Fairy Tail: I Don't Want to Be the Guild Master-Chapter 157: Rhodes is in High Demand

"Cana made it in again this year. With her strength, she should have a good shot at passing, right?"

"Well, what can you do? There are always monsters in every exam."

"It makes sense for Mest and Mickey to be selected, but why Warren instead of Natsu or Gray?"

"Warren's no pushover. He's strong, seriously."

The four selected participants were all familiar faces. Everyone at least thought they were familiar, so there wasn't much backlash or surprise.

Some people brought up Rhodes, but considering he had only been practicing magic for less than half a year, it was understandable that he wasn't selected.

Then there was Natsu, who shouted in frustration, "Old man! Why didn't I make it? I've gotten way stronger!"

"You're still too weak, Natsu," Laxus replied flatly. "You're not even calm enough to hear the list without yelling. That alone disqualifies you."

It made sense, but Laxus's smug tone was enough to push Natsu's buttons. He nearly charged at him on the spot.

"Cut the nonsense, Laxus," Makarov interjected. "I evaluated everyone based on power, intellect, character, and other key factors. If you want to qualify, reflect on your shortcomings, Natsu."

"Ugh, come on!" Natsu groaned, clearly frustrated.

To him, passing the S-Class trial meant more than just a title. He believed it would bring him one step closer to finding Igneel.

Compared to Natsu, Gray was much quieter, silently wondering where he had fallen short. He even briefly considered whether his habit of stripping was the reason.

Rhodes, meanwhile, was confused. "I know everyone else, but who's Mest?"

"Mest Gryder," Mira replied, thinking for a moment. "He joined the guild quite a while ago. You probably haven't seen him because he's rarely around. He's as mysterious as Mystogan, but everyone knows he's strong."

Elfman pointed toward a short-haired man with a scar across his face. "That's him. He's the real deal. A man through and through."

Rhodes still found it strange. He'd been working at the guild as a part-time server for five months now. If Mest had shown up during that time, Rhodes should've at least seen him once.

He had even run into Mystogan outside the guild, and though he had never met Gildarts—who'd been away for over two years—he'd definitely heard of him.

But Mest? No one had even mentioned his name before.

"When was the last time he showed up?" Rhodes asked, still skeptical.

Mira tapped her chin. "I don't really remember... but it's definitely been a while."

Rhodes nodded, unconvinced. Maybe he was just like Gildarts—gone for ages on a long mission.

He made a mental note to check the guild's photo albums and Reedus's sketchbook later. Maybe he'd just overlooked him.

By that point, Makarov was already explaining the test's details. "This year's S-Class Promotion Exam will take place at Clover Canyon."

The location wasn't unfamiliar. Clover was the last stop on the train route from Magnolia.

The canyon itself lay between Oshibana and Clover, and its terrain was notoriously complex and unpredictable.

Rhodes had actually been near the area before. He and Alzack had once teamed up to take down a group of bandits and ended up passing through a village near the canyon called Sunflower Village.

"The exam will begin in one week," Makarov announced. "The rules remain the same as in previous years. Only one wizard will be promoted to S-Class. Additionally, each candidate must select a partner."

"The specifics of the exam will be revealed once we arrive at the examination site. What I can share for now is..." Makarov grinned, "the three behind me will serve as your obstacles."

Laxus raised a hand, golden lightning crackling from his palm. "I won't allow the weak to rise to my level."

Mystogan's muffled voice echoed from behind his mask. "I'm only doing this because Master asked me. I don't have a choice."

Erza stood tall, her expression serious. "I will give it my all."

"Please don't go all out!" someone shouted in panic.

Warren, overwhelmed with nerves, accidentally broadcasted his inner thoughts to everyone via telepathy.

Laxus gave him a sharp glance, his voice edged with disdain. "If you're scared, it's not too late to quit. That would save me the trouble."

Warren clenched his fists. "I'm not scared!"

In truth, when one stopped to think about it, this was just an exam. The examiners probably wouldn't go all out... hopefully. And with a partner by your side, it would be two-on-one. Maybe, just maybe, there was a fighting chance.

The candidates quickly started thinking through their best options for partners.

Meanwhile, those who hadn't been selected this year were already imagining who they'd team up with next time.

"For me, it's gotta be Levy!" Jet and Droy exclaimed at the same time. They locked eyes, and sparks practically flew between them.

Happy chimed in, "For Natsu, teaming up with Rhodes would be perfect!"

"Huh? Why Rhodes?" Natsu crossed his arms with a grin. "I'm teaming up with Happy, obviously!"

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"Aye, sir!"

Alzack and Bisca exchanged a look before glancing away, flustered. They were determined to make the cut next year.

Gray also felt like Rhodes would make a solid partner—calm, strategic, and reliable. But he figured that guy was likely to qualify himself next year anyway.

That's when Loke casually wrapped an arm around Gray's shoulder. "If you manage to qualify next year, how about I be your partner?"

"Alright, it's a deal," Gray said with a smile. Loke was strong—more than qualified to stand beside him.

Mira tilted her head curiously. "If it were you, Rhodes, who would you choose as your partner?"

"Do we even have to ask?" Rhodes grinned. "I'd pick the Master."

Technically, you couldn't choose Mira or any of the S-Class wizards, but no one said anything about the Guild Master.

Mira giggled behind her hand. "I don't think the Master's eligible."

"Then..." Rhodes tapped his chin, "I'll invite Grandma Polyusica. If I can get her to come along, I'll escort her slowly through the exam field. I'd like to see who dares try anything."

That got an even bigger laugh out of Mira. It was a flawless plan... in theory. But more than likely, Rhodes would get a beating from Makarov before he could even try it.

"The four selected candidates, along with their chosen partners, will gather at the train station in one week," Makarov declared. "Use this time to prepare yourselves as best as you can. That's all."

With that, the guild members began to disperse.

Those who didn't make the cut looked exhausted. Many of them had taken on an absurd number of missions leading up to the announcement, trying to prove themselves worthy. Now, they needed rest.

Some left the guild right away. Others stayed behind, chatting about the chosen participants or even starting to place bets on who would pass the exam.

Meanwhile, the selected candidates began considering their partners.

Mickey planned to choose someone from her team—someone who knew her well and could coordinate smoothly during the challenges ahead. She was still deciding who.

Mest had vanished as soon as the announcement ended. No one knew what he was planning.

But as for Cana and Warren... to everyone's surprise, they both ended up in the same spot, saying the same thing to the same person.

"Rhodes, help me!" they said in unison.

Rhodes blinked, staring at them. "Huh? Are you two seriously picking me?"

...

Author's Note (in-world lore clarification): In the original story, Makarov announced, "This year's exam will be held... on Tenrou Island." That tells us the location of the exam changes each year. The surprised expressions from the guild members confirm this.

He also said, "Since there are some first-time participants, let me explain the rules." This confirms the core structure stays the same: you need a partner. The specifics of the exam vary, but the purpose remains consistent—testing a wizard's strength, intelligence, teamwork, and spirit.

As for Mest: he infiltrated Fairy Tail by erasing his own and everyone else's memories, posing as a Council agent. He claimed to be taking the S-Class exam as part of his "investigation."

In truth, Master Makarov likely saw how much Mest had sacrificed and wanted to give him a chance to officially return to the guild through the S-Class trial.