Marco didn't leave.
He remained stationed at the edge of the forest to keep watch.
Since they were calling for reinforcements, he had to ensure everything here was secure.
Otherwise, wouldn't it be embarrassing to have people come all this way for nothing?
...
At the Magic Council headquarters, an emergency meeting was convened.
"What?! A Magic Beast tide actually happened?! The beasts broke out of the forest?!"
When Yajima's message arrived, even the usually composed Chairman Crawford Seam couldn't maintain his calm.
His face was filled with shock.
After decades, such a thing had actually happened again—this was truly a disaster.
"It did happen, but they didn't break out of the forest."
Yajima's image appeared in the magic crystal ball as he explained.
His words left the members of the Magic Council utterly baffled.
What did he mean by a tide happening but the beasts not breaking out?
Weren't those two things inherently connected?
"Yajima, are you messing with us? Have you still not shaken off that Fairy Tail habit of yours?"
Org spoke up, his expression dark with anger.
This was a serious matter, and here Yajima was fooling around.
Was this something to joke about?
"I'm not joking. The Magic Beast tide was stopped by Marco alone. If not for him, the beasts would probably be rampaging everywhere by now."
Yajima wasn't angered by their skepticism.
He continued explaining earnestly.
His calm demeanor stemmed from the fact that he, too, had been completely incredulous earlier.
Even now, after witnessing it firsthand, he was still deeply shocked.
How much more so for those who hadn't seen it with their own eyes.
"..."
Yajima's words plunged the room into an eerie silence, as if everyone had been struck dumb by what they'd just heard.
"Yajima, have you... truly lost your mind?"
Finally, it was Org who broke the silence, his face a picture of disbelief as he stared at Yajima, convinced the man had gone completely mad.
"Of course I haven't." Yajima shook his head calmly.
"You haven't?! Listen to what you're saying! Is this something a sane person would claim? Marco? That kid? Stopped the Magic Beast Tide of Nord Forest Alone?!" Org loud questioning resonated with the others, as what Yajima was said was simply too outrageous.
"All you need to do is come and see for yourselves. Why would I joke about something like this? Besides, Marco himself believes he can handle it alone and doesn't need your support. I only reported this because I considered the potential consequences if he were to fail."
Yajima remained composed, not a trace of agitation in his voice.
His words were measured and logical, gradually making the other council members realize—Yajima was dead serious.
At first, they didn't think Yajima would joke around, as he was one of the more serious members among the councilors.
Even Org, who often clashed with Yajima, couldn't deny this.
Aside from frequently speaking up for the members of Fairy Tail, Yajima was undoubtedly a highly qualified councilor.
In other aspects, the two of them actually got along quite well.
"Could it all... be true?"
The councilors exchanged bewildered glances, utterly stunned.
But at this point, they had no choice but to go along with Yajima.
"Yajima, are you prepared to bear the consequences of this matter?"
Seeing that everyone had been convinced by Yajima, Chairman Crawford Seam spoke up, immediately shifting the blame.
If things weren't as Yajima claimed, if this was all just a joke, then Yajima alone would shoulder the responsibility for summoning the mages for nothing.
The rest of them would have merely fulfilled their duties.
"I take full responsibility." Yajima's tone was resolute.
He was used to this.
Chairman Crawford Seam was all about avoiding blame—a true non-stick pan, clinging tightly to his position with conservative, appeasing policies.
"Good, then let's begin."
Reassured by Yajima's words, Crawford Seam immediately began making arrangements.
Deep down, he was willing to trust Yajima.
He believed this former Fairy Tail member was crucial—Yajima's presence greatly eased tensions between the Magic Council and Fairy Tail.
With Yajima there, with his relentless advocacy for Fairy Tail, Crawford Seam could afford to turn a blind eye and go easy on them each time.
After all, they couldn't actually disband Fairy Tail, could they?
....
Once the Magic Council made its decision, the news spread rapidly across the continent of Ishgar.
Every Magic Guild received the summons to rush north to aid Nord Forest.
Naturally, Fairy Tail was no exception.
"It... actually happened..."
Upon receiving the news, Makarov stood frozen in shock.
He truly hadn't expected Nord Forest to face trouble the moment Marco left—especially after decades of peace.
"Is Marco alright?!" Laxus, who had rushed over upon seeing the summons, asked urgently.
He was the first to arrive; the others still had no idea what was happening.
"He's fine. Yajima said Marco held off the first wave."
Makarov's expression was complex, but mostly filled with pride—pride in his grandson's remarkable strength.
The outcome had stunned him too.
At first, he'd been terrified, fearing something had happened to Marco.
But that fear quickly turned to awe and pride.
He didn't believe Yajima would lie or joke about something like this.
Besides, Yajima was on the frontlines—his report had to be accurate.
Makarov knew his old friend Yajima's capabilities well.
If Marco hadn't succeeded, Yajima wouldn't have survived the beast tide unscathed.
"That damn kid!"
Hearing that Marco was safe and sound and had even stopped the first wave of the Magic Beast Tide, Laxus felt relieved.
He couldn't help but grumble inwardly—why was it that everyone else went without incident, but the moment Marco went, trouble immediately followed, and it seemed especially severe at that.
Soon, those who hadn't taken on missions and were around Magnolia Town gathered at the guild upon seeing the summoning signal.
Without wasting words, Makarov immediately announced the news of rushing to Marco's aid, which instantly sparked discussions among the members.
"Marco... hang in there!"
Many wore worried expressions, concerned for Marco's safety.
No one hesitated or thought they shouldn't go.
"Let's hurry and set off Master!" Erza shouted excitedly, eager to fly north immediately.
"Yes! Let's go quickly!"
This time, Mirajane didn't oppose Erza and loudly voiced her support.
The other guild members were equally anxious.
"Good! Then we'll depart at once! But not everyone will go!"
Makarov was very pleased with their response, but he couldn't let everyone go.
Those with weaker strength wouldn't be much help, and this situation was dangerous—they had to face the Magic Beast Tide, so only those with sufficient power could participate.
Soon, some of the younger members were excluded, which upset them.
Juvia who was left behind immediately grew depressed and Magnolia Town was soon drenched in heavy rain.
"Why can't I go?! I want to help Marco too!" Natsu outright threw a tantrum.
He hadn't expected to be excluded—his current strength was among the best even among A-Class Wizards, so how could he not be qualified to help?!
It wasn't just him.
Gray, Gajeel, and Cana were also excluded, with only Erza and Mirajane being allowed to go.
"Because you are the guild's future—the embers that must be preserved." Makarov spoke solemnly.
He couldn't let these children risk themselves like this.