The moment Makarov announced the result, the guild hall erupted in discussion.
"Ultear? If I remember correctly, she's only 15 this year. She already has S-Class strength?"
"Did you forget? Laxus was also 15 when he took the S-Class trial, and he passed on his first try."
"That's true. The younger generation is really incredible, gaining S-Class strength so quickly."
"I remember she's Ur's daughter. The mother is powerful, and the daughter is the same. Just as you'd expect from them."
"Aww, man! I didn't get picked again—"
"You'd better be careful. If you don't hurry up, it'll be even harder for you to get picked in the future." One guild member turned his head and gestured to Erza, Sorano, Natsu, and the other young wizards. "Look over there. There are a lot of young people working hard to get stronger. The competition is only going to get fiercer. You'll have even less of a chance."
"No, no! I don't want that kind of future!!" The guild member who hadn't been chosen grabbed the person next to him and began to sob.
"You bastard, don't get your snot and tears all over my clothes!!!"
While the adult section was in chaos, the junior section was also having a heated discussion.
"Congratulations on getting the Master's recognition and being able to take the S-Class trial. I have to work harder too!" Erza said to Ultear with a serious expression.
"Thanks. You'll be able to do it soon too, Erza," Ultear replied with a smile.
Mirajane just clicked her tongue. "Sooner or later, I'll have that kind of strength too." Follow current novels on novel•fire.net
"But you don't have it right now, do you?" Sorano said softly from the side.
Mirajane immediately flared up. "Sorano, are you trying to start a fight?!" She looked like she was about to charge, but she was held back by Erza and Lisanna.
"Ultear-nee is so amazing!"
Wendy, Yukino, and the other younger girls looked at Ultear with admiration.
"Damn it! I'll be able to take the S-Class trial soon too, and then I'll beat Ultear!" Natsu shouted.
Gray and Lyon didn't say anything, but just looked at Ultear with determined expressions. They believed they would also be able to take the trial soon and wouldn't fall too far behind their senior.
The other new members, like Freed and his group, were also very interested in Fairy Tail's S-Class trial and joined in the discussion.
"This year's trial will be held in the largest training arena," Makarov announced. "It's also very simple: a one-on-one battle with a current S-Class wizard. If you can earn their approval, you pass. The time will be three days from now. Everyone, remember to be here early. That is all. Dismissed!"
After Makarov finished, the crowd broke up, but they all continued to discuss the trial. Ultear didn't stay in the guild long; she went straight to the training ground to get in as much practice as she could before the exam.
Three days later, Ur, Gray, and Lyon left the house with Ultear, who was all ready to go, and headed for the training ground. Ur had been notified by Makarov in advance and had rushed to finish her request, getting back the day before just so she could watch her daughter's exam.
"Mama, is my examiner going to be you?"
"No, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to be your examiner, so I refused. But the examiner this time is a pretty good one for you."
"You'll find out soon enough."
Ur was being mysterious. Ultear looked thoughtful, as if she had an idea of who it might be.
When the four of them arrived at the training ground, many guild members were already sitting outside the largest arena. The most obvious of them was a man with slicked-back orange hair, some stubble, and a dark green cloak. He was patting a nearby guild member on the back, laughing loudly as he boasted about how great his daughter was.
"Cana-chan cooked for me! It was so delicious!"
"Are you sure it wasn't because you can't cook, so Cana had to learn?" a guild member couldn't help but retort.
Gildarts had also returned just before the trial. He planned to stay in the guild for a while, and after the exam and the New Year had passed, he would head out again with Cana. Cana herself had already gone to join the younger generation, getting to know the newest members.
"You go and rest over there for a bit," Ur said to her daughter. "Do your best on the exam. I'm going to go see the Master."
Ur went to join Makarov, while Ultear, Gray, and Lyon walked over to the younger group. The moment Gray arrived, Natsu, as if he'd been provoked, started a fight with him after just a few words. They were both immediately suppressed by Noah, who was standing right there. Today was the S-Class trial, and he didn't want those two fighting and affecting Ultear's focus.
Ultear said hello to the others, then went to the side, sat down, and closed her eyes to adjust her state. No one went to bother her.
Around 9 AM, Makarov saw that everyone had arrived and announced, "The X779 S-Class Wizard Promotion Trial... begins now!"
Hearing his voice, Ultear opened her eyes, stood up calmly, and walked into the training arena. After she had entered, Noah also stood up and, to the surprise of the surrounding members, walked into the arena and stood opposite her.
"I knew it. I guessed you would be my examiner. I was right," Ultear said, looking at him as if she had expected this all along.
Noah shrugged helplessly. "Your mother refused to be the examiner. Since you're the only one taking the test, Gildarts is too heavy-handed, so Gramps vetoed him. Laxus wasn't interested and refused. In the end, I was the only one left."
Noah glanced at the other S-Class wizards by Makarov. Ur was smiling at them. Gildarts raised his mug in a toast, then downed it in one gulp. Laxus, who was wearing a pair of headphones, gave a small wave when he saw Noah looking. Noah nodded back.
"Alright. Are you ready? You can come at me whenever you're ready. And remember, use your full power."
Ultear took a deep breath, calmed her mind, then slowly bent her knees, turned to the side in a lunge, and placed her right fist in her left palm, her magic power beginning to rise.
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