After careful consideration, Aiden Brooks shook his head and said, "For now, let's forget it. This ten-year mission took so much time, which shows that my strength isn't sufficient. I'll challenge it later when I become stronger."
"So, I plan to take on some tasks first, to accumulate..."
Before Aiden finished speaking, everyone in the guild rushed to the commission board immediately.
"Move out of the way, I need this task!"
"You move! I saw it first!"
"Just because you fancy it doesn't mean it's yours. I got it first!"...
In a blink of an eye, the commission board, once densely covered with tasks, was suddenly left with only a few sporadic ones.
"What... what's going on here?" The newcomers were confused, wondering why the usually laid-back seniors suddenly became so diligent.
An older member explained: "This is why everyone is so afraid of Aiden.
On regular days, Aiden in the guild is simply a task scavenger, a task maniac, accepting tasks of any difficulty, not picky at all, and even cleared the entire commission board several times, leaving no tasks for anyone to do."
"So in the future, as long as Aiden is around, you have to grab a task immediately if you find one you like, or it might disappear in the next second, and you won't have any money for drinks."
Seeing these reactions, Aiden's face was quite grim. Did he like doing tasks? It was the darn system that released a hundred-ring task on him from time to time.
Hundred-ring missions, in short, require completing 100 guild missions, without any other requirements, just completing 100 missions.
If it weren't for the very generous rewards of the hundred-ring mission, he wouldn't be bothered to do it.
And after experiencing days when they couldn't even afford drinks, the guild members became more diligent and learned to save.
Since then, many guild members have guarded against Aiden like a thief, fearing another day when he would clear the mission board.
But Master Makarov liked Aiden very much. As long as Aiden was in the guild, these kids couldn't get lazy.
"Let's put the task aside; I have a mission for you."
"Mission? What mission?"
"Three days from now will be the day of the annual S-level promotion assessment. I've decided that you'll be the chief examiner for this year's S-level promotion assessment."
"What?!"
Everyone in the guild was shocked when they heard Master Makarov's words, and Aiden was taken aback for a moment.
"What about Uncle Gildarts? Hasn't he always been the examiner?" Gildarts was the examiner when Aiden took the S-level assessment, and they had a battle.
Gildarts is indeed the strongest mage in Fairy Tail; he can smash almost anything with his Crash Magic. Aiden tried his hardest but couldn't defeat Gildarts.
However, that was already a year ago. Over the past year, Aiden's strength has improved significantly, and his power has changed drastically.
If they fought again now, the outcome would be uncertain.
"That Gildarts guy left this and ran."
Makarov said, taking out a note.
Aiden glanced at it, seeing it read: I have something to do, so I'll leave first. Aiden is capable, so I'll leave the S-level assessment task to him. Bye.
Seeing this, Aiden shook his head helplessly. Uncle Gildarts was always like this, doing things his own way.
"Old man! Have you decided on the candidates for the promotion assessment?"
Hearing Aiden's question, the guild suddenly became quiet, as if a pin could be heard dropping, and everyone pricked up their ears to listen.
Makarov touched his chin: "Well... there are still three days left, and the final performance can only be decided..."
"Master, I have to do this task!"
"I want to do this task! Master!"...
A group of people scrambled over to Makarov to take on the task.
After a while, the bustling guild suddenly became empty.
Makarov said with a smile, "It would be great if these kids had this kind of work enthusiasm on regular days."
Aiden whispered to Makarov: "Old man, you've already decided on the candidates, haven't you?"
Makarov, with shifty eyes, said, "Who knows?"
Three days passed in a blink, and almost all guild members gathered in the guild.
"Squeak!"
The door on the second floor opened, and Aiden and Master Makarov appeared on the second floor of the guild.
"Master!!"
"It's finally here!!"
"Announce it quickly!"
"Who is it this year?"...
Makarov tiptoed and jumped onto the guardrail on the second floor.
"Ahem! According to the tradition of Fairy Tail since ancient times, I'm now announcing the list of participants for the S-rank mage promotion exam."
"Oh oh oh oh oh oh!!!"
Everyone in the guild burst into cheers at Makarov's words.
"This year's exam will be held on Monster Island. It's an island of monsters, listed as an S-level forbidden area by many wizard guilds. There are many powerful monsters on the island."
"Gulp!"
Many present had heard of the infamous Monster Island but didn't expect this assessment to take place in such a dangerous location.
"During this year, I've clearly observed the strength, heart, and determination of everyone. There are three participants this time."
"Erza Scarlet!"
Erza's expression became serious upon hearing her name.
She clenched her fists and said, "This time, I will definitely become an S-rank mage."
"Erza, of course, there's Erza!"
"Erza is already the strongest mage outside of S-rank mages. It's normal for her to be included."
Makarov's announcement of Erza's name didn't surprise anyone in the guild, as Erza had such convincing strength.
"Mirajane Strauss!"
"It's Mira!"
"On regular days, Erza and Mira are on par in strength!"
"Great! Sister!" Mira's younger brothers, Elfman and Lisanna, cheered upon hearing Mira's name.
Mira also said seriously, "I will definitely become an S-rank wizard!"