Hearing Noah's words, Mystogan's tense spirit finally relaxed, and he sat down on the ground, panting heavily to recover from his exhaustion.

Noah didn't rush him, instead tuning his senses to the surroundings. He could feel vibrations and the occasional sound of explosions coming from four other directions. That must be the other four trial groups. They were really going at it.

After a while, the sounds from the other battlefields gradually stopped. They must have finished.

"Looks like they're done," Noah said to Mystogan. "Let's head back."

Mystogan nodded, got to his feet, and followed Noah toward the meeting point.

When they arrived, Erza and Cana were already sitting there, with Makarov nearby. Cana didn't look too happy. From her expression, it was obvious she hadn't passed Erza's test. No, to be precise, she hadn't been able to beat Erza.

Noah shook his head inwardly and sat down next to Makarov. "How'd it go?"

"Mystogan passed," Noah replied. "He met my standards."

As Noah answered, he glanced around. Unsurprisingly, Mystogan had already vanished again, likely using his Illusion Magic to hide. Noah didn't bother searching. As long as he knew he was nearby, that was enough.

By now, Cana had recomposed herself. She had pretty much expected to fail, so she recovered from the disappointment quickly.

Noah and the others chatted for a bit, and soon the other three pairs returned. Seeing the gloomy expressions on all the candidates' faces, Noah couldn't help but ask, "Don't tell me you all lost?"

They all glanced at each other.

"Couldn't beat her," Lyon said, looking frustrated. "How did Mira get so much stronger? The gap between us didn't feel this big before. How did it get so much wider when I've been training nonstop?"

Noah glanced at Mirajane, who was smiling smugly. He knew it was the result of her Take Over on the Demon Sitri. It had given her a massive power boost. He then looked at Sorano and Ultear. They were both stronger than Bickslow and Simon, so it was no surprise they had won.

"Ahem! Since the results are in, I will now announce them," Makarov said, standing before them.

"Erza vs. Cana, Cana has failed.

Sorano vs. Bickslow, Bickslow has failed.

Ultear vs. Simon, Simon has failed.

Mirajane vs. Lyon, Lyon has failed.

Noah vs. Mystogan, Mystogan has passed."

The moment the results were announced, the group was in an uproar.

"How could Mystogan beat Noah?!" Cana was the first to object. She knew just how monstrously strong the person who'd fought her father, Gildarts, to a draw was. Mystogan was strong, but there was no way he could win against Noah.

"It's not about winning," Lyon shook his head, explaining. "It's about meeting Noah's standard. That's how he's always run his exams."

Cana finally remembered. That's right, in Noah's trials, you just had to earn his approval.

At that moment, all four of the failed candidates—Lyon, Cana, Simon, and Bickslow—all had the exact same thought: 'Why couldn't I have gotten Noah as my examiner?!'

They couldn't find Mystogan to glare at, so they all directed their resentful looks at Noah, leaving him completely baffled.

"Now that the results are in," Makarov continued, "and with only one candidate remaining who has met all the requirements... I hereby declare Mystogan an S-Class Wizard!"

Everyone smiled, accepting the result and feeling happy for Mystogan. Even though none of them had ever seen his face, if Makarov and Noah both approved, they had no objections. Besides, his habit of putting the entire guild to sleep with powerful magic every time he visited (just to hide his face) was proof enough of his strength. Only the S-Class wizards like Noah and the Master could resist it.

"It was just bad luck this time!" Lyon declared, his eyes blazing with new resolve. "Next year, I'll definitely become S-Class!"

Cana, Simon, and Bickslow all nodded in agreement. They wouldn't give up.

Makarov was happy to see their spirits were still high. "Now that the trial is over," he announced with a grin, "let's head back and party! To celebrate Mystogan's promotion!"

"YEAH!!!"

Everyone cheered. They packed up, and Noah teleported them all back to the guild.

When the guild heard the news, a huge celebration erupted. Mystogan even revealed himself to raise a toast with everyone, though he drank with his mask on. Everyone understood he had his reasons and was just happy he joined the toast.

They partied late into the night.

Afterward, Noah gathered all the S-Class wizards and told them the truth about Mystogan: his origins in Edolas and his mission to stop Anima. They were all surprised but readily agreed to help close any Anima portals they found.

Erza and the others, remembering Happy and Carla, asked Mystogan if he knew about them.

Mystogan confirmed that he knew of their race but didn't elaborate, only saying his reasons for being in Earth Land were different from theirs. Seeing he didn't want to talk, they didn't press him.

Mystogan taught the other S-Class wizards how to find and close the Anima portals, thanked them again, and left. He had explained that his counterpart lived in this world, and he didn't want to interfere with his life, which is why he kept his face hidden. He apologized for his secrecy, and though they were curious, they respected his wishes.

~~~

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