Year X780. Southern Fiore.
The Dragonspine Mountains.
Shrouded in dense clouds year-round, jagged cliffs pierced through the mist like the spine of a colossal dragon. Fierce winds howled endlessly through the steep valleys, earning the range its name—also known as the Valley of Dragons.
This place was the natural habitat of the Green Wyverns.
They ruled the highest cliffs, treating the entire mountain range as their untouchable domain.
These wyverns were massive creatures, their bodies primarily green and covered in hardened scales. Their necks, underbellies, tail undersides, and the backs of their legs were a pale white. Membrane-like wings stretched from their forelimbs, resembling those of bats, with visible tears and folds—classic wyvern anatomy.
Their legs were thick and muscular, each knee bearing sharp protruding spikes. Their lower legs were lined with uneven white spikes, and their feet had three large forward claws, along with an additional deadly claw at the heel.
Their heads were angular, eyes small and round. From the top of their heads down their spines extended rows of sharp orange spikes, reaching all the way to their long, flexible tails. Their jaws were filled with sparse but razor-sharp teeth.
Fierce, fast, and highly resistant to magic—
They were widely recognized as top-tier monsters, powerful enough to rival S-Class mages.
And today—
This quiet mountain range welcomed a group of uninvited guests.
"Master… don't tell me the S-Class exam is really being held here?" Cana asked hesitantly, staring at the mist-covered mountains.
"That's right," Makarov confirmed, standing atop a massive rock. "This year's S-Class promotion exam will take place here—in the Dragonspine Mountains."
"Your task is simple: slay a Green Wyvern."
"Whoever completes the kill first and returns here will pass."
"The participants are: Erza Scarlet, Kagura Mikazuchi, Mirajane Strauss, Ultear Milkovich, and Cana Alberona."
"Out of the five of you… only two will become S-Class mages."
"There are five routes. Each of you will take one. Come draw lots."
After selecting their paths, the five stood ready.
Makarov's expression turned serious.
"Listen carefully. Don't overestimate yourselves. Green Wyverns are powerful enough to rival S-Class mages. Be cautious."
"But don't worry too much. For your safety, Laxus, Arlen, Ur, myself, and Gildarts will be monitoring the exam."
"We will not interfere—unless your lives are in danger."
For this exam, Fairy Tail had brought out nearly all its top-tier fighters—even Gildarts, who had just returned.
Naturally, he didn't mind at all.
After all—his daughter was one of the participants.
"Alright!" Makarov raised his voice.
"The S-Class promotion exam—begins now!"
The signal echoed through the mountains.
Erza and the others stepped forward without hesitation, entering the dangerous terrain.
Within the mist—
Erza moved cautiously, her eyes sharp.
Five meters behind her, Arlen followed leisurely, one hand resting on the hilt of Alaya Consciousness, his presence calm yet watchful.
Suddenly—
A deafening roar shook the mountains.
A massive Green Wyvern dove from the sky, its claws tearing through the air as it lunged toward Erza at incredible speed, dispersing the surrounding fog.
Erza's eyes narrowed.
Magic surged around her.
"Requip—Adamantine Armor!"
A red magic circle flared, and her armor transformed instantly. The Adamantine Armor—one of her most defensive sets—covered her body. The shields on her arms snapped together, forming a solid barrier.
BOOM!
The impact shattered the ground beneath her feet, forcing her backward.
Erza leapt into the air—
Another magic circle appeared.
"Requip—Black Wing Armor!"
Her armor shifted again. Dark wings spread from her back, and she wielded twin black blades, her form darting forward like a streak of light.
Clang!
Her swords struck the wyvern's scales, sparks flying with a metallic clash.
The wyvern roared, twisting its body as its massive tail lashed toward her.
Erza dodged swiftly, counterattacking with rapid slashes—but the damage was minimal.
She wasn't trying to kill it yet.
She was probing.
Testing for weaknesses.
After several high-speed exchanges—
The wyvern dove again.
And Erza seized the opening.
Thrust!
Her blade pierced straight through its neck.
Blood sprayed into the air.
The wyvern let out a final, furious roar and slammed its massive head into her, sending her flying—but its strength faded quickly.
With a thunderous crash, its body fell lifeless against the cliffside.
Not far away—
Arlen watched as Erza steadied herself with her swords, breathing heavily.
A faint smile crossed his face.
"Congratulations, Erza. Your task is complete. Let's head back."
"...Thank you."
She reverted to her usual armor, meeting his gaze with a small smile.
Elsewhere—
Kagura stood atop a steep rock, her expression calm and unwavering.
As the wyvern circled above—
She didn't move.
Gravity magic erupted from her.
The air itself seemed to grow heavier.
The wyvern's body suddenly dropped, as if crushed by an invisible force.
It roared in fury, struggling to stand—but its movements slowed, bound by immense pressure.
Kagura drew her blade.
In a single step—
She vanished.
A flawless arc of light cut through the mist.
Slash.
The strike landed cleanly across the wyvern's neck.
Blood burst forth.
Under the combined force of gravity and blade, the creature gave one final unwilling roar—
Then fell still.
From a distance, Makarov watched, grinning widely.
He walked over to Kagura, who was calmly wiping her blade.
"Congratulations, Kagura. Your composure, timing, and decisiveness were perfect."
"Let's head back and wait for the others."
"Thank you, Master," Kagura replied with a gentle smile.
And together—
They turned toward the exit.