Fairy Tail: I Don't Want to Be the Guild Master-Chapter 143: He Can Fly! Hero Landing!

Rhodes thought for a moment and asked, "Master, the S-Class Trials happen every year, right? If I don't participate this year, will there be another opportunity next year?"

"Of course," Makarov nodded gently. "Do you intend to wait until next year?"

"Yes, I feel my current strength and experience aren't quite enough to truly earn the S-Class title. Even if I passed now, it wouldn't mean much without real growth. I'd rather train diligently for another year."

Rhodes clearly understood that becoming S-Class was just a title that allowed you to take on higher-ranked missions. It wouldn't magically increase his abilities.

Besides, relying purely on intelligence to compensate for strength wasn't his style. Who would prefer using their wits excessively if they had raw strength instead?

Even if he attempted the exam, Rhodes wanted to truly earn that title. Since he wasn't desperate for S-Class missions yet, there was no rush.

Makarov replied thoughtfully, "Only one wizard passes the S-Class Trials each year. Waiting another year means facing potentially stronger rivals. The younger guild members grow incredibly fast..."

"Master," Mira interjected with slight annoyance. "Why are you pushing Rhodes into this?"

"Because Rhodes genuinely has potential," Makarov said sincerely.

Precisely because Rhodes could refuse such a tempting opportunity, it demonstrated impressive maturity and clarity. On the other hand, perhaps he lacked a bit of confidence. This was something worth keeping an eye on.

"It's only been four months since he started learning magic," Mira insisted softly, glancing worriedly at Rhodes. "It's far too soon. Let him decide for himself."

Makarov understood Mira's concern, but he wasn't worried about Rhodes becoming reckless.

Even if Rhodes managed to pass, there was a good chance he'd still hesitate to accept actual S-Class missions—or at least he'd join another experienced S-Class team for support.

"Fine, think it over carefully," Makarov sighed and headed upstairs, hands clasped behind him. He had other matters to attend to.

Mira looked at Rhodes and bit her lip slightly. "Rhodes, I... I'm sorry."

Rhodes smiled warmly. "Don't worry, Mira. I understand your intentions. This isn't something to rush into, and I won't act recklessly."

Mira nodded softly, returning his smile.

She then turned her attention back to the guild register, scribbling notes. Distractedly, she crossed Rhodes' name out, rewrote it, and crossed it out again.

'No, you don't quite understand.'

'I'm worried you'll think I'm doubting your capabilities.'

Rhodes watched Mira's odd behavior cautiously. "Is this some new type of dark curse? Please spare me, Mira—I promise I'm innocent!"

Mira rolled her eyes playfully, laughing softly, "Oh, go practice or something."

"Fine, fine," Rhodes chuckled, heading out to the backyard to resume practicing advanced flying maneuvers.

After a brief moment, he summoned Warm. "I have an important mission for you. Do it well, and you'll be rewarded handsomely."

Meanwhile, Mira finished tidying the register and suddenly noticed a fluffy white creature sitting before her, its tongue hanging out adorably, its eyes wide with innocent mischief.

Noticing her gaze, Warm eagerly rolled onto its back, showing off a cute pink heart-shaped belly, clearly begging for attention.

Mira glanced toward the hall entrance knowingly. Even though no one was visibly there, she knew exactly who was behind this playful trick.

Smiling softly to herself, she gently tapped the counter and invited warmly, "Why don't you come up here?"

Warm flipped onto his paws, sizing up the counter and stool carefully, determined to conquer this daunting challenge.

He took several steps back, charged forward bravely, and leaped as high as he could—only to bounce comically off the stool and roll onto the floor with a soft puff.

It didn't hurt; Warm's thick fur provided plenty of cushioning. But he felt utterly embarrassed.

Warm's eyes began to water pitifully, and his tiny horns drooped sadly. Eventually, he turned around in frustration, plopped himself down, and sulked on the floor.

The tiny creature squatted stubbornly for just a second before deciding that sitting was too tiring, and he sprawled out dramatically instead.

