The Participants

After the morning's commotion, Calvin went to the guild with everyone.

For the past few days, he had been engrossed in creating new Summoning Cards and hadn't shown up. Being alone for so long made him feel lonely, and he also wanted to see if Mira had returned from her training.

When they arrived at the guild, Makarov, dressed casually, was waiting for them. It seemed he had something to announce.

Erza had arrived early and was staring into space. When she saw Calvin, she nodded slightly, her expression somewhat unusual.

"What's up?" Calvin couldn't help but ask, noticing Erza's odd behaviour.

Ezra shook her head and said, "I'm very pleased with the armor. Thank you."

Calvin was momentarily stunned. Armor?

But he quickly realised that Ezra was referring to the armour he had customised from Calvin Lucifer's equipment.

He had commissioned the armour company before heading to Tenrou Island years ago. Surprisingly, the company had delivered it after seven years. Calvin had almost forgotten about it.

"I'm glad you like it. It uses a lot of rare techniques and materials," Calvin said with a proud, cheeky smile.

This will help Erza get along with him better in the future.

"Ahem," Makarov suddenly coughed, drawing everyone's attention.

Seeing all eyes on him, Makarov slowly began, "I have some announcements to make."

Everyone immediately focused on him.

"I've decided on the participants for the Grand Magic Games."

With these words, Natsu and Gray, who had been lying around, sprang up, intensely focused on Makarov.

They couldn't be blamed. Despite their strengths, the guild had many powerful members, such as Calvin, Laxus, Erza, and Mira, reducing their chances of being selected.

They knew the number of participants: five prominent members plus one substitute, making six. Four spots were likely reserved for the S-Class members, leaving only two slots up for grabs.

But many guild members were on their level—Gajeel, Juvia, Cana, the Thunder God Tribe, Elfman—all capable wizards.

Amid their nervous anticipation, Makarov began announcing the names.

"Calvin, Erza, Natsu, Gray..." These four names immediately shocked everyone.

Erza and Calvin were expected to take two slots, but Natsu and Gray's taking two slots seemed surprising. What about Laxus and Mira?

But the surprises weren't over. After Gray, Makarov added, "And Lucy, with Wendy as the substitute."

Even Calvin couldn't maintain a straight face, looking incredulously at Makarov.

Makarov noticed Calvin's look but simply nodded, saying, "Mira and Laxus haven't returned yet, and I don't know if they can make it in time. So, it's up to you all."

"Sigh, I really wanted them and Gildarts to participate..."

"There's no need to say that!" Natsu and Gray shouted angrily.

"That's it. Remember to head to the capital in four days. We'll go ahead to register you. Use the remaining days to rest well," Makarov continued, mainly addressing Erza and Calvin.

"Understood, Master. I won't let you down," Erza said solemnly, though she found the situation odd. She remained the steadfast knight.

"I won't accept anything but first place," Calvin said with a faint smile and confident tone.

"So reliable, compared to Natsu and Gray..." Happy laughed, covering his mouth, with Lucy and Wendy nodding in agreement.

For the two girls, nothing was more reassuring than Erza and Calvin.

Natsu and Gray felt frustrated but couldn't deny the truth in Happy's words. Despite their reluctance, they had to admit the gap between themselves and Calvin and Erza.

"If there's nothing else, I'll be going back. Still have to finish updating my Summoning Cards," Calvin said casually, ready to leave.

But Natsu suddenly asked, "Updating your Summoning Cards? Will they be stronger than before?"

"Of course. Just wait and see. The new Summoning Cards won't be for fun," Calvin smiled confidently and turned to leave.

Natsu looked eager and surprised, much to Calvin's satisfaction.

Just then, Ezra called out to him.

"Calvin, if you have time, could you help me get familiar with the new armor?"

Calvin couldn't help but sweat at her request, knowing it meant she wanted to spar wearing the new armour.

He thought he'd be crazy to agree.

So he pointed to Natsu, Gray, Lucy, and Wendy.

"Ask them. The four of them together should give you a bit of a challenge and help you get used to it," Calvin said with a considerate expression, making Erza shake her head with a smile.

Seeing Calvin's reluctance, she knew he wouldn't spar with her. So, she turned her gaze to the four he suggested.

A look said, "I won't go easy on you."

Instantly, four murderous glares were directed at Calvin, but he pretended not to notice and quickly left, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

That night, Calvin finished his work for the day. Looking at his schedule, he smiled, satisfied.

The progress was faster than expected. He would complete everything within two days.

But today's announcement of the participants still puzzled him.

Laxus and Gajeel aside, Calvin couldn't believe Mira would forget such an important event. If they recalled everyone when rescuing him, recalling Laxus and the others shouldn't be an issue.

Calvin felt there must be something he didn't know.

So, he sneaked out to Makarov's house.

Inside, Laxus lounged on the sofa like a king, still exuding arrogance while resting.

"What do you mean they might not make it back? He's right here!" Calvin pointed at Laxus, his voice incredulous, while Makarov looked embarrassed.

"Uh... I planned to keep it from you, but it seems I can't," Makarov sighed, looking dejected.

"So, what's the deal? I can't sleep without knowing," Calvin pressed. Laxus continued listening to music, ignoring Calvin, but Calvin didn't mind. Their relationship was just like that—it was good enough if they weren't fighting. Expecting them to be chummy was a joke.

"Actually, it's nothing much," Makarov chuckled. "This year, the Grand Magic Games have a rule change. Each guild can send two teams."

"..."

Calvin was speechless for a while before responding.

"You're the Master; it's your call. But you're as arrogant as ever, just like your grandson..."

With that, Calvin returned home.

He felt the Master was even more overbearing than Laxus.