"This time it's Cana again. With her strength, she should probably pass, right?"
"Well, it's hard with all the monsters in the previous exams every year."
"Mest and Miki aren't surprising, but why did Warren get chosen and not Natsu or Gray?"
"Are you really doubting Warren? He's very strong."
The four chosen participants were all people everyone was familiar with—or at least they thought they knew well—so there were not many objections.
Some people did bring up Rhodes, but considering he had only been learning magic for less than half a year, it made sense that he wasn't chosen.
The other main topic was Natsu, who shouted toward the stage in dissatisfaction, "Old man! Why am I not in it again this time?! I've gotten stronger!"
"Because you're too weak, Natsu," Laxus said. "When you learn to not yell like this the first moment you hear something like this, then maybe you'll be qualified."
The statement made sense, but Laxus's condescending expression was infuriating, making Natsu want to rush up and fight him.
"Don't say unnecessary things, Laxus," Makarov said. "The qualifications for participating in the exam are based on a comprehensive evaluation of your abilities, mindset, and character. Reflect on what you're lacking, Natsu."
"Damn it!" Natsu was unwilling to accept it.
If he could pass the S-Class exam, then he'd be qualified to see Igneel—that was what he believed.
Unlike Natsu, Gray was already silently reflecting on what he might be doing wrong.
It couldn't be because he takes his clothes off all the time, right?
Rhodes asked in confusion, "I know everyone else, but who's Mest?"
"Mest? He joined the guild quite some time ago." Mira thought about it and realized she didn't have much impression of Mest either. "You joined late, so you wouldn't know. He doesn't appear often, almost as mysterious as Mystogan. But everyone knows he's very strong."
Elfman pointed to a short-haired guy with a scar on his face. "That's him. He's a man!"
Rhodes found it strange. He had been in the guild for five months now, working as a server, so if Mest had shown up, he should at least have some impression.
He even had run into Mystogan twice outside. The only one he hadn't seen yet was Gildarts, who had been away for over two years, but at least he knew the name.
But with Mest, he couldn't recall anyone ever mentioning him. A person qualified for the S-Class exam, staying that low-key?
Rhodes asked, "When was the last time he showed up?"
Mira thought about it and replied, "I can't remember, but it must have been a long time ago."
Rhodes nodded hesitantly. Could it really be like Gildarts, someone who had been away for a long time?
Maybe he should look through the guild photo albums and Lidas's sketch collections again to see if he missed him while focused on familiar faces.
Makarov had begun explaining the exam details. "This year's exam will take place at Clover Canyon."
Rhodes was familiar with the location—Magnolia's train line ended at Clover City, and the canyon was situated between Oshibana City and Clover City, with very complex terrain.
Previously, Rhodes had teamed up with Alzack for a mission near the canyon at Sunflower Village.
"The exam will begin in one week. As always, there will be at most one person who will pass. Each participant must also choose a partner," Makarov continued.
"The specifics of the exam will be announced upon reaching the venue. For now, what I can tell you is…" Makarov smiled, "The three people behind me will be your obstacles."
Laxus raised his hand, golden lightning sparking in his palm. "I won't allow weaklings to reach the same level as me."
Mystogan's muffled voice came from behind his mask. "I don't have a choice; it's a request from the Master."
Erza had a serious expression. "I'll give it my all!"
"Please don't go all out!" Warren's inner thoughts unintentionally spread through telepathy, reaching everyone present.
Laxus looked even more disdainful. "If you're scared, now's your chance to quit. It'll save me the trouble."
Warren forced himself to be brave. "W-who's scared?!"
On second thought, this was just an exam; they might not actually give it their all.
Besides, participants were allowed to choose a partner. Two against one, plus the opponent might go easy—it wasn't impossible.
The participants quickly began considering who would be the best partner to maximize their chances.
Even those who weren't chosen were thinking about who they'd pick if they had the chance next time.
"For me, of course it'd be Levy!" Jet and Droy said in unison, then glanced at each other, eyes sparking with rivalry.
Happy said, "For Natsu, it'd be best to team up with Rhodes, right?"
Natsu answered as if it were obvious, "Why Rhodes? I'm teaming up with Happy, of course."
"Aye, sir!"
Alzack and Bisca exchanged glances and then shyly looked away, thinking they'd definitely get selected next year!
Gray also thought teaming up with Rhodes would be good, but he figured that guy would probably be participating next year too.
At that moment, Loke wrapped an arm around Gray's shoulder. "If you qualify next year, how about I partner with you?"
"Sure, it's a deal." Gray smiled. Loke was pretty strong too.
Mira asked, "If it were you, Rhodes, who would you choose?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Rhodes smiled. "I'd choose the Master."
He couldn't choose Mira or another S-Class, but no one said he couldn't pick the Master.
Mira covered her mouth, smiling. "The Master is definitely not allowed."
"Then… how about Granny Polyushka?" Rhodes came up with another idea. "If I could get her to come along, I'd just support her for a stroll in the exam venue, and let's see who'd dare attack me."
Mira laughed even more, thinking it was a perfect plan.
Though, she had a feeling the Master would beat him up before it could be carried out.
"The four qualified participants and their partners will meet at the train station in a week. Get yourselves ready. That is all," Makarov said, concluding the meeting.
Those who weren't selected began to disperse. Having taken on too many missions recently to qualify for the S-Class exam, they needed some rest.
Some left the guild immediately, while others stayed to discuss the participants or even start betting on who would pass.
Meanwhile, the participants began choosing their partners.
Miki decided to pick a teammate from her squad since there was better teamwork that way, though she still had to think about who specifically.
Mest disappeared right after the Master announced the results—he was mysteriously up to something.
And Cana and Warren… coincidentally came to the same place and said the same thing to the same person: "Rhodes, help me!"
Rhodes looked at the two of them standing in front of him. "Huh? Are you both sure you want to choose me?"
___________________________________________________________________________
*In the original storyline, the Master said: "This year's exam venue is… Tenrou Island."
Based on this, it seems the venue changes every year, and the surprised looks on everyone's faces confirmed this.
Then, the Master added, "Since it's some people's first time, I need to explain the rules…"
This suggests that while the general rules stay the same each year—such as requiring a partner—the specific content of the exam varies.
However, the core purpose of the exam is to test one's strength, mind, and rapport with a partner. These core aspects never change.
Regarding Mest, he believed himself to be working for the Magic Council and thought he'd altered the memories of himself and others to infiltrate Fairy Tail. He participated in the S-Class exam to investigate Fairy Tail.
The Master might have hoped Mest could pass the exam and fully return to the guild after making such a sacrifice.*