Chapter 22: FTRJ: Chapter 22

Makarov, sipping his drink, said nonchalantly, “They’re rivals because they acknowledge each other’s strength.”

He smiled, looking at the boisterous guild members. “They know each other well, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

“That’s true. Master, let’s have a drink,” Macao raised his mug, inviting Makarov for a toast.

“It’s this energy that makes the guild vibrant.”

“Where’d my egg go?” Natsu was still brooding on the floor.

“Speaking of which, I think Elfman said he wanted the egg,” Cana said, remembering something.

“Elfman?” Lisanna exclaimed in surprise.

Elfman entered, carrying a blue-patterned egg.

Natsu jumped up. “Elfman, it was you!!”

Elfman explained, “No, Natsu, it was cold last night, and you ignored the egg while you slept.”

“I was worried it would get cold, so I kept it warm. Here you go,” Elfman handed the egg to Natsu.

Natsu felt embarrassed. “Sorry, Elfman. I wrongly accused you.”

“Haha, it’s okay,” Elfman replied, smiling.

The egg started to shake, cracks appearing. Everyone’s attention was drawn to it.

“Laxus, let’s go take a look,” Finn put down his milk and said to Laxus.

“Tch, you guys are so bored,” Laxus shook his head, but still put down his drink and followed Finn towards the crowd.

“Hey, Erza, let’s put our fight aside and go see,” Mirajane said to Erza, who was currently wrestling with her. Mirajane’s curiosity was piqued; she wanted to see if a dragon was inside.

“Good idea. Let’s put it aside for now,” Erza agreed. They both moved towards the crowd.

“Oh, something’s coming out,” The cracks on the egg grew larger. In everyone’s expectant gaze, the eggshell finally shattered.

A blue light emanated from within.

“Here it comes, what is it?” The light faded, revealing a small blue winged cat.

“A cat???”

Everyone was baffled. The cat fluttered its tiny wings, circling above their heads before finally landing on Natsu’s head.

“Aye!” The blue cat meowed. The guild erupted in excitement.

“So cute!!”

The men’s eyes shone with adoration, their breaths catching in their throats as they gazed at the little cat.

Lisanna, observing the joyful atmosphere, said to Natsu, “Natsu, look, everyone was arguing and fighting just now, but now they’re all so happy.”

“Like a symbol of happiness.”

“Happiness, huh? Let’s call it Happy!” Natsu said, smiling as he held the blue cat.

“Aye!” The blue cat clearly liked its new name.

Lisanna, witnessing this heartwarming scene, began to paint, adding a dragon for Natsu to ride.

…

Magnolia, Fairy Tail Guild.

The guild was as noisy as ever on this particular day.

In 17-year-old Laxus passed the Fairy Tail S-class mage exam, becoming the third S-class mage in the guild. Many new members had also joined.

Natsu and the younger members were now taking on simpler missions.

“Everyone seems really motivated lately,” Finn remarked to Makarov, sitting at the bar and observing the bustling guild members. Erza and Mirajane, in particular, were almost constantly out of sight.

“You think everyone’s as lazy as you are?” Makarov retorted, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

“How am I lazy?” Finn protested, clearly feeling unjustly accused. He did go on missions, after all.

Makarov shook his head. “If that’s not lazy, then what is? You’ve been resting for how long now?”

“Only two months,” Finn mumbled, pouting slightly.

Makarov was completely speechless and silently returned to his drink.

After a moment, he looked up. “This year’s S-class mage exam is approaching, you know.”

“Oh, is it? Time really does fly,” Finn did the math and realized the S-class mage exam was indeed upon them once more. “No wonder Erza and Mirajane are always out of sight.”

“This year, I’m going to have you and Laxus be the examiners,” Makarov announced, a surprising statement. The Fairy Tail S-class mage exam had always been overseen by Gildarts. Gildarts’ experience made him an accurate judge of a candidate’s suitability.

But now, Finn and Laxus? This was unprecedented.

“Cough…” Finn choked on his milk, needing to cough a few times to recover.

He then looked at Makarov. “Master, you’re not serious, right? We can’t do it.”

