It was the first day of Year X779. Three days later, the members of Fairy Tail had gathered on Tenro Island, the sacred haven of the guild. The timing was perfect — it aligned with the camping plan Kael had envisioned some time ago.
"Damn… too strong…" Laxus lay on the ground, breathing heavily, his body scarred and bruised. His face showed pure frustration as he gritted his teeth.
"Hahaha, still got a long way to go, little punk!"
A man with slicked-back orange hair, a bit of stubble on his chin, and wearing a dark green cloak laughed heartily, hands on his hips — it was Gildarts.
Laxus's frustration only grew. He slammed his fist into the ground, muttering, "Damn it… I won't pass this year?"
"Hahaha, well, I'm not the type to go easy on anyone. But seeing you fight me like this… you've passed, kid," Gildarts said, patting Laxus's shoulder with approval.
"Tch… old man, one day I'll defeat you and become the strongest in the guild," Laxus replied, glaring, then propped himself up on his hands. Limping slightly, he began making his way toward the shoreline.
"Ah, what a stubborn kid… the cute Laxus we used to know is gone," Gildarts teased, following behind.
Laxus turned with a scowl — only to wince at the pain in his shoulder. Gildarts quickly supported him, guiding him safely back to the shore.
The camera would pull back, showing the aftermath of their battle: the ground was broken, layers of collapsed terrain and smoke rising from pits of all sizes. At the center, a crater like a meteor strike testified to just how fierce the fight had been.
By the shore, the guild members were fully embracing the camping vibe. Some gathered firewood, others built a grill to cook, pitched tents, and some even fished. It hardly felt like they were there to witness an S-Class Exam — it was pure outdoor adventure.
Kael and Cana, chopping vegetables, exchanged glances. Thanks to their Observation Haki, they sensed two strong auras moving through the forest toward them. Laxus's exam had officially concluded.
"Why are you staring at me?" Cana teased, seeing Kael's concern. "Relax. I've got it figured out. During my S-Class trial, I'll make sure this old man never forgets his daughter." She playfully patted Kael on the shoulder.
"Hey, they're back!" one guild member shouted, spotting the pair emerging from the forest. The call caused everyone to pause and turn.
"They made it," Makarov said, stepping onto a stone with a confident smile. Laxus mirrored the grin, proud and satisfied.
"You must be the other S-Class trial participant… you taught Laxus his Observation Haki?" Gildarts leaned forward with a playful grin, reaching to ruffle Kael's hair.
Kael caught his hand, looking up seriously. "Hello, Uncle Gildarts. I'm Kael. I look forward to your guidance in the upcoming exam."
"Oh?" Gildarts's playful demeanor faded, his gaze turning serious. The air grew tense for a moment — then, just as quickly, he smirked again, patting Kael's head. "Good eyes. Do your best tomorrow." He resumed his impish attitude, stubbornly asserting himself.
Kael could only roll his eyes. Gildarts, bouncing around from praising Cana to grabbing meat off the fire, was impossible to pin down.
"Hey, Laxus, did you pass?" Kael asked, approaching the recovering warrior without missing a beat with his own work.
"Yeah… I made it. Don't slack off tomorrow. That guy's insanely strong," Laxus said, pausing briefly, frowning with a warning.
Kael laughed, teasing. "Since when are you this hesitant? That's not like you, Laxus."
"No luck," Laxus muttered, resigned.
"Kael, Cana — are the vegetables ready? Time to cook," a guild member called.
Kael handed a large bowl of chopped vegetables to Laxus, who was still sulking. "Here, help us deliver this. If you want to eat, you help — no exceptions, even if you're injured." He pushed Laxus gently toward Lia, who was waiting by the fire.
Cana watched him limp away, glancing back in disbelief, before bursting into laughter. Kael couldn't help but laugh along.
Night fell on Tenro Island, the campfire casting a warm glow. Guild members laughed and shouted around the flames. Natsu and Gray playfully battled Gildarts nearby — even when knocked down in a single blow, they jumped right back up, ready to attack again.
Kael and Cana quietly sipped soup, watching Erza and Mirajane fight over the last bowl, their faces serious yet playful.
Makarov stood near Laxus, observing. A warm sense of contentment washed over him — this was Fairy Tail. Happiness was shared, a bond stronger than any magic.
Laxus, watching the scene and then glancing at the happy old man beside him, seemed to finally understand what his grandfather had been protecting all these years.
"I'll protect it with you, Grandfather," Laxus murmured softly.
"Is that so? Then keep working hard," Makarov replied with a gentle smile.