"Going that big?"
Shane's gossip-loving soul ignited instantly. "So which unlucky bastard had to run naked?"
At that, Cana's wicked grin vanished and was replaced by a thoroughly disappointed face.
"Don't even ask. It was Gray. That idiot picked a fight with Natsu halfway through, lost, and ended up dead last."
"Huh?" Shane froze for a beat, then immediately complained, "How is that a punishment? That guy looks like that every other day!"
"Exactly!" Cana gritted her teeth in frustration. "The punishment was set in advance—you can't just change it on the spot. Who knew the last place would be Gray, that pervert? It wasn't even funny. I couldn't be bothered to pull out my camera."
So you were planning to take a picture.
Seeing the boredom on Cana's face—like she'd missed the best part—Shane understood completely.
This woman really did live off other people's misery as entertainment.
"Ahem!"
Up on the platform, Makarov shot them a fierce glare. "It's a serious moment and you've still got time to gossip?!"
Shane and Cana instantly shut up and put on their best "good children listening attentively" faces.
Once they behaved, Makarov cleared his throat and continued.
"Second… Shane!"
"Mmh."
Shane stroked his chin. He wasn't surprised by the result.
He'd been grinding like a maniac these past two months—quantity, quality, and the strength he'd shown. Getting on the list was well-earned.
What he cared about was something else.
The old man had promised him: once he became an S-Class mage, he'd give him the clue about "demons."
That was a prime chunk of "bait" that could very likely trigger a new trial from the Book of Heroes.
No way was he letting it slip.
Hope the old geezer keeps his word… Shane muttered to himself.
"Third…" Makarov's voice rang out again. "Erza!"
"Hm?"
Shane turned to the red-haired girl beside him.
Their eyes met; Shane lifted an eyebrow, sending a message with his gaze: So you really got picked, huh?
Their long-running chemistry made Erza read it instantly.
She didn't speak—just quietly reached over and pinched his palm hard.
I'm serious.
"Alright then."
Shane shrugged and squeezed her fingertips back.
Thinking about it, Erza's work rate was among the best in the guild.
Whether it was ability or performance record, she absolutely deserved to be here.
And honestly, it had been a while since he and her had done a proper, serious spar.
This exam might be the perfect chance.
"As for the last candidate…"
Makarov suddenly dragged the words out, deliberately building suspense.
The whole hall got hooked. Neck after neck stretched, everyone clinging to a sliver of hope.
"Macao Conbolt!"
The moment the name dropped, the room went silent for a full second.
"Huh?!"
Everyone stared, eyes wide with disbelief.
"How is it Macao?"
"Didn't he just get married?"
"Yeah! I thought he was going to retire and take it easy!"
All eyes swung to the purple-haired man in the corner—who was currently vibrating with excitement.
Macao stood up and shouted back, annoyed by the reaction.
"Hey, hey! What is that supposed to mean?! I've been working harder lately than I have in years, okay?! I've been in this guild forever—am I not allowed to join the S-Class exam for the first time?!"
When he yelled like that, people actually thought about it.
It was true—ever since Macao "speed-married," he still came by sometimes, but he wasn't glued to the bar all day anymore.
They'd even seen him stumble in late at night more than once, dead tired after finishing jobs.
"Ha—stop pretending."
Wakaba mercilessly exposed him, puffing his pipe with a mischievous grin.
"His wife's pregnant. The baby formula pressure is crushing him, so he's grinding like his life depends on it!"
"Shut up! That's a man's responsibility!" Macao's face went red as he tried to cover Wakaba's mouth.
Then a calm, serious voice cut in.
"I don't think Macao working hard for his family is anything to laugh at."
Erza stepped forward, gaze unwavering as she corrected Wakaba with absolute sincerity.
"On the contrary, it shows responsibility—and that deserves praise."
"Uh…"
Under the weight of Erza's aggressively righteous stare, Wakaba instantly folded, scratching his head awkwardly. His pipe nearly fell out of his mouth.
"I—I didn't mean it like that…"
People immediately started heckling him.
"Look at you, Wakaba—getting a lecture from a kid about common sense!"
"No wonder the newer members don't treat you like a veteran anymore!"
Macao sighed. Even though his secret had been exposed, he knew Wakaba wasn't malicious, and he tried to smooth it over.
"Erza, don't take it too seriously. Wakaba's mouth is trash, but he's not a bad guy."
Then Macao turned and looked at Shane and Erza, eyes sharpening.
"Even if I'm grateful you gave me a wedding gift, I'm serious about this exam."
He clenched his fist, eyes blazing with long-lost fighting spirit.
"For my kid who hasn't even been born yet—I'm going all out. No holding back. You two better watch yourselves!"
"Understood. Please take care of me," Erza replied solemnly.
Shane grinned too, accepting the challenge.
"Alright."
On the platform, Makarov clapped his hands and pulled everyone's attention back.
"Now that the candidate list is confirmed, here are the rules…"
"This year, teaming up is allowed. Besides these four candidates, each of you may choose one guild member as a partner to assist."
"As for the exam location…"
The old man flashed a mysterious grin.
"One week from now—meet at Magnolia Station! I'll reveal the specific location and details then."
With that, he clasped his hands behind his back and wandered off upstairs, leaving the fired-up young crowd to explode with energy.
"A partner, huh…"
Macao immediately looked at Wakaba.
They exchanged a glance and, without a word, clasped hands tightly—years of teamwork, perfect synchronization, and comparable strength.
"I'm counting on you this time," Macao said seriously.
"Can't help it. You're about to be a dad," Wakaba replied with a grin, exhaling a smoke ring.
Watching the older generation form up instantly, Shane felt a headache coming on.
"So we really have to find partners…"
He turned to the red-haired girl beside him.
Right on cue, Erza turned too—as if she'd read his mind—and their gazes collided.
"Pfft."
Erza laughed first.
Their thoughts were exactly the same.
They both wanted the other as their partner.
That unspoken synchronicity made her lips curl up, and her mood brightened for no reason at all.
"Too bad," Shane sighed dramatically. "We're both examinees—so by the rules, we can't team up."
Now that was a problem.
Outside of Erza, he genuinely didn't know who to pick.
Natsu? Gray?
They had potential, sure—but they were young, hotheaded, and could absolutely cause a disaster at the worst possible moment.
As for everyone else… he'd been too busy with jobs and training. He wasn't that close with most of them.
Shane rubbed his chin, scanning the guild hall.
Then his eyes landed on a blond figure in the corner.
Laxus.
Shane's heart stirred. He walked over.
"Yo, Laxus."
He greeted him and asked casually, "So who are you picking as your partner?"
Hearing him, Laxus slowly lifted his eyelids from where he'd been resting.
"A partner?"
"That kind of weakness… I don't need it. I'm enough on my own."
Then he straightened up.
A fierce, competitive look—something Shane had never seen on his face before—locked onto him.
"Come to think of it… we've never fought, have we?"
Laxus raised a finger and tapped his own chest. Electricity crackled at his fingertips.
"I owe you one, sure. But in this exam… I won't hold back."
"Don't disappoint me, Shane."
~~~
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