"Damn it!"
Natsu clutched the huge bump on his head and said angrily, "Next time, I'll definitely beat Gildarts."
Seeing Natsu so fired up, Cain encouraged him, "Natsu, not bad. I'm rooting for you. When the time comes, give Gildarts a good beating."
Natsu was delighted that someone agreed with him and nodded. "Don't worry, I definitely will."
As they chatted, the guild members who had gone out to take jobs gradually returned to the guild.
Cain also spotted Laxus, whom he had not seen in a long time.
Laxus saw Cain as well, and the two nodded at each other in greeting.
"Ahem, quiet down, everyone."
Makarov's voice suddenly rang out.
Everyone understood that he was about to announce the participants for the S-Class Exam, and they held their breath as they looked toward the guild master on the stage.
Makarov did not keep them waiting. "The participants for this S-Class Exam are Cain Saint Sirius."
"Laxus Dreyar."
"Macao Conbolt."
"Wakaba Mine."
"The four of you, get ready. We'll depart for the examination site on Sunday."
After saying that, Makarov turned and left, leaving the crowd in an uproar.
Some were deeply frustrated at not being selected and prepared to try again next year.
Meanwhile, Macao and Wakaba began celebrating their selection.
Cain walked over to Laxus. "Laxus, we can finally have a proper fight this time."
Laxus nodded, fully agreeing with Cain. His eyes burned with fighting spirit. "Cain, this time, we can settle who's stronger."
Although Laxus often went out on jobs to pay off debts, the two of them also sparred in private.
Their fights usually stopped short of a real conclusion, but Laxus knew very well that Cain was no weaker than him.
This S-Class Exam was the perfect opportunity to have a satisfying battle.