Freed stopped asking questions, and the other guild members also accepted the outcome.
Makarov's selection process was fair and just.
The S-Class trials naturally attracted more young participants—those who still held onto dreams and grew rapidly, changing noticeably each year.
They always believed the current year would be their breakthrough, while older members no longer thought that way.
This year's participants weren't few, but they were all young guild members.
After the previous setback, the veterans had already stepped back.
Marco glanced at the selected candidates and could confidently say the final showdown would be between Erza and Mirajane.
The likely winner? Erza.
Mira was somewhat held back by family responsibilities, her growth slower than Erza's, who had no such ties.
It might sound harsh, but as an orphan with no one to care for, Erza's life revolved around training and missions.
The titles "Fairy Tail's Mission Queen" and "Workaholic" fit her perfectly.
Erza did have hobbies, like collecting armor, but even those were tied to her abilities.
Unlike Mira, whose singing and cooking had little to do with her magic.
"If Mystogan returned for the trials, there might be some suspense. But he clearly doesn't care much for the title," Marco remarked regretfully after the announcement, as he and Makarov entered the office.
Mystogan was certainly qualified, but he lacked the drive.
He'd rather spend time neutralizing the dangers of "Anima" or researching how to safely transport everyone to Edolas while ensuring they could use their powers freely.
With so much on his plate, becoming an S-Class Mages of Fairy Tail held little appeal.
He'd skipped the last trials, skipped this one, and likely would skip the next.
"Maybe another time," Makarov sighed.
Both he and Marco knew Mystogan's background and wouldn't force him to participate.
"We should find a way to get him involved," Marco insisted.
Unlike Makarov's laid-back approach, he believed Mystogan needed more engagement with the guild—and the S-Class title would help.
"You're right. He's too detached," Makarov realized belatedly.
Since joining Fairy Tail, Mystogan had rarely returned, and when he did, it was quietly—never staying long, as if afraid his appearance would burden others.
"That guy… cares too much about others," Marco muttered, exasperated.
Mystogan's saintly personality was almost morally oppressive to mention.
Although Mystogan himself claimed to be an "atoner," it was indeed a bit exaggerated for a teenager in his early teens to shoulder all the sins, devote all his energy to atonement, and risk his life for redemption.
Moreover, ever since realizing his appearance might cause trouble for others, he had even become reluctant to show himself in public.
This was also why he rarely returned to Fairy Tail—after all, Erza was still here.
"Let's see. Next year, or the year after, we'll find a way to get him to participate."
Makarov nodded, agreeing with Marco's suggestion.
It was indeed time to bridge the gap between Mystogan and Fairy Tail.
"Now, about this year's exam—any thoughts?"
After discussing Mystogan, Makarov turned to the upcoming exam.
There was still some time before it began, so they needed to decide on this year's format.
The S-Class promotion exam always took a different form each year, though some "materials" might be reused.
For example, certain elements known only to the current S-Class Magic users—like the previous test of locating the First Master's grave—could be reused since no one else knew the answer.
"Last time, it was only me. Otherwise, no one would've found it."
Marco couldn't help but complain about that particular exam task.
Searching for a tiny grave on the vast Tenrou Island without a map and under a time limit? It was practically impossible.
If not for his flock of crows tracking Makarov's location, even he might not have found it easily.
"That exam was specifically designed for you." Makarov was blunt.
The previous exam had been a mere formality for everyone else—he hadn't even set it up seriously, knowing only Marco would pass.
"If it had been a normal exam, the process wouldn't have been so simple. There would've been hints, not just unreasonable difficulty."
Makarov obviously knew best how things had gone last time.
With so many participants just there for the spectacle, he had opted for the simplest, most brutal method of elimination—and Laxus had lived up to expectations by blocking everyone else.
Otherwise, Makarov would never have agreed to let Laxus be the sole examiner.
It was Laxus's first time overseeing the exam, and with his stubborn belief in "elitism and strength," he was bound to be excessively strict.
Having led Fairy Tail for so many years and elevated it to its current status, Makarov might not have succeeded in parenting, but he excelled in everything else.
He wouldn't overlook such details.
"So, what about this year? Seems like there's no suspense either."
Marco's expression turned odd.
According to Makarov's reasoning, the next three years wouldn't require serious planning.
After all, Erza, Mirajane, and Mystogan were already next in line—no one else stood a chance against them.
"Pretty much. Just arrange something casual and go through the motions." Makarov nodded, looking as if it were only natural.
He thought this was quite good—it would save him a lot of trouble.
The old man couldn't help but start fantasizing.
How wonderful it would be if every year, one outstanding guild member could become an S-Class Mage!
"This year, why not keep it simple? Just have them form teams and draw lots for battles. We've even got the venue set up—might as well make use of it."
Marco raised a finger, his eyes suddenly lighting up as if he'd just had an idea.
"How exactly would the battles work?" Makarov asked curiously.
"There are exactly ten participants. Pair them into teams of two, then draw lots to determine the matchups," Marco explained.
This was the simplest and most straightforward method—clean and efficient.
The winners advance, the losers are eliminated.
"But that would only make five teams, leaving one team to get a bye," Makarov mused.
This was indeed much simpler than last time.
They wouldn't even have to travel far—it could all be done at "Fairy Home" on the outskirts of Magnolia.
"Luck is part of the assessment too. Or we could have Erza and Mirajane form a team by themselves. I doubt they'd refuse. After all, even if they're teammates, they'll eventually have to face off—there's only one spot for promotion to S-Class Mages." Marco spoke as if it were obvious.
He thought his idea was great.
Since the goal was to simplify the exam, his battle format would ensure Erza emerged victorious—she was, after all, the strongest among the current candidates.
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Ok i decide what my next FT fic is, the mc is ankhseram reincarnation, gonna post it next week.