"Board the boat."
After paying and having the boatkeepers leave, Marco took the lead in choosing a small boat.
He had arranged for several small boats to be prepared in advance. With nearly twenty people, they could easily be accommodated, with four or five people per boat.
"How much longer do we have to sail?"
Natsu, who had just finished vomiting, came over again to ask Marco.
Judging by his state, if the distance wasn't too far, he'd probably prefer to swim over—even if it meant more effort, it would be more comfortable than sailing.
Gajeel was also paying close attention nearby.
If conditions allowed, he too would rather swim over, so he wouldn't need extra time to recover after landing.
"There's still some distance. Let's take the boat. We can swim when we get closer."
Marco shook his head, dashing the hopes of the two Dragon Slayer Mages who wanted to swim over.
Although the distance wasn't too far, it wasn't suitable for swimming—mainly because swimming wouldn't be as fast as the boat, especially since they could use magical means to accelerate.
"Which beach is this?"
Before boarding the boat, Erza asked Marco in a daze.
"Not far from Akane Resort. Look over there—that's Akane Resort, a very famous tourist spot."
Marco pointed toward the cluster of buildings in the distance.
It was quite conspicuous; Akane Resort was arguably the most popular seaside tourist destination in the entire Fiore Kingdom.
This resort was essentially a massive theme park, featuring an endless, breathtakingly beautiful sea, adjacent luxury hotels, and beneath the hotels, amusement parks and casinos with various facilities for visitors to enjoy.
It was a captivating beach resort that would leave anyone addicted after just one visit.
"Really? I've never been here before."
Mirajane was also on the same boat as Marco, sitting right beside him.
Hearing his description, she grew genuinely curious about the resort.
"We can go play there on the way back." Marco said with a laugh.
It was clear that everyone's mindset was quite relaxed, still thinking about visiting the resort even at a time like this.
Erza sighed silently and boarded the boat, sitting on Marco's other side.
Her mood was much heavier, her expression blank, forming a stark contrast with Mirajane on the other side.
"Don't worry, Erza. In the face of absolute strength, all problems will be easily resolved. You should trust the guild, trust your comrades, trust me, and trust yourself."
Marco reached out and patted Erza's head. Only at times like this would Erza remain unresponsive to such a gesture.
"Easily resolved?"
Erza looked at her own hand and couldn't help but clench her fist.
"That's right! Since things have come to this, all I can do is believe—believe in everyone, and believe in myself!"
Erza lowered her head, tightened her fist, then suddenly looked up at Marco, the softness in her eyes gradually replaced by determination.
With matters having reached this point, turning back was no longer an option.
There was no need to dwell on unnecessary thoughts.
From here on, only the sharp blade in hand would prevail!
"That's more like it! Erza, you're usually the first one charging ahead with everyone, what's with all this hesitation!"
Gray chimed in from the side, pleased to see Erza returning to normal.
Though her current state differed from the vulnerable fragility she'd shown when revealing her true feelings before Marco, her unusually worried demeanor had been rare for them to witness.
The Erza they remembered had always been bold and decisive, leading the charge in every situation without hesitation.
"I thought you were going to mope around the entire time." Mirajane spoke up with a cheerful smile, having not bantered with Erza for quite some time.
Seeing Erza back to her usual self, she couldn't resist teasing her.
"You'd better not interfere. I'll handle everything myself." Erza shot a fierce glare at the smiling Mirajane.
The current Mira no longer clashed with her easily, only occasionally offering mild teasing remarks.
Erza couldn't be bothered to take it seriously anymore, simply ignoring whatever she said.
"If you can really manage that, it wouldn't be a bad approach."
Marco reached out to pat Erza's head with a smile, but this time she swatted his hand away.
Unfazed, Marco actually felt reassured - this confirmed she had truly regained her determination.
"Let's move out!"
Marco called out cheerfully for everyone to follow him, warning against changing course randomly at sea.
"I'll help!" Juvia had been waiting for this moment.
She immediately cast her magic, manipulating the surrounding water currents to propel the boats forward faster.
"I'll join you."
Marco met Juvia's gaze and spoke with a smile.
Donning his [Crateris Silver Cloth], he began controlling the water currents as well.
This constellation suited Juvia perfectly for learning, with compatibility that would surely be high - just like Gray with the "Cygnus" constellation.
Propelled by Marco and Juvia's combined efforts, the small boats quickly reached their destination, where the towering spire became visible in the distance.
"Stop."
Marco halted the boats just outside the peculiar barrier's range.
Even without his warning, everyone could sense something was wrong.
Birds approaching the area fell from the sky, while fish floated belly-up in the water. Anyone with basic judgment could tell something was amiss.
"This is a natural barrier formed by the diffusion of malevolent magical power. Ordinary people can't approach, but it won't affect us much - at most, it'll feel uncomfortable and unsettling."
Observing the scene before them, Makarov explained.
When it came to extensive knowledge and experience, the old man naturally had everything under control.
This was one reason for his presence here - the group of youngsters truly needed such a veteran with ultimate seniority to guide them.
"That Tower of Heaven definitely isn't completed yet."
Looking at the distant tower, Makarov made his assessment.
The discernment of a veteran Ten Wizard Saints was truly remarkable - even before reaching the island, Makarov had already deduced many things.
"Then let's proceed. Approaching by boat would be too conspicuous. We'll swim the remaining distance underwater. Juvia."
As he spoke, Marco turned to Juvia.
The blue-haired girl nodded seriously at him before creating oxygen water bubbles. Placing these bubbles over their heads would allow them to breathe underwater, enabling them to swim directly to the island in one go.
Juvia created one oxygen bubble after another, placing them over everyone's heads before they descended one by one for deep diving.
"So amazing!"
Watching Juvia's technique, Lucy couldn't help but marvel, wondering whether Aquarius, who also manipulated water, could accomplish such feats.
"Juvia can be very helpful to Marco-sama!"
Hearing Lucy's praise, Juvia slightly raised her head, glanced at Lucy, then spoke with evident pride.
"..."
Lucy fell silent, her expression somewhat peculiar.
She couldn't shake the feeling that Juvia's words carried hidden meanings—exactly who was being implied as unhelpful?
"Pfft~"
Hisui, standing nearby, couldn't suppress a chuckle.
She found Juvia utterly adorable—a girl brimming with subtle thoughts yet displaying them with remarkably innocent charm.