Speaking of which, in the original story, only the "Five Warriors" had Cloths capable of achieving the "God Cloth" form.
Fortunately, Marco doesn't face such limitations here—all his Cloths can unlock the "God Cloth" form.
Otherwise, he'd have no choice but to pick from those five.
Marco has already collected four of the "Five Warriors" Bronze Saint Cloths, with the [Andromeda Bronze Cloth] unlocked after his last mission.
Only the [Phoenix Bronze Cloth] remains.
"I wonder if collecting all five Bronze Cloths of the 'Five Warriors' will grant a special reward, just like how gathering three Gold Cloths previously rewarded Athena's Exclamation."
Marco feels quite hopeful about this possibility.
After all, if one were to compare, collecting all five "Five Warriors" Bronze Cloths holds more commemorative significance than gathering three Gold Cloths.
While lost in these random thoughts, Marco first stored away the [God's Blood].
Using [God's Blood] isn't straightforward either—it requires him to "enchant" the Cloths using [Cloth Repair Technique].
Simply splashing it onto a Cloth might yield some effect, but it's nowhere near the results achieved through meticulous professional methods.
Since he has the means, he naturally shouldn't squander such a treasure.
Maximizing the benefits and not wasting a single drop of this precious [God's Blood] is essential.
"Everyone, head back and rest. I'll go check on things over there and help Mystogan handle the aftermath, ensuring he solidifies his position on the throne."
After settling matters here, Marco led everyone out of the large crater and prepared to return to the world of "Edolas."
"Wait! Marco-sama!"
The members of the "Expedition Force" were all ready to head back and rest as instructed, but someone called out to Marco.
He turned to see it was Shagotte.
"I almost forgot about you all."
As soon as Shagotte spoke, Marco knew what she wanted to discuss.
These "Exceeds" were essentially undocumented in this world, completely unsure of how to integrate.
"Marco-sama, what should we do? Is there a place in this world that will accept us? We promise not to cause any trouble—we just need a place to survive!"
Shagotte pleaded with Marco earnestly, her tone humble, as if clinging to their last lifeline.
Marco, the local lord, was the final hope for these "Exceeds."
They didn't want to wander aimlessly in this world but hoped to settle near Marco's "Fairy Tail" guild.
Living near the "Fairy Tail" guild would, if nothing else, guarantee their safety.
Even though the "Exceeds" had come to "Earth Land," a world brimming with magical power, they didn't possess significant combat abilities.
They weren't a race born for battle, and most were just ordinary folks trying to live their lives.
"If you don't wish to leave, you're welcome to settle here. As the lord of Magnolia, I welcome you to join us."
After a moment's thought, Marco didn't turn the "Exceeds" away but instead invited them to become part of the "Magnolia" community.
Even though "Magnolia" was now renowned across the continent, with countless people flocking to settle in this prosperous city, that was only within the urban area.
Beyond the city walls of "Magnolia," vast stretches of land remained, capable of accommodating a large population.
Marco's territory was extensive, not limited to just the city of "Magnolia."
It included the vast "East Forest Suburbs," all of which fell within Marco's domain.
If one were to make a comparison, even the floating island of "Exceed," Exceed, might not necessarily be larger than Marco's territory.
After all, it didn't take much time for them to travel from the edge of the island to the central palace of "Exceed."
The time it would take to travel from the depths of the "East Forest Suburbs" to the city center of "Magnolia" might even be longer than that.
"Thank you so much, Marco-sama!"
Upon hearing Marco's agreement, Shagotte immediately bowed in gratitude.
The other Exceed cheered and rejoiced—their future was finally secured!
"This is not mandatory. Those who do not wish to stay may leave. Those who wish to travel the world may do so. But if you choose to stay, you must strictly abide by the laws established by Magnolia."
Looking at the Exceed, Marco made sure to clarify the terms upfront.
He would not grant them any special treatment; here, they would be ordinary citizens.
"Those who still wish to live like young lords and ladies should leave now. This place is not for you."
Marco's words were stern and unyielding.
The Exceed exchanged glances, but most of them accepted the conditions willingly.
After all, the majority of them were farmers and laborers, not all of them pampered nobles.
Some stepped forward and left the group.
Some couldn't accept the gap, while others simply wanted to go on adventures.
For instance, Nichiya and Ichiya had hit it off, and Nichiya had decided to follow Ichiya to the "Blue Pegasus" guild.
"Let's go. The rest of you, follow us back."
Seeing that the restless ones had already left the Exceed group, Marco spoke up, instructing the remaining Exceed to follow him back.
He decided to handle the Exceed's affairs first before heading to the world of "Edolas."
For now, he would trust Mystogan. With his abilities, cleaning up the aftermath shouldn't be too difficult.
A massive crowd set out from the "East Forest Suburbs," spreading across the road as they marched toward "Magnolia."
Marco's advance messengers had already reached the administrative office, relaying his orders to quickly arrange the necessary arrangements.
By the time they arrived, the handover would be ready.
Marco wouldn't involve himself in these minor details. Specialized administrators were responsible for such tasks.
What Marco needed to do was conduct surprise inspections from time to time, ensuring no one dared to defy his authority in his territory.
As it turned out, very few had the courage to do so.
During Marco's rule over "Magnolia," not a single corrupt official had been discovered—perhaps they hadn't had the chance, or perhaps they simply didn't dare.
