To fully defend the lengthy frontlines naturally required substantial manpower, but fortunately, there was no shortage of gathered mages here.
"Then, we'll organize the defense by guild units, with each guild responsible for a section of the frontline."
Since everyone had arrived in guild formations, it made little sense to split them up.
Maintaining guild units was optimal, as mages within the same guild could coordinate more effectively.
Stronger guilds would cover larger sections, while smaller or weaker guilds could collaborate to defend a single frontline segment.
Ogre strove for fairness in the defensive arrangements to prevent dissatisfaction among the supporting magic guilds.
And indeed, there was little room for complaint—no one could predict the intensity of attacks their assigned section might face.
It was entirely unpredictable, left to sheer luck.
"Our guild's assigned frontline is quite extensive."
Marco examined the sector designated to Fairy Tail—undoubtedly among the longest frontline responsibilities.
This was inevitable.
Even across the entire Ishgar continent, Fairy Tail ranked among the top magic guilds.
"We'll handle it without issue. We might even spare some hands to assist neighboring guilds—both are from our Fiore Kingdom."
Makarov brimmed with confidence, even noting the two small Fiore guilds bordering Fairy Tail's sector—familiar faces all.
In such critical times, every guild, large or small, would contribute however they could.
Given Fairy Tail's size and Makarov's strong sense of responsibility, this was excellent news for the neighboring smaller guilds.
At the very least, Makarov wouldn't stand idly by if help was needed.
"These magic beasts will have to get past me first." Marco chuckled, quite confident in his Crystal Wall.
"I hope you can single-handedly resolve this crisis." Makarov spoke earnestly.
If Marco could truly manage it, that would be the ideal outcome.
Nobody would mind making a wasted trip if it meant avoiding a full-scale Magic Beast Tide.
Thus, Yajima's concerns were rather unnecessary.
After seeing the frozen corpses, everyone already knew the beast tide was real.
If it didn't materialize, no one would blame him for the false alarm—they'd all prefer an uneventful trip, treating it as a vacation.
"I, for one, believe in Marco's Wall of Ishgar!"
Raston approached, grinning as he voiced his support.
The burly man and Marco had become friends after their clash—where Marco didn't even strike, as Raston was thoroughly convinced by the Crystal Wall alone.
"I hope to live up to your trust." Marco smiled, exchanging a fist bump with Raston.
He got along well with this straightforward 'Wrath of the North'.
Marco appreciated these guileless, candid individuals—including the likes of Bacchus from Quatro Cerberus.
Friendships with such people were effortless; everyone spoke their minds without pretense.
"Then, everyone should quickly head to your respective defense zones and prepare."
Seeing that no one had any objections, Org, who was presiding over the meeting, spoke up with a stern expression, already prepared for the coming battle.
However, upon hearing his words, the guild masters didn't disperse.
Instead, like Raston, they all gathered around Marco.
"Marco-kun, how do you think we should arrange our defenses in this sector? How severe was the impact during the last Magic Beast Tide?"
One guild master asked Marco with concern, seeking advice on defense arrangements and inquiring about the situation in their sector during the previous tide.
"Marco-san! Is there any way we can assist in maintaining your Wall of Ishgar?"
Another guild master wanted to contribute to sustaining the Crystal Wall, clearly hoping Marco's "Wall of Ishgar" could continue holding back the Magic Beast Tide.
This was far better than facing the beasts directly—direct combat would cost lives!
"If there's anything we can do, please don't hesitate to ask!"
The guild master's words were met with widespread agreement, as many expressed their willingness to help maintain the 'Wall of Ishgar'.
Clearly, given another option, no one wanted to confront the Magic Beast Tide head-on.
Everyone preferred standing behind the Crystal Wall.
"While I'd love to harness everyone's power, unfortunately, there's no such method. I can only thank you all for your kindness."
Marco shook his head with a smile.
He wasn't Tiga—he couldn't borrow everyone's "light." (Ultraman Tiga)
Things like "others' magical power" could only be consumed and utilized by "Dragon Slayer Mages."
Other mages had no way to borrow it, at least none that Marco knew of.
Perhaps there were similar magics with that function.
"..."
Marco's words left the surrounding crowd disappointed.
If they could pool their strength to sustain this "Wall of Ishgar," the chances of holding back the Magic Beast Tide would greatly improve—far better than relying on Marco alone.
Under Org's repeated emphasis, everyone believed the coming Magic Beast Tide might be even more terrifying.
Marco's "Crystal Wall" might have held the first wave, but there was no guarantee it could withstand the second or third.
Hence, their urgency.
"Everyone, return to your posts and prepare your defenses! We must rely on collective strength to stop the Magic Beast Tide! Don't pin your hopes on just one person!"
Org stepped forward, urging the disappointed crowd to hurry back and fortify their positions.
His lack of faith in Marco's 'Crystal Wall' was practically dripping from his words.
"This guy..." Marco shook his head in exasperation at Org's stern expression.
Org always viewed members of "Fairy Tail" with a hint of bias.
Though he tried to remain fair and impartial, his long-held perceptions were hard to change.
To Org, "Fairy Tail" was synonymous with unreliability.
He would never place his hopes on them.
"Pay him no mind. We just need to focus on our own tasks." Makarov spoke up, unconcerned with Org's opinion.
It wouldn't affect them or change them.
Fairy Tail wouldn't changed because of Org.
"The more he acts like this, the harder I'll slap his face. Looking down on my Crystal Wall? He must be out of his mind." Marco shook his head.
Org's approach wasn't entirely wrong—it was indeed necessary to prepare everyone—but his attitude made Marco, as the person directly involved, quite uncomfortable.
Even if he didn't believe in it, shouldn't he at least offer some encouragement?
Shouldn't he push Marco to try harder, to give his all to hold the line?
Unlike the other guild masters, who were practically begging Marco to hold out a little longer at the front.
Some even wanted him to set up multiple layers of Crystal Wall before their defenses.
That was the right attitude.
After all, the more effort Marco put in, the more magic beasts the Crystal Wall eliminated, the easier it would be for everyone else.
"Don't mind him. We're not here because of him. If you can hold the line, everyone will owe you."
Makarov imagined that outcome and felt a surge of satisfaction.
If Marco could single-handedly withstand the Magic Beast Tide from Nord Forest, the title "Wall of Ishgar" would undoubtedly fall to him, and every mage participating in this battle would be grateful.
"Just wait and see." Marco spoke with confidence.