Chapter 11: S-class examination (II)

Chapter 11: S-class examination (II)

2 days passed by in a flash. Natsu, Erza, Mira and Laxus were waiting for their guild master in the train station. Natsu, Erza and Mira were talking with each other regarding the test. Laxus was leaning against the wall wearing his headphone. Everyone had their luggage with them.

Laxus is a tall young man with orange eyes. His blond hair is slicked back, its numerous spiky strands pointing backward, though some fall down in a small tuft on his forehead. He has a distinct lightning bolt-shaped scar on his right eye.

Makarov soon arrived near them carrying his luggage. He looks quite tired, probably spent the entire night preparing.

"Okay brats, are you ready for the test? I hope you've everything you need," asked Makarov. Everyone nodded their heads. This is their chance to become an S-class mage so everyone is well prepared.

Makarov brought them inside the train and they soon started their journey. On the journey, Laxus just kept quite listening to music. Makarov was reading some maps. Natsu, Erza and Mira just kept talking among themselves.

"Hey gramps, can you tell us where we are headed for the test?" asked Natsu curiously. This question got all their attention including Laxus. It was important to know more about the exam to be well prepared.

"Hmm... I guess it's okay to tell you about the exam location. It's a huge forest situated on the very edge of Fiore called Forest of Death. Not many people know about the place but it's a very dangerous place. It's occupied by many dangerous monsters. There are many B-rank, A-rank as well as S-rank monster inside the forest." told Makarov. Everyone sucked in a breathe listening to it except Natsu. S-class monsters are dangerous and only certified S-class mage can fight them.

"Gramps, isn't this place too dangerous for us? You don't expect us to risk our lives just for a test, will you?" gasped Mira. Erza nodded her head. Laxus was just listening carefully. This test is too dangerous for a new mage.

"Well, it's just how S-class quests are. If you are not determined to risk your life, then you can leave the S-class test. I'll also give you a device to send help signals. I'll come to the rescue if you use it but you'll be disqualified." said Makarov in a serious tone. Being an S-class mage isn't only about strength, but also about intellect and tactics.

Everyone kept quiet during the journey thinking about the previous answer. They need to give their best during the exam otherwise, they will never pass the exam.

'Finally some action. I'm all fired up!' thought Natsu chuckling. Everyone just rolled their eyes at him and ignored him.

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"We're here," exclaimed Makarov. In front of them lies an eerie quiet forest with a warning sign "DO NOT ENTER" all over the entrance. This forest looks like those infamous Amazon forests with danger lurking everywhere.

"This place is creepy. Do we have to spend an entire month inside here?" said Mira with a shaky smile. Erza and Laxus also didn't look too comfortable here. Only Natsu looks excited.

"You need to head inside the forest and defeat 100 monsters within a month. Also, you can't help each other, or it will result in disqualification. So stay far away from each other as possible. Take this magic tool with you, it will help you record your progress and send distress signal when you're in danger." said Makarov as he handed them a strange-looking magic device that looks like an old Nokia phone with an antenna. Everyone curiously looked at the device.

"Now, I've set the counter in the device. So, when you've finished the trial it will notify you. Now, who wants to enter the forest first. The next person will have to wait for 3 hours to go next." said Makarov. Natsu quickly volunteered to enter. He doesn't want to wait 3 hours for entering.

'I don't know what it is but I'm feeling something familiar inside the forest.' thought Natsu as he kept feeling strange familiar coming out of the forest.

"I'll be the first to enter. Take care of yourselves Erza and Mira. I hope to see you guys after a month." said Natsu as he quickly entered the forest. Just as he was entering the forest he heads both Erza and Mira saying.

"Take care of yourself." He just waved at them and entered the forest disappearing from their sight.

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