"What ability is it?"
Now it was Mira's turn to curiously ask about the ability.
"It's Crateris Celestial Spirit Magic, with the main ability being water manipulation."
Marco smiled as he spoke, making Mirajane click her tongue in disbelief.
She didn't care whether this magic was Celestial Spirit-related or not, nor did she feel qualified to judge, but its effect—essentially "Water Element" magic—was truly exaggerated.
"It suits Juvia quite well."
Mira's first thought was also of Juvia, as the "Rain Woman" was the best at Water Element magic in their guild.
"Let's wait and see." Marco nodded with a smile.
If Juvia was willing, he certainly wouldn't mind teaching her—provided she met the qualifications.
"That's wonderful." Mira sighed sincerely as she looked at Marco.
"What's wonderful?"
Marco was taken aback, a bit confused by her remark.
"The feeling that both of us have gained something and can return home happily—it's wonderful." Mira spoke with a bright smile, clearly enjoying the current atmosphere.
Whenever she was with Marco, her mood always relaxed, and even her mind seemed to sharpen.
Marco smiled without responding to her.
Mira seemed a bit excited—it seemed acquiring a new demonic trump card had genuinely delighted her.
...
By the time the two returned to Bluebell Town, it was already the afternoon of the next day.
The place had gathered quite a few Mages again, and Marco spotted many familiar faces.
"Marco? Mirajane? You two are here so early?"
Marco noticed his acquaintances, and they naturally noticed him too.
A team from "Quatro Cerberus" quickly approached, and the one who spoke was none other than Bacchus.
It was clear that "Quatro Cerberus" took this matter quite seriously.
Bacchus was leading the team personally, and they had brought along skilled members from the guild.
Bacchus himself wore an expression of confident determination.
This was hardly surprising, as the Magic Council's reward was substantial, and everyone wanted to try their luck.
"Did you just arrive?" Marco ignored Bacchus's question and posed one of his own.
"Yeah, we just got here at noon today."
Bacchus took a swig of liquor, looking completely at ease.
Though Marco and Mirajane appeared as if they had just returned from the mountains, Bacchus didn't believe they had already completed the mission.
He had inquired around town and learned that the mountains had been quiet these past two days.
Moreover, Marco and Mirajane didn't look like they had just been through a major battle.
"Then you're too late. Far too late."
Marco shook his head with a smile on his face.
At this, Bacchus's expression shifted, and a sense of foreboding began to creep into his heart.
"W-what do you mean?"
Bacchus stammered, staring intently at Marco, hoping for good news rather than bad.
"I mean you arrived too late. You've made a wasted trip. The problem has already been resolved, and we're about to go collect the reward." Marco spoke earnestly, his expression serious and without a hint of jest.
Bacchus's face immediately darkened.
"Really?"
Though he already believed it, Bacchus couldn't help asking again.
He didn't want to accept that after rushing here in such a hurry, they would have to slink back with nothing.
It was utterly humiliating—especially after he had boasted earlier that he would definitely secure this mission.
"If you don't believe me, feel free to go check for yourself."
Before Marco could speak, Mirajane spoke first.
Though her face wore a gentle smile, her words carried a hint of sharpness and the irritation of being questioned—almost as if she were saying "believe it or not."
"Ahem, don't be angry, Mira. I was just asking casually. Of course, I believe you. Since you've completed the mission, I'll take my people and head back. I won't disturb your time alone together, hehe... hehe."
Seeing Mira's displeased expression and Marco's fading smile, Bacchus immediately snapped to attention.
Apologizing and forcing a smile, he began to shuffle away before darting off and disappearing in a flash.
"That guy..."
Marco shook his head with a wry smile and glanced at Mira.
The girl responded with a soft chuckle, clearly unfazed by Bacchus's antics.
The two returned to the town elder's residence and began packing their belongings.
With the mission accomplished, there was no reason to stay any longer.
Meanwhile, news of the mission's completion had already spread throughout Bluebell Town.
At first, many suspected it was a false rumor, but once they learned it was Marco and Mirajane who had completed it, all doubts vanished.
Upon inquiry, townsfolk discovered the pair had arrived early and had just returned from the mountains—the timing matched perfectly.
Some even came to verify in person, and upon seeing Marco and Mirajane packing to leave, they had no choice but to believe it.
In no time, whether they had been in town for a while or had just arrived, everyone shouldered their packs and began returning to their guilds.
"You two clearly don't need the money, yet you still come and snatch missions from us. You're really leaving us no way to make a living!"
Along the way, Bacchus traveled with Marco and Mirajane for a stretch, grumbling incessantly with palpable resentment.
In truth, he wasn't particularly bothered about the mission itself—he was simply irritated at being late and had come to vent.
"Shut up, or I'll sew your mouth shut."
Annoyed by the complaints, Marco shoved him aside.
It was only because they were familiar with each other that Bacchus dared to complain like this.
Other Mages held Marco in high regard and wouldn't dare criticize his and Mirajane's actions.
"Just you wait! I'm going to snatch one of your missions too!"
Bacchus wisely took his leave as their paths diverged.
Before parting, he tossed out a fierce remark.
"Don't say things like that—you sound like a third-rate villain."
Marco's retort left Bacchus fuming and hopping mad, but he could only watch as Marco and Mirajane walked away.
"Pfft—"
Mira covered her mouth while laughing.
Bacchus's frantic hopping and his desire—yet inability—to challenge Marco to a duel was genuinely amusing.
That drunkard Bacchus could be quite entertaining, especially after a few drinks.
It was clear he'd had quite a bit earlier.
"He's straightforward person with no ill intentions." Marco smiled, offering his assessment of Bacchus.
Most members of their two guilds were decent folks.
"Sounds like an insult."
Mira's eyes curved into smiling crescents as she teased him.
Her words implied Bacchus was a fool, though in reality, he was far from stupid.
"Let's just say he's not the brightest."
Marco chatted cheerfully with Mirajane before summoning the Corvus Aircraft.
Having traveled with Bacchus and the others earlier, they naturally hadn't used the aircraft.
Now that they had parted ways, they resumed flying.
Racing through the skies, the two returned to Fairy Tail.
After submitting the mission report, Marco immediately became busy.
He needed to accompany the old man to attend the routine meeting—the regular assembly of Magic Guild masters from the Fiore Kingdom.
At this meeting, their Fairy Tail held significant importance as they were to discuss the "S-Class Mage Exam Competition," with more Magic Guilds preparing to participate.
Prior to this, "Fairy Tail," "Blue Pegasus," and "Quatro Cerberus" had each organized their own examinations.
Through these trial runs, they had largely finalized the procedures and were ready to formally promote the event externally.
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