Fairy Tail: Becoming stronger by spending money.

"Well..."

Today in the Fairy Tail guild, half of the members looked noticeably downcast.

"What's going on here?"

Ur had just returned and sat down beside Gray, noticing the strange atmosphere. She asked him casually.

Gray rested his chin on his hand and pointed toward the other side of the guild without saying a word.

On the far side, the mood was completely different—lively, even blinding by comparison.

It was... flashy. Way too flashy.

Ur's gaze followed Gray's gesture to see Mirajane surrounded by the female guild members, awkwardly showing off the gem-encrusted ring on her finger. In the sunlight, the gem gleamed brightly—so bright it almost made the group on Gray's side feel even grayer.

"I'm so stupid... Mirajane and Caesar are clearly together. Why did I ever think I had a chance?"

"Damn it... sniff sniff... my Mira..."

"I want to challenge Caesar to a duel between men!"

"Forget it. You'll never beat him."

"It hurts... right in the heart..."

Unable to beat him, the "dark group" of male guild members sat sulking, glaring at Caesar, who was sitting calmly nearby, doing absolutely nothing wrong.

The collective resentment coming off them was so strong, it could probably resurrect a dozen dark mages from Phantom Lord.

The negative aura was so thick, Caesar actually made several mistakes while refining a batch of potions.

"Caesar."

Master Makarov walked over, patted Caesar on the shoulder sincerely, and stared him straight in the eyes. "I don't object to you and Mira being together. But you're both still young. Be careful, alright?"

Caesar rolled his eyes and replied, "Master, you're overthinking it. We've only just made our relationship official. There's still a long way to go."

"Hmph. Then how about having Mira move out?"

"Not a chance."

Caesar shot down the suggestion instantly.

After confirming their relationship, Mirajane had moved in with Caesar.

But don't get the wrong idea. He was 16 and she was 15—way too young for anything beyond hugs and kisses.

Caesar honestly enjoyed the feeling of companionship more than anything else.

"Master, shouldn't preparations for this year's S-Class Promotion Trial be starting soon?"

The topic shift brought Makarov back to business.

"Yeah, it's coming. This year, you and Laxus better not slack off. You hear me? Give it your all. I'm getting too old to be catching S-class beasts by myself. It's exhausting, you know?"

Makarov grumbled.

Like with the Crimson Flame Beast—he had to catch it, stuff the reward in its horn, then drag it to a remote location and keep it contained until Caesar finished the job.

It was time-consuming and tiring.

He'd hoped Caesar's promotion would give him a year off. But Caesar got into trouble and ended up grounded, so Makarov had to handle it all himself.

This year, no matter what, he was dragging Caesar and Laxus in to help. He was done doing everything alone.

Caesar nodded. He planned to lay low this year anyway, so he had time to help. Whether Makarov could handle Laxus was another question.

…

Time passed quickly.

Soon, the list of S-Class Trial candidates was announced:

Mirajane, Erza, Natsu, Gray, Ur, and Cana!

Caesar's mouth twitched.

With him and Laxus acting as gatekeepers this year, it was obvious Makarov had dumped all the pressure on them.

Oh, and during that time, Laxus' Thunder God Tribe had returned. And Levy had also come back from completing a novel-length commission.

The S-Class Trial required teams of two, so the pairs ended up like this:

Mirajane and Elfman

Erza and Levy

Natsu and Happy

Gray and Alzack

Ur and Bisca

Cana and Laki

Caesar silently gave a thumbs-up to Ur and Gray. Separating all the couples who constantly flaunted their affection? Genius move.

…

"Time to eat."

Mirajane called out, summoning Caesar and Elfman from the couch where they'd been chatting.

The table was packed with food—today was Christmas Eve, and tomorrow was the S-Class Trial.

Mirajane's cooking was amazing. After the hearty meal, Elfman politely excused himself, giving the couple some time alone.

This was Caesar and Mirajane's first Christmas together, and neither wanted a third wheel hanging around.

Caesar gifted Mirajane a custom-made jewelry set that enhanced dark magic.

Mirajane gave Caesar rare inner armor made from pseudo-dragon scales—high defense and a perfect fit.

As for the details of the S-Class Trial, Caesar had no clue. Otherwise, he might've slipped some hints to Mira.

But Makarov was careful not to reveal anything.

…

The next morning, Makarov summoned Caesar and Laxus to a sea 300 nautical miles from Magnolia.

Caesar looked down at the sea below, littered with floating spheres, and couldn't help but facepalm.

"The Master really went all out. Is this year's trial... a naval battle?"

Laxus laughed. His thunder magic was practically suicidal in water.

Each of them stood on one of the floating spheres. At the center of it all were two Fairy Tail flags.

That was all they needed to know.

Only two teams would make it to the next round.

"Going to let your Mira win?"

Laxus stood casually on his floating platform, bouncing with the waves.

"No way. Use full power. Mira's not weak. If you let your guard down, she'll crush you."

Caesar stood on his own platform. Both of them were bound by Makarov's rules—not allowed to leave the floating field.

Plenty of restrictions... but fair.

They exchanged glances and waited.

They didn't have to wait long.

Thirty minutes later, the Fairy Tail guild ship appeared on the horizon, bringing the assessment teams.

Makarov stood at the bow and announced loudly:

"The first test is... capture the flag!"

"You'll be fighting on these floating spheres and the open sea. There are only two flags, and six teams. Two will advance. And Caesar and Laxus will be stopping you!"

He waved his hand.

"Let the S-Class Trial begin! Capture a flag and you move on!"

The moment the words left his mouth, six teams—twelve guild members—launched themselves across the sea, charging full force toward the two strongest obstacles in their way:

Caesar and Laxus.