After some pleasant talk that resulted in the teasing of Akira, everyone finally got back to the main topic. But before that, everyone decided to go to the campsite. After all, it is already evening. Everyone is already very hungry and tired after fighting for a full day.
Arriving at the campsite, everyone found that the rest of the guild members had already begun the party. Barrels of drinks were already tapped, and the rich, savory scent of roasting meat over a massive bonfire immediately hit their noses, making everyone's stomachs growl in unison.
"Look who finally decided to show up!" one of the guild members shouted, waving a chicken leg from her spot near a makeshift table. Hearing his shout, the others also attracted the others' attention. And soon, sounds of cheers rang out as the rest of the guild members held their mugs, welcoming them.
The tired mages didn't need to be told twice. Completely exhausted and starving from a full day of non-stop fighting and running across the island, everyone immediately dove into the food. For a while, the loud clinking of plates and heavy chewing completely replaced the usual rowdy chatter. Even Laxus, who had finally woken up and was sitting on a log nursing a prominent bump on his head with a sour expression, silently focused on filling his stomach, too frustrated to speak to anyone.
Once the initial hunger was satisfied, the atmosphere settled into a more relaxed, celebratory mood. The guild members gathered closer around the crackling bonfire, their eyes eventually turning toward the old master.
Makarov wiped his mouth, cleared his throat, and stepped onto a large rock to get everyone's attention. His expression turned serious, carrying the full authority of the guild master.
"Now that everyone has filled their bellies," Makarov announced, his voice carrying clearly over the sound of the ocean waves. "It is time to officially conclude this year's S-class advancement exam."
With this, everyone quieted down. All of them looked at Makarov, waiting for him to announce this year's S-rank wizard. Especially those gamblers who were desperately waiting to make a win.
Seeing everyone's eager look, Makarov decided not to wait any longer. "As you all know, this year's trial on Tenrou Island was meant to test our candidates to their absolute limits," Makarov began, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before landing squarely on Akira. "Although some people completely flipped the table, their efforts cannot be denied."
Makarov took a deep breath, crossing his arms over his chest. "Therefore, by my authority as the Third Guild Master of Fairy Tail, I officially announce that the winner of this year's exam is Akira Kurenai!"
The crowd instantly erupted into a deafening roar. The gamblers who had placed their bets on Akira started jumping up and down, waving their betting tickets in the air and cheering his name, while those who had bet on Laxus or Ur groaned, playfully cursing their bad luck.
Akira stood up from his seat, maintaining his characteristic, handsome smile as he calmly walked toward the center of the camp. He ran a hand through his hair, looking completely cool and unbothered by the chaotic cheering around him. He even gave a sweeping bow, earning himself another round of loud cheers and whistles from the guild members, who also played along with his act.
" Okay, kid, please don't make me more trouble now that you are an S-class mage. My old heart can't handle much shock " Makarov said with half seriousness. He knew that from today he could no longer hide Akira's presence.
After all, from today onwards, the council would definitely turn their attention towards the youngest S-class mage to ever be selected. And from today, he would also be forced to go through the scrutiny of the public. Makarov was genuinely worried that the kid's terrible luck would drag him into some massive disaster, leaving the poor old master to deal with the high blood pressure.
" Don't worry, Master. I will definitely not become someone like Gildarts " Akira said with a serious expression, making some of the guild members laugh out loud.
Gildarts, who was currently mid-drink, almost choked on his ale upon hearing that. He let out a loud laugh, waving his hand dismissively. "Hey, watch it, brat! I'm standing right here. Besides, being compared to me is a compliment!"
"In terms of strength, definitely," Ur added smoothly, crossing her arms as a confident smirk played on her lips. "But when it comes to property damage and disappearing for months without doing paperwork? Akira might actually have you beat if his luck holds up."
The surrounding guild members burst into another round of laughter, slamming their mugs against the wooden tables. Makarov could only rub his temples, letting out a heavy sigh at the banter. He knew Ur wasn't entirely wrong. Akira's combat abilities were undeniable, but that uncanny ability to attract bizarre, overcomplicated situations was what truly kept the old master up at night.
"Just remember your responsibility, Akira," Makarov muttered, giving him a firm, meaningful look before stepping down from the rock. "An S-class title isn't just for show. The missions you take on from now on will affect the name of the entire guild."
"I know, Master," Akira replied smoothly, his handsome smirk returning to his face as he gave a casual wave. "I'll make sure to make our guild become more popular."
" I just hope you don't make the guild become a dark guild " Makarov snorted as he jumped down from the podium, taking a beer mug from a guild member. Then, raising his mug high up, he shouted, " Now then, kids, bottoms up "
With the formal announcements out of the way, the party instantly kicked into high gear. More barrels of drinks were rolled out, and upbeat music began to play as the guild members completely went crazy. A few members immediately ran over, dragging Akira into the center of a rowdy circle to toast his victory. Even Laxus, who was still keeping his distance, was dragged into dancing by the drunk Macao and Wakaba.
Even the ghost Mavis joined in, even though she was only visible to a few people, which didn't diminish her happiness at being able to have fun.
And just like that, everyone began to party like crazy. And this party continued until midnight, when these guys began to drop, drunk, on the ground one by one. And just like that, the S-class trial for this year was over.
….
The next day, everyone finally woke up, boarded the ship, and left Tenrou Island under the disappointed gaze of Mavis. Even though Akira had repeatedly promised her that he would come to visit every now and then, the loli was still sad to say goodbye to her new friends.
Looking at the ship, which was already far away in the distance, Mavis let out a small sigh. But just as she was about to turn around and go back to sleep, she was completely stunned to see a familiar boy standing right behind her.
"Hehehe, do you like my surprise?" Akira spoke, looking down at Mavis with a playful smile.
"Wait, Akira?! Weren't you just on the ship heading back?" Mavis asked in pure shock, her eyes wide as a tiny spark of warmth touched her heart.
"Hehe, great, right? This is a clone technique that I created. I thought you would be bored, so I created this clone to keep you company. And besides, I still have a lot to keep learning from you, Master Mavis " Akira spoke with a smile.
****
Author's Note: Hey everyone! If you're enjoying the story and want to support my journey through university, consider checking out my Patreon. Every bit helps with my tuition, and you can get up to 20 chapters ahead!
patreon.com/Nauty_Manu