The S-class mage promotion exam—an event eagerly anticipated by every guild member—was the gateway to achieving S-class mage status. Consequ
The S-class mage promotion exam—an event eagerly anticipated by every guild member—was the gateway to achieving S-class mage status.
Consequently, everyone had recently been diligently undertaking individual missions to accumulate achievements and secure a coveted spot in the exam.
The S-class exams varied from guild to guild, and even within the same guild, the examination methods differed from one year to the next.
The designation of "S-class mage" was essentially a self-defined rank within each guild, with the standards varying considerably.
A guild could declare a member an S-class mage without an exam, simply based on their demonstrated ability to handle S-class missions.
For instance, Gajeel and Juvia, during their time with Phantom Lord, were considered S-class mages. However, compared to Fairy Tail's S-class mages, a certain disparity in strength was evident.
Fairy Tail's S-class exam was exceptionally rigorous, designed to ensure that only truly exceptional and independent mages could successfully navigate the challenges and achieve S-class status.
S-class missions, SS-class missions, ten-year missions, century-long missions—only mages who had earned the guild's unequivocal recognition were permitted to undertake these exceptionally challenging assignments.
Drake leaned against the bar, his hand hovering motionless above his drink.
"What's wrong? You seem rather down lately." Makarov, the guild master, observed, his voice laced with concern.
Drake, without turning his head, replied, "I apologize for causing you any worry, Guild Master."
Makarov settled onto the stool beside Drake. "Listening to the concerns of my children is also part of my responsibility. Would you mind sharing what troubles you?"
Drake hesitated before speaking. "Guild Master, regarding the upcoming S-class exam… would it be possible to alter the schedule… or perhaps even cancel it altogether?"
Makarov's expression shifted, a hint of apprehension entering his voice. "So, it is this matter that weighs upon your mind! Have you perhaps learned something of significance?"
Drake nodded. "Ultear contacted me. The Oración Seis plans to attack Tenrou Island during our exam. Their objective is to locate Zeref, who is on Tenrou Island!"
Makarov's jaw dropped in astonishment.
Good heavens! He'd thought Drake was dealing with some typical adolescent angst, hence his casual approach to the situation. This news was far more serious than he could have ever anticipated!
Drake had previously informed him about Ultear, and Makarov hadn't been overly concerned. After all, Makarov himself had dispatched informants to both Oración Seis and the Magic Council. Having a spy embedded within Oración Seis would provide valuable intelligence.
But this intelligence was alarming!
An attack on Tenrou Island by Oración Seis wasn't unexpected; it would simply mean war. Even if their opponent was a former Fairy Tail guild master, Makarov was confident Fairy Tail would prevail.
But Zeref being on Tenrou Island... No one had informed him that Fairy Tail's sacred ground harbored such a dangerous individual!
His voice trembling slightly, Makarov asked, "Drake, is this truly accurate?"
Drake's affirmative nod shattered Makarov's remaining hopes. Makarov felt a wave of dizziness wash over him.
Ultear's contact was genuine; she'd informed Drake yesterday that Oración Seis's airship was heading towards Tenrou Island.
With the crisis rapidly approaching, Drake couldn't find a solution, hence his distress, and his inability to conceal the information from Makarov.
Makarov took a large gulp of his drink, regaining his composure.
"Regardless of the circumstances, we must prevent Oración Seis from succeeding! And Tenrou Island is our sacred ground; we cannot allow a dark guild to wreak havoc there."
Drake stated, "Oración Seis's objective will not be achieved! Zeref is not someone anyone can control; that's why I suggest avoiding him!"
Drake genuinely believed this. Zeref, despite his current erratic behavior and apparent personality fragmentation, was not someone to be approached lightly.
He was a madman obsessed with self-destruction, wielding the power to annihilate everything except himself.
The Oración Seis guild master, Brain, also Fairy Tail's second guild master, had fallen into the abyss of dark magic, believing darkness to be the true essence of magic.
Brain's plan was to make Zeref the world king, ushering in a new age of magic.
But he didn't understand Zeref; Zeref didn't need Brain's help to become world king. Zeref wasn't a tool he could control.
Oración Seis's goal was doomed to fail; that was undeniable.
Makarov, as Fairy Tail's guild master, possessed considerable knowledge about Zeref, understanding the Black Wizard's terrifying power.
Makarov sensed Drake's emotions; as a father figure, he had to do something.
"I am heartened, Drake, to see you troubled by the safety of your comrades. There is nothing more important than a heart that cares for its companions!"
Drake sighed. "Guild Master, that's not the most important issue right now!"
Makarov smiled. "That's the key! Remember, we always face powerful enemies.
Some we can overcome; others are insurmountable mountains. We may be unable to retreat.
In those moments, we break our limits with our protective will.
No matter how strong the enemy, that will creates miracles!"
Drake chuckled wryly; this idealistic approach was hard to refute in this world.
Natsu had defeated strong enemies with this will—it was like cheating!
But Fairy Tail's situation—Zeref and Acnologia—couldn't be overcome with idealism alone.
Makarov didn't look at Drake, continuing, "Just as you want to protect your comrades, they will support you.
Fighting with comrades—even if you lose—leaves no regrets!
Oración Seis and Zeref—if they declare war on Fairy Tail, our response is one!"
Drake smiled at Makarov's sudden surge of determination.
The thought of avoiding the enemy because of their strength surprised Drake; he hadn't expected such vulnerability.
The event hadn't happened yet; he couldn't be scared. He needed to prepare to protect everyone.
There are no easy paths; he had to forge his own. No matter how strong the obstacles, he just needed to become stronger!
Drake steeled his resolve; he needed to prepare for the upcoming crisis.
And it was time to prepare for a new world; his pursuit of strength couldn't stop.
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