For their preliminary trials, Juvia and Lisanna face off against Erza, while Elfman and Evergreen find themselves standing against Mirajane. Meanwhile, Natsu enthusiastically battles against Gildarts, with a series of flashbacks detailing how Natsu had never once been able to defeat him since childhood. Just when Natsu believes he has gained the upper hand, Gildarts unleashes an immense aura of magical power, prompting Natsu to surrender in fear. Gildarts teaches Natsu the benefits that fear has in order for him to grow stronger, and tells him that he has passed his preliminary trial.
In the land of Fiore, magic is everywhere. Sorcerers are like skilled tradesmen who band together in 'guilds' and take on paying assignments for non-magic wielders, like hunting monsters, retrieving lost items or running odd errands.
Lucy is an aspiring wizard who wants to hook up with the coolest guild around, Fairy Tail. One day, she meets a red-headed boy who saves her from a unscrupulous wizard, and before she knows it, she's introduced to the wild and wacky band of wizards of Fairy Tail and begins the adventure of a lifetime.