Laxus was seething with rage. He had grown up in Fairy Tail and, after becoming a mage, had worked diligently to complete difficult quests just to be acknowledged by others.
Yet, despite all that effort, he was only getting his first chance to participate in the S-Class promotion exam now, just as he was about to turn 18.
And Lucas? He had joined the guild barely half a year ago. A kid not even fourteen years old, yet he was given the same opportunity.
Why?
It would be one thing if others treated him unfairly, but for his own grandfather to treat him like this...
Lucas noticed Laxus's glare and frowned slightly. Laxus had picked a fight before, but they hadn't crossed paths much since then.
What was his problem now?
Was it because they were competitors for the S-Class title?
Lucas didn't mind, though. He was eyeing Laxus's Lightning Dragon Slayer Magic anyway.
"The exam will take place in one week. You two, get yourselves in peak condition."
"Since it's the first time for both of you, I'll explain the rules."
"The two selected participants must choose a partner within this one-week preparation period."
"There are two rules for partners: First, the partner must be a Fairy Tail member. Second, you cannot choose an S-Class Mage."
"The specific content of the exam will be announced after we arrive at the location on the day of the exam. Dismissed!!"
After Makarov finished speaking, the guild returned to its usual state. Many people were discussing whether Lucas or Laxus would become the new S-Class Mage.
Some guessed Laxus, while others thought it would be Lucas.
Some people were drowning their sorrows in alcohol because they weren't selected.
Lucas and his friends sat at a table, eating and chatting.
"Lucas, Lucas! You'll definitely pick me as your partner, right?"
Natsu was eagerly sucking up to Lucas. It was normal that he didn't get a slot; he was too young. Lucas was the youngest participant in Fairy Tail history to take the S-Class exam.
For Natsu, even if he couldn't become an S-Class Mage, participating would give him experience for when his time came.
Gray spoke up, "Why pick you? I'm a much better choice. My magic is more versatile and can handle various situations. I'll definitely help you become an S-Class Mage."
Gray had the same idea as Natsu. Who wouldn't want to participate in the S-Class exam? Besides, he didn't want to see Natsu looking so smug.
Natsu grabbed Gray's collar. "Huh? You wanna fight?"
"Hah! I'm not afraid of you!"
Just as the two were about to fight...
"I'll be your partner," Mira said to Lucas.
Natsu and Gray froze. Mira wanted to join too?
Neither of them was a match for Mira!
Besides, didn't Mira and Lucas not get along?
Lucas smiled and shook his head. "I've already chosen my partner."
"Who?"
Lucas looked at Erza.
"Erza? Why choose her? Do you think I'm not as strong as Erza?"
Mira looked annoyed. She hated losing to anyone, but especially to Erza.
"That's not it. Erza and I made a pact. Whoever qualifies for the S-Class exam first, the other will be their partner. Of course, if we both qualified, the pact would be void."
"I originally thought Erza would qualify first. I didn't expect it to be me."
He had originally thought that if Erza qualified, he would help her, which would bring them closer.
"Ah! Erza, that's so cunning!"
"I didn't expect this situation either. But since Lucas qualified, I will definitely help him become an S-Class Mage," Erza said seriously.
Just then, a voice rang out:
"Hmph! Shameless boasting! Anyone can talk big. 'Definitely become an S-Class Mage'? If it were that easy, the whole guild would be S-Class by now. S-Class is S-Class because the exam is incredibly difficult. It's not something any random stray cat or dog can achieve."
They looked in the direction of the voice and saw Laxus and the Thunder Legion sitting at a nearby table. The one who spoke was Evergreen.
"Evergreen..."
Erza narrowed her eyes. The Thunder Legion trio were Laxus's followers. They were all a bit awkward and didn't fit in well with the rest of the guild.
However, all three were strong, and their magic was troublesome. Even she wasn't absolutely confident she could win against them.
Laxus looked at Lucas with unkind eyes. "Kid, don't think that just because you qualified for the exam like me, you're on my level. The one who becomes S-Class this time will be me. If you know what's good for you, give up."
"Oh? And if I don't know what's good for me?"
Lucas looked at Laxus with a faint smile.
Laxus's face darkened. "Then you'd better pray it's not a combat-type exam. Otherwise, if I accidentally lose control, it won't be good if you get hurt."
"Oh? Then I'm actually looking forward to it."
Lucas had a good temper, but that didn't mean he let people bully him. He could eat anything, but he wouldn't eat a loss.
Laxus was in his rebellious phase, and the Master couldn't control him. Lucas wouldn't mind disciplining him on the Master's behalf.
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