Kinana quickly adapted to the Fairy Tail guild.
Or maybe it was because this lively guild was so inclusive. As long as someone wasn't extremely difficult to get along with, this warm guild that felt like home could always give people a sense of belonging.
As time went by, everyone started to get busy. The annual S-Class Wizard Promotion Trial was about to begin.
But this year, things were different.
News came from Ultear that Grimoire Heart was moving toward Tenrou Island, so this year's "exam" was fake. The real mission was the coming battle against the dark guild.
...
"Now, let's announce the list of candidates for this year's S-Class assessment!"
The day finally came. Makarov and Caesar stood on the stage. On Caesar's left stood Laxus and Gildarts. On Makarov's right stood Mirajane and Erza.
Makarov raised his hand and began to call out names.
"Natsu Dragneel!"
"Oh!"
"Gray Fullbuster!"
"I won't lose this year!"
"Elfman Strauss!"
"I'll catch up with my sister and brother-in-law!"
"Lucy Heartfilia!"
"Huh? I was chosen too?"
"Juvia Lockser!"
"Juvia too?"
"Wendy Marvell!"
"Carla, that's great! I was selected too!"
"Gajeel Redfox!"
"Hehehe, I won't lose to anyone!"
"Lisanna Strauss!"
"What?!"
"Freed Justine!"
"... "
"Jellal Fernandes!"
...
Everyone stared wide-eyed as Makarov kept reading names. He was calling nearly every strong member of the guild. Everyone was stunned.
What kind of S-Class exam was this?
So many people?
This was like hell mode!
"This year, we're using single-player mode!"
The crowd went silent.
Wasn't it always in pairs before? Why change it this year?
"And this year's assessment will be held at the guild's sacred ground — Tenrou Island!"
Everyone nodded but still looked confused. Some sharp-minded people already sensed something was off.
There were too many participants, and almost all the top fighters were being moved away. It was hard not to suspect something.
"You have three days to prepare. I hope you show your best and earn the title of S-Class wizard!"
"Ohhh!!!"
Everyone shouted in unison, the air thick with excitement and competition.
...
On Tenrou Island, Caesar, Mavis, and a few others were the first to arrive.
"Caesar, why are we here so early?"
Gildarts frowned. He could sense something wasn't right.
Caesar glanced at Mavis, then said seriously, "Since you're here, I won't hide it from you."
Everyone instantly realized something was going on.
"This year's S-Class assessment is fake."
Caesar's first words left them speechless.
Mirajane blinked. "Fake? Then why even hold it?"
"To gather all our strongest members," Laxus said. "We're preparing for war, aren't we?"
"Yes." Caesar nodded. "We're going to fight Grimoire Heart."
"Wait!" Erza interrupted. "If we're really going to war, why come to Tenrou Island?"
"Because this island holds something they want," Mavis said softly. "I can't tell you what it is yet, but they will definitely come. So we're gathering everyone here to defeat them in one decisive battle."
"What about the S-Class exam then?"
"Even though it's fake, we'll still conduct it seriously," Caesar said. "I discussed this with the Master. In the first round, half the people will be eliminated. I built many passageways around the island. Each of us will guard one. Only those we approve can pass. Most paths will cross, so the candidates will fight each other. The winners move on. I also left a few hidden shortcuts — luck will decide who finds them. After this round, half the participants will remain, and we'll split them into four defensive groups across the island to stop Grimoire Heart's landing."
Mirajane and the others listened carefully. They understood that if the enemy really appeared, they'd need to deal with the upper ranks.
Once everyone was ready, Caesar pressed his hands to the ground.
The island began to shake. Countless intricate tunnels and paths formed, covering the entire Tenrou Island.
But that was only the surface. From high above, one could see that the pathways formed a massive alchemy circle across the island.
If necessary, this would be Caesar's secret trump card. Hopefully, he wouldn't need to use it.
...
While Caesar and the others were preparing, the selected guild members back at Fairy Tail began training seriously.
Carla, Happy, and Panther Lily — the three Exceeds — gathered together.
Since the exam was single-player, they couldn't go with their Dragon Slayers.
But Carla's precognition magic showed her some disturbing visions. She grew increasingly worried about Wendy's safety.
She wanted to ask Caesar to interpret the visions, but when she asked around, she learned he had already gone to Tenrou Island with the S-Class wizards.
So, the three Exceeds made a decision.
Led by Carla, they would secretly fly to Tenrou Island to find Caesar and confirm her visions. If danger appeared, they could also support their partners.
After a short discussion, they took a map and set off immediately.
Their excuse to Natsu and the others was simple — they found a place with great fish and went to catch some.
With three cats going together, no one suspected anything.
They flew quickly toward Tenrou Island using their wings.
...
At the same time, an airship belonging to Grimoire Heart was also headed toward Tenrou Island.
"It's finally starting, Ur. We'll finally be together again."
Inside the airship, Ultear gazed at the crystal orb in her hands, eyes filled with longing.
No one except Meredy knew that her wish wasn't to see Jellal soon — but to finally be reunited with her mother, Ur.