Multiversal Travel

One week later, the preparations for the S-Class Test were complete, and all the candidates were seen sitting on the boat.

"Cana, I'll make you an S-Class Mage!" said Natsu, his voice filled with excitement and determination. His fists clenched tightly, and his eyes gleamed with the fire of resolve. "I won't let you down, not a chance!"

Cana, sitting beside him, gave him a faint smile. "You're always so fired up, Natsu. Don't forget—this is my trial too."

Mira and Erza were seated cross-legged on the deck, their eyes closed as if in deep meditation. Mira broke the silence, her voice calm yet stern. "The S-Class Trial is no joke. You'll need more than just brute strength to pass."

Erza opened one eye and glanced at Natsu. "She's right. Overconfidence can lead to failure. Stay sharp and trust in your training."

Moments later, Makarov appeared at the helm, his presence commanding everyone's attention. "My dear children, we've arrived at the first test. Listen closely," he began, his voice echoing across the boat. "You must cross the sea to the island ahead. Once there, you'll find three passages. In each passage, you'll face one of the current S-Class Mages. Only by proving your worth against them can you proceed."

"The first challenge is a battle?" asked Natsu, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Perfect! I'll take anyone down!"

Erza interjected, her tone analytical. "If we must fight, I'd wager Laxus might be the easiest of the three to handle. His approach is straightforward."

Mira nodded thoughtfully. "True, but even Laxus is no pushover. He's still one of the strongest mages in the guild. We'll need to stay focused."

Makarov raised his voice again, his tone signaling the start of the test. "Alright, my children, I officially declare the S-Class Trial open!" With that, he turned and disappeared into the ship's cabin.

As soon as Makarov finished speaking, the candidates rushed to the deck of the ship. Gray took the lead, saying, "Ice-Make: Ice Slide!" He leapt off the ship, creating a shimmering trail of ice beneath him as he glided toward the island.

Erza quickly followed. "Requip: Heaven's Wheel Armor!" she declared, her armor transforming as she took to the skies with a flurry of spinning swords.

Mira smirked, her voice carrying a dark edge. "Transformation: Satan Soul." Her body morphed into a devil-like form as she soared into the air, grabbing Elfman mid-flight.

Cana and Natsu, lacking magic for fast travel, plunged into the sea. "Come on, Cana, swim faster!" Natsu yelled, laughing as he paddled toward the shore.

Upon reaching the island, Cana and Natsu saw that all the other entrances were already occupied. With no other option, they entered the only remaining passage.

As they ventured deeper, they arrived in a larger chamber where Rain stood waiting.

Cana's heart sank as she recognized him. "This must be some kind of cruel joke," she thought, her gaze fixed on the formidable mage.

"Rain!" Natsu called out, his voice brimming with excitement. "I want to fight you!"

Rain chuckled, his demeanor calm and collected. "Ah, so you two are the unlucky ones who get to face me. Natsu, if you wish to fight, come at me. I'll show you the vast gap between us in strength."

"I'm fire and flame!" Natsu roared, charging at Rain with all his might. "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" Flames engulfed his fist as he swung it with unyielding force.

Rain raised a single finger, effortlessly blocking the attack. The shockwave sent Natsu hurtling backward, crashing into the ground.

"Is that all you've got?" Rain asked, his tone mocking but calm.

Natsu stood up, determination blazing in his eyes. "You're not stopping me that easily!" Gathering energy in his mouth, he unleashed, "Fire Dragon's Roar!" A blazing torrent of flames erupted toward Rain.

Rain extended his palm, absorbing the attack without even flinching. "You'll need to do better than that," he said, his voice unwavering.

"This can't be happening!" Natsu muttered, beads of sweat forming on his brow. "Is he really this much stronger than me?"

"No! I won't give up!" he yelled, summoning flames in both hands. "Fire Dragon's Radiant Flame!" His hands burned brighter than ever as he combined the flames and hurled them at Rain.

Rain didn't even blink. The attack collided with him, and as the dust settled, he stood unscathed. "Natsu, it's time to stop," Rain said, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Let me show you the difference between us."

Rain activated his aura, and the sheer force of it made the ground tremble. The entire chamber seemed to quake under his overwhelming power.

"Wh-what is this?" Natsu stammered, his body trembling. "What kind of monster are you?"

Rain's aura pulsed through the chamber, creating cracks in the stone walls. Natsu stumbled back, struggling to stay on his feet.

"This is power, Natsu," Rain said, his voice resonating with authority. "This is what it means to stand at the pinnacle of magic. You're strong, yes, but your strength is undisciplined and raw. You're not ready to face me."

