Gajeel chimed in. "Those who say they're going to win will never win."
Natsu smiled. "Hehe! I have a secret weapon!"
"What secret weapon?" Gray asked.
Kana drank a bucket of wine. "Alright, we're ready!"
Lucy asked, "Are you still drinking?"
"How can I run without fuel?"
"So Kana. But everyone is motivated," Lucy said.
Happy flew. "Because no one wants to get a punishment. And Chen Fan isn't here, everyone has a chance!"
"What's the punishment? Why is it good that Chen Fan isn't here?" Wendy asked.
"If Chen Fan was here, no one could run faster than him," Happy said.
"He's that great, even at running!"
"We don't know how he runs, but he's always the first to reach the finish line. We thought he was lucky. Not anymore."
Happy turned to Lucy. "Didn't he carry you once? You should know his magic is from the Ghost. He can fly and has super acceleration," Happy said.
"What do you mean 'carried'? I don't remember!" Lucy blushed, yelling at Happy.
"Oh? Really?" Happy covered his mouth, laughing at Lucy.
"No means no!"
Suddenly, a loud voice was heard. "Quiet!" Makarov yelled.
"All Fairy Tail members, improving your intelligence and physical strength is a wizard's duty. Today, compete and improve your strength!" Makarov stood on the stage.
"Does this require intelligence?" Elfman asked.
"It's about physical strength!" Gray agreed, taking off his shirt.
"The rules are simple! Start here, run on the route, toward the finish line on Mount Iberis. There are wyvern scales. You must take them and return within 24 hours. No stopping. As Fairy Tail wizards, this is your mission. We also prohibit flying magic. Other magic is free to use."
Happy was gloomy. "I hate these rules!"
"Yoshi! Ready! Go!"
Jet ran first. "Alright! Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" Natsu ran. The other teams followed.
About half an hour later, Chen Fan arrived at the starting point. "Hey...! Chen Fan, you're back. Did you gain weight?" Makarov looked at him.
Chen Fan rolled his eyes. "Yeah, not bad. You should try it. I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"
"Haha... I'm not going there. Let the young people do it," Makarov laughed.
Makarov turned to Mira. "Mira, who's last?"
"Let me check. Last is Chen Fan. Running distance 0 meters!"
Chen Fan was shocked. "Mira, are you kidding? I just got here!"
"Why not? You're a guild member too, aren't you?" Mira smiled. Chen Fan felt a shiver down his spine.
"Yes! Mira is right. Chen Fan, run fast. Look, you have a lot of fat. You're jealous of Natsu and Gray's muscles, aren't you?" Makarov said.
"Who said I'm jealous? A man's charm isn't in his muscles, but in his inner quality!" Chen Fan retorted. He was possessive.
"In that case, let's see how much inner quality you have!" Makarov whispered, "Secretly, Erza, Mira, and Levy, they like strong men!"
"Nani! It's time to show my ability. I'll show you who the real marathon king is!" Chen Fan posed.
"Stop!" Makarov held his leg. "Bang!" Chen Fan fell.
"What are you doing, old man!" Chen Fan stood up, angry.
Makarov waved his hand. "Don't mind the details. What I mean is, you're not allowed to use your ability. Run step by step. Understand?"
"That's not fair! They're all using magic, especially Jet!" Chen Fan yelled.
Makarov scratched his ear. "Fair? What's that? How much does it cost per kilo?"
Chen Fan was speechless. 'This guild is finished!'
"Oh... oh... our friend 'God Hand' Chen Fan, the marathon record holder, has made his debut! Rumor has it he was invited for tea by the Magic Council. I don't know if it's true or not. I'll give you another info! Stay tuned! Fairy Tail Special Report, this is Jason, Weekly Sorceress reporter!"
Chen Fan rolled his eyes. 'Invited for tea?' Where did those words come from? He was annoyed. There were eight 360-degree magic cameras around him. If he was too fast, an alarm would go off.
This was annoying. Magic had functions that people couldn't think of. Chen Fan had no choice but to run. The last one would be punished. He used to punish people, now he was the one who would be punished.
"Chen Fan is in the competition! Attention! Chen Fan has joined! According to the rules, he's not allowed to use magic. If he's caught, he'll be last!"
"DAMN IT!" Chen Fan cursed.
Suddenly, Makarov's voice was loud. "Men, for this year's marathon, we've changed the punishment conditions. Whoever wins first place can ask Chen Fan to do one thing. Anything! Money, love, or...!"
"Shoo..." He was forbidden to speak.
"Oh, so excited!" All the Fairy Tail wizards yelled. They ran with all their might. Chen Fan had united everyone.
Chen Fan was shocked. He swallowed. This was going to be bad!