Natsu was first to pass through Laxus's checkpoint.
Then others followed one after another, some in miserable states and some with ease, leaving front section and entering middle section of maze.
As for Lucy and Cana's team, luck was truly terrible.
Every single mechanism along way was triggered without fail.
But when luck turns good, it is really good.
Caesar arranged treasure chests to be opened, yet none with mechanisms were triggered.
Two of them picked up ten healing spell jades, meaning five treasure chests were opened.
For a moment, even Selene did not know whether to call them unlucky or lucky.
First section was a separate passage, so no teams would meet there.
Middle section was different.
Lucy and Cana turned a corner and ran into Lisanna and Rili's group.
They met head on inside a narrow passage where abilities could not be fully used.
If neither side truly wanted elimination, fighting here would be foolish.
However, neither team was willing to back down.
Or rather, Lisanna had no intention of retreating.
"Animal Soul Fighting Cat."
Lisanna immediately took over magic, cat ears and tail appearing as hands turned into claws.
She stared at Lucy with overwhelming pressure.
"Lili, help me."
At Lisanna's call, Rili entered battle mode.
"It seems there is no escaping it."
Cana scratched her head and drew a card.
"Sigh, I did not want it to be like this. But I will not lose."
Lucy looked at Lisanna.
"I practiced this move for this day. Celestial Cloth Aquarius Form."
Light surrounded Lucy, and like Erza changing armor, outfit shifted with Aquarius pattern forming on chest.
"Begin, Taurus."
Taurus raised his battle axe and charged forward.
"Moo. Miss Lucy still looks amazing."
Axe slammed down, but Lisanna and Rili dodged instantly.
Attack missed completely.
"A Brief History of Hydrology."
Lucy waved her hand, torrents of water rushing toward Lisanna.
"Do not even think about hurting Lisanna."
Rili charged forward, giant sword blocking water flow.
"Moo."
Seeing this, Taurus rushed out and swung axe sideways.
"Cana."
"I was ready long ago."
Cana unleashed a barrage of cards, sealing escape routes.
Do not underestimate me.
Lisanna leapt up, using Rili's shoulder as springboard, running along corridor wall like a cat.
She lunged toward Lucy with claws raised.
"Wait, Lisanna, watch out."
Rili suddenly sensed danger and shouted.
"It is too late."
Cana smiled confidently.
Sleep gas burst out from cards and enveloped Lisanna.
"I told you not to underestimate me."
Lisanna instantly transformed into a bird, flapping wings and blowing sleep gas back.
"Star Spirit Robe Scorpio Form. Sandstorm rages."
"Emperor's Wind Blade."
Sandstorm surged as Cana's cards released countless wind blades.
"Lisanna."
Rili swung sword to block Taurus's axe, trying to support her.
Taurus stopped him directly.
"Soul of Animals Nine Tailed Fox."
Lisanna changed form again, nine tails spreading wide.
A magic barrier formed, blocking attacks.
Is Lisanna really this strong.
Cana stared in disbelief.
"Do not forget, her sister is Mirajane, and her brother in law is Caesar."
Lucy spoke calmly.
"Do you think she lacks resources."
Lucy understood clearly.
Aside from potions Caesar sold, Lisanna surely consumed many not sold publicly.
Judging strength by past experience would lead to loss.
"This is only way, Cana, buy me time."
Lucy closed Taurus Gate and summoned Gemini.
"Crackle."
"Gemini, become like me."
Gemini transformed into Lucy wearing a bath towel.
Why bath towel.
Outside maze, Selene watched with confusion.
"Who knows when she copied that."
Caesar shook his head, complaining silently.
Lucy always provided excessive fan service.
Rili broke free and rushed forward with Lisanna.
They prepared a strong attack.
But Cana was no pushover.
"Blazing sun, icicles of death, fate struck by lightning."
Cards flew everywhere, unleashing various spells.
With Gildarts's Jewels backing her, Cana had endless cards.
Even as Lisanna and Rili tried to push through, Cana held them back.
"Lucy, are you done."
Cana felt intense pressure fighting two strong opponents.
"Alright."
Lucy and Gemini stood back to back as massive magic circle appeared.
"Distant sky stretches to horizon, countless stars shine."
"History of Star Chart. Stop her."
Lisanna realized instantly this spell could defeat them both.
They attacked more fiercely.
Cana clenched teeth and released dense barrage of cards.
She barely blocked them.
"Show true form, all under my control. I am Lord of Stars."
"I command opening of Wilderness Gate."
"All eighty eight stars, shine. History of Star Map."
That moment bought enough time.
As Star Chart activated, Lisanna and Rili turned and fled.
Too late.
Lucy and Gemini clasped hands, aiming forward.
Go.
Starlight flooded entire passage.
Lisanna and Rili were swallowed instantly.
Light faded.
Lisanna and shrunken Rili lay unconscious on ground.
Lucy closed Gemini Gate.
Her magic was nearly depleted.
Lucy felt tears well up.
How could next test be passed.
What kind of grudge was this.
Two spell gems shattered, restoring injuries and stamina.
Magic power recovered painfully slow.
Who knew what traps or enemies awaited next.
Click.
Lucy stepped on stone slab.
It sank slightly.
Lucy and Cana exchanged bitter smiles.
"Aaaaaaah."
Floor vanished beneath them.
They fell straight down.
Seeing sharp spikes below, both clung to each other in terror.
They were completely helpless.
Whoosh.
Teleportation mark activated.
Lucy, Cana, Lisanna, and Rili appeared outside maze.
They were eliminated from S Class assessment.