"So the Guild Mark actually has this many functions?" Marco blinked, touching the magical emblem on his left shoulder.
According to Mavis, only those bearing Fairy Tail's mark could see her.
Not only that—the giant tree at the center of Tenrou Island also possessed special properties.
It continuously protected those marked with Fairy Tail's Guild Mark while constantly supplying them with magical power, making guild battles far more efficient for members.
"No wonder I felt unusually saturated with magic the moment I stepped onto this island," Marco mused aloud, finally having his doubts resolved.
"When my feet touched the ground, it was like entering a magic circle—one that endlessly replenishes magical energy."
Initially, he'd assumed this effect was simply due to the island's unique environment.
An isle perpetually shrouded in magical mist having dense magic wasn't surprising.
But who could have guessed those bearing Fairy Tail's mark would receive special treatment?
The Guild Mark hadn't shown any reaction at all.
"This is precisely why it's our sacred ground," Makarov declared proudly.
Could other guilds boast such a holy site? Did they have anything comparable?
"Pity it's so hard to find," Marco chuckled, shaking his head.
"Otherwise, we could just establish the guild here directly. Anyone wanting to cause trouble would think twice."
To Fairy Tail members, Tenrou Island was essentially a blessed land protected by the Guild Protection Array.
The only drawback was its elusive location.
For a Magic Guild, being difficult to find wasn't ideal—potential clients wouldn't even know where to submit requests.
"Actually, in the past..." Mavis began, then hesitated.
She wanted to mention that a Magic Guild had once existed here, but stopped herself.
Before her juniors, she wished to maintain some dignified authority as their senior.
Those tragic old stories weren't worth bringing up—no need to appear like some pitiful child seeking sympathy.
"What about the past?" Marco asked curiously.
Why leave them hanging?
"Ahem"
"Nothing important," Mavis waved it off, suddenly all businesslike as she addressed Makarov and Marco.
"Weren't you two returning soon? Go on then. Remember to develop our guild properly."
She tried her utmost to project mature authority, but the effect was quite the opposite.
The more she strained to appear grown-up, the more childlike she seemed—dressed in soft pink hues, tiny bare feet peeking out, making solemnity impossible.
"Understood, Master Mavis," Makarov replied with utmost gravity, never one to jest with her.
This was their true elder—Fairy Tail's founding Guild Master.
In her presence, Makarov felt tremendous pressure.
"Don't call me Master, Third-master," Mavis corrected, pleased by his respectful demeanor.
"Just Mavis is fine. You're Fairy Tail's Guild Master now."
His earnest attitude delighted her—proof he didn't view her as a mere child.
Mavis disliked being treated like a child the most, especially in front of these juniors.
During this brief meeting, she wanted to leave them with the impression of an "excellent, kind senior" rather than a willful child.
"Then let me call you Mavis-sama."
Makarov still maintained respect for Mavis and didn't intend to address her directly by name.
Hearing it Mavis didn't insist further—this was fine too.
"Mavis, can't you come with us?" Marco, however, was blunt and called her by name directly.
Marco prided himself on being adaptable.
After all, Mavis herself had said it was okay to call her that.
He could also sense some of Mavis's thoughts—this founding guild master didn't mind informality and even hoped they could be closer to her.
She was quite greedy, wanting to maintain the dignity and authority of a senior while also seeking their affection.
"Marco! Don't address the first master so casually!"
Before Mavis could respond, Makarov voiced his displeasure.
He felt Marco was being disrespectful.
This was the founding guild master of Fairy Tail!
"It's fine, Makarov. I'd prefer if you weren't so formal." Mavis smiled sweetly, coming to Marco's defense.
As expected, Mavis wasn't angry at Marco's direct address—in fact, she quite liked his friendly attitude.
Mavis found Marco quite nice.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have offered him the chance to learn two Super Magics.
Unfortunately, Marco refused twice in a row, which frustrated her so much she ended up revealing herself.
"..."
Makarov fell silent.
Since Mavis didn't mind, he wouldn't say anything more.
"I probably can't leave with you."
Looking at Marco, Mavis shook her head and answered with some difficulty.
"Why? Is there some restriction?" Makarov quickly chimed in, clearly concerned.
"I'm not sure. It seems my soul has fused with this tomb. I don't know if I can leave it..."
Mavis explained that her current state was peculiar, somewhat like an Earthbound Spirit tied to this grave.
"That makes sense. Earthbound Spirits usually can't wander too far."
Marco nodded in understanding.
This aligned with his general knowledge.
If an Earthbound Spirit could roam freely, what was the point of calling it "earthbound"? In Marco's view, such spirits were supposed to be confined to one place.
"Tomb..."
Makarov, however, wore a strange expression.
He didn't quite understand why Mavis would be fused with a tomb when her body was hidden beneath the guild...
So what exactly was anchoring this Earthbound Spirit? This empty tomb? Something felt off to Makarov.
Though suspicious, Makarov couldn't bring himself to ask Mavis to leave with them.
Forcing an Earthbound Spirit away from its anchor would be no different from killing it—he couldn't possibly suggest that.
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