Chapter 15: FTRJ: Chapter 15

Luckily, they hadn’t reached Gildarts’ round yet. If those two destruction maniacs fought, the island would sink.

Without hesitation, they moved towards the center of the battle.

The fire tornado quickly dissipated; Finn had canceled it. If he hadn’t, the flames would have incinerated Laxus.

This was a contest, not a death match.

Laxus fell from the sky.

Just as Finn thought he’d won, Laxus struggled to his feet.

He was tattered and burned, clearly at his limit. Finn didn’t understand why he was still standing; this was just a contest.

“Come on! Finn! Use your sword!” Laxus shouted through gritted teeth.

“I can still fight! Don’t underestimate me, you bastard!!!”

Finn was stunned, then understood. Sensing his dwindling magical power, he sheathed his sword.

Ryūjin Jakka was powerful but consumed immense magical power. Even Finn’s exceptional magical power couldn’t last long. He’d only awakened his magic a year ago.

As Finn sheathed his sword, the flames gradually died down.

“What’s the meaning of this? Do you look down on me?!” Laxus roared, unwilling to accept defeat. He’d worked so hard, why did he lose?

Finn shook his head sadly. “I don’t look down on you. My magical power is depleted. We’re just two ordinary people who can’t use magic now.”

Finn took the first step, his side still aching from Laxus’s punch.

Laxus bit his lip, forcing himself to stay awake, and charged at Finn, fists clenched.

Sunlight shone on the ravaged island. Two figures engaged in brutal hand-to-hand combat.

Finn’s powerful punch landed on Laxus’s face. Laxus stumbled back, his vision blurring.

“Cough…” Blood dripped from his mouth.

Finn wasn’t much better. His clothes were torn, and he had a large bruise on his chest. He raised his left leg to lessen the strain.

Laxus was unsteady, but his trembling hands remained clenched.

He roared, raising his fist, staggering forward. Finn remained silent, watching Laxus’s approaching fist.

He ducked the weak blow and struck Laxus’s chest. This was the final blow.

Laxus collapsed.

Makarov closed his eyes.

The winner was Finn.

Gildarts looked at Makarov. “Do we need the second round?”

Makarov took a deep breath, calming himself. “No more testing. Do you want to destroy this island?”

“This S-class promotion exam showed me what I wanted to see – strength, intelligence, and spirit.”

“They both passed. But only one can be promoted. Finn is the winner!”

Makarov sighed in relief, looking at Finn with gratitude.

…

“You’re strong, Laxus,” Finn said, relaxing his tense muscles. He sat down, looking at the calm sky.

“You’re stronger,” Laxus said calmly. His anger had subsided.

Finn continued, “I thought you were selfish, uncaring, and condescending.”

Laxus scoffed.

Finn continued, “But I’ve changed my mind. You’re strong, and you’ve worked hard.”

Laxus’s pupils flickered. “You’re wrong. I just inherited my grandfather’s power. My achievements are because of him.”

Finn smiled. “Don’t lie to yourself. Your fists don’t lie. I felt your hard work. You’ve achieved a lot.”

Laxus was silent, his eyes moist. He felt both injustice and joy. He felt injustice because his efforts weren’t recognized, and joy because someone finally acknowledged him.

“I…I don’t want to live under my grandfather’s shadow.”

“Are you going to cry?” Finn teased.

Laxus wiped his eyes. “No way. I’m not a crybaby.”

Finn, feeling his strength return, stood and offered a hand. “Can you stand?”

Laxus took his hand, letting Finn help him up.

“There you go,” Finn put Laxus’s arm around his shoulder and helped him walk.

Makarov watched them, filled with warmth.

“Good job, you both did great,” Gildarts applauded.

“Heh, Sir, what’s next?” Finn asked.

Gildarts gestured to Makarov.

Makarov nodded. “Considering your condition and the damage, the second round is canceled.”

“Canceled? So…” Finn’s eyes lit up.

Makarov announced, “The S-class mage exam is over. The winner is Finn!!”

He looked at Laxus. “Laxus, I’ve seen your strength. But only one can be promoted. Try again next year.”

Laxus nodded. “I accept the result. I have no complaints about losing to Finn.”

Laxus looked at Finn. “Don’t celebrate too soon. Next year, I’ll become an S-class mage. I’ll catch up to you.”

“Bring it on.”

“But I still don’t think you’ll improve much hanging around those weaklings,” Laxus said.

Finn shook his head. Comradeship was something you had to experience yourself; you couldn’t learn it from others.

…

Fairy Tail guild.

Finn kicked open the door, shouting, “I’m back!”

“You brat! I’ve told you not to kick the door! Does this door grow on trees?!” Makarov yelled.

“Master, Finn’s just happy. Let it go,” Gildarts laughed, walking in straight – but because of his angle, he walked straight into…

Makarov sighed. He turned and saw Gildarts.

“My wall!!!”

Inside the guild, two people with bumps on their heads were toasting. One had alcohol, the other milk. Makarov had caused the bumps!

“Finn, you’re an S-class mage now?” People congratulated Finn.

“Finn, congratulations on becoming an S-class mage,” Erza said happily. She was closest to Finn.

“Thank you, Erza. You’ll probably take the S-class exam soon.”

“I’ll work hard,” Erza said seriously. “I can’t slack off. I need to practice swordsmanship,” She left.

“A thirteen-year-old S-class mage! That’s a record! The whole kingdom doesn’t have one this young,” Macao said.

“Wow, kids these days are amazing! Laxus will pass next year, Erza soon, Gray and Natsu are strong too.”

Someone compared the children and realized they were all incredible.

“As expected of you,” Gray said, having witnessed Finn’s journey.

“Finn, you’re an S-class mage! Let’s fight! If I win, I’ll be an S-class mage too, haha,” Natsu said.

Everyone facepalmed, but they were used to it.

Finn waved his hand. “No, I’m tired. I don’t want to fight.”

Natsu charged.

Finn punched Natsu on the head without looking.

“Boom—” Natsu crashed through the floor, stars spinning in his eyes.

“Haha, another one-hit knockout!” Everyone laughed.

“The thirteenth time Natsu was defeated by Finn.”

“Natsu, you suck, haha!”

“Damn it, I shouldn’t have hit his head. He’s already a bit slow. What if he gets even slower?” Finn wondered as Natsu was carried away.

“Where’s Laxus? He didn’t come back with you?” Cana asked, drinking.

__________________

for more advance Chapters visit patreon.com/bars45.

For 10$- All advance Chapters.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep