With Laxus gone and the purpose of the gathering fulfilled, everyone naturally dispersed.
However, unlike the lively atmosphere when they arrived, everyone's mood was affected as they left, and the departure was rather silent.
Marco didn't leave.
Instead, he stayed behind to accompany his grandfather, who vented his emotions thoroughly.
In this matter, Makarov's feelings had long been suppressed.
Now, not only had Laxus finally found release, but Makarov had also found his own relief.
"Don't worry about him, Grandpa. No matter where he is, he will always be a member of Fairy Tail. You know that no one can shake Laxus's heart, which belongs to Fairy Tail."
While helping the old man back to rest, Marco comforted him.
These words weren't just meant to console him; Marco truly believed this.
Laxus's feelings for Fairy Tail were not something that could be easily worn away.
Although he had now been expelled from Fairy Tail, Laxus was different from Ivan Dreyar. He was a true member of Fairy Tail at heart, and he still considered himself a Mage of Fairy Tail.
He wouldn't create a Dark Guild or turn against Fairy Tail.
"Yes, I believe in him."
Makarov nodded, agreeing with Marco's words.
He could see that Laxus was very different from Ivan.
Ivan Dreyar, Makarov's son, had now struck out on his own, creating a guild called Raven Tail—a Dark Guild independent of the Balam Alliance, specifically targeting Fairy Tail.
It was rumored in the magical world that Raven Tail, along with Oración Seis, Grimoire Heart, and Tartaros, were known as the "Four Great Dark Guilds."
However, both Marco and Makarov believed this rumor was spread by Ivan Dreyar himself, purely as a publicity stunt.
In reality, very few Mages actually believed this claim.
Although Raven Tail had gained some notoriety due to Ivan Dreyar's identity and his association with Fairy Tail, it still fell short compared to the three giants of the Balam Alliance.
Ivan Dreyar was not someone who could achieve great things—both Marco and Makarov, grandfather and grandson, believed this.
Comparing Ivan Dreyar to Laxus was almost an insult to Laxus. Makarov and Ivan Dreyar were a classic case of a tiger father and a dog son, while Ivan Dreyar and Laxus were the opposite.
Among these three generations, there was a useless one sandwiched in between.
...
After sending the old man, who was in a much better mood after venting, Marco also returned to Fairy Home, back to his own house.
[Mission Name: "My Foolish Older Brother"]
Mission Details:
[Originally obedient and passionate, Laxus entered a rebellious phase of youth. The harsh criticisms and differential treatment from people tormented him, slowly causing him to withdraw into his inner world. He stopped communicating with others and took an extreme path.]
[As his younger brother, it is your duty to pull him back on the right path. Awaken him! Make him remember his original intentions! Make him understand once again his love for the guild and for those around him!]
[Quest Progress: Completed.
Quest Reward: Random Gold Cloth.
Claim Quest Reward?]
Sitting down on the soft sofa and looking at the prompt that popped up on the character panel, Marco finally felt relieved.
The completion of this quest meant that Laxus had truly let go of his inner turmoil.
Laxus might not fully return to his former self, but at least he wouldn't be so conflicted anymore. At the very least, he would be able to recognize his true feelings.
This was a very good thing for everyone, including Laxus himself.
Even if Laxus went out to make his own way alone, he would never do anything harmful.
For Marco, this was even more of a cause for celebration.
His stubborn older brother had returned to normal, his grandfather, who had been under immense pressure, was finally freed from his worries, and on top of that, he had obtained a [Gold Cloth].
This was truly a triple blessing.
Without any hesitation, Marco immediately left home and rushed deep into the eastern forest, arriving near the protected crater.
The commotion caused by the emergence of a [Gold Cloth] was too great and had a certain destructive force, so Marco was already familiar with coming to the outskirts to claim it.
"Claim quest reward."
As Marco spoke, just like the previous three times, the special effects were fully displayed, the spectacle was grand, comparable to a server-wide announcement, and the terrifying magical shockwave once again spread out.
Having already experienced the emergence of two [Gold Cloths] and being bombarded by various magics, the depths of the eastern forest had long adapted to this scale.
Now, the area was completely barren, with nothing left to destroy.
If it weren't for the fact that the [Gemini Gold Cloth] was claimed in "Edolas," it would have undoubtedly made its appearance here in the depths of the eastern forest as well.
"Hum!!!"
The intense magical fluctuations and the soaring light effects spread far and wide.
The people of "Magnolia" were already accustomed to such scenes by now.
This familiar sight was already the third occurrence, and anyone who had lived here for a few years knew it was Marco causing a stir.
Marco waited quietly as starlight showered down from the sky, the brilliance of the stars shining brightly, and a vast amount of stellar energy fell upon him.
The starry sky gradually dimmed until only one constellation remained, flickering.
It was a scale, with the main body in the middle and two trays on either side, easily recognizable as Libra, the seventh sign of the zodiac.
[Congratulations, the Libra Gold Cloth has been unlocked!]
As the system panel displayed the message, a dazzling golden light flashed, and the unique constellation symbol of Libra appeared.
The [Libra Gold Cloth], this incredibly special Cloth, had finally been unlocked.
The reason it was called "incredibly special" was, of course, because the [Libra Gold Cloth] was not just a Cloth—it was also an armory.
Marco did not rush to summon his Cloth for inspection.
Instead, he first focused his energy, thoroughly absorbing the enhancement brought by the unlocking of the [Gold Cloth].
Star Magic permeated his body, cleansing every limb, bone, and cell.
His magic source grew increasingly radiant, like the cosmic starry river.
"Hah—"
Marco let out a long breath and stretched his body.
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