"Whoa, this Cloth is so flashy!"
Early in the morning, Marco's internal clock woke him up.
He slipped out alone to complete his daily morning training routine and also tried out his newly acquired Cloth.
The white Cloth was adorned with purple patterns and flowing white ribbons extended from the shoulder guards.
It was a bit ostentatious, but the specs were impressive—far beyond what a typical Bronze Cloth should have.
Marco tested the Cloth's enhancement effects, which were similar to those of the Equuleus Bronze Cloth—just the most basic boosts for now.
Mainly improvements in physical attributes, Magic Power efficiency and the defensive capabilities of the armor itself.
To unlock further functions of the Cloth, he'd need to establish a stable connection with the constellation in the sky.
After experiencing the sensation of resonating with the stars and the night sky a few times, Marco became increasingly certain that his mastery of the Cloth and its skills was still in its early stages.
"The road ahead is long and arduous, but I will seek it out relentlessly!"
After this self-encouragement, Marco tidied up and returned to the dilapidated village.
*****
Opening the dormitory door, he found Jellal already awake, while Makarov was still snoring away, likely lost in sweet dreams—even a snot bubble had formed on his nose, expanding and shrinking with each breath.
"Good morning, Jellal," Marco greeted with a smile.
Seeing Marco drenched in sweat, Jellal guessed what he'd been up to.
The young man looked surprised.
"Good morning, Marco. Do you always wake up this early?" Jellal asked curiously.
"Have you seen Magnolia at 4 AM?" Marco asked with a serious expression.
"Huh?" Jellal was clearly taken aback.
"I've seen what Magnolia looks like at 4 AM every single day." Marco spoke again, barely able to keep a straight face.
"..."
Marco burst out laughing, unable to hold it in any longer.
Jellal looked at him in confusion, not understanding what was so funny.
"Sorry, I was just joking around. It's a meme from my world." Marco explained, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes. [Kobe meme]
"But yes, I do get up early to train every morning. It's important to stay in shape and keep improving."
Jellal nodded, impressed by Marco's dedication.
"That's admirable. I should probably start doing that too."
"You're welcome to join me anytime." Marco offered with a smile. "It's always more fun to train with a friend."
"Friend..." Jellal repeated softly, a warm feeling spreading in his chest.
He wasn't used to having friends, but it felt nice.
"Of course we're friends!" Marco clapped him on the shoulder. "We're guildmates now, which makes us family. That's what Fairy Tail is all about."
Jellal smiled, truly happy for the first time in a long while.
He had found a place where he belonged.
Just then, Makarov let out a particularly loud snore, his snot bubble expanding to comical proportions.
Marco and Jellal looked at each other and burst out laughing.
It was the start of a beautiful friendship.
After teasing Jellal a bit, Marco didn't bother him anymore and switched targets.
Marco went to the bedside where Makarov was sleeping.
He picked up a small wooden stick nearby and directly poked Makarov's constantly changing snot bubble with a "pop".
"Ouch!" Makarov woke up startled.
He looked at Marco holding the small stick by the bed, with an angry expression.
"You little brat! I was having a nice dream!"
Just a little more! Just a little more! I'm so mad!
Makarov angrily jumped out of bed, his whole body rapidly swelling up.
He looked like he was about to hit the ceiling, instantly transforming from a short old man into a giant spirit!
By this time, Marco had already darted out of the dormitory, making a quick escape.
Only Jellal was left, staring blankly at everything that happened.
"Good morning, Guild Master Makarov." Jellal swallowed and spoke nervously.
The furious Guild Master Makarov looked quite scary.
This terrifying pressure, truly befitting of the Guild Master of Fairy Tail! His strength was frighteningly powerful!
Seeing the surprised expression on Jellal's face, Makarov's form changed back, returning to that kindly little old man.
"Ahem, good morning, Jellal. Let's go see if that little girl has woken up. If she has, we should set off."
Makarov coughed dryly a couple times to ease the awkwardness.
He quickly put on his clothes while speaking to Jellal, then walked out with his hands behind his back.
Jellal hurriedly followed.
By the time the two of them arrived at the door of Wendy's resting room, Marco was already waiting there.
"You little brat!"
Seeing Marco, Makarov just glared at him, but didn't do anything else.
Marco grinned and apologized to him.
"It won't happen again, I'll definitely let you finish your wet dream next time!"
Marco tried his best to keep a straight face.
He didn't dare imagine what kind of dream Makarov was having, it was probably a bit inappropriate for children.
Makarov laughed too.
He shook his head helplessly, not bothering to argue with Marco.
'Creak.'
The old door opened and a small figure pushed it open and walked out.
Wendy was rubbing her eyes with both hands, still groggy.
Wendy bumped into Marco and she looked up in confusion.
"Marco-san! You're back?!"
After seeing that the person she bumped into was Marco, Wendy suddenly woke up.
Her expression turned to joy, her big eyes shining brightly, full of anticipation.
"Look who's here?" Marco stepped aside to reveal Jellal.
Although Jellal was a year older than him, Marco was actually a bit taller.
"Jellal!" Seeing Jellal, Wendy was clearly very happy.
Then she immediately looked at Roubaul standing behind her.
It was Roubaul who had woken her up earlier, telling her there was a surprise waiting for her.
And it really was a big surprise!
"Go with them, Wendy, to that Fairy Tail."
Seeing Wendy look at him, Roubaul spoke with a smile, giving Wendy the freedom to leave.
He no longer had reason to keep Wendy here, even though he had fabricated a guild for her.
"But, but, everyone at Cait Shelter..." Wendy hesitated, because after interacting for a whole day yesterday, she had already become friends with everyone at Cait Shelter.
At the thought of leaving everyone, she suddenly felt reluctant.
Everyone at Cait Shelter had been so very kind to her!
"Come with me."
Seeing Wendy like this, Roubaul spoke with a smile and led the way, bringing everyone to the village entrance.
By now, everyone from Cait Shelter had gathered there as well - men and women, young and old, all standing behind Roubaul.
"Cait Shelter" was the name Roubaul had come up with for this guild.
He had no choice, since even the guild members were hastily created, he really didn't have time to think of a good name.
'Creating an entire guild just for one person, truly remarkable.'
Looking at those thought projections, Marco marveled inwardly.
Was this old man going to come clean with Wendy directly?
"Wendy, go on, go with them. There you'll find what you want, those who can truly accompany you, real companions."
Standing in front of the thought projections, Roubaul spoke gently.
He waved at Wendy and the thought projections behind him did the same.
They smiled warmly, saying goodbye to Wendy together, but their forms did not disappear.
"Whenever you want to come back, you can come visit everyone at Cait Shelter again." Roubaul said with a smile, his tone kindly.
But his words shocked both Marco and Makarov.
This old man actually planned to maintain the existence of Cait Shelter for Wendy's sake?
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