The S-Class Mage Assessment Reopens

In the Fairy Tail guild, the morning sun filtered through the stained-glass windows, casting mottled light across the wooden floor.

Everyone's gaze was fixed on the giant egg sitting in the center of the bar.

After days of careful tending by Natsu and Lisanna, the egg finally showed signs of life.

"Crack... crack..."

The cracks spread rapidly, and accompanied by a dazzling white light, the shell shattered completely.

"It's coming out! It's coming out!"

Natsu shouted in excitement, his face pressed almost against the table.

As the light faded, a small blue cat appeared before everyone's eyes. It had a white belly and a pair of tiny white wings on its back, blinking its large eyes as it curiously surveyed the world around it.

"Huh?"

The entire room fell silent for a second.

"A cat?!"

Gray's jaw nearly hit the floor.

"Isn't it supposed to be a dragon? Why is it a cat!"

"And it can fly, too!"

The little blue cat took flight, landed on Natsu's head, and let out a crisp cry:

"Aye!"

Natsu froze for a moment, then a brilliant smile bloomed on his face.

"No matter what it is, it's my partner!"

He scooped up the kitten and held it high in the air.

"It's decided! Your name will be Happy! Because of your arrival, everyone has become happy!"

"Aye! Happy!"

Watching this scene, the tense and expectant atmosphere in the guild instantly turned warm and fuzzy.

"So cute."

Lisanna clasped her hands together, her eyes sparkling with stars.

Even the usually fierce Mirajane couldn't help but take a few extra looks, a faint smile touching her lips, though she quickly turned her head away to hide it.

"Tch, it's just a cat."

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was Year X780.

The Fairy Tail guild was livelier—and more "destructive"—than ever.

With the growth of the new generation like Natsu and Gray, the guild's repair costs were on a steep upward trajectory. Natsu could now skillfully utilize his Dragon Slayer Magic; although he still botched missions frequently, his strength was unquestionable. Gray's Ice Make Magic had become increasingly refined, though his habit of stripping off his clothes had also become increasingly severe.

But the most headache-inducing aspect of the guild was the rivalry between Erza and Mirajane.

Throughout this year, the two of them fought from dawn until dusk.

To hone her swordsmanship, Erza took on a massive number of monster-slaying quests, changing her armor set after set.

Mirajane was even more frantic; in order to surpass Erza, she constantly challenged various dangerous demons, attempting to Take Over stronger Satan Souls. Whenever the two met, the air was thick with gunpowder, and they would start brawling at the slightest disagreement, causing the average lifespan of the tables and chairs in the guild hall to drop to less than three days.

In contrast, Lu Chongwei, an S-Class Mage, had been acting exceptionally "lazy" lately.

Leaning languidly against the railing on the second floor, Lu Chongwei held his ever-present cup of hot milk, watching the chaotic mess below and letting out a yawn.

"Ah... another peaceful day."

"Peaceful my foot!"

A giant palm slammed onto his back, nearly knocking him off the balcony.

Makarov had appeared behind him at some point, staring at him with his beard bristling in anger.

"Lu Chongwei! You've been lounging in this guild for two whole months! Two months!"

Makarov held up two fingers and shook them in front of his face.

"Do you know how many S-Class missions have piled up in the guild over these two months? Do you know how severe the financial deficit is? How can you sleep at your age!"

"Old man, calm down."

Lu Chongwei took a slow, deliberate sip of his milk, looking completely innocent.

"I'm just balancing work and rest. For that last mission to slay the Abyss Dragon, I chased it for three days and three nights straight. Isn't it reasonable to rest for two months now?"

"Reasonable my ass!"

Makarov stomped his feet in fury.

"That brat Laxus might have a rotten personality, but at least he goes out on missions every month! Look at you, you're practically growing mold!"

"That's just him having excess energy."

Lu Chongwei shrugged.

"Besides, I'm just leaving some opportunities for the newcomers. If I finish all the jobs, what are they supposed to eat?"

"Don't give me any excuses!"

Makarov took a deep breath, seemingly trying to calm himself down.

His expression suddenly shifted, his gaze turning serious as he lowered his voice.

"Since you're so idle, that works out perfectly. This year's S-Class Mage promotion trial is about to begin."

Upon hearing the words "S-Class trial," Lu Chongwei's eyes finally flickered.

This was an annual event of great importance.

It was also the promotion opportunity that every guild member dreamed of.

"Oh? Is it starting again already?"

Lu Chongwei straightened up and glanced at the young faces still roughhousing downstairs.

"The crop is pretty good this year. Erza and Mirajane, those two girls, have already touched the threshold of that level, haven't they?"

"That's right."

Makarov nodded, his gaze deep and thoughtful.

"Their growth rate has exceeded my expectations. There are a few other children as well who are ready for the experience."

After speaking, Makarov suddenly turned his head, looking at Lu Chongwei with a cryptic smile.

"So, I've made a decision."

"Decided what?" A sense of foreboding suddenly welled up in Lu Chongwei's heart.

"For this year's trial, you and Laxus will serve as the examiners."

"Pfft—!!!"

The mouthful of milk Lu Chongwei had just taken sprayed out, turning into a white mist.

"Cough, cough, cough... What did you say?!"

Lu Chongwei didn't even bother to wipe his mouth, staring at Makarov with wide eyes.

"Make me an examiner? And with Laxus? Old man, you aren't joking, are you?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?" Makarov kept a straight face.

"No way, no way! Absolutely not!"

Lu Chongwei shook his head like a rattle, waving his hands repeatedly.

"What experience do I have for that? Plus, you know that Laxus and I don't get along. If we're put together, there's no telling if we'll end up fighting each other before the trial is even over."

"Besides, being an examiner is so tiring. You have to design the tests, protect the candidates, write reports... I refuse! I want a vacation!"

After saying this, Lu Chongwei turned around, intending to slip away.

"Stop right there."

Makarov's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an unquestionable authority.

A giant golden hand of light appeared out of thin air, grabbing Lu Chongwei by the back of his collar and hauling him back like a chick.

"This is an order from the Guild Master."

Makarov crossed his arms, wearing an expression that said, "You can't escape."

"Besides, Laxus has already agreed."

"Huh? That tsundere actually agreed?" Lu Chongwei looked incredulous.

"He said he wants to see if this bunch of 'weaklings' is even qualified to stand on the same level as him," Makarov said, mimicking Laxus's tone.

"..." Lu Chongwei was speechless. "That certainly sounds like something he would say."

"In any case, it's settled."