Fairy Tail: Falling Towards the Chaos

Chapter 24

"Apparently Master is going to make some kind of important announcement," Wendy chirped, speaking to Carla, who held this aura of disinterest.

Next to Lucy, Juvia clasped her hands together; waiting anxiously for Master Makarov to make an appearance. Lucy smiled at her excitement and stared pointedly at the stage. She was curious too; the past two weeks have been filled with complete insanity. Everyone had gone off on back-to-back jobs — barely resting before taking another one. Heck, she'd barely even seen Natsu!

She pouted; wondering about his absence. Did he run off like everyone else did as well?

Furrowing her brows, she shook her head, trying to get rid of the thoughts before she caught a glimpse of Cana. The once lively — admittedly alcoholic — was sombre and serious as she, too, waited like everyone else to hear this huge announcement.

Soon enough, Master took his place on the large stage, flanked by Erza, Mirajane, and surprisingly Gildarts. Everyone erupted into cheers and loud greetings, settling down as Master raised his hand.

"Since long ago, this has always been Fairy Tail's custom and now, I will announce the participants in this year's S-Class Wizard Promotion Trial,"

PROMOTION TRIAL?!

Everything made so much sense! The empty guildhall, the back-to-back jobs — it was all for the trial. Lucy pouted again; if she'd known about it and was clued in — she would've tried super hard, too!

"The venue for this year's trial will be Fairy's Tail sacred land, Tenrou Island,"

Everyone around her lit up with exhilaration, hearing Master's words, and chattered amongst themselves animatedly.

"So, what even happens during these trials?" Lucy inquired, spinning around to face Warren and Alzack, the former, who'd clenched his fists tightly with anticipation.

"It’s different every year, but it's always a tough challenge," Warren supplied.

"At any rate, those who pass the trials, become S-Class Wizards!" Alzack explained.

"I've searched for these key qualities this past year: strength, heart, and soul," Master drawled, "and after some time, I have decided on 8 participants for this year's trial."

"The first participant: Natsu Dragneel!"

The guild doors slammed open in tandem; revealing Natsu and Happy, having just come back from their recent mission. Lucy quickly averted her gaze, trying to instead focus on Master's words on whom the next participants would be.

Gray, Juvia, Elfman, Cana, Freed, Levy, and Mest.

The reaction of the guild was mixed; some cheering or crying in defeat, while others immediately started betting and speculating on the one participant who would come out victorious. Lucy congratulated Juvia quietly while Alzack behind them, all but, collapsed into Bisca's arms in grief.

Despite the noise and chaos surrounding her, Lucy felt the eyes boring holes into the back of her head, but she refused to turn and meet his eyes. Call her petty, but he left her for two weeks; no communication, no nothing! He could've left a note at the very least. She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

"You will have a preliminary period of one week to prepare and during this week, all participants will select one partner," Mirajane stepped up to explain, and the revelation sent whispers rushing throughout the crowd.

"There are rules to partner selection," Erza spoke next, "they must be a member of Fairy Tail, and they cannot be an S-Class Wizard."

"Details regarding the trial will be revealed after arriving to Tenrou Island, but there will be obstacles blocking your way; one of them being Erza," Master stated and Lucy could almost see the hint of smugness on Master's face. He probably enjoyed making everyone sweat, and Lucy sighed, exasperated.