The large group followed behind Marco, with no one objecting to this decision.
The companions of "Fairy Tail" were naturally excited, as they could visit the "Fairy Tail" of "Edolas" and perhaps even encounter their counterparts in this world.
The Mages of "Blue Pegasus" and "Quatro Cerberus" had no objections either.
They were also curious about this world's "Fairy Tail."
Even if they couldn't meet their alternate-world selves, seeing the alternate-world "Fairy Tail" would satisfy their curiosity.
Soon, everyone arrived at the guildhall of Fairy Tail in Edolas.
The strange, treehouse-like structure surprised them all.
Its appearance was completely different from that of "Earth Land," making it hard to believe it was the same guild.
However, they soon stopped caring about the exterior, as a group of people filed out of "Fairy Tail's" large treehouse, each one both familiar and unfamiliar.
Most of their clothes bore mending marks, and their faces showed the weariness and caution of long-term evasion, leaving everyone momentarily speechless.
The air was filled with a peculiar silence and scrutiny.
Seeing this clearly diminished, unusually sparse, and bleak "Fairy Tail," Laxus furrowed his brow and clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white from the force.
Marco had previously mentioned that this world's "Fairy Tail" had been reduced to a state of disarray, with many members lost in the war. Now, seeing it firsthand, it was clear this was true.
"What a bunch of trash... The weak don't deserve to stay in the guild."
Laxus's voice was cold and low, like metal grinding.
His gaze swept over the seemingly mediocre, even somewhat timid guild members, his eyes filled with suppressed anger.
What use was unity and camaraderie in a guild?
When facing powerful enemies, the weak would only hold others back, easily killed or even causing the strong to sacrifice themselves for them.
Just look at this world's "Fairy Tail."
"How pathetic..."
Though Laxus didn't speak loudly, the three members of the "Thunder God Tribe" stood right beside him and naturally heard his sharp critique.
All three strongly agreed with Laxus's words.
What particularly struck them was the remnants of this "Fairy Tail."
Those who remained were not all strong; in fact, many of the strong had already sacrificed themselves to protect them.
Laxus remained stern-faced, crossing his arms like a cold statue, unlike the others who eagerly chatted with the members of "Fairy Tail" in "Edolas."
He and the "Thunder God Tribe" didn't even enter, standing instead in the shadows outside the treehouse, starkly contrasting with the clamor inside.
Laxus felt it was better that there was no "Edolas" version of him.
He would never allow a weak version of himself to exist!
The experience at "Fairy Tail" in "Edolas" struck his heart like a cold hammer, further solidifying his conviction.
Power—only absolute power.
The strong—only the strong should reign supreme.
Only then could the guild be protected, and such a tragic outcome be avoided!
In the guild's large treehouse, Gray and Natsu both wore expressions of speechless exasperation, as their Edolas counterparts were currently inside the guild.
Watching their Edolas versions with arms slung over each other's shoulders like the best of buddies made the two of them extremely uncomfortable.
Especially the sight of Edolas Gray bundled up in a down jacket was something Gray simply couldn't accept - how could that possibly be him?!
Of course, the same thoughts were occurring to their Edolas counterparts.
Edolas Gray looked at the bare-chested Gray with equal confusion.
"Why isn't he wearing clothes? Doesn't he feel cold? And even if he really doesn't feel cold, he still shouldn't go around without clothes, right?"
Edolas Gray muttered quietly, unconsciously tightening the collar of his down jacket.
This remark completely defeated Gray.
He looked down at himself and indeed - his clothes had disappeared again, though actually he'd taken them off before coming over.
Everyone had long since stopped bothering to remind him.
"The me from another world... is actually like this."
Lucy murmured to herself while looking at the Edolas Lucy opposite her - dressed efficiently, with sharp eyes, and carrying an air of unquestionable authority.
It felt like looking into a funhouse mirror with a completely different style.
Levy also felt unfamiliar with her otherworldly self - the alternate version of herself was actually an inventor?!
Of course, Edolas Levy and Lucy, who occupied the positions that Mirajane and Erza used to hold in their confrontational Edolas world, found these two seemingly ladylike and nerd versions of Lucy and Levy equally peculiar.
"Indeed, we only share the same appearance. Different life experiences have shaped us into completely different people."
Levy adjusted her glasses and said softly to Lucy, her tone carrying philosophical contemplation.
The two exchanged glances, both feeling quite emotional.
Actually, this was better - if their alternate world versions were exactly the same as them, that would be truly terrifying.
"Hello~"
Meanwhile, Edolas Mirajane spoke first, her voice as gentle as ever.
But listening carefully, this gentleness seemed to lack the resilient foundation forged through hardships, appearing more like an innate, untempered softness.
"Hello~ Nice to meet you."
Mirajane responded with an equally gentle smile, but her eyes shone with greater brightness and determination, carrying the clarity of someone who had experienced darkness and regained light.
Superficially, their personalities seemed most similar, but Mirajane understood clearly that this Edolas Mirajane was fundamentally different from her.
She could get angry, she could fight, she would often reveal traces of her former "delinquent girl" self, and when needed, she could step up to control the situation with the authority of an "S-Class Mage."
Whereas this Edolas Mirajane had probably been like this since childhood - always this gentle, easily bullied appearance.
The difference between them was actually quite substantial.
Standing side by side, they shared similar features yet radiated completely different auras—one like a meticulously nurtured flower in a greenhouse, the other a resilient rose tempered by storms.
They hadn't spent much time together, exchanging only a few words, but the invisible barrier created by their vastly differing personalities and experiences soon made everyone feel restless.
Marco wasn't the least bit surprised by this.
Their temperaments were simply too incompatible, even diametrically opposed.
Despite sharing identical faces, genuine friendship felt nearly impossible, and interacting only heightened the peculiarity.
Of course, it didn't escalate to outright conflict.
Their core values aligned, after all.
Even within their respective guilds across worlds, not every member maintained close personal bonds.
Personality differences were inevitable, but as long as fundamental principles remained sound, they could still be comrades, family, and trusted partners within the same guild.
Seeing that everyone had mostly adapted to the Edolas environment, Marco declined Lucy's invitation to stay for a meal, instead rallying the group to depart.
"Adapted well enough? Then let's move out. Destination: the royal capital of Edolas! We'll decide this conflict in one decisive battle!"
Marco rose to his feet.
Though his voice wasn't loud, it cut clearly through the murmuring conversations, carrying an undeniable finality.
"I can't wait any longer! Let's go! I'm eager to test myself against the strong warriors of this Edolas world!"
"For Quatro Cerberus of this world!"
Bacchus and the Quatro Cerberus members roared, their eyes blazing with combat fervor and vengeful fire.
Watching the Mages of Fairy Tail interact with their alternate-world counterparts had stirred their competitive spirits.
Thus, they burned with impatience to confront the royal army that had destroyed Edolas' Quatro Cerberus.
"Move out! Move out!"
The already restless group responded in unison.
The Fairy Tail members would rather plunge immediately into life-or-death combat with the royal army than remain idle any longer.