"Oh no," Mira said gently, stifling a giggle. "I forgot you couldn't jump that high." Smiling warmly, she came out from behind the counter and scooped Warm into her arms.

"Hm?" Warm's eyes sparkled mischievously. Though pretending to sulk, he carefully watched Mira's reaction, making sure he'd completed his assigned mission properly.

After all, pretending to pout wouldn't hurt his chances of getting rewarded.

Mira softly chuckled, gently stroking Warm's fluffy head. She brushed through his fur tenderly, scratching under his chin and rubbing his belly. "How about some yummy treats, little guy?"

Warm immediately perked up with a joyful squeak. Delicious food always instantly cured any grumpiness.

It wasn't quite clear who had been tasked with cheering up whom, but both Mira and Warm seemed quite satisfied in the end. The only victim in this adorable exchange was Rhodes' wallet.

Several days later, after continuous practice, Rhodes was finally able to hover above the guild using his wings.

Feeling confident, he dove gracefully through the air, soaring straight toward the guild's entrance. Unfortunately, he misjudged his landing height slightly. Thinking quickly, Rhodes adjusted mid-air into a heroic pose, landing dramatically at the guild's doorstep.

Amidst applause mixed with playful jeering, Rhodes stood up proudly—only to realize most of the applause was because people thought he had stumbled intentionally for comedic effect.

Happy flew over excitedly, circling Rhodes several times and teasing playfully, "Hey Rhodes, wanna race me? Winner gets a fish!"

"You're on!" Rhodes laughed good-naturedly. "Let's see who can strike the most impressive landing pose."

"Aye, sir!" Happy cheerfully executed a flawless "Cat Landing" maneuver, then quickly attempted to mimic Rhodes' dramatic pose.

After struggling to copy the pose for a moment, Happy suddenly paused, confused. "Wait a second...why are we competing in poses instead of flying speed?"

Rhodes quickly thought on his feet, grinning mischievously, "Because sheer speed won't impress a pretty little kitty. But a cool landing pose definitely will!"

"A pretty little kitty?" Happy's enthusiasm instantly returned, eyes sparkling eagerly. "Aye, sir!"

Apparently, cats could still be easily fooled.

The Shadow Gear team, who happened to be lounging nearby, volunteered eagerly to judge the contest. Rhodes triumphantly claimed the prize—a fresh fish.

Meanwhile, Happy sat sulking in a corner, enveloped in gloomy defeat. The root of his sadness wasn't just losing the competition, but because Natsu stubbornly refused to buy him another fish, insisting Happy had to win it back.

Mira glanced at Rhodes reproachfully, yet with a playful smile. "Taking advantage of poor Happy's innocence to steal his fish is pretty mean, Rhodes—although watching him lose so earnestly was adorable."

Rhodes raised an eyebrow. "Is 'although' really the word we want to use here?"

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Mira just giggled, "What else would fit better?"

Who was really being mean here?

Rhodes inspected the fish with a hint of disdain, realizing it was indeed a bit too fishy-smelling for his liking.

"Warm," Rhodes whispered to his fluffy companion, "Go challenge Happy to another contest and wager this fish."

Considering Warm's short legs and awkward movements, Rhodes expected an easy loss—perfect for returning the fish.

However, several minutes later, Happy now owed Warm yet another fish.

Mira laughed openly at Rhodes' obvious disappointment, greatly amused by the bizarre outcome.

It was quite a rare sight: a competition where both winner and loser ended up feeling unhappy—except for Warm, who looked immensely proud.

Rhodes sighed dramatically, "Who on earth was judging this match?"

Had Happy somehow lost his status as the guild's most adorable member?

"I was one of the judges!" Levy beamed cheerfully. "You wouldn't believe how incredibly cute Warm was trying to hold that pose!"

Great, Rhodes thought sarcastically, amused and defeated. Who exactly was Warm's owner again?

Me not knowing Warm's cuteness is like Kishimoto not understanding Naruto, Oda not knowing One Piece, or Aoyama not getting Conan, right?