Fairy Tail: You said you were just acting, are you serious

Ron and his three companions followed the proctors through the long corridor beside the hall and headed towards the back of the auditorium.

Along the way, the four advanced participants, Ron and his companions, reacted differently, revealing their completely different thoughts.

Although Lahar didn't say a word, his light steps and slightly upturned lips revealed his inner joy.

He kept adjusting his glasses and followed closely behind the proctor like a model student the whole way.

Azuma followed calmly and unhurriedly, as if it were all perfectly natural.

As for Eric, he was covered in cold sweat at that moment.

Although he had anticipated that the gray-haired boy would advance, he still didn't want to get close to him, so he deliberately slowed down and kept his distance.

He walked at the very back of the line, keeping a close eye on the invigilator's back so as not to fall behind.

Ron walked on as if nothing was wrong. He naturally noticed Eric's strange behavior, but found it amusing.

Since they're not interfering with me anymore, I'll just turn a blind eye.

Before long, they walked out of the auditorium through the back door and came to the spacious open space behind it, where they stood in front of a magical airship.

The proctor stopped and turned to give Ron and the others a brief introduction:

"This is a magical airship specially prepared by the Council for this assessment. Not only is it fast, but it will also take you directly to the assessment location for the second stage."

The proctor on the other side laughed and said:

"You guys get in the car first."

Following the instructions, Ron and his companions boarded the magical airship one by one. The interior of the airship was very spacious and could accommodate everyone, including the proctors.

Once everyone was seated, the pilot activated the spaceship's magical power core, and it gradually rose into the air.

Huh~! Long~!

The spaceship floated above the auditorium, and then its tail thrusters emitted magical light, speeding away towards the distant mountain range at a speed exceeding that of a magic train.

After the spaceship had stabilized, Lahar, who was sitting in the front row, finally couldn't contain his curiosity and politely raised his right hand.

"Your Excellency, what are the specific procedures and content of the second stage of the assessment?"

The proctor sat down opposite him, glanced at Rahar, and calmly answered his question.

"The second phase of the assessment will last for three full days. During these three days, there are canteens and accommodations at the assessment locations, so there is no need to worry about food and lodging."

As for the specific assessment rules and content, we cannot disclose them at this time. The Speaker of the Council will personally announce them to you once all of you who have advanced have arrived at the assessment location.

The proctors didn't know the specifics either, so it wasn't that they couldn't reveal it, but rather that they didn't know how to explain it to the advanced candidates.

Will Speaker Crawford Him show up?

But Rahar didn't continue asking questions; instead, he focused his attention on the Speaker.

The proctor nodded and gave the instructions:

"That's right, you should just rest in the car and conserve your energy."

Upon hearing the proctor's words, Rahar nodded politely and did not ask any further questions.

Meanwhile, Ron and his two companions inside the carriage had already closed their eyes to rest.

Several hours later, the magic-powered spaceship finally slowed down and landed slowly in a secluded basin surrounded by high mountains.

"We've arrived, everyone get off now."

Led by the proctor, Ron and the others stepped out of the spaceship.

When the participants who advanced saw the scene before them, they all showed expressions of shock.

What Ron saw before him was a magnificent ancient Roman arena.

He was shocked. He had never seen this place in the original work. The only place that looked similar to this was the arena at the Grand Magic Games.

"Don't just stand there, come inside with us."

The proctor reminded them to avoid being late.

After being reminded, Ron and his companions came to their senses and followed the examiners into the arena.

After Ron and his companions followed the examiner into the arena, they saw a spacious hall where many young mages were already standing.

"It seems people from other test centers have already arrived. You can stay here; we'll be leaving now."

After giving their instructions, the proctors turned and left the hall.

After the proctors left, Ron and the others were free to move around within the hall.

With nothing else to do, Ron curiously approached the young mages, intending to see if there were any acquaintances among them.

He stepped forward and silently counted. There were thirteen young mages gathered here, including four from their examination area.

When Ron got closer and saw their faces clearly, his pupils contracted slightly.

He appeared calm on the surface, but in reality, he was experiencing some inner turmoil.

Besides Eric and Azuma, he also found himself recognizing three familiar faces from the Dark Guild.

On the left side of the crowd, a girl with short white hair was idly playing with the Celestial Spirit Key in her hand. She was Angel, Sora, from the Oración Seis!

In the center of the hall stood a effeminate young man with half-closed eyes—Makbess, the Dark Night of the Oración Seis!

On the right is a young man wearing glasses leaning against a pillar. He is one of the Seven Kin of Purgatory from the Heart of the Demon, Lastiros!

From what he can see, this second phase of the assessment has already been infiltrated by five members of the Balam Alliance!

Two dark guilds sent a total of five future core members to infiltrate the assessment; that's quite a luxurious lineup of undercover agents.

Is it worth all this effort for them to infiltrate the ERA's (Engineering Council of Mages) youth mage exam?

Are they sending people in to ensure that at least one of them gets into a high-level position and becomes a councilor?

Tap...tap...tap...

Just as Ron was deep in thought, he heard footsteps behind him.

The young mages in the hall all looked over, and Ron also turned his head and found that a new group of people had arrived at the door. Judging from their formation, they must be from another examination area that had arrived late.

As the last wave of young mages approached, Ron focused on using his eyes to make out their faces.

He smiled wryly when he saw the black-haired girl at the very back of the group.

This was the second time he had encountered this black-haired girl. Although she had grown her short hair into long black hair, he still recognized her at a glance.

After all, he often met her mother, so naturally he wouldn't forget the girl he had met by chance in the snow mountain.

Yes, since the goal is to infiltrate the council and become a councilor, how could we leave you out?

Long time no see, Ultear.