Makarov chuckled. “No, I think you can. That’s settled then.” Makarov didn’t give Finn a chance to object, making his decision final.

Finn muttered under his breath, “It’s probably because Gildarts isn’t around.”

“Dong~~” Makarov’s cane sharply struck Finn’s head. “What are you muttering about, you brat? I’m just giving you something to do since you’ve been so idle lately.”

“Yes, yes, you’re the boss. Guess I’m just a workhorse,” Finn conceded.

A few days later, the Fairy Tail guild members gathered in the hall, their expressions filled with excitement as they stared at the large red curtain concealing the stage.

“It’s finally here,” Wakaba exclaimed excitedly.

“Yeah, yeah, I wonder who’ll be selected this year? I bet it’ll be me!” Macao was equally eager, brimming with confidence.

“Haha, you’re hilarious. It won’t be you, maybe me,” Wakaba, Macao’s longtime rival, couldn’t resist taking a jab at his friend’s optimism.

“What are you saying, you idiot? I’m definitely better than you,” Macao retorted, not convinced.

Just as the two were about to engage in another heated argument, the large red curtain began to slowly rise. Only three names appeared on the screen behind it.

“Huh? Finn and Laxus are up there too? Could it be…?” Someone noticed the two S-class mages from their guild, their voices filled with surprise and confusion.

“Whoa, could this year’s examiners be Finn and Laxus? In previous years, there was only one S-class mage examiner,” the guild members whispered amongst themselves, buzzing with speculation.

“Master, hurry up and announce it! Who’s taking the S-class exam this year?” someone called out.

Makarov cleared his throat and announced loudly, “Everyone, according to Fairy Tail’s long-standing tradition, I will now formally announce the participants for this year’s S-class mage exam.”

“Ooh!! Hurry up and announce it, Master!” The crowd erupted in cheers.

“I’ve witnessed each of your efforts, strength, and mental fortitude this past year.”

“Therefore, I formally announce that the participants for this year’s S-class exam are…”

“Erza Scarlet.”

All eyes instantly focused on Erza. “Erza’s a sure thing; her strength is undeniable.”

Erza showed a happy expression. All her hard work had led to this day.

Makarov continued, “Second, Mirajane Strauss.”

“Mirajane, you got this!” Lisanna clenched her fist, offering her support.

Mirajane, excited, clenched her fist and looked at Erza. “Erza, I’ll be the S-class mage this year.”

“You wish. The S-class mage will be me,” Erza retorted, refusing to yield.

Their gazes locked, sparks seemingly flying between them.

“The tension is already this high before they even begin. This is terrifying,” Elfman whimpered, shrinking back in fear.

“Third, Cana Alberona.” Cana looked up in surprise, her eyes wide with disbelief. She hadn’t expected to be selected for the S-class mage exam.

S-class, a stage holding special significance for her. Cana’s thoughts were in turmoil; she was finally on the verge of achieving this milestone.

Makarov continued from the stage, “This year’s exam location is a deserted island in the eastern sea.”

“It’s fraught with danger, something you’ll have to overcome yourselves. The exam will begin in three days. The specific rules will be announced then. Alright, now go prepare yourselves!” Makarov then left the stage with Finn and Laxus.

“Damn it! Why isn’t my name on the list?!” Natsu grumbled, unleashing a burst of fire in his frustration.

“Haha, are you serious? Someone who can’t even beat me is thinking about taking the S-class exam?” Gray taunted.

“Huh? Pervert, are you mocking me?” Natsu jumped in front of Gray, ready for a fight.

“Isn’t it obvious?” The two rivals were practically inseparable, needing to clash at least twice a day to feel right.

Ignoring the bickering Natsu and Gray, many people surrounded the three selected candidates to offer their congratulations.

“This generation of kids is amazing. The oldest is only fifteen. So much energy,” Macao commented with admiration.

“This is truly the young people’s world. Finn became an S-class mage at thirteen! This is their era; we’re old,” Wakaba echoed his friend’s sentiments.

The two rivals, who had just been arguing fiercely, were now chatting amicably, arm in arm, as if they’d been friends forever.

Perhaps that was the essence of Fairy Tail.

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