Just like every year, Makarov gathered everyone in front of the stage to announce the candidates for the S-Class Wizard Promotion Trial.
"I will now announce the participants for the X781 S-Class Wizard Promotion Trial!"
The guild members below buzzed with anticipation. Makarov waited for the chatter to die down before continuing.
"This year's trial will be held on a small, remote island. The grounds have been prepared in advance by Noah. Over this past year, I have watched all of you closely—your strength, your hearts, and your souls. There will be five participants."
He paused for dramatic effect.
"Sorano Aguria!"
"Mirajane Strauss!"
"Cana Alberona!"
"Lyon Vastia!"
"And Simon Mikazuchi!"
As the names were called, a wave of groans and sighs swept through the crowd, with many members complaining about not being chosen.
"Of these five, the one with the highest score at the end will pass. The trial will begin in one week. Go home and prepare yourselves. Dismissed!"
The guild members broke off into their usual groups. Mirajane slammed her foot onto a chair and declared loudly, "This time, I'm definitely going to become an S-Class wizard!"
"Go for it, Big Sis Mira!" Lisanna and Elfman cheered from her side.
Nearby, Yukino and Wendy were encouraging Sorano. "You can do it, Sorano!"
"Of course! I'm going to win this!"
Ultear and Gray were giving Lyon their support. "Don't you dare lose, Lyon."
"Wouldn't dream of it. Victory will be mine!"
Kagura looked up at her brother Simon. "Do your best, Brother!"
"Mm, I will."
Noah watched the excited faces all around him and nodded in approval. Everyone's spirits were high.
"So, are the grounds ready?" Makarov asked Noah.
Noah nodded. "All set. Everything you asked for is in place."
"Excellent."
"Am I the examiner again this year?"
"Yes. Right now, you're the only one who can provide an overwhelmingly powerful challenge for them. I need to test their ability to cooperate and strategize against a superior foe, as well as gauge their true strength."
"Alright," Noah said, a grin spreading across his face. "To be honest, I'm pretty excited to get a chance to beat them up fair and square."
Makarov could only sigh and shake his head at the boy's antics.
A week passed in a flash. Everyone gathered at the guild, waiting for Noah to transport them to the trial grounds. Once he saw they were ready, Noah simply waved his right hand, and the entire group was instantly teleported to the prepared island.
The island was covered in lush, dense forests and dotted with mountains, creating a stunning landscape. As they appeared on a sandy beach, a refreshing breeze carrying the scent of the forest and the sea washed over them, invigorating their spirits.
"Alright, it's time for the first round," Noah announced, holding up a circular metal plate. It was palm-sized, silver, and embossed with the Fairy Tail emblem, with an intricate pattern running along the edge. "See this plate?"
"This is your target. It emits a unique, albeit faint, magical fluctuation and scent. Come and get a feel for it."
The five participants stepped forward. They immediately caught a light but distinct aroma that was instantly memorable and strangely refreshing. At the same time, they could feel the unique pulse of magic emanating from the plate.
Once they had all confirmed it, Noah continued. "The scent comes from a calming and mind-clearing potion I brewed. You've all felt the magic signature. There are ten of these plates hidden throughout the forest. Your task is to find one and bring it back here. The first person to return gets 5 points, the second gets 4, and so on, down to 1 point for the last person. This test will challenge your perception, your reflexes, and your luck."
Seeing their muscles tense in anticipation, Noah didn't waste any more time. He swept his hand forward.
"The first round of the trial... begins now!"
"Full-Body Take Over: Satan Soul!"
"Angel Magic: Flight!"
"Card Magic: Flight!"
In an instant, Mirajane, Sorano, and Cana unleashed their magic and shot into the sky. On the ground, Simon and Lyon activated their own spells and dashed into the forest, both heading towards the highest mountain peak.
"They all have good instincts," Erza remarked, turning to Noah. "Who do you think will get first place?"
Noah looked at the three flying in the air, then at the two who had already vanished into the trees. He stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"It's hard to say. Mirajane's demon powers give her the best physical stats and the keenest senses. Sorano's and Cana's magic is incredibly versatile. Simon's Darkness Magic gets a major boost in a place with so many shadows, and Lyon is always calm and analytical. Hmm... any one of them could win."
"That's the same as not saying anything at all," Ultear said, rolling her eyes playfully.
Noah watched as the three in the sky descended into the forest canopy. "Well, let's just see how they do."
With a wave of his hand, five magic screens materialized in front of them, each displaying one of the participants and their immediate surroundings.
All five had first gone to the highest peak, but they found nothing. After exchanging a quick glance, they each shot off in a different direction.
Mirajane, Sorano, and Cana soared rapidly through the forest. Mirajane was the fastest, followed by Sorano, with Cana taking up the rear. Their speed was impressive, but it was clear they were holding back to avoid creating strong air currents that might disperse the scent they were looking for. As they flew, they constantly scanned their surroundings, their noses twitching.
On the ground, Simon and Lyon moved just as quickly. Lyon created a path of ice ahead of him, skating along it with practiced ease. Simon, meanwhile, used the trees' shadows to accelerate his movements, a mass of dark magic at his feet propelling him forward. It was obvious he had trained hard since the last S-Class Trial.
For hours, the five of them searched the vast island, but they found nothing.
Suddenly, Mirajane stopped mid-air as if she had sensed something. She tilted her head back and forth, her small nose twitching rapidly. She then stopped, took a deep breath, and a look of triumph lit up her face.
~~~
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