Chapter 10: Ascension of the Warden
The isolated mountain was bathed in the golden light of morning, a calm that belied the tension lingering from the previous day's trials. Menma Uzumaki stood at the peak of the exam site, chains coiled around his arms, Wood Make Magic forming subtle platforms beneath his boots, and his Rinnegan humming faintly beneath the eyepatch.
Today would decide everything. One final stage remained — the ultimate evaluation of judgment, skill, and restraint.
Across the field, Cana and Gray, as well as Makaw and Wakaba, readied themselves. Though their paths had been challenging, Menma's calm presence radiated quiet confidence. Elfman remained at his side, fists clenched, ready to act when necessary.
Erza Scarlet appeared first, armor gleaming in the sunlight. Laxus Dreyar followed, electricity flickering faintly across his skin.
"This is the final test," Erza began, voice firm. "You will face a scenario designed to test your ability to make life-or-death decisions under extreme stress. Magic, strategy, and restraint will all be judged."
Laxus cracked a grin. "Don't screw it up. One false move and the scenario escalates — though don't worry, no one actually dies. It's still an exam."
Menma's Rinnegan pulsed faintly beneath the eyepatch. This… is not unfamiliar. Yet the stakes feel heavier here than any previous trial. Control must be absolute.
Stage One: The Village in Peril
A simulated village materialized in the valley below. Magical constructs represented villagers, children, and civilians, while rogue constructs attacked indiscriminately. The terrain itself shifted subtly, testing participants' awareness and adaptability.
Menma's chains extended instantly, coiling around aggressive constructs, while Wood Make Magic sprouted from the ground to redirect attacks. His movements were calm, precise, and deliberate.
"Menma…" Elfman muttered, awe in his voice. "You're… unstoppable today."
"Discipline," Menma replied quietly. "Control over one's actions is the true strength."
Cana and Gray moved in tandem, defending multiple points, while Makaw and Wakaba coordinated attacks with surgical precision. The valley was a whirlwind of magical energy, but Menma's calm presence anchored the field.
Stage Two: Rift Manipulation
The trial's second phase introduced an unstable rift, a tear in space that amplified magical attacks unpredictably.
So this is the final stress test, Menma thought. His Rinnegan allowed him to perceive faint dimensional shifts, the edge of the rift, and the distorted flow of energy.
Chains whipped through the air, ensnaring rogue constructs. Wood barriers stabilized the terrain, preventing collapse. Elfman's raw power complemented Menma's precise movements, protecting simulated civilians from harm.
The rift pulsed violently, threatening to swallow part of the village. Menma extended a partial incursion into his Mirror Dimension, stabilizing the anomaly without revealing the Rinnegan's full potential.
Power without restraint is destruction, he reminded himself. Restraint… always restraint.
Stage Three: The Duel
The final evaluation required each participant to face a combat scenario with an examiner. Menma was to duel Erza Scarlet, testing his judgment, adaptability, and raw magical ability.
Chains clashed against spectral swords, wood constructs interlaced with Erza's movements, creating a dynamic battlefield of offense and defense. The clash was intense, each strike precise and deliberate, every countermove calculated.
Erza's expression shifted, a hint of admiration breaking through her usual sternness. "You've grown remarkably," she said. "Strength, skill, and… control. Impressive."
Menma's calm gaze met hers. "Thank you. This trial is… enlightening."
Elfman remained nearby, observing and ready to act. Menma did not rely solely on the Rinnegan, instead combining instinct, strategy, and observation. Six tomoe spun faintly beneath the eyepatch, guiding subtle adjustments while never dictating his actions entirely.
Internal Reflection
As the duel progressed, Menma felt the familiar pull of the Rinnegan — the temptation to use it to dominate the scenario. Six tomoe spun slowly, observing, predicting.
If I yield to this power… the result is guaranteed, but it is not earned.
He forced his focus inward, trusting his skill, Elfman's support, and his judgment. Each movement was precise, deliberate, and restrained.
The duel reached its climax when Menma immobilized Erza's construct-like projection, neutralized but unharmed. Silence fell across the mountain as examiners recorded their observations.
S-Class Declaration
Erza and Laxus stepped forward, their expressions approving.
"Menma Uzumaki," Erza began, her voice carrying over the valley, "you have demonstrated exceptional skill, impeccable judgment, and restraint beyond measure. You are worthy of S-Class rank."
Laxus smirked. "Discipline, skill, and brains to match. You're officially S-Class."
Menma bowed slightly, chains retracting. His Rinnegan pulsed faintly, a quiet acknowledgment of mastery and restraint. "Thank you. I… will continue to protect the guild and its members to the best of my ability."
Elfman clapped him on the shoulder. "You did it, brother!"
Cana and Gray, Makaw and Wakaba, all cheered and laughed, celebrating their own accomplishments and Menma's success.
Guild Celebration
Upon returning to Magnolia, the guild erupted in celebration. Members congratulated Menma, teasing and laughing in equal measure.
Mira approached him, a teasing smile on her face. "Well, S-Class hero, looks like I'll have to be careful not to get in trouble around you."
Menma allowed a rare, small smile. "I will exercise restraint… even during guild parties."
Natsu, grinning wildly, bounced around him. "So, S-Class, huh? Guess that means no more excuses when we go on crazy missions!"
Happy hovered nearby, tail flicking with amusement. "Don't scare the guild, S-Class Uzumaki!"
Menma's gaze softened as he watched his friends. Power, discipline, and restraint were meaningless without the bonds he had formed. The guild, the people, and even the teasing camaraderie were worth more than any magical ability.
Nightfall Reflection
That night, Menma stood atop a balcony overlooking Magnolia. The city lights twinkled below like scattered stars, each one representing life, choice, and story.
I am S-Class now, he reflected. But rank is not the measure of who I am. Power without purpose is empty. Control without care is meaningless.
The Rinnegan pulsed faintly beneath the eyepatch, stable and silent. Menma's chains lay dormant at his side, ready to act when needed, but now a part of him could rest.
Tomorrow… the real work begins.
End of Chapter 10: Ascension of the Warden