According to Makarov's arrangement, though Gildarts and the others were participating in the battle, their task was to defend the Tenrou Tree.
It was Makarov's way of giving the exam participants a fair shot—otherwise, they wouldn't stand a chance at scoring any points.
After all, Precht was once the Guild Master of Fairy Tail and one of its founding members. He knew better than anyone how strong the island's support for Fairy Tail mages could be.
The Tenrou Tree was also connected to every member via their guild marks. Through the tree, it was even possible to drain all their magic.
In the original timeline, Fairy Tail found themselves in dire straits because Azuma, one of the Seven Kin of Purgatory, toppled the Tenrou Tree.
If Charles were in Precht's shoes, he'd do the same and target the tree.
But this time, three S-Class mages were positioned in a triangle around the Tenrou Tree. Even if Precht came in person, success was far from guaranteed.
As for anyone else trying to damage the tree? They'd be lucky to get away with just a brutal beating.
Logically speaking, the best and easiest way to complete the exam was to find and defeat the Seven Kin of Purgatory scattered around the island.
But not everyone thought that way.
"Natsu, where are we going?" Happy flapped his wings as he carried Natsu through the air.
Natsu grinned. "Isn't it obvious? We're going after the leader of Grimoire Heart! Beat him, and we've got all the points we need!"
Happy looked like he was about to cry and wondered whether he should just drop Natsu now.
"That's way too dangerous, Natsu! The master said he's stronger than even himself—you can't win!"
Natsu fell silent for a moment before speaking. "The old man must be really sad."
Happy didn't know why Natsu suddenly said that and wasn't sure how to respond.
Natsu continued, "The leader of Grimoire Heart is the second master, the old man's teacher. He must be heartbroken that his own mentor turned against us.
Even though he made him part of the exam, he's already made up his mind to take him down personally.
That's why I want to beat him before the old man has to."
Natsu might seem reckless most of the time, but when it came to his friends and family, his heart was more delicate than anyone's.
Happy's expression changed. "Got it! I'll speed up!"
"I'm counting on you, Happy!"
By sheer coincidence—or maybe fate—someone else had the same idea. It was only fitting; they were like brothers.
Fal carried Charles and Wendy through the air as Charles expanded his senses outward.
Just as expected, he picked up on some hostile presences on the far side of the island. They weren't that strong—likely just low-ranking grunts under the Seven Kin.
They were already engaged in battle with Fairy Tail members, though Elfman and Evergreen would likely take care of it quickly.
Elsewhere, Gajeel had encountered a stronger foe, though nothing overwhelming. Still, with his injuries not fully healed, it was a bit worrying.
Following the direction the enemies had come from, Charles spotted a black magic airship.
But what caught his attention more was what followed behind it—an entire fleet of battleships, and flying from their masts were the flags of the Magic Council.
Charles remembered the corresponding plot. The Magic Council, for reasons unknown, had suddenly tried to gather evidence to dissolve Fairy Tail.
To that end, they not only planted Mest as a spy but also sent forces to follow Fairy Tail's main group to Tenrou Island.
Then they were utterly obliterated by Azuma from the Seven Kin of Purgatory. The surviving reinforcements had withdrawn before Acnologia arrived, thanks to Mest's warning.
This time, however, Mest had reported differently thanks to Charles's earlier warning. As a result, the Council had sent even more troops.
Now, a massive fleet of magic battleships covered the seas near Tenrou Island, surrounding Grimoire Heart's airship entirely.
But in terms of sheer disappointment, the Magic Council never failed. Just as Charles spotted them, their ships began exploding one after another—no, in massive waves.
Charles saw what was happening clearly: several individuals were using magic to destroy the battleships.
No wonder the Seven Kin hadn't landed yet—they'd gone to deal with the Council first.
Magic battleships were powerful weapons, but against high-tier mages, they might as well be toys.
In almost no time at all, one-third of the Council fleet had been wiped out. Their commander wasn't an idiot and quickly ordered the outer ships to retreat.
The Seven Kin showed no interest in chasing them and instead turned toward Tenrou Island.
The prey had arrived. The fairy hunt had officially begun—and Charles now set off in pursuit of his own target.
…
Natsu knocked a grunt flying with a punch, grumbling, "Useless low-level mobs that aren't even worth any points, get outta my way!"
"That's him—it's Fairy Tail's Fire Dragon!"
"A-a monster!"
The grunts trembled in fear and tried to flee.
But as soon as they turned around, a blast of black flames engulfed them.
A fierce-eyed, blond-haired youth approached, shouting, "Grimoire Heart is the strongest! You guys are part of the guild too—don't run like cowards!"
Natsu sniffed the danger in the air and braced himself. "Who the hell are you?"
Happy sighed. "Master just introduced him—he's one of the Seven Kin of Purgatory."
Natsu looked enlightened. "Oh, so he's worth thirty points!"
The youth roared, "What do you mean thirty points?! I am Zancrow, one of the Seven Kin of Purgatory!"
He then grinned provocatively. "You're the Fire Dragon Slayer Natsu, huh? Bad luck for you—I'm the Flame God Slayer!"
Black flames coiled around Zancrow's arms.
Like it was fated, the fire dragon and the flame god had met.
…
"Well, well, did you get lost? This isn't a place you should be."
Mirajane hovered in the sky, her tone icy cold. She had activated Satan Soul.
Below, a large tree twisted and transformed until it took on a humanoid shape. Azuma of the Seven Kin revealed himself.
He smiled. "The Demon Mirajane—a worthy opponent."
…
Lucy stared at the pale-skinned, pudgy man in front of her and said in disgust, "What a creepy bastard."
Cana nodded beside her. "Gross, yeah. But even gross things are worth thirty points. Let's take him down!"
The man, Zoldeo of the Seven Kin, pulled out a straw doll. "Women who don't appreciate my beauty—I'll turn you both into my puppets!"
Off in the distance, a man who looked like an upright goat watched the battle coldly, occasionally casting a conflicted look toward Lucy.
…
At Fairy Tail's camp, those who had been eliminated were all gathered.
Gray readied his magic and smiled. "Looks like luck's finally on our side!"
Rustyrose, another of the Seven Kin, stood before them. He'd been ordered to wipe out everyone at the camp, but seeing no S-Class mages there was a little disappointing.
…
Charles spotted a figure in the forest below and tapped Fal, signaling it to descend.
He jumped off and looked into the jungle. "Long time no see."
"We just spoke recently, didn't we?"
Ultear emerged with a bright smile, accompanied by a young girl.
------------------
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Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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