Of course, this might also be related to Marco improving their various benefits—as long as they worked diligently, they wouldn't lack money.
When Marco brought the Exceeds back to Magnolia and arrived at the city hall, the officials had already been waiting there for a long time.
They had prepared a resettlement plan.
"There are no special privileges, nor any hindrance to the city's normal development. This area was originally planned for future development as farmland. Now, handing it over to these... Exceeds can be considered an early development. We can accept all the agricultural products they produce."
The mayor presented a resettlement plan, which looked like a pre-existing document—likely the former "Development Plan" that had been hastily revised into the "Exceed Resettlement Plan."
"Very well, good work."
Marco briefly reviewed it.
Indeed, there were no special privileges—everything was normal and reasonable, similar to the treatment given to the "Western Continent immigrants" who had previously reclaimed wasteland on the outskirts of the city.
"Shagotte, take a look at this."
After praising his staff, Marco handed the "Exceed Resettlement Plan" to Shagotte.
It was essential to make these Exceeds fully aware of the arrangements.
Otherwise, if they harbored resentment and caused trouble... Well, better to lay everything out clearly upfront.
The Exceeds could either accept the terms and stay, or leave promptly if dissatisfied.
Under no circumstances would they be permitted to cause disturbances in Magnolia.
"No problem, we're willing to comply."
After reviewing the "Exceed Resettlement Plan" together with the elders and Nadi, Shagotte nodded.
They had accepted the arrangement.
"Good. Gather your belongings and head over. Someone will guide you there and provide necessary assistance."
Seeing the Exceeds being cooperative, Marco smiled as he spoke.
These Exceeds were genuine refugees from another world—most had barely managed to bring any possessions, let alone food.
Leaving them unattended would likely lead to many starving to death.
"Thank you so much, Marco-sama."
Shagotte bowed again, as did the other Exceeds.
Marco had saved them and given them a new home—to the Exceeds, this was nothing short of a rebirth.
"Go on, now."
Marco waved dismissively, indicating they needn't stand on ceremony.
Soon, the Exceeds departed under the guidance of government officials.
These "cat people" attracted widespread attention in Magnolia, with many pointing and discussing them.
However, they didn't cause alarm—after all, Magnolia's residents were already familiar with Happy and Carla.
"Can I adopt one to take home?"
A tourist visiting Magnolia voiced this idea, clearly captivated by the adorable cat people.
"Outsider, are you dreaming? They're intelligent beings! Haven't you spoken with Happy and Carla before? They're not pets!"
Before anyone could act on such impulses, a local from Magnolia scolded them.
The locals understood these cat people weren't pets.
Even the locals found it peculiar—why had so many cat people suddenly appeared?
Carrying large and small bundles, were they planning to settle in Magnolia?
Those with good sources quickly learned the news and spread it.
Soon, all of Magnolia knew a group of cat people had settled outside the city walls.
Back at the city hall, Shagotte hadn't left with the others.
She followed behind Marco, her face filled with pleading expression.
"Come with me."
Marco knew what Shagotte wanted—nothing more than to meet the cat who might be her daughter.
Marco had no reason to refuse such a request.
He led Shagotte, whose expression mixed hope, anxiety, and complex emotions, back to the guild.
The guild's doors were wide open, buzzing with lively chatter as everyone excitedly shared their recent experiences.
Those who hadn't been able to join looked on with envy, vowing to train harder so they wouldn't be left behind to mind the guild during the next major event.
Marco entered the guild hall with Shagotte, immediately drawing everyone's attention.
Many eyes turned to Shagotte, the former "Queen of the Exceed" who had shed her extravagant exterior, now appearing like any ordinary mother.
"Carla... that's..." Wendy whispered softly, glancing at Carla beside her.
Earlier, the group had discussed "Queen Shagotte," with many suggesting Carla was likely the queen's daughter.
This revelation had stunned Wendy, Carla, and Happy—both from learning Carla's mother was the Exceed Queen and discovering the Exceed had relocated to Magnolia.
Carla stood frozen, staring blankly at the figure.
Her body trembled as she sensed it—the seemingly frail Exceed was her mother.
Shagotte felt the same.
This mother-daughter pair, both gifted with foresight, knew instantly upon seeing each other that they were looking at their own child (mother).
"Go on, Carla," Wendy encouraged, patting her companion's back upon seeing Carla's rare display of vulnerability.
Bolstered by Wendy's support, Carla stepped forward.
But Shagotte could no longer contain herself—she rushed toward Carla, and the two embraced, tears streaming down their faces.
"How wonderful," Mirajane remarked, wiping the corner of her eye with a smile.
"Indeed," Erza agreed, sniffing as she watched Carla and Shagotte weep, her own eyes reddening.
Many of the guild's younger members were deeply moved.
Cana sobbed uncontrollably, clearly reminded of her own mother.
It was a harsh truth: most of Marco's generation, the promising youths, were orphans.
Only a handful had even one living parent, and even those relationships were strained—either unrecognized or severed by betrayal.
In many ways, this shared lack of familial bonds was what made their generation so tightly knit.
To them, the guild wasn't just a guild—it was home.
Their comrades weren't just friends—they were family.
This wasn't mere sentiment; for many, the guild was all they had.
"Unfortunately, we haven't located Happy's parents yet," Marco said, comforting the blue cat who wore a lonely expression.
"But don't worry—I'm sure they've settled in Magnolia too."
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