Following that, the Magic Council began a smear campaign. All sorts of negative rumors surfaced—it seems haters are the same no matter which world you're in.
Makarov barked, "You brat! Who told you to be so reckless with your strength? I've had to take plenty of heat from those Council geezers because of you! And now you're making excuses when I ask you to work? Are you a wizard of Fairy Tail or not?! Every wizard in this guild has completed more missions than you."
Chu Yan retorted, "Tch! If you hadn't stopped me, I would've flattened the Magic Council long ago. Then we wouldn't have to deal with them. Besides, even if I haven't done many missions, the ones I do complete are all high-ranking."
"Nonsense! If the Magic Council were gone, who would stop wizards from committing crimes?"
"There you go again! I just don't like troublesome things."
Makarov laughed. "Little brat, every time you come back, you complain about missions and cry about being poor, yet no one in the guild is more extravagant than you. Anyway, I have a task for you."
"STOP! STOP! I just got back. I just finished a Ten-Year Quest. I need a solid month of rest. Life isn't just about missions; there's also love. I'm at that age—it's time to find a girlfriend, get married, and have kids. Whoever wants to do the mission can do it; I'm not going back out."
Bam! As soon as Chu Yan finished speaking, Makarov smacked him on the head.
"How old do you think you are, getting married and having kids?! It's way too early for that! This task doesn't require traveling. This year's mission is the S-Class Wizard Promotion Trial."
The guild members all turned their attention toward them.
"S-Class Trial?"
"Is it that time of year already? Laxus became S-Class last year. I wonder who's qualified to participate this time!"
"Who is it? Master, hurry up and announce it!"
Makarov stood on the counter, waiting for the atmosphere to build before speaking. "Ahem! I originally planned to announce this tomorrow, but since everyone is here, I'll do it now. After a year of observation, three people are qualified for this year's S-Class Trial: Erza Scarlet, Mirajane Strauss, and finally, Cana Alberona!"
Many were disappointed to hear the slots were already filled.
Gray grumbled, "Beaten by the girls again. Dammit!"
"Next time! I'm definitely getting a spot next time!" Natsu added, looking frustrated.
Erza and Mirajane's gazes met, sparks practically flying between them. They had been rivals since childhood, their strength nearly identical. If it weren't for a monster like Chu Yan appearing out of nowhere, these two would be the undisputed top of their generation. This S-Class Trial was the perfect stage to settle who was superior.
"Erza and Mirajane!"
"And Cana made it too!"
"They're only fifteen, right? Already qualified for S-Class!"
"Speaking of which, where have all the men in this guild gone? All three candidates are girls." The men in the guild looked a bit embarrassed at that comment.
"It's because you guys spend all day drinking instead of taking missions seriously. That's why you don't qualify!"
Makarov continued, "Since some are participating for the first time, I'll explain briefly. Each candidate can choose one partner from the guild members, excluding S-Class Wizards. The rules will be revealed on the day. Chu Yan will be the final proctor."
Both Erza and Mirajane fixed their eyes on Chu Yan. Though they were rivals, the person they both wanted to surpass most was this boy their own age.
"Chu Yan is the proctor? He was the one who proctored Laxus last time too, wasn't he?"
"Yeah! No one knows exactly how that fight went, but Laxus became an S-Class Wizard afterward."
"That goes without saying; Chu Yan definitely won. Remember, he became an S-Class Wizard at thirteen. When Gildarts came back last time, he said Chu Yan was the strongest in the guild."
Hearing that Chu Yan was the proctor, Natsu slammed his fists together. "Chu Yan, huh? I'm all fired up! Erza, let me be your partner!"
"Natsu, sorry. For this trial, I'm choosing Gray," Erza declined. Gray shot Natsu a smug grin.
"Why?! What does Gray have that I don't?!" Natsu asked, stunned.
"Gray's Maker Magic is versatile and can provide strong support. He's well-rounded in both combat and other areas."
Gray gloated, "Natsu, the chance to fight Chu Yan is mine!"
"Ooh! Erza and Gray? That's a powerhouse team!"
Natsu turned his gaze toward Mirajane, only to hear Elfman say, "Sister, I will definitely help you become an S-Class Wizard!"
"Yes, I'm going to become S-Class before Erza does!"
"Mirajane and Elfman—they've been working together for a long time. They'll be tough to beat!"
"Cana!" Natsu looked toward Cana as his last hope.
Cana said hesitantly, "If you don't mind that I'm not that strong, then okay." Cana was surprised to be a candidate, but looking at rivals like Erza and Mirajane, she lacked confidence.
"Great! Don't worry! I'll do everything I can to help you become S-Class! I'M FIRED UP!!"
"Cana and Natsu aren't weak either! It looks like this S-Class competition is going to be fierce!"
Chu Yan leaned in and whispered unhappily to Makarov, "Old man, you really know how to use people. Ever since I proctored Laxus, he hasn't said a single word to me. Every time we meet, he glares at me like he wants to eat me alive."