172 Chapter 154 - Dangerous Ambitions.

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Goals and rewards of the week.

TOP 1 = Three double releases.

TOP 2 = Two double releases.

TOP 3 = One double release.

There was a posting error. But here's the good shit.

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[Adam C. POV.]

It had been one week since our triumphant return from Edolas, and as usual life had settled back into its usual rhythm at the Fairy Tail guild, that is. 

The cheers and celebrations had long subsided, but the sense of accomplishment still lingered in the air. Now, with the S-trial exams on the horizon, there was a palpable excitement within the guild walls. As I walked through Magnolia's bustling streets towards the guild, I couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and determination bubbling inside me.

"Adam! There you are!" Makarov's hearty voice called out as I entered the guildhall. The old guild master was standing in the center, surrounded by other members who were busy preparing for the upcoming S-trials. The atmosphere was charged with magic and anticipation.

"Good morning, gramps," I greeted with a smile, making my way towards him. "So, what's my job for the upcoming exams?"

Makarov's eyes twinkled with pride as he patted me on the shoulder. "Well, as one of the proctors, your role will be crucial in evaluating the candidates' skills and character."

I smiled. 

It was an honor to contribute to the guild's future in this way. Alongside Gildarts and a few other experienced wizards, I would be evaluating the candidates' performances in the various trials they would face.

With a clear sense of purpose, we set to work on the preparations. First, we carefully selected the candidates who had shown exceptional growth and potential within the guild during this last year. 

We considered their personalities, strengths, and areas of improvement, aiming to provide them with trials that would help them grow and learn.

The candidates were.

Natsu.

Gray.

Cana.

Elfman.

Fried.

And Lilia.

As proctors, our goal was not to make the trials impossible, otherwise no one would ever pass, but to ensure they would challenge the candidates to go beyond their limits. We designed a series of tests that tested their magical abilities, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. 

Each trial had its unique twist, requiring the candidates to adapt and think on their feet, and out of their comfort zone.

Unlike other times, this time, the candidates were noticed they were selected beforehand. Thanks to me, seeing I had suggested we did just that, to better help them prepare.

In the days leading up to the S-trials, Gildarts and I spent time with the selected candidates. We provided guidance and support, helping them understand the expectations, without actually telling them what to do.

Needless to say, the candidates were both nervous and excited, each one eager to prove themselves worthy of the S-class title.

Makarov, as the guild master, also held meetings with all the Fairy Tail members to rally their support for the candidates, as usual, encouraging and cheering for those who would participate in the trials, something that only helped to strengthen the resolve of the candidates even further.

We also conducted mock trials, simulating some of the challenges the candidates might face during the actual exams. This allowed us to assess their readiness and identify any areas where they might need additional preparation, or a little push. 

The candidates embraced these mock trials with determination, and each session revealed their potential for growth.

By this point, the preparations were now almost complete, meaning my time here was almost over as well.

I knew what these trials meant for me. 

Acnologia.

As I looked around at my fellow guildmates, I couldn't help but feel proud of the family we had become, and sad that I would be saying goodbye to them. 

Oh well.

I had a good time here.

And as long as I can kill that which threatens them, I'll be fine. 

"We can find another way," Mavis said suddenly, breaking me out of my thoughts.

I turned to face her. "Maybe, but I won't risk it."

Mavis looked at me with a sad expression, knowing that my mind was set on the task that lay ahead. "I understand," she said softly. "I wish I could do something to stop this... but... I can't, as I am, I'm useless."

I smiled at her. "You're not useless, Mavis. Some things are just outside our control."

Mavis looked up at me, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Thank you, Adam."

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[Selene, The Moonlit Beauty.]

[Third Person POV.]

In the dimly lit underground laboratory, Selene stood before a mysterious dark shard of energy floating ominously in front of her. The walls were lined with ancient tomes and arcane symbols, hinting at the depth of her research. 

Her silver eyes gleamed with a mix of excitement and dark ambition as she gazed at the shard, her long silver hair cascading like a waterfall over her shoulders.

For months, she had dedicated herself to unraveling the enigma behind Adam's existence, seeking its source and potential. Countless experiments, sleepless nights, and relentless determination had led her to this moment of revelation.

As she observed the shard, Selene's lips curled into a twisted smile, betraying the sinister nature of her discovery. As she had concluded, the secret behind Adam's power was one that held immense power, and she knew that she could harness it for her own purposes, if she played her cards right.

"Finally, after all this time," she murmured, her voice laced with a mixture of triumph and a hint of madness. "I've found your origin, my sweet Adam."

Her fingers danced through the air, and a soft, ethereal glow enveloped the shard. Symbols and runes etched themselves into the air and into the soul shard, forming an intricate web of magic around the energy. 

As the runes shimmered and pulsed, a holographic projection appeared above the shard, before a portal opened. Selene's eyes widened in fascination as she witnessed her work and dedication pay up.

"A world outside the threads of existence as I knew them," Selene whispered, her mind racing with the implications of her discovery. "The potential of this... power is limitless. With this, I can reshape the world, bend reality to my will, and destroy Acnologia once and for all."

Her smile grew wider, but her excitement was tinged with a chilling aura of darkness. 

Unaware of the terrible danger that might lie beyond the portal she had created, Selene's smile remained fixed on her face. The allure of the untapped power before her clouded any sense of caution she might have had. The thought of acquiring enough strength to destroy Acnologia was simply too intoxicating for her.

Without hesitation, Selene stepped forward and plunged herself into the portal. Her body was engulfed in a blinding light as she hurtled through the unknown space, setting the beginning of an event that was never meant to happen, shattering the history of two worlds, with a single action pushed by the desire of revenge.