Looking at Su Yan again, he seemed just as tireless as ever.
"Not bad. Your strength has definitely improved over the last year and a half," Su Yan said. "It shows you haven't been slacking. As your examiner, I'd say you're qualified for this."
Natsu instantly shouted in frustration, "Don't joke around!!! If I can't beat you, how could I possibly call myself S-Class?!"
"Beat me… Well, I do like how brave you are, Natsu, but too much fearlessness is just ignorance!"
Boom—!!!
A terrifying wave of conqueror's haki burst from Su Yan. The ground beneath him ruptured, and the entirety of Tenrou Island shook slightly. Waves rippled outward from the island's center. The invisible pressure swept across the whole land; many creatures toppled over, eyes rolling back. Those still conscious shivered in fear.
That aura. No doubt about it—"the little monster from seven years ago" had returned.
"Is…Is that Su Yan's doing?!"
"What a terrifying presence!"
"So this is Su Yan's conqueror's haki?!"
Deep in the forest, a black-haired youth in dark clothes opened his eyes. "What kind of power is this…?"
Meanwhile, Natsu felt the haki storm surging toward him.
"Yaaaah!!" He clenched his fists, trying to keep his limbs from shaking, but his nerves were screaming.
He had known Su Yan for seven years, had challenged him repeatedly, but Su Yan had never truly fought him with all his might. Only now did Natsu sense what it really meant to face Su Yan as an enemy.
"Gaaaaaaaaah—!!!" Natsu roared in defiance, as if to stiffen his courage, then charged at Su Yan. But upon reaching him, Natsu's body froze mid-lunge, trembling uncontrollably.
"Ugh!"
His knees buckled, and he sank to the ground.
"I…I lost…"
Su Yan let his conqueror's haki dissipate.
"Good. There's no shame in recognizing the fear inside you—it means you've learned your true limits. That's an essential step toward becoming S-Class."
"People aren't born the strongest; along the way, they'll encounter foes well beyond them. Rushing in blindly isn't bravery, it's folly."
He gave a slight shrug. "The best way is to train hard and challenge an opponent only when you have real confidence. Take Laxus—angry as he can be, even he waited six years before challenging me again. He's still not my match, but at least he bided his time."
"With a mindset like you're walking on thin ice—yet persevering—you'll keep growing stronger. If you understand that, you're already qualified."
Natsu stared up at him, voice trembling. "But…I lost so badly. How does that count as qualified?"
"I said you passed, so you passed," Su Yan replied. "Seriously…did you think you could beat me right now? Even if every contestant here teamed up, it wouldn't take me long to handle you."
"W-well said," Happy mumbled. He knew Su Yan spoke the truth. Natsu alone wasn't nearly enough, and even the entire Fairy Tail guild together might not match him. They'd seen how Su Yan singlehandedly crushed the Phantom Lord guild without breaking a sweat.
"Don't dwell on it," Su Yan continued. "This exam isn't over—this is only the first round. And even becoming S-Class doesn't mean you've accomplished much."
"Becoming S-Class is just the beginning: there are S-Class jobs, SS-Class jobs, Ten-Year jobs, Hundred-Year jobs… If you stay stuck outside that door, you'll never glimpse the bigger world or make real progress."
He folded his arms. "So keep improving. Maybe in six years, you can challenge me again—although I'll be stronger by then, so try not to fall too far behind."
"Go become an S-Class mage."
Hearing Su Yan's words, Natsu couldn't hold back his tears.
Outside Tenrou Island
"That's Tenrou Island," Carla remarked, pointing at the map.
"Are we sure it's okay to follow them?" asked Pantherlily.
"It'll be fine. I just want to look around."
"You're worried about Wendy, aren't you?"
Carla huffed, "I'm obviously against it…that child just doesn't listen!"
Pantherlily gave a sympathetic smile. A week ago, a man named Mest—claiming to be Mystogan's disciple—had invited Wendy to partner up. Carla had sensed danger and opposed Wendy going. But Wendy argued that with Su Yan, the guildmaster, and other elites on the island, she'd be safe. She ignored Carla's warning, so Carla hadn't spoken to her all week.
"A bad feeling? You mean about Mest?" Lily asked.
"No, I don't care who Mest is. I told you, I get premonitions. The day the trial was announced, I saw scattered images—none of them good."
"Really? I'm more curious about Mest himself."
"Hmm?"
"If he's the Prince's disciple, something feels off."
Route D
"Puh-la-la!!"
"Mest!!" Wendy cried. "Are you alright?!"
"Urgh… Are those two really that strong?" Mest groaned.
"Of course they are. Gajeel used to be Phantom Lord's strongest member," Wendy explained. "But he wants to inherit Master Mystogan's will—so we mustn't lose next time! Let's catch up to them, Gajeel and Levy—!"
"Uh…?" Mest rose, blinking. Nobody was in sight. "Where'd they go?"
Wendy's face paled. "I think we lost them…"
"I don't know how it happened!"
"While you fainted, Gajeel and Levy just kept going…" Wendy sighed.
"Huh? Guess that's it for us, then," Mest muttered dejectedly.
Wendy clutched her face, tears welling up. "I was useless… I wanted to do my best…!"
"No, no. Don't worry about it. Are you hurt?"
She shook her head, sniffling. "I'm fine…"