Makarov had seen how Finn operated – repaying kindness tenfold – so he worried Finn might go easy on Laxus because he was his grandson.
Finn, hearing Makarov's words, understood. He could beat Laxus soundly. He'd wanted to do this for a long time.
Laxus, that rebellious kid, needed a good beating.
"Okay, Master. I'll do my best."
…
After talking with Makarov, the Master left the guild, and Finn returned to the bar.
"A warm milk, please."
Cana approached. "Hey Finn, does the milk really work? You haven't grown much taller."
"Thanks," Finn took the milk, taking a sip. "It doesn't work that fast. I really like milk."
He took another sip, looking at Cana. "Want to try? It's good."
Cana's curiosity was piqued. She ordered a warm milk. After tasting it, she said, "This tastes like nothing."
"It's pure milk, of course, it's not sweet," Finn said.
"What's the difference between this and water?"
"It has a milky smell,"
"Forget it. I'm more interested in that," Cana pointed to Makarov's usual drinks.
"You can't drink until you're fifteen," Finn reminded her.
Cana's eyes sparkled. "I've always wanted to try it. Master's not here, so I'll try it."
Ignoring Finn, she went behind the bar, grabbed a cup, and poured herself a glass of strong beer.
"Want some?"
Finn quickly waved his hands. "No, thanks. You enjoy it."
He hated alcohol. He'd heard people say it was delicious, but he'd tried it once and never touched it again.
He wondered why people liked it. He just didn't appreciate it. He wouldn't admit he'd only had one sip…
Cana ignored him, taking a large gulp of beer.
Finn's eyes widened. She'd probably pass out soon.
But she didn't. Her eyes shone.
"So good! Finn, you have to try it!" She went to refill her glass.
Finn's mouth twitched. "I'm good. Enjoy yourself." He sipped his milk.
Then Finn witnessed a natural alcoholic.
Cana drank glass after glass, then, unsatisfied, threw away her glass and, to Finn's astonishment, hugged the keg and drank directly from it – "Gulp, gulp, gulp!"
Finn could only say, "Whoa!"
The barmaid returned and was stunned.
It was shocking to see an eleven-year-old girl hugging a keg taller than herself and drinking.
…
"Dong, dong, dong" The church bells rang throughout Magnolia.
"Those bells? Gildarts is back."
"It's been a year."
"He was on a ten-year mission."
"Amazing! Fairy Tail's strongest mage!"
Everyone discussed the bells.
Natsu was excited. "Fairy Tail's strongest mage?"
Erza clenched her fists, eager to see the strongest man.
The city changed, a straight path leading to Fairy Tail. A figure slowly approached.
"Gildarts, welcome back!"
"Sir, how was the mission?" Finn asked.
"Haha, it was a success!" Gildarts laughed.
"As expected,"
Natsu jumped out. "Sir, I challenge you!"
Everyone was stunned.
Gildarts smiled at Natsu. "Good, kid. Bring it on!"
"Here?" Gildarts' magic was incredibly destructive.
Natsu didn't care. His fist ignited with flames.
"Here I come, Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" Natsu jumped, his fist aimed at Gildarts' head.
Gildarts caught Natsu, spun him around, and threw him away, destroying the guild's ceiling.
"Another one-hit knockout!!"
But everyone was used to it.
Finn, Erza, Laxus, and Gildarts could all defeat Natsu easily, but he always challenged again. His spirit was admirable.
"Ah, I'm exhausted. Where's Master?" Gildarts asked.
Finn pointed to the bar. "He's been waiting for you."
Makarov said, "You weren't injured?" His eyes showed concern.
"Of course not. Thank you for your concern," Gildarts laughed.
"Good. Now that you're back, we can start the S-class mage promotion exam for Finn and Laxus."
Gildarts groaned. "I'm always working. I just got back."
Makarov said, "What can we do? You're the only S-class mage. You work hard now, and we'll use them next time, right?"
Gildarts sighed.
"Fine, fine." Gildarts stretched. "I'll go rest. I'm exhausted."
He walked towards…the wall.
Makarov's eyes widened. "You idiot! The door's over there!!"
But it was too late.
Gildarts walked towards the wall, which glowed white. The wall shattered, and Gildarts walked through.
"My…my wall!!" Makarov cried, looking at the broken wall. Another expense.
Natsu watched Gildarts, excited. Perhaps someone would imitate him.
…
On a deserted island, Finn looked at Laxus. He hadn't gone to find him, but Laxus had come.
The S-class mage exam had begun. They had to find twenty Fairy Tail-marked tokens scattered around the island – some hidden, some guarded by monsters. The first to find twelve tokens would advance.
The next round was facing Gildarts, who would judge their eligibility.
Finn had found four tokens. The fifth was guarded by a monster, which he defeated.
Laxus sensed Finn's magical power and came.
"How many tokens do you have?" Laxus shouted.
"You?" Finn asked.
Laxus showed his tokens. "Eight."
Finn's eyes widened. "You haven't fought? How did you get so many?"
Laxus smirked. "It's easy. I found them on the way. Didn't you?"
Finn was stunned.
"On…on the way??" His first token was under a waterfall, the second in an underground river, the third buried underground, and the last was on a strong monster.
"Are you cheating? Your luck is insane!" Finn wondered if the exam was rigged.
He wouldn't suspect Makarov of cheating.
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