Carla and her friends followed the instructions on the map and finally arrived at Sirius Island ahead of the others.
"Is this Tenrou Island? It feels strange."
It was Carla and Lili's first time visiting Sirius Island. They looked around in curiosity, while Happy and Natsu, who had been there before, didn't seem surprised.
Just as they stepped onto the island, Caesar appeared behind them like a ghost and asked, "Why are you here?"
His sudden appearance scared them. When they turned around and saw it was Caesar, they all sighed in relief.
"It'll scare the cat to death, okay?" complained Carla.
"Love! I almost peed myself!" Happy shouted, trembling.
"It's really elusive," said Lili in a deep tone. "However, Caesar, when we came here, we found a problem."
"Hmm?" Caesar looked at him curiously.
"Mest Gryder. This guy said he's the prince's disciple." Lili frowned. "But from what I remember, the prince is a loner and unlikely to accept disciples. This guy seems suspicious."
Hearing that, Caesar waved his hand. "He's fine. Don't worry about him."
"But..." Lili still looked anxious. Even though he hadn't been in Fairy Tail long, he already cared about the guild deeply. If something threatened it, he couldn't sit still.
"Alright, I'll tell you. But keep it secret, especially you, Happy! If you blab—"
"I promise I won't say a thing!" Happy quickly raised his hands in panic, remembering his last painful lesson.
Once Caesar was sure the Exceed was serious, he explained. "Mest is a member of the guild. He uses memory magic. He can tamper with memories, but his skill isn't perfect. He erased his own memories and infiltrated the Magic Council as a spy. But now, I'm not sure which side he's truly on."
The three cats were speechless. What kind of situation was that?!
Because Caesar was protected by the Philosopher's Stone, it was impossible for Mest to alter his memory. So Caesar still remembered everything about him.
After explaining, Carla revealed her purpose. She wanted to borrow Caesar's power to restore the vision she had seen in her premonition.
Caesar thought for a moment and agreed. It was better to prepare for what lay ahead.
In exchange, he asked Carla to predict his future.
She agreed, and the deal was made. Caesar gave her a few grams of the Philosopher's Stone. With its power, Carla's ability greatly increased. In an instant, the fragmented images in her mind connected together like a clear movie.
But when she looked deeper, her vision blurred. The picture became full of static and mosaics.
Through the haze, she heard countless dragon roars and explosions. The vision was filled with light and ruin.
Carla was horrified.
A future full of dragons… everything in ruins?
With fear in her heart, she told Caesar and the others what she saw.
Caesar listened quietly. Then he smiled. "Interesting. Very interesting. I can't wait."
Carla stared at him, confused. How could he be so calm—so excited—about such a terrible future? Didn't he have any fear at all?
…
The Fairy Tail ship departed from Hargeon Port, slowly sailing toward Tenrou Island.
Standing on the shore, Caesar watched as the ships drew near. Soon, he saw Freed, Levy, and Bickslow disembarking.
"It's begun. I wonder who's unlucky enough to face me first," Caesar said, chuckling as he vanished into his alchemic passage.
Sitting on a throne made of alchemy, he rested his chin on one hand, waiting patiently.
When Freed's spell finally faded, everyone rushed forward toward Sirius Island, each choosing their own path.
Several passages lit up, blocked by barriers—proof that someone had already entered.
Soon, all the magic barriers glowed, and everyone had stepped inside.
Makarov arrived last. Looking at Caesar's complex passage network, he smiled. "I wonder who'll be unlucky enough to meet Caesar and the other five. Since this is a fake exam, those five are bound to 'fail' their challengers."
As he spoke, Caesar heard footsteps echoing closer.
"I hope my luck isn't too bad. This is my first try, after all," said a familiar voice.
Caesar looked up to see Lucy, dressed in a bikini, running nervously toward him.
When she saw Caesar sitting on the stone throne, she froze.
"It's over! How did I run into Caesar?" Lucy cried, almost in tears. She knew exactly how strong he was. Her S-Class exam was as good as failed.
While Caesar faced Lucy, the others also encountered their opponents.
Erza, wearing her Heavenly Wheel Armor, smiled when she saw Jellal appear. "I'm not holding back."
Jellal tossed aside his cloak and motioned for her to come. "Then come, Erza."
…
Mirajane entered her full Take Over form—Satan Soul: Mirajane.
Looking at Elfman standing before her, she sighed. "Elfman, your luck really isn't good."
"Sis…" Elfman's eyes watered. Why did he have to face his sister?
If it were anyone else—even Caesar—he'd fight without hesitation. But against his sister? He couldn't bring himself to do it.
…
Gildarts faced Natsu, waving him forward. "Come, Natsu."
"I'm fired up!" Natsu shouted as flames erupted from his fists.
…
Finally, Laxus stood before Carla.
She smiled slyly, crossed her arms, and teased, "Laxus, can you go easy on me?"
Laxus blushed, looking away with his hand behind his back. "This is my limit. Don't make this hard for me."
Carla laughed softly, pulling out a set of cards Gildarts had given her.