After three months of intense training, the guild members out on the deck were indulging in wild boasts and bragging.
Meanwhile, inside the cabin, an old man and a young man were discussing matters regarding the upcoming Grand Magic Games.
"I've already registered you for the Grand Magic Games. Interestingly, there's a fascinating new rule this year," Makarov chuckled like a cunning old fox. "The officials stated that each guild can enter up to two teams."
Ankh understood Makarov's implication and smiled. "You want us to form two teams as well?"
Makarov nodded. "Among our returning members, there are quite a few with the strength to compete. Forming separate teams won't weaken our competitiveness, so why not make a grand spectacle before the entire nation!"
Makarov's original plan to secure the championship was to field the guild's strongest lineup directly: Ankh, Gildarts, Laxus, Erza, and Mirajane!
Also known as the "No-Holds-Barred Lineup," it had a ninety-nine percent chance of winning the Grand Magic Games.
It would likely even force the officials to ban them just to keep things fair.
However, Gildarts had recently gone wandering again, and the official committee unexpectedly announced this new regulation, sparking another idea in Makarov's mind.
"I plan to have Erza lead Natsu, Gray, Lucy, and Wendy to form Fairy Tail's Team A," Makarov said with the calm composure of a seasoned general.
"This team is slightly weaker but remains highly competitive, and the experience will help temper them."
In the old man's heart, Erza and Lucy were both strong candidates to succeed Ankh as Guild Master someday.
Gray and Natsu were also top contenders for the next S-Class rank, while Wendy, despite her youth, was growing alongside the others, her future boundless.
Team A represented the future, and Makarov hoped they would gain valuable experience through the Grand Magic Games.
"What about Team B?" Ankh asked, agreeing with the Guild Master's arrangement.
Makarov's face blossomed into a radiant smile. "You'll be the captain, leading Laxus, Mirajane, Gajeel, and Juvia."
By Fairy Tail standards, this team consisted of two super S-Class Mages, one S-Class Mage, and two quasi-S-Class Mages.
If the Grand Magic Games were purely about fighting prowess, the officials might as well hand them the trophy outright...
Makarov's eyes glittered with money symbols as he burst into laughter. "Gajeel and Juvia can develop their skills in the fight, while you three secure our victory. Let me ask you this across the entire Fiore Kingdom... WHO ELSE CAN CHALLENGE US?!"
Watching the old man's arrogant display, Ankh chuckled wryly. "Master, the Grand Magic Games events haven't been announced yet. It's not just about simple fighting."
Ankh had heard from Alzack and the others that the Grand Magic Games featured diverse competitive events.
For instance, during the year Jet didn't participate, there was a speed race.
The year Alzack and Bisca sat out included a shooting competition.
With various events testing Mages from all angles, the strongest Mages didn't necessarily win—only the most versatile could prevail.
Makarov reined in his laughter and stated, "No matter. There'll be fighting eventually." He lowered his voice.
"After returning to the guild, you should go meet up with Laxus and the others, then head to the capital. Don't tell Erza and the rest, okay~"
Ankh knew this old rascal was scheming to deceive Erza and the others again, but he had no intention of exposing him.
If they knew there was a Team B, Erza and the rest might not feel as much pressure to succeed.
The Grand Magic Games were not only a moment to test their strength but also a process for the young fairies to adapt to the changes over the past seven years.
No one could replace them in this.
The ship soon arrived at Hargeon Port, and everyone took the train back to the guild.
The moment they got off the train, Ankh quietly slipped away.
Upon returning to the guildhall, Makarov announced the team lineup for the Grand Magic Games.
It was essentially the remaining five members of Team Natsu...
At this, Lucy and Wendy panicked.
Lucy, who had been bragging on the ship just moments ago, reverted to her true self and asked.
"But... what about Ankh and Laxus?"
Wendy nodded nervously, her recently boosted confidence now feeling precarious.
Makarov put on a show of sighing, wearing a pained expression as he explained, "There's no helping it. Laxus and the others haven't returned yet, and as for Ankh... he just recovered from his injuries, so let's not make him exert himself."
This was nonsense.
Ankh had long been fine, Makarov was just making up an excuse.
Moreover, even if Ankh were injured... in Makarov's eyes, he would still be stronger than the people standing before him...
Hearing this reason, the two uneasy girls fell silent.
Erza nodded in agreement, her resolve unwavering as she vowed, "Don't worry, Master, we will restore the guild's reputation!"
"Exactly!" Natsu encouraged Lucy, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Lucy, didn't you say you'd show them the power of Celestial Spirit Magic?"
Easily motivated, Lucy regained her energy, clenched her fists, and declared, "Alright! Let's show them what we've got!"
Carla encouraged Wendy from the sidelines, and Wendy mustered her courage as well.
That's right—it was time to test the results of their three months of special training!
Erza, radiating a strong leader's aura, raised her fist and shouted, "For Fairy Tail! For our comrades who suffered over these seven years! For those who have placed their hopes in us! We will win!"
With the formation of Team A, the guild members' hearts swelled with passion.
They raised their fists in unison and roared together:
"Fairy Tail will win!"
...
"Of course we'll win. Ankh and Laxus are both here."
Mirajane clung to Ankh's arm, shaking her head gleefully, looking like an overjoyed husky who had just gotten a new toy!
Ankh had transferred to a train bound for the royal capital, Crocus, reuniting with the members of Team B in their carriage.
Sitting beside Mirajane by the window, Ankh watched Magnolia gradually fade into the distance and smiled.
"This is my first time participating in this kind of festival."
Laxus sat across from him, exuding confidence and boldness. "Just like Mirajane said, our team is guaranteed to win."
Gajeel, sitting beside Laxus, grinned fiercely, not to be outdone. "I won't fall behind either. Sabertooth? I'll smash every last one of them!"
Only Juvia sat sadly beside Mira. "Although Juvia wants to win the competition, Juvia wants to be with Gray-sama!"
Ankh smiled and whispered, "Better give up on that thought, Juvia. Let's go to the royal capital together and give Gray and the others—give the Fiore Kingdom—a surprise!"
Fairy Tail's Team A and Team B headed toward the royal capital, while guilds from all over the kingdom began to mobilize as well.
Over a hundred powerful Mage teams converged on the royal capital, Crocus!
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