Compared to the two fairies, Natsu is truly slaying a dragon!

Although he didn't show his face, Hennat still managed to decipher Laxus's lip movements.

"I'll be waiting for you at the final stage of the assessment!"

A slight smile played on Black Natsu's lips; his expression remained unchanged, and he didn't even bother to respond.

Black Natsu has no interest in trash talk.

Let's see how things develop in practice.

Seeing that Hennaz ignored him, Laxus frowned slightly, scoffed, and left the guild without looking back.

Standing on the high platform, Makarov watched Laxus's departing figure and sighed helplessly.

He then shook his head and turned his gaze to HyunA.

"The assessment is finally here. Don't let me down, kid! I have high hopes for you."

Even Gildarts stepped down from the stage, casually patting Henna's shoulder.

"Haha, not bad, kid! Remember when we last met? I said you were pretty strong, and it seems I was right!"

"I'm starting to look forward to your performance in this assessment."

"Uncle, this isn't what you're hoping for, is it? Shouldn't you be looking forward to the red-light district on the west corner?"

[Henazu also made a rare joke about Gildarts.]

Gildarts and Hanaz met when Hanaz first joined the guild.

Perhaps such instant connection truly exists in this world.

At least, that's how it was after Hanatsu met Gildarts; the two seemed destined to be friends, finding each other pleasing to the eye.

It was the kind of situation where they felt an instant connection, and as a result, they even became close friends despite their age difference.

[They talked a lot last time, so Hanatsu knew that Gildarts basically went to the red-light district every time he came back.]

[Each time, after spending all the money he earned in the red-light district, he would go out to earn more, then come back, then to the red-light district, and so on, living an extremely carefree life.]

However, most people within the Fairy Tail guild are unaware of this.

After all, Gildarts is the strongest fairy, and he still has some pride, so apart from a few old guys in the guild who share the same interests, only a few know about him.

Only Hyunaz knows.

Therefore, the instant he heard Honez's words,

Gildarts quickly reached out and covered Henna's mouth.

"Hey! Kid, you said you wouldn't talk, huh?"

"Um... I was just mentioning it subtly."

"Besides, it's more about giving you advice and worrying about your health, isn't it?"

"My body? Are you kidding me? My body is incredibly strong!"

"Forget it, there's no point in talking to a brat like you. You're still a minor."

Not far away, a young girl silently watched this scene.

She gently pursed her lips, then lowered her head, her small hands fiddling with her clothes.

His gaze fell into deep thought...

Outside the sky.

Fairy Tail Guild.

Gildarts stared at the screen above, then glanced at Cana not far away.

Instantly, an indescribable sense of regret filled the depths of my heart.

He couldn't help but pound his thigh.

"Sigh... It's all my fault. Why didn't I notice it when it was so obvious so many times?"

"I didn't realize... that Kana is actually my daughter?"

While drinking, Makarov murmured, "That child always seemed lonely when he was little. I thought it was just his personality."

"Looking back now, it's my fault for not paying more attention to the mental state of the guild members."

"What are you talking about?" Kana seemed to notice the situation between the two.

They came closer.

Gildarts didn't say anything, but gritted his teeth and then suddenly hugged Cana tightly.

"I'm sorry... Kana, I was so careless back then, I didn't even realize you were right next to me."

Kana was a little confused by this sudden turn of events.

However, when her gaze fell upon the image in the sky and landed on her in the dark world, Kana immediately understood everything.

She smiled helplessly: "Alright, didn't I already say? None of this matters."

"Besides, it was my own fault back then. I kept thinking that I could only reveal my identity after I became an S-class mage."

"Only an S-class mage is qualified to be your daughter..."

"However, all of that is in the past now, and we've recognized each other, haven't we?"

Gildarts released Kana.

She smiled and nodded: "Yes, at least we've recognized each other now!"

A week passed slowly under the expectant gazes of the mages within the Fairy Tail guild.

On this day, a large number of Fairy Tail guild members gathered at the port of Hargeon.

At the dock, a ship flying the Fairy Tail flag is moored.

"You absolutely must become an S-Class Mage! We'll throw you a celebratory drink!"

[Kana patted Black Natsu on the shoulder and said with a smile.]

"A victory celebration drink? It's probably for you, Kana, isn't it?"

Mirajane shook her head helplessly.

"Anyway, just play your best. I believe you can do it." Erza's expression was very serious.

"Ah, wait for my good news."

Henna smiled, then waved goodbye to everyone and boarded the ship with Laxus, who was leaning against a stone pillar listening to music.

[Subsequently, on Makarov's orders, the ships hoisted their sails and set sail.]

[Slowly sailing towards the depths of the vast ocean.]

【…】

【…】

On this lonely island, towering trees stand tall.

Deep within the forest, the roars of monsters echoed intermittently.

Here, killings happen every moment.

Here, every day, at least a dozen S-rank monsters fall, and new monsters rise to power.

This is a monster's paradise.

[Humanity's graveyard!]

[Because it harbors numerous exceptionally powerful demons, and every part of these demons can be considered a treasure.]

Therefore, many people post quests, all for the treasures hidden on these monsters, without a doubt.

Each and every one of these tasks is an S-level, extremely difficult mission!

"The rules are simple."

[The entrance to the forest.]

Makarov is drawing and writing in the air with his magic pen.

"Before you, Gildarts was located in the center of this island, and before you lay two paths that Gildarts had prepared beforehand."

"Both of these roads lead to Gildarts's location, but due to the frequent presence of powerful magical beasts on the island, the dangers and difficulties are unknown."

"It's even possible that these two paths have been destroyed by powerful magical beasts, but regardless, your goal is to reach Gildarts' location."

"No matter what difficulties you encounter along the way, and no matter what methods you use."

"Find Gildarts, and you've passed the first test."

Hearing Makarov's words, Laxus couldn't help but smile.

"Oh~ a level-based game? That sounds interesting."

Makarov looked at Henaz again.

"I'm fine, this level is easy for me."

"Since you all have no questions, let's begin the selection process."