Chapter 9 : Provocation?

S-Class Mage Promotion Trial?!

Upon hearing Makarov's words, Kyros immediately recalled what it signified.

It was the annual S-Class wizard examination of Fairy Tail Guild, with the evaluation site being the same as where he first entered this world - Tenrou Island, as depicted in the animation.

It was during that time that the Fairy Tail members encountered the guild's two most formidable foes of the future: the Black Mage Zeref and the Black Dragon Acnologia.

These were also the two adversaries Kyros was most eager to vanquish. Fairy Tail was his sanctuary, and he would not allow anyone to bring harm to it.

That was why he aspired to grow stronger. He had trained diligently, though the results were not as favorable as he hoped. Perhaps it would be more effective to expedite attribute point acquisition by navigating the map directly.

"This year's trial site is the Great Monster Forest!"

"The Great Monster Forest?!"

The guild members couldn't help but exclaim upon hearing this location.

The Great Monster Forest was renowned among mages, housing countless monsters and serving as a forbidden ground for all Mages.

Powerful monsters often ventured out, causing havoc among merchants and laying waste to villages and towns. Mages would frequently band together to quell these threats.

"The difficulty this year seems exceptionally high!"

"Has it ever been easy? But this year does seem..."

"Otherwise, Gildarts wouldn't be the sole S-Rank mage in the guild."

Makarov continued, "Strength, determination, and spirit—I've observed these qualities throughout the years. This time, there will be two participants in the S-Class Mage Promotion Trial."

"Two?!"

Many exclaimed in surprise. In the past, there had always been at least three or four slots, even though none had succeeded.

"Just two! The odds are slim!" Macao, having been defeated by Kyros, had since become more dedicated to his duties, shedding the lazy demeanor he once possessed in the animation.

Macao now seemed determined to ascend to the rank of S-Class mage within the guild.

"I wonder who the two chosen individuals will be," Wakaba remarked, exhaling a puff of smoke.

"The first contestant is Laxus Dreyar."

"Laxus!"

"Oh, it's Laxus!"

"Of course, Laxus!"

Laxus was Guild Master Makarov's grandson, inheriting formidable magic from his grandfather since childhood.

Kyros glanced at Laxus leaning against a pillar on the outskirts of the crowd. Anyone familiar with Fairy Tail's storyline knows the kind of person Laxus becomes later on.

However, in his youth, Laxus was withdrawn and had a contentious personality. He often spent time with Fried, Bickslow, and Evergreen.

Kyros and Laxus had minimal interaction, except for when Laxus challenged Kyros to a duel, which Kyros declined out of respect for the elders, not deeming it worth his attention.

"Congratulations, Laxus!" Evergreen exclaimed happily.

"Cheers to Laxus!" Bickslow joined in the celebration.

Freed added, "Regardless of the opponent, Laxus's selection guarantees his ascent to S-Class mage."

"Humph! Naturally!" Laxus folded his arms, exuding confidence. He believed he possessed sufficient strength, but his grandfather had never granted him the opportunity for the assessment, which had delayed his ascension to S-Class mage status.

"I wonder who will be chosen next?" Many were curious about the next participant in the promotion assessment.

"In second place, Kyros!"

Upon hearing Kyros's name, Laxus' expression froze.

"What?!"

"It's Kyros?!"

"I recall Kyros being only thirteen years old!"

"At thirteen, he qualified for the assessment of an S-rank mage!"

"Impressive!"...

The guild members were taken aback. They knew Kyros was formidable; upon joining, he defeated Macao and Mirajane successively, but his youth surprised them.

Kyros himself was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected to be selected for the assessment.

"As we have new members, let me explain the rules. For the first few days of the week, you two need to choose a partner each."

"There are two rules for selecting partners: they must be Fairy Tail members, and they cannot be S-class mages."

"In the end, one person will become an S-rank mage. The specifics of this exam will be announced on the day. Use these days to prepare well. That is all."

"Congratulations, Kyros! Winning the S-rank mage participation chance is incredible!"

"Congratulations, Kyros," Erza added her well wishes.

"Damn it! Kyros gets everything!" Mirajane grumbled, unhappy with Kyros's success. The guild she joined first was now conquered by Kyros, a latecomer.

At that moment, Laxus approached Kyros, towering over him.

"Kyros, if you wish to avoid harm, you should withdraw early. With me, you stand no chance of becoming an S-rank mage."

Kyros raised an eyebrow, smiling at Laxus' words. "How can you be so sure without trying?"

"Are you unwilling to abandon your unrealistic dreams?"

Laxus' expression darkened further, a hint of a sinister smile appearing. "Then don't blame me for playing rough during the competition."

With that, Laxus turned and departed with Thunder God Tribe.

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