World Economic News – Hot Air Balloon Headquarters
"Ooooooh!"
"As expected of President Morgens!"
"You can even get news this big!"
"President Morgens truly is the king of news!"
"The Golden Country in Legendary… unbelievable!"
"The golden town of Shandora—this news will shake the world!"
The photos and reports of Sky Island's golden city, brought back by Morgens, left the staff of the World Economic News completely stunned. Every face radiated shock, excitement, and disbelief.
"Wahaha! Little ones, no time to waste! Move fast—by tomorrow, the Golden Dora must be spread across the world! Go, go, go!" Morgens bellowed.
"Yes, President!!!" The newsroom erupted in cheers.
The Next Morning
The eastern sky blushed a pale white as the morning sun bathed mountains and rivers in light. The hot-air balloon newspaper office, buzzing through the night, now hummed with energy and laughter.
Countless newspaper delivery birds took to the skies, carrying freshly printed editions to the seas and ports, announcing the story of Shandora, the golden town lost for four hundred years.
The world shook.
"What?! The legendary land of gold?"
"The golden town of Shandora is really 10,000 meters above sea level?!"
"Shandora… the Golden City from the tales actually exists—and it's still in the sky!"
"I read about the Golden Country in a book. Isn't this just a story from the so-called big talker, Nolando?"
"No! Nolando wasn't lying—everything he said is true!"
"The golden bell tower in the legends! Majestic and sacred!"
"Fairy Tail again! They accepted the entrustment of Nolando's descendants and found the Golden Land!"
"Not only that—they defeated the false god occupying Sky Island and liberated the people!"
"Fairy Tail… are they emissaries sent by God to save those in distress?"
Across all major seas, people debated these events passionately. North Blue, Nolando's homeland, reacted most strongly.
"Is it real? Could the Golden Land from the Liar King story really exist?"
"Impossible! The Golden Country is a lie!"
"This doesn't match the stories from our childhood!"
"Isn't Nolando a liar? Yet everything he said is true!"
"The Golden Land of Shandora is real! It didn't sink—it went… to the sky!"
Four centuries ago, the exaggerations of the Kingdom of Lubnir's Capital Committee and Nolando's tales had spread across North Blue, becoming famous cautionary tales to teach children not to lie. Now, those stories were completely overturned: Shandora is real.
Newspaper pages displayed vivid images of Nolando's descendant, Chestnut-Head Kulik, his hoarse cry for ancestral vindication almost audible to readers.
Naval Headquarters – Rear Division Office
"Fairy Tail is active again," the Vice Admiral said in awe. "Finding the Golden Land that disappeared for four hundred years… remarkable!"
Marshal Sengoku shook his head wryly. "At least this one doesn't concern us directly."
For Fairy Tail, he felt both gratitude and worry. Their actions helped the weak earnestly and reduced the burden on the Marines. But Fairy Tail was fearless, and now Nico Robin was aboard. Her knowledge and power posed a serious threat.
Sengoku knew a plan against Robin was already in motion. A clash was only a matter of time.
"Leave Robin's affairs to Kuzan; he's responsible for this," he sighed.
"Hopefully all goes smoothly," replied Vice Admiral Crane Road.
Sabaody Islands – Thirteenth Red Tree, Shakky's Bar
"Old Ray, this golden clock on the Fairy Tail ship…" Shakky started, but Rayleigh interrupted.
"No. It may look similar, but the feeling it gives? That's fake. It isn't the real golden clock tower from Sky Island."
"Ah, I see! So Fairy Tail's job was to make it seem like they had the bell, while Morgens reported ambiguously!" Shakky smiled.
"I really like Fairy Tail more and more!"
New World – Red Hair Pirates
"Everyone, toast to Fairy Tail and the Golden Country!" Shanks laughed, raising his glass.
"Why Fairy Tail? We don't even know them!" a rookie asked.
"They did what even Captain Roger couldn't," Shanks replied, nostalgia in his eyes.
Over twenty years ago, Roger had visited Sky Island. Despite his strength, the grievances between Sky Island and the Sandia family were unresolved. Time was short, so he left with regrets. Now, Fairy Tail had settled these historical problems.
"Captain Roger, cheers!" Shanks and his crew toasted.
New World – Wano Country
Lightning struck Skeleton Ghost Island, illuminating the dim halls.
"That's amazing, Fairy Tail~" Princess Oni Yamato said, eyes glued to the news report. "I hope I can meet them someday!"
Ghost Island – Skeleton Hall
Kaido of the Beasts laughed heartily. "The golden clock tower is incredible!"
"Master Kaido, let me take it down for you!" young leader Jack offered eagerly.
"Wait, don't mess around, little Pepe!" a boy warned.
"Just support my sister; she'll handle it," Run said impatiently.
"Alright, leave it to me!"
Totto Land – Cake Island, Big Mom Pirates' Base
Charlotte Linlin laughed loudly. "The Golden Town of Shandora actually exists—at 10,000 meters altitude! That golden bell tower… priceless!"
"My children, who will claim this treasure for me?" Linlin asked.
"I will, Mother!" General Snugg stood confidently.
"I too will fight for Mother!"
"Me!"
"Me too! We'll get the Golden Clock Tower for Mom!"
The golden bell tower's allure stirred even the Four Emperors themselves.
Grand Line – Pirates Everywhere
"Little ones, follow me into the Grand Line! First come, first served! Fate decides life and death, wealth and honor are in the skies! The Golden Clock Tower awaits!"
Pirates poured into the Grand Line, chasing the treasure, while common folk still gaped at the Golden Country's reality.
Fairy Tail
"President, the news about Sky Island is out!" Vivi handed the papers to everyone.
"Nolando's four-hundred-year-old disgrace is finally cleared… how romantic!" Nami laughed.
"Juvia wants a romantic journey with the president too!" Juvia flung herself at Yuuto.
"Careful! After this, we'll definitely be targeted by clients," Erza warned.
"True. The Golden Bell Tower is on our ship now; it'll attract pirates," Robin said solemnly.
"Fairy Tail isn't afraid of trouble. We have a leader who can crush threats in minutes!" Nami shrugged.
"But… we still have commissions to do," Marianne reminded.
"Yes, Nami. We're in debt—we can't slack off," Vivi said seriously.
Yuuto smiled. When he created the Great Clock Tower, he had foreseen this. Plans were prepared in advance: Fairy Tail would take commissions—but never alone. Safety and teamwork were top priorities.
Two small captains were appointed in addition to Yuuto. Members chose which captain to follow, but no one could accept a mission without one.
"Any questions?" Yuuto asked.
Wendy raised her hand nervously. "President, why me as a captain? Juvia or Mira would be better!"
"You're the Sky Dragon Slayer Mage, Wendy. You can fight dragons like the president. You're already powerful enough!" Nami encouraged, giving a thumbs-up.
"Show confidence. The president trusts your ability," Vivi added.
Other members echoed the same. Wendy's confidence grew slightly.
Yuuto didn't need to say more. Erza's strength was unquestioned, while Wendy—though seemingly weaker—had Irene in her body, giving her immense hidden power. Even Erza couldn't match her full potential.
The teams were grouped.
Fairy Tail anchored at an uninhabited island with resources for a temporary base. Erza led with Robin and Marianne, while Wendy, Nami, Vivi, Juvia, and Xia Lulu followed.
As members left, the guild fell quiet.
"I'll head out too!" Yuuto said, taking down the mission board's previous directives. It was time to focus on the Rumba Pirates.
"Bon voyage, President~"