Months passed in the blink of an eye.After mastering Observation Haki, Laxus continued his training alongside Kael and Cana. Several guild members had also joined the physical combat zone, eager to push their limits and grow stronger.
Cana's talent shone through — her hard work paid off, and she learned to unleash her raw strength with control, turning it into a hidden trump card during battles.
As things gradually settled into a positive rhythm, Kael began to relax a little. Occasionally, he would take Cana, Natsu, and Gray on simple missions to keep their teamwork sharp. Meanwhile, at Makarov's request, Laxus was paired up with Mirajane for a few assignments outside the guild.
Then one morning, Master Makarov called everyone together — there was something important to announce.
The entire Fairy Tail guild gathered in anticipation. Kael, taking a rare break, sat at a table with Lisanna, Cana, and Elfman, playing cards and laughing between rounds. Laxus, as usual, lounged on a nearby sofa with his eyes closed, while the rest of the guild buzzed with their usual energy.
Tap, tap, tap—A small old man entered through the doors, hands clasped behind his back, wearing the hat Kael had given him some time ago. His face was calm, but his presence commanded the room. As the members cheered, he climbed up onto the bar counter.
"I've watched everyone's hard work this past year," Makarov began, his voice carrying across the room. "Which is why I've decided—it's time to begin this year's S-Class Mage Promotion Trials! Gildarts will arrive in three days, and the exam will officially start then!"
The room erupted in cheers.
"Alright, Master! Tell us already! Who's gonna be in the exam this year?" one of the members shouted excitedly, unable to hold back.
At that, Laxus opened his eyes, straightened up, and looked toward Makarov with confident expectation.
Kael, however, glanced to his side and noticed Cana's expression — a flicker of loneliness behind her calm smile. He knew Gildarts meant something different to her, and his heart tightened slightly.
"Gildarts? The S-Class trials?" Mirajane asked, a bit confused.
Erza gestured toward the second floor. "S-Class Mages are the ones who can take on missions from the second floor — the hardest and most dangerous ones. They're acknowledged as the strongest in the guild. Gildarts... well, he's one of a kind."
"Gildarts Clive," Macao added proudly, setting down his drink. "He's the strongest wizard in Fairy Tail — uses Crush Magic, one of the most powerful spells out there. The only S-Class Mage we currently have."
Makarov cleared his throat. "Ahem—let's get to the names, shall we?"The guild fell silent instantly. He paused for effect, letting suspense fill the air.
"The candidates for this year's S-Class Mage Promotion Exam are…"
"Kael Ais!""Laxus Dreyar!"
"That is all."
A mix of emotions spread through the room — some looked disappointed, others cheered for their friends. But soon, everyone found their spirits again as their comrades congratulated them.
"Damn, I'm so jealous!" Natsu shouted, eyes sparkling with excitement. "I wanna fight Gildarts too!"
Gray, for once, didn't tease him. "Guess I'll just have to train harder," he said seriously.
Happy, perched in Lisanna's arms, sighed. "Aye, Natsu, don't get carried away. You're not ready yet."
Lisanna smiled brightly at Kael. "Heehee, congratulations, Kael-nii!"
"Congrats, Kael!" Elfman added, his tone much calmer than before thanks to his recent growth.
The guild's atmosphere burned with excitement. Even Erza and Mirajane got caught up in a friendly argument about who would become an S-Class Mage first.
But amid all the celebration, no one noticed Cana's distant gaze — except Kael.
When the crowd eventually dispersed to resume their work and training, Cana quietly slipped out of the guild. Concerned, Kael followed her.
Later, when Laxus, still riding the high of excitement, looked around for Kael to challenge him to a pre-exam spar, Kael was nowhere to be found.
On a hill behind the guild, the wind carried a cool autumn chill, scattering the last few leaves from the trees.
Cana sat there on the slope, hugging her knees and resting her chin on them. Her eyes were fixed on the town below — on a scene of a father lifting his little girl high above his head as laughter filled the air.
Her expression was a fragile mix of envy and sorrow.
Kael stood behind her, quietly watching, a heaviness settling in his chest. He thought back to her tireless effort during training, her determination during the trials with Laxus. Somewhere along the way, he realized his feelings for her had changed.
He couldn't just stand by anymore.
"Cana," Kael said softly.
She startled, quickly wiping her eyes before turning around with a forced smile. "Kael! What are you doing here? Are we training again? Let's go!" she said quickly, brushing the dirt off her clothes.
Kael stepped closer, his voice gentle but firm. "Cana… is there something you haven't told us?"
She froze for a moment, then forced another laugh. "Hahaha, what? Of course not. Why would you think that?"
Kael looked at her quietly. "Whether it's something happy or painful — in Fairy Tail, we share it all. One person's joy is everyone's joy. One person's anger, everyone's anger. And one person's tears… belong to all of us too. That's what it means to be part of Fairy Tail."
Cana's eyes widened slightly at his words.
"Cana," Kael continued softly. "Gildarts… he's your father, isn't he? I've noticed how your expression changes whenever his name is mentioned. You once said you came to the guild to find someone. When I put that together with his age and the timing… it all made sense."
His tone wasn't accusing — just honest, calm, and full of concern.
At that, Cana's shoulders trembled. Her defenses finally broke.Tears began to fall, dripping silently onto the ground as she told Kael everything — her story, her doubts, her longing.
Kael slowly stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her."It's okay," he said softly, patting her back in comfort. "Don't worry. During the S-Class Exam, I'll make sure to give him a piece of my mind for you. I can't promise I'll win, but I'll do my best. Deal?"
Cana looked up at him with tear-streaked cheeks and wide, shining eyes — eyes like a startled deer.Kael felt his heart skip a beat, his face suddenly turning red.
When Cana noticed his blush, she realized how close they were standing. Her own face flushed instantly, the sadness in her chest slowly replaced by shy warmth. She didn't pull away — just clasped her hands in front of her chest, unsure what to do next.
Kael took a breath. "Cana… whenever you're ready, tell Gildarts how you feel. No matter what happens, we're all behind you. You're not alone — Fairy Tail is your family."
He hesitated, scratching his head awkwardly before adding, "And, well… I'm part of that family too. I'll always protect you. I… I think—"
He stumbled over his words, embarrassed.
Cana smiled through her tears, her heart lighter than it had been in years. "Mm. Okay."
She looked down toward the guild, where Makarov's furious shout sent Natsu and Gray flying out the window, as usual. She giggled softly, brushed her hair from her face, and turned back toward Kael with a radiant smile.
"Let's go home."