Fairy Tail: Strongest Creature

Hearing Makarov's announcement, Su Yan's mind raced. He knew exactly what this meant—the annual S-Class Trials, an event etched into the lore of the *Fairy Tail* guild. The trial location in the anime had been none other than Tenrou Island, the very place he had first arrived in this world. And he remembered all too well the formidable enemies that had appeared there—the Black Mage, Zeref, and the Black Dragon, Acnologia.

These two were the very enemies Su Yan had set his sights on since he joined the guild. *Fairy Tail* was his home now, and he wouldn't allow anyone, not even forces as powerful as Zeref and Acnologia, to threaten it. It was why he pushed himself to grow stronger, though his progress was sometimes frustratingly slow. Running from mission to mission, picking up attribute points wherever he could, had become his strategy for building strength as quickly as possible.

"This year's trial location," Makarov announced, "is the Great Monster Forest!"

The room erupted.

"The Great Monster Forest?!" 

"Isn't that the monster-infested forbidden zone?" 

"This year's trial is going to be intense!"

The Great Monster Forest was infamous among mages, known for its unending swarms of dangerous creatures. Not only was it a hazardous location, but every so often, monsters from the forest would emerge and wreak havoc in nearby towns, prompting mages to embark on monster-slaying missions. It was no ordinary place for a trial, even by Fairy Tail's standards.

"This year's difficulty is seriously high!"

"Every year is hard, but this one…!"

"Yeah, no wonder Gildarts is still the only S-Class wizard here."

Makarov raised a hand, quieting the chatter. "Strength, heart, and spirit. I have watched your progress over the years, and I believe the time is right for these two candidates. For this year's S-Class Trial, only two contestants will participate."

"Only two?!"

The guild members exchanged uneasy glances. In past years, Makarov had selected at least three or four wizards to participate, though none had succeeded in earning the rank. This year, the stakes were higher with fewer spots available.

"Just two spots?" Macao muttered, looking slightly tense. Ever since his defeat by Su Yan, he had taken his training more seriously, leaving behind his lazy reputation. Now, he felt ready for a chance at S-Class status.

Wakaba blew a smoke ring, murmuring, "I wonder who'll get chosen…"

Makarov cleared his throat. "The first contestant is… Laxus Dreyar!"

The guild cheered.

"Laxus!" 

"Of course, it's Laxus!" 

"No surprise there!"

Su Yan glanced over to see Laxus leaning against a pillar on the outskirts of the crowd. Anyone familiar with *Fairy Tail* knew that Laxus, Makarov's grandson, was an exceptionally powerful wizard, even from a young age. His magic and combat skills made him a natural candidate for S-Class, though his attitude often left something to be desired.

Laxus rarely mingled with the guild, spending most of his time with his group, the Thunder God Tribe—Freed, Bickslow, and Evergreen. Su Yan and Laxus hadn't interacted much, except when Laxus had issued an invitation to duel that had come across less like a friendly challenge and more like a threat. Su Yan had declined, not wanting to escalate things out of respect for Makarov.

Evergreen beamed. "Yes! Laxus got selected!" 

"Congrats, Laxus!" Bickslow added, grinning widely. 

Freed nodded confidently. "No matter who he's up against, Laxus will surely become an S-Class mage."

Laxus smirked, crossing his arms. He was confident that he'd been S-Class material for years. In his mind, he'd only been held back because Makarov was overly cautious. Now that he finally had the chance, he wasn't going to let anyone stand in his way.

As the guild settled, a hush fell over the crowd, everyone wondering who the second contestant would be.

Makarov continued, "The second contestant… Su Yan!"

Su Yan's eyes widened, caught off guard. The guild exploded into murmurs of surprise and admiration.

"Su Yan?! At only thirteen?!"

"Man, that's insane! Su Yan's incredible!"

"Imagine being eligible for the S-Class Trial at his age…"

Su Yan processed the news, feeling a surge of pride and determination. He had worked tirelessly this past year, but to receive this recognition meant everything.

Makarov nodded, a pleased smile on his face. "For those new to the guild, I'll go over the rules. Over the next few days, you two will each select a partner. The rules are simple: they must be Fairy Tail members, and they cannot be S-Class wizards."

Everyone listened with bated breath as Makarov continued. "At the end of the trial, only one of you will become an S-Class wizard. More details will be provided on the day of the exam. Prepare well."

The guild members erupted into cheers again.

"Su Yan, congrats on getting chosen!" Erza congratulated him with a smile.

"Yeah, Su Yan!" Lisanna cheered, clapping excitedly. "You're amazing!"

But Mirajane wasn't as pleased. "Tch. Su Yan got picked over me?" She crossed her arms, a hint of resentment in her voice. "He's newer than me, and yet he gets the S-Class trial first…"

Just then, Laxus approached Su Yan, his imposing figure towering over him. "Su Yan," he sneered, "you'd better step down now if you don't want to get hurt. As long as I'm competing, you have no chance of winning."

Su Yan raised an eyebrow, meeting Laxus's gaze without flinching. "How do you know if you don't try?"

"Giving up on that delusion would save you a lot of pain," Laxus replied coldly. His eyes darkened, a sinister smile creeping onto his face. "But if you insist, don't expect any mercy."

With that, Laxus turned and strode away, the Thunder God Tribe trailing behind him.