"Whenever we're ready, we can go at any time."
Mystogan appeared quite confident in the newly researched magic he had developed.
Marco glanced at Mystogan.
The guy was carrying a bunch of large and small bags on his back, naturally requiring no additional preparations.
He could set off immediately, so the phrase "set off once ready" naturally referred to him.
"Tomorrow. I need to arrange some work matters."
After some thought, Marco decided he should first hand over his responsibilities.
Although he could return at any time, since he was going to gather information, he ought to make sure to obtain useful intelligence and not come back empty-handed.
"No problem."
Mystogan nodded, suppressing the mixed emotions in his heart.
For him, this would be his first time returning home in several years.
Calculating the time, it had been about six years—he had grown from thirteen to nineteen years old.
Although he had made good friends in Earth Land and joined a warm organization like Fairy Tail, he bore heavy responsibilities.
He had little time to spend with everyone and had to maintain a low profile to avoid causing trouble for this world's Jellal.
In short, these years had been quite arduous for him.
As for whether he wanted to end all of this and return home to live a normal life, saying he didn't would be a lie.
Any normal person would surely desire it.
"Take a good rest today. You've really worked hard. I believe everything will soon come to an end, and all will return to normal."
Marco patted Mystogan on the shoulder.
Though he couldn't see his expression, Marco could guess his thoughts through his eyes.
This time, he could truly empathize.
Both were genuine visitors from another world.
If Marco had the chance to return home now, he felt his emotional turmoil wouldn't be any less than Mystogan's.
Feeling apprehensive about returning home was one thing, but having everyone in your hometown turn into enemies was another—an experience Marco couldn't relate to.
After all, with his current strength, if he continued to grow and returned to his homeland, he could truly do as he pleased—eat beef if he wanted, and not eat beef if he didn't.
After parting ways with Mystogan, Marco hurried to find his grandfather.
Handing over work naturally meant entrusting it to Makarov, as these were responsibilities the old man ought to bear.
As the guild master of Fairy Tail, he should oversee the organization of the "National S-Class Exam Tournament" jointly hosted by Fairy Tail and Magnolia.
As one of the Ten Wizard Saints, he should search for the "Tower of Heaven" to save the world.
After locating Makarov, Marco first handed over matters related to the "National S-Class Exam Tournament."
"I leave it to you, Grandpa." Marco spoke solemnly.
This matter was essential—the date had already been set, everyone was making preparations, and it had to proceed no matter what. Someone needed to oversee it specifically.
"Don't worry, I'll handle it properly." Makarov nodded, appearing calm and composed as if it were no big deal.
Marco wasn't surprised.
What storms hadn't the old man weathered?
The "National S-Class Exam Tournament" was nothing in comparison.
"What are you going to do?"
Although he had accepted Marco's request, Makarov still felt puzzled.
Normally, Marco would never shirk his responsibilities.
"Mystogan has found a way to travel to the parallel world Edolas. I'm going with Mystogan to investigate there." Marco explained the reason, seeing no need to hide it from the old man.
"What?! You're saying Mystogan completed that magic?! We can go to Edolas now?!" Makarov's eyes widened, clearly shocked by the news.
It proved that even the experienced Makarov was completely in the dark about the parallel world Edolas, having to place all his hopes on Mystogan.
"That's right, but we haven't solved the problem of being unable to use magic due to the lack of magical power there. So we still can't form an expedition force - only those with combat capabilities can go investigate first."
Marco nodded, explaining the situation clearly.
"I see. You two must be careful."
Makarov nodded, accepting the reality.
He knew both Marco and Mystogan could go because they both possessed combat abilities that didn't rely on magical power.
Although having these two "S-Class Mages" handle the mission should theoretically pose little danger, their target was after all a completely unknown different world.
Makarov still felt somewhat worried in his heart.
"Whether you find information or not isn't important - what matters most is returning safely."
Makarov worriedly reminded them, hoping Marco and Mystogan wouldn't push themselves too hard.
The intelligence wasn't that crucial - they could always wait until everyone found a way to fight in Edolas before going.
"I understand. We'll assess the situation carefully." Marco readily agreed to the old man's advice.
Safety had to come first - when strength was insufficient, it was better to lay low.
That made perfect sense.
"There's one more thing about an evil organization. My crows are tracking their location. If they're discovered, the crows will return to report. You can pay attention to it then, but it's best to wait until I return before taking action."
Regarding the "Tower of Heaven" matter, Marco thought it over and decided to mention it vaguely.
If the crows returned, they needed someone to report to, so he had to leave the relevant information behind.
Although Marco couldn't be sure whether the crows would remain under his control after leaving this world, if they made any discoveries, he would have them find Makarov and deliver the obtained intelligence to him.
"Alright, if the matter isn't urgent, I'll definitely wait for you."
Although confused by what he heard, Makarov still agreed.
An evil organization didn't sound particularly dangerous - at least Marco didn't seem very urgent about it.
This was indeed true.
Since the time hadn't reached X784 yet, Marco judged that this "Tower of Heaven" crisis wouldn't erupt yet, so he really wasn't in a hurry.
If they reached X784 without entering this storyline, then he would probably start to worry.
X784 was such an important time node for Marco, as if all troubles would converge in that year.
"At least I can still enjoy these last six months of peaceful time."
Returning to the dormitory, Marco packed his belongings while sighing with emotion.
Time was drawing closer, and he already had a sense of an impending storm.
...
The next day, Marco met up with Mystogan, carrying a backpack with essential travel items.
Compared to Mystogan's luggage, Marco's pack was like a small fish next to a whale—practically as if he had brought nothing at all.
"Let's set off for Edolas."
Looking at Mystogan, Marco spoke straightforwardly.
He could tell that Mystogan on the other side was also growing impatient.