The S-Class Mage Promotion Exam—an event every Fairy Tail mber had long awaited. Passing it ant officially becoming an S-Class mage.
Everyone had been busy lately, taking on solo missions, hoping to build up achievents and earn a spot in the exam.
Each guild's S-Class exam was different—and even within the sa guild, the exam thod changed every ti.
After all, the title "S-Class Mage" was sothing designated internally by each guild. Standards varied from one to another.
If a guild believed soone capable of handling S-Class missions, no exam was needed—they could just be appointed.
For example, Gajeel and Juvia had been S-Class back in Phantom Lord, but compared to Fairy Tail's standards, their strength hadn't quite asured up.
Fairy Tail's S-Class exams were very formal. Only mages who could hold their own in any situation were allowed to pass.
S-Class missions, SS-Class missions, Ten-Year Quests, Hundred-Year Quests—only those truly recognized by the guild could undertake them.
Charles leaned against the bar counter, hand resting on a wine glass, but not lifting it.
"What's the matter? You've looked out of sorts lately."
Charles didn't even turn his head. "Sorry to make you worry, Master."
Makarov sat beside him. "Listening to my children's troubles is my duty. Mind sharing what's on your mind?"
Charles hesitated, then spoke. "Master… could we reschedule—or even cancel—this year's S-Class exam?"
Makarov's expression changed. "Ah, so it's about that! Did you learn sothing?"
Charles nodded. "Ultear contacted . Grimoire Heart is planning to attack Tenrou Island during the exam. Their goal is Zeref—who is currently on Tenrou Island!"
Makarov's mouth fell open in shock.
Good grief! He'd thought Charles was wrestling with so typical young man's troubles, so he ca over ready to gossip. But this?
Charles had already inford Makarov of Ultear's situation, and Makarov hadn't disapproved.
After all, he himself had sent agents to both Raven Tail and the Magic Council—having an informant within Grimoire Heart was a strategic advantage.
But this intel? Terrifying!
An attack on Tenrou Island by Grimoire Heart was one thing—a battle could be dealt with.
Even if the enemy was Fairy Tail's forr second master, Makarov believed in Fairy Tail's strength.
But Zeref being on Tenrou Island? No one had told him their holy land was harboring such a terrifying existence!
Voice trembling, Makarov asked, "Charles… is this true?"
Charles's nod shattered any hope Makarov had that it was just a bad theory. The master nearly passed out on the spot.
Ultear had indeed contacted Charles the day before, informing him that Grimoire Heart's magic airship had already set course for Tenrou Island.
With danger fast approaching and no viable solution, Charles had been consud by worry—which he now finally confessed.
Makarov took a long swig of alcohol and forced himself to calm down.
"No matter what, we can't let Grimoire Heart succeed! And Tenrou Island is our sacred land—we can't let a dark guild run wild there."
Charles said, "They won't get what they want. Zeref isn't soone anyone can control. That's exactly why I suggested avoiding him."
And he ant it. Don't be fooled by Zeref's dazed, fragnted personality—he wasn't soone you could casually approach.
He was a madman constantly contemplating how to destroy himself—and the scariest part was, this madman held the power to obliterate everything but himself.
Grimoire Heart's master, Precht, Fairy Tail's second guild master, had fallen into darkness, believing that darkness was magic's true source.
So his plan was to crown Zeref as king of the world and usher in a new magical era.
But Precht didn't understand Zeref. If Zeref wanted to rule the world, he wouldn't need anyone's help. And he certainly wasn't a tool Precht could control.
So their goal was dood from the start—there was no question about that.
As Fairy Tail's master, Makarov had access to confidential intel—so of which included the terrifying truth about Zeref.
He could sense Charles's anxiety, and as a parent figure, he had to do sothing.
"I'm proud of you, Charles—for worrying about your comrades' safety. There's nothing more important than a heart that puts others first."
Charles sighed. "But Master… that's not the point right now."
Makarov smiled. "That is the point. Listen—on this path we walk, we're going to encounter powerful enemies.
So we'll overco. Others will seem like insurmountable mountains. And often, we'll be in situations where there's no escape.
In those monts, it's our will to protect others that lets us break through our limits.
No matter how strong the enemy, that kind of heart… can create miracles!"
Charles gave a wry smile. In this world, such idealistic words couldn't be dismissed—after all, Natsu had pulled off victory after victory with nothing but sheer willpower. It was like he was cheating!
But this ti… the enemies they were about to face—Zeref and Acnologia—weren't the kind of foes that could be beaten with belief alone.
Makarov didn't look at Charles's expression—he simply continued, "Just as you want to protect your friends, your friends are your strength.
Fighting alongside them—even if we lose in the end, even if there's regret—we'll have no regrets in our hearts.
Whether it's Grimoire Heart or Zeref, if they declare war on Fairy Tail… we only have one response!"
Charles looked at the suddenly fiery Makarov—and couldn't help but laugh.
To think he'd considered retreating, all because the enemy was powerful. He hadn't realized he could be this vulnerable.
But nothing had happened yet. How could he allow himself to be frightened now?
There was only one thing to do: be ready for anything, and do everything in his power to protect everyone.
There were no easy paths in this world. He would forge his own. And no matter how powerful the obstacles—he would grow stronger and break through them!
With his resolve renewed, Charles turned his thoughts to preparing for the crisis to co.
And… it was ti to prepare for another world. His journey to grow stronger could not stop now.
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Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in Arica's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the Arican Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
Arican Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
Arican TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supre GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
[ 50 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter]
[ 5 Reviews = 1 Extra Chapter]
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