"This meeting is to announce the candidate for the next guild master."
Looking at everyone, at Marco and the others, Makarov finally spoke.
"What?!"
Upon hearing this news, the members of Fairy Tail immediately exclaimed in surprise—the announcement was far too abrupt.
No one had expected the purpose of this meeting to be this.
After all, Master Makarov had always been in good health, so no one had given any thought to the matter of a "successor" out of the blue.
However, now that the topic of a "successor" had been raised, everyone naturally thought of the person they believed was most suitable.
Most people turned their eyes toward Marco.
Even the members of the Thunder God group—Freed, Bickslow, and Evergreen—looked at Marco first, but they quickly caught themselves and turned to glance at Laxus beside them.
This glance revealed the situation clearly: Marco appeared calm and composed, as if he had already known about this all along.
In contrast, Laxus showed the same surprise as everyone else.
With such a comparison, it wasn't hard to guess which side had the upper hand.
This made Freed, Bickslow, and Evergreen of the Thunder God group look displeased.
Although they might have privately acknowledged Marco's qualifications, as supporters of Laxus, they were naturally unhappy with this outcome.
"The successor I have chosen for the position of guild master is Marco."
Master Makarov had no intention of keeping anyone in suspense, he straightforwardly announced the final decision.
When the name "Marco" was spoken by the master, most people found it reasonable.
They believed it was normal for Marco to be chosen as the "successor" and that it was something everyone could accept.
After all, over the years, Marco had consistently demonstrated exceptional performance.
His achievements and contributions had earned everyone's genuine respect.
Most importantly, the various projects Marco had been promoting, along with the benefits and changes he had brought to Fairy Tail, had almost always been advantageous for everyone.
All members had benefited, and everyone was part of the "chain of benefits" Marco had established.
Pure respect, admiration, or acknowledgment might not have been enough to explain everything or to convince everyone to support Marco.
But when combined with tangible benefits and real gains, it was clear to everyone where their support should go.
Although, in reality, members didn't have the power to vote—the succession of the guild master was essentially designated by the previous master—a guild master who wasn't widely accepted would undoubtedly lack the ability to rally the members.
A Magic Guild wasn't a highly coercive organization, its cohesion largely depended on the guild's principles and the guild master's personal charisma.
If someone who wasn't widely recognized were to take on the role of guild master, even a general assembly like today's would be difficult to convene.
Everyone would be too busy with their own affairs to bother attending such a meeting.
But if it were Marco, everyone would gladly cooperate with him.
First and foremost, it was respect for his personal strength, achievements, and character.
Even those unfamiliar with Marco felt he was a good person and were willing to cooperate with him.
Most importantly, Marco could bring tangible benefits to others.
Everyone paid close attention to his every move, watching for any new opportunities.
"Why?!"
However, despite Marco's widespread popularity, not everyone believed he was the natural choice for the next guild master.
For instance, Laxus remained unconvinced.
For many years, Laxus had set becoming the guild master as his life's goal.
He was determined to change Fairy Tail and make the guild operate according to his will—a dream he could not easily abandon.
Thus, even as everyone began congratulating Marco and cheerfully demanded he treat them to a celebration, Laxus stepped forward and openly expressed his dissatisfaction.
"Why? Because he's suitable, of course."
Faced with Laxus's questioning, Makarov frowned and replied bluntly, displeased with Laxus's reaction.
How could Marco's performance still not earn Laxus's approval?
Did Laxus truly believe he was more suited to be guild master than Marco?
This was something Makarov genuinely couldn't understand.
Even if he were in the same era as Marco, competing on the same stage, he would have no choice but to admit defeat.
Not just among his peers—even across all age groups, Marco's achievements could be described as "unprecedented and unmatched."
Makarov believed that no matter how arrogant someone might be, facing Marco's accomplishments would likely humble them.
But Makarov clearly underestimated his own grandson's determination.
This wasn't just a matter of pride; it was a fundamental clash of ideologies.
Laxus actually acknowledged his younger brother's achievements.
He had never excluded Marco from his plans, always considering him an essential part of Fairy Tail—one that could never be cast aside.
However, in Laxus's eyes, Marco's flaw lay in his weak-minded thinking.
He cared too much about so-called "friendship" and the weak—this was why he was unfit to be guild master.
The presence of the weak would significantly hinder the guild's progress.
The Fairy Tail in Edolas had also proven this: during ordinary times, it was fine, but once trouble arose, the weak were not only useless but also needlessly sacrificed their lives.
They had no reason to exist within the guild.
Even for their own good, they should leave the Fairy Tail guild, as Fairy Tail was destined to be the center of attention, inevitably entangled in all sorts of troubles.
The weak were not safe in Fairy Tail.
"Marco, will you change your principles?"
Laxus's face stiffened.
He no longer looked at the old man but directly at Marco.
If Marco were willing to follow his path, Laxus wouldn't mind handing over the guild master position to him—this was the highest recognition he could give Marco.
"Of course not. We're doing just fine as we are. Why should we change?"
Faced with Laxus's question, Marco gave his answer, but this response was clearly not what Laxus had hoped for, shattering his last shred of hope.
"Fine, fine, fine."
Looking at Marco, then at old man Makarov, and finally at the solemn expressions of everyone present, Laxus uttered three "fine"s in a row.
As if having made up his mind, he turned and left without another word.
The members of the "Thunder God Tribe"—Freed, Bickslow, and Evergreen—exchanged glances before following Laxus out.
"..."
Laxus's actions left the atmosphere strangely tense.
Watching the group depart, everyone couldn't help but look at each other in bewilderment.