"Mira, don't worry too much. It's completely understandable that you couldn't anticipate or handle the Anima situation. That thing is just too unusual." Makarov spoke to comfort Mirajane.
"Yes, Master, I understand. The appearance of Anima was indeed something I couldn't have predicted. What I need to do next time is investigate the target's strength and information more thoroughly beforehand."
Contrary to Makarov's expectations, Mirajane's response was quite positive, not showing any signs of depression from this experience.
"Well, just keep working hard next time. It's normal for young people to make mistakes."
Makarov could only nod.
He realized that since Marco had accompanied Mirajane and the others back, he certainly wouldn't have done nothing along the way and must have comforted them before he did.
He understood his grandson's character well.
"Alright, we're done here. Mira, it's your turn now."
Just as Makarov was silently complaining to himself, Marco had finished processing Mystogan's quest and called Mira over to collect her reward.
This time, Mira didn't hesitate or show any modesty.
She knew Marco wouldn't accept it, and she wouldn't force it on him either.
"Go back and rest well. Get some sleep, and tomorrow will be a brand new day."
After settling the quest reward with Mirajane, Marco said with a smile.
These words weren't just for Mirajane, but also for Lisanna and Elfman standing beside her.
As the two directly involved parties - one nearly being sucked into another world to become "fertilizer," and the other almost becoming "fertilizer" for the "Beast King" - they actually needed comfort too.
But Lisanna and Elfman had managed to adjust quite well on their own, far from being as stubbornly fixated as Mirajane.
There was no helping it.
As the originator of everything, Mirajane, who had been injured and could only watch helplessly, had indeed suffered a greater impact than either of them.
Elfman had done what he did to save his sister, so he naturally didn't blame himself too much.
Moreover, he had ultimately subdued the "Beast King," and now he was completely focused on fully taming it, with no mind to dwell on other unnecessary thoughts.
Although Lisanna had been in danger at the time, she hadn't realized just how dangerous the situation was.
And when she was in peril, she knew Marco was nearby protecting them.
While she couldn't help feeling nervous, she actually had some confidence in her heart, making the overall experience frightening but ultimately safe.
Only poor Mira, who had watched helplessly as her younger siblings nearly died because of her, naturally suffered the greatest psychological trauma.
"Okay! See you tomorrow, Marco-nii!"
Lisanna waved goodbye to Marco with a smile, and Elfman also waved cheerfully before heading straight to the Fairy Home.
Elfman was heading to the training arena to practice.
Even if something went wrong, he would be securely restrained within that arena.
"Mira, keep an eye on him. The kid is getting too excited—don't let him give the Beast King too much freedom, or he might end up overpowered and lose control of his body again."
Watching Elfman rush off with an exhilarated expression, Marco frowned and reminded Mirajane, who was still standing in front of him.
"He should start by practicing partial takeover of the Beast King first, just like he did with other forms before. He shouldn't rush into it."
Marco added another remark.
Previously, Elfman's "full-body takeovers" had always followed this method: starting with "partial takeover" to get a feel for it, building familiarity before attempting the "full-body takeover."
If anything, that reckless kid Elfman must have been prepared to fail from the very beginning by attempting a full-body takeover of the "Beast King" right away—he rarely succeeded on his first try.
"Mm, I understand."
Mirajane listened attentively to Marco's instructions, nodding obediently without any intention of arguing back.
"Is there anything else?"
After Marco fell silent, Mirajane didn't leave immediately.
Instead, she tilted her head and asked again, making sure he hadn't missed anything.
". . . Go back and rest properly. Organize the mission report and hand it to me. It'll help you avoid making the same mistakes next time."
Marco hesitated for a moment but eventually spoke up.
An "S-Class Quest" like this naturally required detailed documentation—unlike trivial daily tasks that weren't worth noting.
These records would serve as valuable experience for others in the future.
Though making Mirajane revisit the entire incident might seem a bit harsh, it was for her own good: first, to desensitize her, and second, to genuinely help her learn from the experience.
"No problem, I'll do it."
Mirajane smiled and nodded, accepting her task.
This time, she didn't ask further questions and turned to leave, heading out to catch up with Elfman.
She needed to keep a close watch on him to ensure he didn't unleash the "Beast King" inside the Fairy Home.
"I've chosen my missions. These will do."
After the strauss siblings left, Mystogan had also finished selecting his tasks—once again, he had picked quite a few at once.
Marco skimmed through them briefly.
It seemed they were all heading north, gradually approaching Crocus and capital of the Fiore Kingdom.
"Are you going to Crocus?" Marco asked curiously.
Could it be that the next "Anima" was going to activate there?
That would certainly be the right place—Crocus had a massive flow of people, far better than some remote wilderness.
Of course, that was from the perspective of the world of Edolas.
"Really?"
For the Fiore Kingdom, however, this was anything but good news.
Hearing Marco's words, Makarov approached with concern, eager to hear Mystogan's explanation.
"Although the exact location isn't fully confirmed yet, it should be around that area. Don't worry—this time, I will definitely make it in time. I'll prevent the magic from taking effect and stop them from harming civilians." Mystogan spoke with a solemn tone, clearly still troubled by the recent failure.
Fortunately, there were no casualties this time, which could be considered a stroke of luck amidst misfortune.
Marco and Makarov exchanged glances.
Though they both trusted Mystogan, the location in question was the capital of the Fiore Kingdom—a place of great significance.
Most importantly, it was also Emerald's home, and the child had recently returned there.
"I'll set off immediately. Leave it to me," Mystogan declared without hesitation upon learning that a guild companion—Marco's apprentice—was in the area.
He immediately prepared to depart, deciding to postpone any tasks along the way to avoid delays.
---------
Read 50 chapters ahead and support me on patreon.
patreon (.)com/Newbietranslator