"..."
Everyone's gaze fell in unison upon Marco, the sole decision-maker present.
The quest itself was Marco's to begin with.
Natsu, Gray, Lucy, and Happy had all been brought along by Marco, so they naturally had no say in the matter.
Whether to abandon the quest or not was entirely up to him.
"This curse is actually the perfect cover for us. It makes people think we were turned into these demonic forms by a curse, which is actually a good thing for us. Therefore, it's most beneficial for us if the curse is not broken."
Bobo bowed, earnestly conveying their thoughts.
After saying this, he looked up, glanced around at the other demon villagers who were watching him with equal nervousness, and continued to explain.
"The legend of the cursed Galuna Island is a natural barrier for us. It keeps fearful ordinary people from approaching, allowing us to live our peaceful lives undisturbed. It also provides a plausible explanation for our appearance.
"In the future, if we want to trade with the outside world, or if someone needs to leave the island, we just have to state our identity as people from Galuna Island and mention the curse. People will then understand that we are just pitiful souls whose forms have been twisted by a curse, not true demons."
Bobo's words were filled with hope, as if he had grasped a life-saving straw in the darkness. For them, this was actually an opportunity.
"No problem. I respect your choice."
Hearing this, the lines on Marco's face softened, and an understanding smile appeared at the corners of his mouth.
He waved his hand casually, the gesture both relaxed and reassuring, signaling for Bobo and the other demon villagers, who were still bowing with tense expressions, to stand up.
"Thank you so much, Marco-san."
Bobo straightened up, a wave of relief washing over him.
His tense face finally relaxed into a sincere smile, the warm glow of the bonfire reflecting in his eyes, which shone with gratitude.
Bobo knew that as long as Marco agreed, the matter was settled.
It wouldn't matter even if the other Mages present leaked the news.
Could their credibility even compare to Marco's?
Having spent some time in the outside world, Bobo had a very clear understanding of Marco's reputation.
This was also why he had been worried about whether Marco would agree.
Generally speaking, the more famous a person was, the more burdened they were by their reputation and the more they cared about it.
He had been genuinely afraid that Marco would refuse their seemingly "dishonorable" request to protect his own good name.
Now that his worries had dissipated, joy naturally filled Bobo's chest.
"However, you'd best go and cancel the quest request as soon as possible."
Marco's smile faded as he reminded Bobo.
Currently, the quest was exclusive to Fairy Tail, but if it remained uncompleted for a long time, it would be shared with others.
At the very least, the Magic Guilds in the Kingdom of Fiore would proactively share some quests with each other.
Difficult quests that their own guild couldn't handle would be passed on to other guilds to try, in the hopes of finding a Mage who specialized in that area.
This was a form of resource sharing, convenient for both themselves and others.
If the "Cursed Galuna Island" quest remained unresolved, it would definitely attract the interest of other guilds, especially after Marco himself had failed to complete it.
If Marco hadn't accepted the quest, it might have remained hidden and not drawn much attention.
But as things stood, Bobo and the others had to take the initiative to cancel the request.
"Although this might still draw some attention, you can just say that even Marco couldn't solve it, so you've chosen to give up and accept reality. After all, besides being turned into this, it doesn't affect your lives," Marco said with a smile, offering them a suggestion.
By actively canceling the quest, the reward would be gone, and not many people would be willing to make the trip.
Moreover, the fact that even Marco couldn't solve it would in itself filter out a host of overconfident individuals.
"Marco-san... won't this affect your reputation..."
Hearing Marco's words, Bobo looked troubled.
The muscles on his face instantly tensed up, and his red skin seemed to darken a few shades, his expression filled with immense unease and guilt.
It had to be said that Marco's idea was extremely thorough, essentially eliminating any future trouble by blocking all potential problems.
It was a great idea, but the only issue was that it would cast a shadow of "failure" on Marco's brilliant reputation.
Furthermore, they would have to keep bringing it up in the future. Whenever someone came, they would have to mention that "even Marco couldn't do it"...
The people of Galuna Island were untainted and their customs were rather simple.
Faced with such a situation, it was truly difficult for them to accept it with a clear conscience.
"It's fine. I don't care about such empty fame."
Marco shook his head with a smile.
To him, these were minor matters that wouldn't damage his reputation in the slightest.
After all, his immense fame was built on multi-dimensional achievements.
Being a Mage was just one of his many identities, and it was the one least susceptible to doubt, as his strength and battle records were real and tangible.
Anyone who wasn't convinced was welcome to try their luck and see if they didn't get flattened.
Besides, it wasn't strange for a Mage to take on an unsuitable quest and have to give up or pass it on to someone else.
After all, most Mages specialized in only one type of magic.
Everyone has their own expertise.
A quest that might be nigh impossible for some Mages could be effortlessly solved by others who possessed specific magic.
This was why Magic Guilds regularly shared their "difficult cases."
Perhaps in the eyes of other guilds, these "difficult cases" were just minor problems.
The existence of the "Local Guild Federation" certainly had its purpose.
Of course, it had now been officially upgraded to the "Fiore Kingdom Guild Federation," no longer just a regional organization, and the regular meetings of the guild masters were becoming more and more lively.
"Marco-san, thank you so, so much! You will forever be the benefactor of the people of Galuna Island! If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to command us! We will do it for you, even if it costs us our lives!"
Marco's nonchalance and thoughtfulness completely moved Bobo and all the "Galuna Islanders" present.
The old village chief stood up excitedly, tears streaming down his wrinkled, blue-skinned old face.
His voice trembled, but he made his vow with unwavering conviction.
The demon villagers standing behind the chief and Bobo also straightened their stooped backs and nodded vigorously, their eyes blazing with fervent loyalty.
They were willing to repay Marco's kindness with their lives.
"No need to be so dramatic."
Marco chuckled and shook his head, his warm gaze sweeping over the group of islanders who, despite their ferocious appearances, had sincere hearts.
"I won't ask anyone to die for me."
Marco's tone was gentle, tinged with a hint of helpless amusement.
These "Galuna Islanders" had a frightening demonic appearance, but that was about all it was good for.
Their usefulness was truly only marginally better than that of ordinary people.
If one had to say, the demons were physically stronger than ordinary people and had wings, so they did possess some combat ability.
But they were too simple-hearted.
Their greatest characteristic was a near-innocent simplicity that stood in stark contrast to their "ugly" exteriors, a simplicity purer than that of some humans.