"How are we getting there?"
After Marco announced their departure, Natsu asked warily, his question making Gajeel tense up as well.
"Is the place far?" Gajeel also inquired softly.
This straightforward man acted like a toothless kitten in front of Marco, not even daring to hiss.
Gajeel truly both respected and feared Marco—one could only say the aftereffects of the "Scarlet Needle" were too potent.
Experiencing it once made it unforgettable.
"Fly directly to the coast first, then switch to a boat." Marco explained.
While flying directly to the destination was possible, it would make them too conspicuous and easily detected, undermining the element of surprise. Taking the sea route offered better concealment, especially since any place with water was Juvia's domain.
"..."
Upon hearing Marco's words, Natsu and Gajeel both looked as if they'd rather die. But they had no choice—the distance was too great, and they had to cross the sea.
They couldn't possibly run or swim there.
"Caw! Caw!"
A series of hoarse crow cries echoed as large crows flew over, landing before the group and flapping their wings.
"Each of you pick one. We depart now."
Marco commanded briskly as he surveyed everyone.
Being carried by crows was no novelty for the Mages of Fairy Tail.
Marco always prioritized convenience—anyone in a hurry or needing assistance could borrow a crow.
He had even stationed a few permanently at the guild for this purpose.
To make the journey more comfortable, Marco had specially prepared "gliders."
Having the crows carry these gliders was far more pleasant than being directly gripped by the birds.
The gliders had already been brought out by other guild members.
Originally, there hadn't been so many—these were rush-produced over the past few days.
At first, no one knew their exact purpose, but now it was clear.
The Elite Squad members began selecting their crows, though there wasn't much to choose from.
Marco had dispatched only the finest—exceptionally large "professional flying crows."
"Put on your helmets and board the gliders. Any cumbersome equipment or luggage can be handed to the support crows."
Marco fastened his helmet while continuing to issue orders, simultaneously equipping his glider.
These were compact models—larger ones would be too cumbersome for the crows to carry.
The primary purpose of this gear was to ensure passenger comfort.
Each "professional flying crow" was accompanied by a "support crow" responsible for carrying luggage.
Without baggage, the support crow served as a safety measure—if the main crow encountered trouble, the backup could take over, preventing a crash.
In such emergencies, preserving lives would always take priority over saving luggage.
After a flurry of activity, everyone was fully equipped—windproof helmets secured and gliders properly fastened.
"Move out!"
With a mental command, Marco immediately directed the crows into action.
The crows took off one by one, grabbing their respective targets and carrying the Elite Squad directly into the sky.
The "subordinate crows" followed closely behind, flying quite effortlessly with the enhancement of "Star Magic"—far more convenient than a Magic Car.
Flying high above, Natsu and Gajeel looked as though they were on the verge of death.
"Natsu, are you okay? Should I carry you?"
Happy, perched on Natsu's shoulder, spoke with concern.
The only "mode of transportation" Natsu didn't get motion sickness from was Happy.
Happy had wings and could fly using magic.
When Happy carried Natsu, Natsu wouldn't feel dizzy because he never considered Happy a "means of transportation."
In response to Happy's question, Natsu didn't answer. He merely shook his head, knowing Happy couldn't keep up with the crows' speed.
"It's all my fault. I'm just too useless." Happy felt sad.
If he were stronger, if he could match the crows' speed, Natsu wouldn't have to suffer like this!
"Mmhmm..."
Natsu continued shaking his head, afraid to speak lest he vomit. They had just taken off and hadn't even left Magnolia's city limits yet.
On the other side, Gajeel had already covered his face with an iron mask, adopting an "out of sight, out of mind" approach.
Watching their reactions, Marco couldn't help but chuckle.
If he suggested letting Natsu and Gajeel try "Another Dimension Space" teleportation now, these two might actually agree.
Of course, Marco wouldn't allow it.
Who knew where they might end up? The primary function of this ability was banishment, and the "spatial teleportation" feature was far too unreliable.
Marco couldn't pinpoint spatial coordinates accurately—even his "instant movement" could only be used for short distances.
In the sky, the pitch-black crows swiftly soared past, soon carrying them from Magnolia to the seaside.
A pre-arranged ship waited by the shore, with several dockworkers standing by, anticipating Marco and the others' arrival.
"Bleh!"
The moment they landed, Natsu couldn't hold back, while Gajeel rolled his eyes helplessly.
The flying crows' speed had been too intense, tossing the two "Dragon Slayer Mages" around mercilessly.
"Are they going to be okay? We still have to take a boat next..."
Bisca and Alzack hadn't been part of the guild for long and had never been on a mission with Natsu and Gajeel.
Seeing the two in such a state, they grew worried, especially with another mode of transportation awaiting them.
They couldn't help but think that even if they reached the "Tower of Heaven," Natsu and Gajeel would likely be too incapacitated to fight, possibly requiring others to look after them.
"Don't worry about them. They recover quickly."
Marco glanced at the two "Dragon Slayer Mages" and replied calmly.
The other guys around them wore similar expressions—everyone was accustomed to their condition.
"O-okay..."
Bisca and Alzack stopped questioning further.
Since Marco said so, there clearly wasn't any problem.
For Marco, the great savior who gave them a new life and allowed these "West Continent immigrants" to settle down in the Fiore Kingdom, Bisca, Alzack, and the "West Continent immigrants" practically regarded him as a messiah.
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