shallow; juvia's story

two

X773 October 28th

"The Graduation Ceremony will commence now! This year, some of the graduates are the youngest and most talented we've ever seen."

It was the day of graduation. Well, it's not like it matters to me anymore. My chances of leaving this place are close to zero after what happened. As usual, the headmaster waffled on about trivial matters and the other students were gossiping, probably about me. But as usual, I just paid them no mind.

"So, now to announce our first set of graduates. These are some of the strongest set of wizards we've ever produced. X773 is a year to put in the history books.", he announced.

It's not like I've even been scouted yet, and especially with these scowling faces, I doubt that any guild would see the greatness that I am. 

I stared around with boredom tracing my eyes. My eyelids were about to shut, but they called out the unexpected.

"Our strongest overall performer, Juvia Lockser. Distinction in Theory and Practical. Her water-magic is fascinating and has been described as terrifying. We hope that she becomes a force for good."

I'm graduating? 

Several gasps erupted across the room. A few were slightly exaggerated; mouth agape and wide-toothed.

"Juvia Lockser. Is she not present?", he called out again. I rose and strutted to the stage with confidence. I was momentarily surprised, but then again my water abilities are unparalleled. I shouldn't have been so taken aback.

As I stepped foot on the stage, I could feel the scowling faces of the students, and as I received the diploma, I could feel the seething jealousy. Oh, how agonising it must be for them to see the monster standing here receiving this award. Just this once, I paid them some mind to remind them all that I'm above them.

"Next is Lucy Heartfilia, the stronger performer in the written exam. Distinction in Theory and Merit in Practical. Her celestial keys are a versatile and rare form of magic, but more than her magic, her calm demeanour and analytical abilities are impressive. She will be a strong force for Fiore."

I watched as this girl strolled onto the stage with a fake smile plastered on her face directed at me. What fancy feigning.

"Next is Gray Fullbuster, our strongest performer in the practical exam. Merit in Theory and Distinction in Practical. Possessing a form of Ice Magic that exudes freedom, I am sure he is someone to look out for."

Him?

He looks princely, not like a fighter. 

...

Wizards' Weekly Volume 52

Only 40% of the X773 class graduated at this stage. To some readers, this may seem like an extremely low number but there is a reason for this. 

In the new age of technology, magic-users have dwindled in size but Fiore and a few other countries have continued to maintain their magic societies, hoping to usher in a new magic age and set themselves apart as world leaders. In order to reach this goal, the Fiore magic-system, regulated by the Magic Council has an overarching policy of maximising the output of competent wizards into the world. Therefore, the Fiore Academy considers students for graduation every 4 months.

However, as the most prestigious magic academy in Fiore, in order to maintain strong standards, only a small number of students graduate every 4 months. In fact, this is the largest pool of graduates produced in the last 5 years. 

Hailing from Fiore Academy, the X773 class of graduates are ones to look out for. Which ones will secure contracts at the Top 4 - Fairy Tail, Lamia Scale, Sabertooth and Lamia Scale? 

The respective strength, reputation and revenue of the top 7 guilds are ranked as such:

1. Fairy Tail: 1st in strength, 1st in reputation and 5th in revenue ($23m). Fairy Tail are decidedly the strongest guild in all of Fiore, having a rich history, steeped in heroism and fame. Despite this, the guild has struggled to maintain a strong stream of revenue in this new technology age.

2. Lamia Scale: 4th in strength, 2nd in reputation, 3rd in revenue ($34m). Lamia Scale has been around since the start of the guild system and have reached a unique balance between strength, reputation and revenue. They are definitely deserving of the number 2 spot. 

3. Sabertooth: 3rd in strength, 4th in reputation, 4th in revenue ($28m). Sabertooth are a fairly new, but destructive force in the world of magic. The current guild master is a graduate of the X771 class; this guild is truly a reflection of modern thinking, but will it last?

4. Blue Pegasus: 7th in strength, 3rd in reputation, 1st in revenue ($87m). Blue Pegasus, one of the original three guilds have experienced a steep decline in strength recently, but still maintain a strong reputation and a monstrous level of revenue, having adapted to the technology age and producing many wizard celebrities, such as Hibiki of the Trimens. Will a fresh set of trainees increase their rank?

5. Crime Sorciére: 2nd in strength, 6th in reputation, 10th in revenue ($4m). Crime Sorciére is a truly mysterious guild, reputed for its strength despite its small size. In fact, it is argued that its members could meet eye to eye with the strongest members of Fairy Tail. It is a rising guild, and one to look out for. 

6. Mermaid Heel: 6th in strength, 5th in reputation, 2nd in revenue ($42m). The only all-female guild in all of Fiore is hailed for being a beacon of light for women's magical rights. Rightfully, the guild has maintained a strong reputation and high levels of revenue as popular members of society. 

7. Raven Tail: 5th in strength, 7th in reputation, 8th in revenue ($12m). After a disgraceful few years, Raven Tail has returned to prominence, headed by one fiery lady. The 'dark' aesthetic has somewhat been embraced and the guild has tactfully used the controversy to stay afloat. 

It is clear that magic society has revitalised itself in the last decade, with new guilds appearing very often. Keep posted for more magic news.