Chapter 8: The Warden's Trial
Magnolia was bustling as news spread about the upcoming S-Class Exam. The streets were filled with excited chatter, curious mages, and guild members who had long awaited the day when their strongest would be tested.
Menma Uzumaki adjusted his cloak and looked toward the distant horizon. Today, he was not simply participating — he was proving that years of training, restraint, and mastery of his powers could withstand the scrutiny of Erza Scarlet and Laxus Dreyar, two of Fairy Tail's most formidable mages.
Mira appeared beside him, silver hair glinting in the morning sun, a teasing smile on her lips. "Ready to show them what a masked warden can do?"
Menma gave a slight nod, his Rinnegan under the eyepatch pulsing faintly, sensing the subtle magical currents of the city. "I am ready. But I will not underestimate the trial. Power alone does not guarantee success."
Participants and Partners
The exam had three participants this year:
Menma Uzumaki, paired with Elfman Strauss, a strong, durable fighter with an unshakable spirit.
Cana Alberona, paired with Gray Fullbuster, their combined abilities emphasizing versatility and cunning.
Makaw, a young but talented mage, paired with Wakaba Mine, his disciplined and tactical partner.
The trio of participants and their partners traveled to an isolated mountain, the site chosen for its treacherous terrain and natural magical amplification — perfect for testing strategy, combat ability, and magical control.
Arrival and Instructions
Upon arrival, Erza Scarlet and Laxus Dreyar awaited them atop a ridge. Erza's armored silhouette reflected the morning sun, while Laxus's lightning crackled faintly around his fists.
"Welcome," Erza began, her voice firm and commanding. "This exam will test everything you are — power, teamwork, judgment, and restraint. Use your abilities wisely. The mountain is… unforgiving."
Laxus crossed his arms, a smirk forming. "And don't think I'm going easy. Anyone who underestimates this trial will regret it."
Menma felt the familiar hum beneath his eyepatch — the Rinnegan, alert and analyzing, noting faint anomalies in the mountain's magical signature. The terrain itself is amplified. Any attack could ripple unpredictably.
He glanced at Elfman, who nodded confidently. "Ready, brother," Elfman said, fists crackling with Take Over Magic.
Menma inclined his head. "Let us proceed."
Stage One: Combat with Erza
The first test was a one-on-one duel against Erza Scarlet. Menma stepped forward, chains coiling lightly around his hands, Wood Make Magic subtly shifting beneath his feet for defensive control.
Erza's sword gleamed as she charged, her magic flawless, precise, and deadly. Menma's chains intercepted the first strike, metal coiling around the blade and redirecting the force. Wood erupted beneath her feet, creating barriers that absorbed and diffused her movements without injuring her.
Even Erza's strength is formidable, Menma thought, focusing on restraint rather than destruction. I must control every movement, every reaction.
Elfman stayed alert, ready to intervene, but Menma gestured subtly. This is my trial.
Minutes passed in a tense exchange. Chains, wood constructs, and spatial manipulations wove an intricate dance of offense and defense. The Rinnegan pulsed faintly beneath his eyepatch, observing subtle openings and predicting potential strikes without overtly revealing its power.
Erza's gaze softened slightly, recognizing the skill, strategy, and discipline. "You've grown… remarkably."
Menma offered no reply, his focus unwavering. He did not fight to dominate, but to prove precision and control. As the duel ended, Erza signaled approval, satisfied that he had met the first challenge's demands.
Stage Two: Team Strategy
Next, the exam moved to team coordination and strategy. Participants were instructed to protect a simulated village of magical constructs while neutralizing rogue threats.
Menma and Elfman moved through the village, analyzing the terrain. Chains and Wood Make Magic restrained attacking constructs while protecting the simulated villagers. Menma's Space Devil Slayer Magic allowed him to manipulate space to redirect threats, all while minimizing harm.
Cana and Gray worked together, covering multiple angles with impressive synergy. Makaw and Wakaba combined precision attacks, tactical positioning, and magical barriers.
Mira, observing from a distance, whispered to herself, "Menma… so disciplined… even in simulation…"
Menma noticed her gaze peripherally but stayed focused. The Rinnegan hummed faintly, sensing the magical currents and potential hazards of the terrain. This trial tests restraint and judgment more than raw power. I must not falter.
Stage Three: Final Duel and Judgment
The final stage was a freeform duel. Participants could combine their skills, show mastery of magical abilities, and display strategic thinking. Menma faced simulated chaos — rogue guild constructs amplified by the mountain's magical energy.
Chains, wood constructs, and space manipulation moved with fluidity. Every attack, every counter, was precise, controlled, and restrained. Elfman assisted when necessary, but Menma's calculations dominated the field.
At one point, a construct lunged directly at a simulated civilian. Menma extended chains, redirecting it mid-flight. Wood roots ensnared it before it could strike. His Rinnegan pulsed, predicting subsequent trajectories and keeping him steps ahead, though never letting it dictate his actions entirely.
The duel reached its climax when he faced a construct simulating Erza herself. Metal chains clashed against spectral swords, wood constructs clashed against phantom armor. The fight was intense, disciplined, and elegant — a perfect balance of power and control.
Finally, with one subtle maneuver, Menma restrained the construct without causing lethal damage. Silence fell over the exam site.
S-Class Ascension
Erza and Laxus stepped forward, their expressions approving.
"Menma Uzumaki," Erza's voice rang clear across the mountain, "you have demonstrated skill, strategy, and, most importantly, restraint. You have passed the S-Class Exam."
Laxus cracked a grin. "Strong, smart, and disciplined. Not many could do what you just did. Welcome to S-Class."
Elfman clapped him on the shoulder. "You did it, brother!"
Menma allowed a faint smile. "Thank you. This… is only the beginning."
Cana and Gray, Makaw and Wakaba, all congratulated one another, laughter and camaraderie filling the mountain air. Menma felt a subtle warmth — belonging, achievement, and the quiet satisfaction of restraint exercised wisely.
Nightfall Reflection
As night fell over the isolated mountain, Menma sat atop a ledge overlooking the valley below. The wind carried the faint scent of pine, and the stars reflected off the snow-capped peaks.
His Rinnegan pulsed faintly beneath the eyepatch. Power is a responsibility, not a privilege.
He thought of Mira, of Magnolia, and of the guild he had chosen. I will continue to protect them. With precision, with restraint… and with every ounce of strength I possess.
Tonight, he was S-Class. But the road ahead was long, shadowed with challenges, and he would meet them all with calm resolve and the quiet vigilance of the Masked Warden.
End of Chapter 8: The Warden's Trial