Their guild was truly eccentric, going so far as to build a large arena inside the guild just to give these energetic members a place to vent their energy.
Of course, this grand coliseum was funded entirely by the guild, with no cost burden on the residents.
All other community facilities were also financed by the guild, making it quite generous—after all, they didn't charge "property fees" or anything similar.
The guild maintained all these buildings free of charge.
"Alright, let's all go take a look."
After briefly explaining the rules, Marco pushed open the community's imposing silver gate, above which hung a plaque inscribed with "Fairy Home"—the name of this exclusive community, or rather, the guild's residential compound.
Wendy, who had curiously followed along for the tour, made a strange expression.
This name... felt somewhat similar to Cait Shelter.
"It really feels nice here."
The girls commented as they entered the gate.
Though most of them hadn't moved in yet, that didn't stop them from exploring.
"Fairy Home" was strictly reserved for Fairy Tail members and their families, with outsiders completely barred from entry.
To ensure security, several guildmates had been hired as full-time patrol staff—salaried positions, no less.
Walking along the central path, they passed rows of standalone houses on either side.
Following the road straight ahead led them to the coliseum at the very heart of the community.
"It's this big?!"
Many gasped in surprise at the sight of the arena, clearly stunned by the massive structure at the community's center—it was no smaller than the grand theaters downtown.
"Awesome!"
Natsu cheered excitedly, clearly thrilled with the arena.
He dashed inside, straight into the vast combat zone at its center.
"Remember to use the main entrance. The other areas are impassable." Marco reminded them.
The arena was now entirely enclosed by his Crystal Wall, with only the gate left open for entry and exit.
"This is really safe. No need to worry about damaging the surrounding houses." Makarov nodded in satisfaction, pleased with Marco's arrangements.
With the protection of these "Crystal Walls," destruction rates would be drastically reduced, effectively containing the rambunctious energy of these youngsters.
It would prevent "Fairy Home" from quickly becoming history—or needing immediate reconstruction.
"Gray! Come fight me right now!"
Standing in the center of the arena, Natsu shouted excitedly, directly challenging Gray to a battle.
Gray, never one to back down, leaped forward without hesitation.
The two, having grown considerably stronger, now faced off.
Meanwhile, the others followed Marco into the elevated spectator stands.
This arena was styled much like an ancient Roman amphitheater, albeit on a slightly smaller scale with significantly reduced seating.
After all, it was just an internal training ground meant for the youngsters to burn off energy—it didn't need many spectators, and usually didn't have many either.
"Fire Dragon's Roar!"
At the center of the arena, Natsu struck first, unleashing a torrent of scorching flames from his mouth like a fiery beam aimed straight at Gray.
The temperature in the arena soared instantly.
"Sizzle, sizzle!"
Yet, faced with Natsu's flames, Gray showed no fear.
Clapping his hands together, he conjured an ice shield in front of him.
The shield sizzled under the dragon's breath but stubbornly refused to melt.
Using it as cover, Gray activated his "Ice-Make Magic," sending dozens of sharp ice spikes hurtling toward Natsu.
Natsu ceased his fiery breath and swiftly dodged the projectiles.
The spikes continued their trajectory, slamming into the invisible wall at the arena's edge.
"Oh no!"
Realizing what his attack had hit, Gray's expression darkened.
He remembered all too well the terror of the "Crystal Wall."
Marco's epithet, "Ishgar Wall," had been earned through this very technique—single-handedly holding back the Beast Tide of Nord Forest and slaying countless magic beasts by reflecting their own attacks.
'Hummm!'
Sure enough, upon colliding with the invisible barrier, Gray's ice spikes rebounded—and in even greater numbers!
"Too slow! You can't hit me!"
Natsu, having dodged the initial volley, taunted Gray from the front, forcing the latter to shout a warning at his oblivious rival.
"Watch your back!"
Gray's yell made Natsu reflexively glance behind him—just in time to be startled by the returning ice spikes.
"Fire Dragon's Wing Attack!"
Natsu swung his arms forward, unleashing two roaring waves of flame akin to a dragon's wingbeats.
Though he had no physical target, the fiery shockwaves shattered the spikes midair.
But as the flames continued onward, striking the invisible wall again, Natsu's face paled.
"BOOM!"
Before Natsu could react, his own "Fire Dragon's Wing Attack" came roaring back at him.
"Gulp!"
Faced with the rebounding flames, Natsu opened his mouth and inhaled the firestorm whole.
He then let out a mighty belch, swaying unsteadily as if drunk on carbon—the reflected magic was too pure!
"This guy..."
Gray stared dumbfounded at the dazed Natsu.
He hadn't expected his attack to take effect like this.
Natsu looked completely incapacitated.
Seizing the opportunity, Gray formed an ice hammer and slammed it down on Natsu, knocking him flat.
"Damn it! Thats a Cheap shot!"
The hammered Natsu bellowed from the ground.
Blocking the strike had drained much of his magic, but the surge of refined energy jolted him back to awareness.
"BOOM!"
With his magic power erupting and feeling an abundance of energy within him, Natsu charged forward, engaging Gray in an intense close-quarters brawl.
He completely abandoned long-range attacks and large-scale magical assaults—those kinds of attacks were too easy to backfire on him.
"Can't the counterattack ability of this Crystal Wall be turned off?"
From the spectator stands, Gajeel mustered the courage to ask quietly, feeling it severely impacted the battle.
"That's exactly the point. With an arena this big, if your attacks still reach the edges, you deserve to be countered."
Glancing at Gajeel, Marco spoke with utmost seriousness.
Marco had done this on purpose.
He wanted to use this method to restrain these guys, to teach those who wielded magic without restraint to discipline themselves.
Most of the destruction they caused in their daily lives stemmed from such unconscious recklessness.
Now, the slightest carelessness would bring them harm—forcing them to learn restraint.
That was exactly what Marco wanted to see.