Natsu clenched his fists, his entire body trembling, not just from the force of Rain's aura but also from frustration. "No! I'm not done yet!" he yelled. "Fire Dragon's Explosive Fist!" Flames erupted from his hands as he charged again.

Rain sighed, almost disappointed. With a swift motion, he sidestepped Natsu's attack and struck him lightly on the shoulder. The impact sent Natsu sprawling across the floor.

"Natsu!" Cana yelled, rushing to his side. "You're going to hurt yourself if you keep this up!"

Natsu struggled to stand, his breaths ragged. "I... I can't stop now. I have to prove myself!" He looked up at Rain, his eyes filled with determination.

Rain's expression softened for a moment. "Determination alone isn't enough, Natsu. You're brave, but bravery without strategy is recklessness. Watch closely, and I'll show you why you need more than raw power."

Rain raised his hand, and the air around him seemed to ripple. A faint glow surrounded his body as his aura intensified. The ground beneath him cracked, and the walls of the chamber began to shake violently.

"Enough!" Rain's voice boomed, and with a single wave of his hand, he extinguished every flame in the room, leaving Natsu and Cana in stunned silence.

Cana swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "This... this is the power of an S-Class Mage?"

Rain turned his back to them. "You're not ready. Go back, train harder, and maybe one day you'll stand on this level. For now, follow me. I'll take you to the camp."

Natsu, still kneeling, punched the ground in frustration. "Damn it! I thought I was strong enough..."

Cana placed a hand on his shoulder. "We'll get there, Natsu. We just need more time."

Rain glanced over his shoulder. "You've got potential, both of you. Don't waste it by rushing ahead. Let's go."

Meanwhile, in Gildarts' Chamber

Erza stood before Gildarts, her armor gleaming in the dim light. She tightened her grip on her sword, preparing herself for the battle.

"Are you ready, Erza?" Gildarts asked, his tone calm yet commanding. "You'll need everything you've got to face me."

Erza nodded. "I've trained for this moment. I won't back down."

Gildarts smiled faintly. "That's the spirit. But let me remind you—power isn't just about strength. It's about knowing when to fight and when to yield."

Without warning, Gildarts unleashed his aura. The sheer pressure of it forced Erza to her knees. The ground beneath her cracked, and her armor groaned under the weight of the energy.

"Can you feel it, Erza?" Gildarts said, his voice almost gentle. "This is the difference between us. It's not just magic; it's experience, control, and the will to protect what matters most."

Erza gritted her teeth, struggling to rise. "I... won't... give up!" she shouted, forcing herself to stand.

Gildarts watched her with admiration. "You're strong, Erza. Stronger than most. But sometimes, strength isn't enough. Knowing your limits is just as important as surpassing them."

Erza's sword fell from her hands as she sank to the ground. "I... I understand," she said, her voice trembling. "I yield."

Gildarts deactivated his aura and approached her. He knelt down and placed a hand on her shoulder. "There's no shame in surrendering when it's the right choice. You've passed this test, Erza. Continue on your path and become the S-Class Mage I know you can be."

Erza looked up at him, tears welling in her eyes. "Thank you, Gildarts. I'll do my best."

In Laxus' Chamber

Mira and Elfman stood opposite Laxus, their bodies tense. Laxus crossed his arms, his expression unreadable.

"So, you two made it this far," Laxus said, his voice low and gruff. "Impressive. But do you really think you can beat me?"

Mira stepped forward, her voice firm. "We've trained hard for this, Laxus. We won't back down."

Elfman nodded, his fists clenched. "We're ready to prove ourselves."

Laxus smirked. "Is that so? Show me, then."

Mira transformed into her Satan Soul form, her wings spreading wide. "Let's do this!" she shouted, charging at Laxus.

The clash between them was fierce. Lightning crackled as Laxus unleashed his magic, while Mira's attacks burned with demonic energy. Elfman joined the fray, his beast-like strength adding to the chaos.

After several intense moments, Laxus raised a hand, signaling a halt. "Enough," he said, his tone softer. "You've proven your worth."

Mira blinked in surprise. "What do you mean?"

Laxus smiled faintly. "You're ready, Mira. You've got what it takes to be an S-Class Mage." He swayed slightly before collapsing to his knees. "Rain's training must've pushed you farther than I realized. Well done."

Mira helped him to his feet, a small smile on her lips. "Thank you, Laxus. We wouldn't have made it this far without that training."

As she and Elfman left the chamber, Mira glanced back. "We'll see you at the next test, Laxus. Take care."

st.