"Juvia's so excited to see Gray-sama!" Juvia swayed happily, eyes locked on Gray across the guild hall.
Suddenly, the curtain on the guild's main stage parted with a flourish.
Standing front and center was Master Makarov, dressed in his formal robe and wearing the badge marking him as one of the Ten Wizard Saints. Arranged behind him were all the currently active S-Class wizards of Fairy Tail.
"Master!"
"We've been waiting!"
"Hurry up and announce it!"
Makarov cleared his throat, playing up the drama. "You all know this is a long tradition of Fairy Tail. Today, I shall announce those advancing to this year's S-Class Promotion Trial!"
"S-Class Promotion Trial?!" Lucy gasped in spite of herself, even though she'd more or less seen it coming.
Her reaction was lost in the rising cheers around her.
Makarov raised his voice over the excitement. "This year's trial will be held on Tenrou Island, the sacred ground of our guild."
"Wooooooaaaah!"
"That's where it'll be, huh?"
Lucy glanced around. "What exactly is this 'trial'?"
"It changes every year," someone answered, "but one thing's constant: it's never easy. And anyone who passes becomes an S-Class mage."
Makarov went on, "Strength, heart, and spirit… we've observed all of you over time. From that, eight people will participate in this year's trial."
He began reading off names:
"Natsu Dragneel!"
Natsu didn't jump around or yell like usual; but in his eyes, you could see the fierce determination of someone who'd decided he would make S-Class this time.
"Aye! Good luck, Natsu!" Happy cheered.
"Gray Fullbuster!"
Gray gave a confident smirk. "This is the last time I'll have to do this."
"Juvia Lockser!"
"Huh? M-me?" Juvia stammered, shocked to have been chosen so soon after joining Fairy Tail. Despite her surprise, no one else in the guild seemed unhappy—everyone knew Juvia's strength.
"Elfman!"
"To be a real man, I gotta go S-Class!"
Lisanna clapped for him. "Go for it, Elf-niichan!"
"Cana Alberona!"
Cana didn't look especially thrilled, though. This was her fifth time. She'd failed the last four tries, and it weighed heavily on her.
"Freed Justine!"
Freed pushed up his glasses. "We need a new S-Class mage to fill Laxus's vacancy."
"Levy McGarden!"
Levy's eyes went wide. "F-finally…!"
"Levy!" Jet and Droy from the Shadow Gear team hollered, celebrating her selection.
"And Mest Gryder!"
"Yes! Mest!!"
"So close last time!"
Various members clapped or grumbled depending on whether they made the cut. Alzack let out a frustrated sigh.
"Man, not me again…"
Bisca patted him on the back. "There's always next year, Alzack."
Lucy suddenly understood the frenzy of the last few days. "So that's why everyone was working so hard—trying to impress the Master and earn a spot…"
Wendy, ever the positive one, cheered, "Good luck to everyone!"
Lucy recalled how Cana had been talking about quitting. "So that's why she was acting that way…"
Makarov raised his hands to quiet the chatter. "Only one can pass and become S-Class this year. The exam begins in one week! Spend that time preparing yourselves."
"Only one?!"
"It's Freed's time, for sure!"
"What about Mest?"
"Natsu, Gray—lots of strong contenders!"
A wave of excited murmurs swept the room. Gajeel, however, looked sour. "Why not me, huh?! I'm way stronger than some of these punks. Even Juvia got in…"
Pantherlily gave him a sympathetic nod. "I've heard a bit about your situation. Seems the guild's not fully sure about you yet."
Gajeel scowled at Erza, who stood on stage. She crossed her arms smugly and met his glare. "You need more time first."
"Geh…!" Gajeel ground his teeth.
Makarov continued, "We have some first-timers this year, so let me restate the rules."
Mirajane stepped forward. "Of the eight competitors, each must choose one partner during the coming week of preparation."
"Partner?"
"So it's a two-person team?"
"That's right," Mirajane explained. "Partnership is also a test of how well you work with others."
Erza nodded. "There are two conditions: your partner must be a Fairy Tail member, and cannot be an S-Class wizard."
Lily folded his arms. "So teaming with Erza or Su Yan is impossible."
Wendy giggled, "Heehee, that would be too strong!"