhausted as well."

Lu Chongwei lied. Although he had used his Shikai, his spiritual pressure remained abundant. However, facing such a respectable opponent, he chose to respond in the most primitive way possible.

"Now, we are just two ordinary people unable to use magic."

Lu Chongwei took a step forward, walking toward Laxus, his fists clenched.

"Since you want to fight, let's decide the outcome with our fists!"

Hearing this, a glimmer of light flashed in Laxus's clouded eyes. He gritted his teeth, forcing his dizzy brain to clear, and likewise clenched his own scarred fists.

"Just... what I wanted!"

"Ahhhhhhh--"

Laxus let out a beast-like roar and charged forward, dragging his heavy body.

Under the sunlight, two figures collided on the devastated island.

There were no dazzling magical light effects, no earth-shattering explosions.

There was only the dull sound of fists striking flesh.

"Bang!"

Lu Chongwei slammed a punch into Laxus's face. Laxus staggered backward, blood streaming from the corner of his mouth, but he didn't make a sound, instead throwing a backhand punch into Lu Chongwei's chest.

"Bang!"

Lu Chongwei let out a muffled groan as a sharp pain radiated from his chest, but he didn't retreat; instead, he pressed forward and landed an uppercut to Laxus's abdomen.

The two were like street thugs, trading punches and kicks without any technique, engaging in nothing but the purest test of will.

Sweat mixed with blood splattered onto the scorched earth.

Laxus's vision grew increasingly blurred, and every breath felt like a knife twisting in his lungs. Yet, he continued to swing his fists mechanically, knocked down time and again, only to wobble back to his feet each time.

"Why... won't you fall?"

Lu Chongwei panted heavily, his left leg numb from taking a kick from Laxus head-on.

"Because..."

Laxus roared, throwing a punch that missed and losing his balance, but he used the momentum to slam his head hard into Lu Chongwei's shoulder.

"Because I don't want to... be that old man's grandson anymore!!!"

This roar seemed to drain every ounce of his strength.

Lu Chongwei was stunned for a moment.

So that was it.

Is this your inner demon?

Lu Chongwei looked at the blood-stained man before him, a flash of respect in his eyes.

"In that case, then sleep."

Lu Chongwei took a deep breath, dodged Laxus's limp punch, and then, clenching his right fist, gathered all his strength and slammed it heavily into Laxus's chest.

"Bang!"

This heavy blow was the final straw.

Laxus's body stiffened for an instant, and the light in his eyes finally dissipated completely.

He slowly fell backward, hitting the ground with a heavy thud and kicking up a cloud of dust.

This time, he did not get back up.

Lu Chongwei stood in place, gasping for air, his chest heaving violently. He looked at Laxus lying on the ground and reached up to wipe the blood from the corner of his mouth.

"You are strong, Laxus."

Lu Chongwei said in a low voice, his tone carrying heartfelt recognition.

"Both in strength and in will."

Hearing these words, Laxus, lying on the ground, twitched his fingers slightly. He gazed up at the azure sky, his eyes suddenly growing moist.

It was not because of the pain of defeat, but because of the relief of being acknowledged.

"Tch... a loss is a loss..."

Laxus's voice was weak, but a bitter yet relieved smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"Next time... I will definitely win it back."

Lu Chongwei smiled, stepped forward, and reached out his hand.

"I'll be waiting."

Laxus looked at that hand, remained silent for two seconds, then extended his own trembling hand and gripped Lu Chongwei's.

Lu Chongwei pulled hard, hauling Laxus up from the ground.

The two shared a smile; although they were covered in wounds and in a sorry state, the bond between men was quietly forged in that moment.

Just then.

"Rumble—"

The ground shook.

Two massive figures charged over from the edge of the forest.

"Stop!!!"

Makarov's anxious roar echoed out.

When he and Gildarts arrived at the scene and saw the two standing together with their arms around each other's shoulders, the magic they had prepared was abruptly stifled.

"Uh... it's already over?"

Gildarts scratched his head, looking at the surrounding terrain that appeared as if it had been struck by a meteorite, then looked at the two who, while miserable, had clearly reconciled, and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Looks like we worried for nothing."

Makarov returned to his original, short stature and walked up to the two. He looked at the scarred Laxus, a flash of heartache crossing his eyes, though it was quickly replaced by gratification.

"Hmph, look at the mess you've made of yourselves."

Although Makarov kept a stern face, his tone was much softer.

He looked around at the battlefield that had been almost razed to the ground, cleared his throat, and announced loudly:

"Given your current physical conditions, and the fact that this site has been destroyed beyond further use..."

"I hereby declare the second round of the exam cancelled!"

"The winner of this S-Class Mage promotion exam is—"

Makarov looked at Lu Chongwei, his eyes full of admiration.

"Lu Chongwei!"

Upon hearing the result, Laxus did not show any resentment; he simply turned his head away silently and huffed.

"Congratulations, Lu Chongwei."

Gildarts walked over and gave Lu Chongwei a heavy pat on the back, making Lu Chongwei wince in pain.

"Becoming an S-Class Mage means you have to shoulder more responsibility, you know."

Makarov walked up to Laxus and looked up at his tall grandson.

"Laxus, you did well, too."

"Although you lost this time, it doesn't mean you are weak. I'll be waiting for you in next year's exam."

Laxus looked at his grandfather's encouraging gaze, and the hard wall in his heart seemed to crack.

"Shut up, you old geezer."

Laxus turned his head away to hide the moisture in the corners of his eyes.

"Next year... I will definitely become an S-Class Mage and show you all!"

"As for Lu Chongwei..."

Laxus looked at Lu Chongwei and clenched his fists.

"I accept this defeat to you wholeheartedly."

"But don't get too cocky; one day, I will knock you down!"

Lu Chongwei grinned, revealing a row of white teeth.

"Anytime."

The sun set, stretching the shadows of the four men long across the ground.

Amidst these ruins, Fairy Tail welcomed a new S-Class Mage.