After the 3 Mages wake up, they discuss what they'll do on the island. The 3 don't want to pursue the matter again or there will be no end to it. They just let it go and focus on their current task, preparing for the exam.
"So, the first test is to judge whether they have the necessary strength to be an S-Class or not, huh?" asks Ben.
"That's right, but not only strength, it will also test how they face problems like unbeatable enemies. So they'll need to have good tactics too which means they need to use their brain too," says Mira.
"Well, luck can also be a factor. They also need to learn their weaknesses," says Gildarts.
"We won't fight to defeat them, but to see whether they have necessary battle powers to be an S-Class," says Erza.
"It's almost impossible for them to defeat us in a serious battle, after all," says Gildarts.
"Hmm, if we need to measure their power, then shouldn't we have a standard?" asks Ben.
"Well, Master said that they need to have the power to defeat a weak S-Class Magical Creature so I think we need to use that level of power," says Mira.
"Don't think too much about it. We have taken S-Class jobs many times. So we just need to measure whether they can finish such jobs or not, that's it," says Gildarts.
"Using jobs as the standard, huh? That sounds good to me and it's easier to understand," says Ben.
They discuss for some time and then they start to prepare for the exam ground. This place hasn't been used for a long time so there are many things to do like cleaning up. They also need to make the route and put the enchantments.
It will take a longer time if it's just Gildarts, Mira, & Erza. But with Ben here, they can finish everything just in 2 days. The most problematic preparations are enchantments and some mechanisms, which aren't big problems for Ben.
"Sigh, it's a good thing that we finish fast, but now we don't have anything to do. I'm very bored," says Gildarts.
"Yeah, should we go to Hargeon Port for now?" asks Ben.
"Ooh, that's a good idea," says Gildarts.
"It's not a good idea at all. We were tasked to stay on this island until the exam starts, so we can't leave," says Erza very seriously.
"So stiff like usual," says Gildarts.
"Ah, that's right, there's something I want to ask. It's about one of the participants, Mest. I have thought about it and I really can't remember him at all. Maybe it's because I'm new in the Guild, but I never saw him at all before," says Ben confusedly.
"Mest, huh? He was taking the S-Class exam last year and almost succeed. As for why you didn't see him so far, it must be because of... Eh? Why does my memory about him hazy?" asks Erza in confusion.
Mira also gets confused and says, "I also can't remember him clearly. What happen?"
Gildarts is confused seeing them. He has gone for 3 years and many things have changed in the guild. So not recognizing the young Mages are not strange for him.
"Now I start to get suspicious of him. But we can't make any conclusion, for now, so let's just watch over him from now on," says Ben.
"Alright, I will inform Master about this," says Mira.
"In the meanwhile, let's train while we're here, this island has a lot of Magic Power. It's a very good place to train," says Ben.
"It sure is, but can't we just relax? It's a rare chance to have a rest like this," says Gildarts.
"Then, how if we have a spar? I am curious of your strength," says Ben.
"Ooh, that's a good idea, I'm also curious about your strength," says Gildarts as he gets ready.
"Wait, both of you! I know you are excited, but if you fight here, it will destroy the surroundings," says Mira.
"Hmm, then I'll make a barrier enchantment to prevent it," says Ben.
They go to an open place and then Ben makes a barrier using his enchantment. He makes the best barrier that he can make and he hopes it will be enough. Mira, Erza, & Bella stand outside the barrier while Ben & Gildarts are inside.
Both men get ready and Ben covers his body with solar energy. Gildarts senses Ben's strong Magic Power and also releases his Magic Power. He knows Ben is serious and he also needs to be serious.
The sparring starts and Ben flashes toward Gildarts and sends a straight punch. Gildarts has anticipated it and also sends a straight punch covered in his magic. Their punches clash and create a big shockwave that even shakes the barrier.
Mira, Erza, & Bella who watch from outside aren't getting affected, but they can see the strong effect of the 2's clash. Just from this clash alone, they can see that Ben & Gildarts are far above them. It can be said that the 2 of them are the S-Classes of S-Classes.
"I have seen Gildarts' power many times, so it's not really surprising for me. But I never thought that Ben is this strong. I know that he is strong since he blocked Jupiter Cannon with one attack, but I never thought that he can match Gildarts. It really is surprising," says Erza with a surprised expression.
"You're right, he is always full of surprise. Even I am surprised that he has grown this strong since the last time I saw him use his full power. But I think the most surprised here is Gildarts," says Mira.
Just like what Mira says, Gildarts is the most surprised here. When their punches clashed, he thought that his magic will break Ben's magic into many cubes. But nothing happens to Ben's magic and they are just pushing each other now.
*BAM*
Both Ben & Gildarts get pushed back, but Ben is pushed farther than Gildarts. They look at each other and Ben is grinning while Gildarts is still surprised. It's not an everyday thing for him to get pushed by someone in a clash.
"Surprised that your magic didn't break my magic? Do you know why?" asks Ben.
"Well, yeah, I'm surprised. But I know the answer, so don't worry. Your magic spell's attack power was at least as strong as mine so it cancels the effect of my magic," says Gildarts.
"That's correct. I might have less Magic Power than you, but the power of my Magic spells won't lose to yours. It's all about quality," says Ben while smirking.
"Heh, not bad, kiddo," says Gildarts.
Both of them continue their spar and now Gildarts fight more seriously. He starts to push Ben back because his attacks are still stronger. But his Crush Magic still can't break Ben's Magic because the gap between their attack power is close.
Both of them fight at close range and show high-leveled martial arts usage. None of them use tricks and just fight like men. This is the kind of battle that both of them like, after all. So they don't use tricks even though they have some.
But even if they aren't using all their cards, they still go all out in their clash. It means they use all their power to fight and it is a very intense fight. Mira & Erza can't even say anything seeing their fight because it's just too powerful while Bella keeps cheering on Ben.
Ben & Gildarts look equal from outside, but Ben is getting pushed slowly. Not only that Gildarts's attacks are a bit stronger, but he also can aim his attacks at better spots. In the end, Ben received more damages and is finally lost when Gildarts finds a gap between Ben's attacks then touches his body.
It's just a touch, but it is imbued with Crush Magic which makes Ben's body gets split into numerous parts. Then those parts turn into mini versions of him. If he doesn't become mini Bens, then he will just become blocks of meat, so he is as good as defeated in this sparring.
Mini Bens smile and say, "Damn, we lost."
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