Continuing on their way, the two first arrived at Mirajane's house.
After escorting Mira to her doorstep, Marco was about to leave and return to his own home.
"Would you like to come in for a while?"
Standing at the entrance, Mira didn't go inside immediately. Instead, she turned around and suddenly asked.
"..."
Marco once again remembered that Mira was home alone today.
"Sure."
Without hesitation, Marco smiled and agreed directly.
After walking such a long distance, it seemed perfectly normal to rest for a while at Mirajane's house, right?
However, as soon as Marco agreed, Mirajane had already opened the door and gone inside.
She half-closed the door behind her, peeking out through the crack to look at Marco.
"Never mind, I'm going to take a bath and go to bed. Maybe next time."
As she spoke, Mirajane playfully stuck out her tongue and made a funny face.
"Bye~ Marco."
Before Marco could say anything else, Mira directly closed the door.
She leaned against the back of the door, her face slightly flushed, her thoughts churning uncontrollably—all because of her impulsive invitation to Marco to come inside so late at night.
It was far too easy for others to misunderstand!
"..."
Standing outside the house, Marco looked at the tightly shut door and couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.
Mira's series of actions had been so smooth and fluid that they left him momentarily stunned.
He had noticed the blush on Mira's face; clearly, the girl had also realized the inappropriateness of the situation.
Late at night, a young man and a young woman alone together in a room—it was indeed a scenario where stories could easily unfold.
"Creak~"
Just as Marco was about to leave, the door opened a small crack again.
"See you tomorrow~"
Mira looked at Marco through the narrow opening and spoke.
"See you tomorrow."
Marco shook his head, smiled, and waved goodbye to Mira.
Watching Marco's figure grow farther and farther away until it finally disappeared into the darkness, Mira finally closed the door.
She suddenly felt a twinge of regret—even if she had invited Marco in, letting him stay overnight wouldn't have been a big deal.
After all, there was a guest room available.
"The older I get, the more timid I become."
Mira shook her head and mocked herself.
In the past, she wouldn't have overthought things so much.
...
Marco, on the other hand, didn't think much of this little episode.
He found this side of Mira quite cute.
Her current personality was a well-balanced blend—she hadn't completely lost her former "feistiness," and glimpses of that "rebel" character still frequently surfaced.
This was just fine, and it was actually the biggest difference between Mira and the Mirajane from "Edolas."
In Marco's view, that Mirajane was somewhat too gentle and quiet.
Of course, it wasn't that that version of Mirajane was bad—it was just too different from the Mira he had always known.
In that Mirajane, not a trace of her former personality could be seen.
In comparison, Marco naturally preferred the current Mirajane.
Returning home, Marco quickly washed up and rested.
After being busy for so long, he could finally relax at home.
Waking up the next morning, Marco didn't go to Mira's house for breakfast.
He made do with a quick meal and spent the whole time thinking about how to spend his contribution points.
These 1,010 points weren't exactly a lot, but they weren't too little either—at the very least, they were enough to take a look at [Bronze]-level skills and Cloths.
"Actually, I should get a Silver Cloth of the Corvus constellation."
Looking at the [Mall], Marco's gaze fell upon the [Corvus Silver Cloth].
The skills of this [Corvus constellation] were indeed used very frequently, with an incredibly wide range of applications.
While its effectiveness in combat was average, it was an extremely practical and functional constellation.
"Unfortunately, a single Silver Cloth costs 2,000 contribution points. To be honest, the value for money is quite low. If it were constellations like Cepheus, Lyra, Crater, or Ara, it might be somewhat worth it."
Marco sighed inwardly.
Exchanging 2,000 contribution points for a [Corvus Silver Cloth] would require him to have a serious lapse in judgment.
As for other more worthwhile options like Lyra and Crater, he had already unlocked their Cloths long ago, making the entire [Silver Cloth] series rather redundant.
Rather than spending 2,000 contribution points here, it would be better to save up for a [Gold Cloth].
Marco then shifted his attention to the [Bronze Saint Cloths].
At 200 contribution points each, the [Bronze Cloths] actually offered decent value for money.
Although their attached skills might not be particularly powerful, and their quality couldn't compare to [Silver] or [Gold] Cloths, they could at least unlock more star maps, which was still a worthwhile boost in strength.
With more star maps unlocked, Marco would be able to obtain more Star Magic.
With a guaranteed daily income of 10 contribution points, ten days would net him one [Bronze skill], and twenty days would get him a [Bronze Cloth]—truly maximizing value.
He currently had 1,000 contribution points, enough to unlock five star maps, which was quite a good deal.
Even if they were all relatively weak [Bronze Cloths], it wouldn't matter.
If suitable disciples appeared in the future, those [Bronze Cloths] could still prove useful.
Marco's "New Celestial Spirit Magic" didn't necessarily have to serve as the "primary offensive magic" for his students.
For example, Natsu learn the [Leo Minor constellation] and treated it more like an enhancement buff, strengthening his magic power and deepening his understanding of flames.
In combat, Natsu still primarily relied on his Fire Dragon Slayer Magic.
Gray [Cygnus constellation] was similar.
The freezing combat techniques of the [Cygnus Bronze Cloth], particularly the powerful [Diamond Dust Fist], made Gray's "Ice-Make Magic" even more formidable.
Hibiki, who learn the [Pegasus constellation], compensated for his shortcomings in combat, but his Archieve didn't fall by the wayside.
His fighting style didn't change much either; he still planned carefully before acting.
The [Pegasus constellation] simply gave him confidence and made up for his weaknesses in close-quarters combat.
If one had to point out someone who truly treated the "New Celestial Spirit Magic" as their primary offensive method, it would be Hisui.
Even Lucy had now developed "Celestial Spirit Armor," giving her more versatility than Hisui.
There was no helping it.
As a fellow "Old Celestial Spirit Mage," Hisui didn't possess any powerful Celestial Spirits.
Even if she used "Celestial Spirit Armor," she couldn't achieve combat capabilities as decent as Lucy's.