"Hiss, this Cloth is so flashy!"
Early in the morning, Moen's biological clock woke him up.
He slipped out alone, and while completing his daily morning training routine, he also tried out the newly obtained Cloth.
The white Cloth was adorned with purple patterns, with white ribbons fluttering behind the shoulder guards on both sides. Flashy—it was indeed a bit flashy—but the configuration was truly impressive. How could this possibly look like something that should belong to a Bronze Cloth?
Moen felt the enhancement effects of the Cloth. It was about the same as the Equuleus Bronze Cloth; for now, both only had the most basic functions.
Mainly, it increased physical strength, improved magic efficiency, and provided the defensive power of the armor itself.
To further unlock the Cloth's other abilities, he indeed had to establish a stable connection with the constellation in the sky.
After experiencing that feeling of resonating with the stars and connecting with the constellation in the night sky several times, Moen became more certain that both his use of the Cloth and his mastery of its skills were still in the beginner stage.
"The road ahead is long and far; I shall seek it high and low!"
After encouraging himself with this line, Moen tidied up and returned to the old, dilapidated village.
When he opened the door to the dorm room, Jellal was already up, while Grandpa Makarov was still snoring away, probably having a sweet dream. Even a bubble of snot was rising and shrinking with each breath he took.
"Good morning, Jellal."
Moen greeted him with a smile.
Seeing Moen covered in steam, Jellal roughly guessed what he had been doing. The boy's face showed a hint of surprise.
"Good morning, Moen. Do you always wake up this early?"
Jellal asked curiously.
"Have you ever seen Magnolia at four in the morning?"
Moen answered with a serious face.
"Huh?"
Jellal was clearly stunned.
"I've seen what Magnolia looks like at four in the morning—every single day."
Moen spoke again, his expression almost breaking into laughter.
"…"
Jellal was speechless for a moment. He more or less understood what Moen was trying to say—probably something about working hard every day.
After teasing Jellal a bit, Moen shifted his target.
He walked to Grandpa Makarov's bed, picked up a small wooden stick from the side, and with a "pop," poked the snot bubble that kept expanding and contracting.
"Ow!"
Grandpa Makarov woke up with a start. He looked at Moen, who was holding the stick beside the bed, with a face full of anger.
"You brat! I was having a great dream! Just a bit more! Just a bit more! You ruined it, damn it!"
In his rage, Makarov leapt out of bed. His body swelled rapidly until it nearly touched the ceiling—turning from a short old man into a towering giant!
At that moment, Moen had already dashed out of the dormitory like lightning—pure flight and zero resistance—leaving only the dumbfounded Jellal behind, watching everything unfold.
"G-good morning, Grandpa Makarov."
Jellal swallowed nervously. The furious Makarov looked rather terrifying.
That kind of oppressive presence—he truly lived up to being the master of Fairy Tail! His strength was terrifying!
Seeing the astonishment on Jellal's face, Makarov's body shrank back down, returning to that kind and gentle little old man.
"Ahem, good morning, Jellal. Come on, let's see if that little girl's awake yet. Once she's up, we'll head out."
Makarov coughed twice to ease the awkwardness, quickly putting on his clothes as he spoke to Jellal. After that, he clasped his hands behind his back and walked out.
Jellal hurriedly followed. By the time they reached Wendy's room, Moen was already waiting there.
"You brat!"
Makarov only glared at him but didn't do anything else, while Moen grinned sheepishly and apologized.
"It won't happen again, I promise. Next time I'll let you finish your sweet dream!"
Moen tried to keep a straight face; he didn't dare imagine what kind of "sweet dream" Makarov had been having—it was probably something not suitable for children.
Makarov chuckled, shaking his head helplessly, too lazy to argue.
Creak.
The old wooden door opened, and a small figure pushed it open. Wendy rubbed her eyes with both hands, still half-asleep.
Thud!
She bumped right into Moen's chest. Looking dazed, she lifted her head.
"Big brother! You're back?!"
When she saw that it was Moen she'd bumped into, Wendy instantly woke up, her expression turning to delight. Her big, sparkling eyes were full of excitement.
"Look who's here."
Moen stepped aside, revealing Jellal behind him. Though Jellal was a year older, Moen was actually taller.
"Jellal!"
Seeing him, Wendy's face lit up with joy. Then she turned to look at the old man, Roubaul, standing behind her.
It was Grandpa Roubaul who had woken her up earlier and told her there was a surprise waiting for her—and it truly was a big surprise!
"Go with them, Wendy. Go to Fairy Tail."
Seeing Wendy look at him, Roubaul smiled kindly. He slowly spoke, giving her the freedom to leave. He no longer had any reason to make her stay, even though he had fabricated a guild just for her.
"B-but… everyone in Cait Shelter…"
Wendy hesitated. After spending a whole day with them yesterday, she had already become friends with everyone in Cait Shelter.
The thought of leaving them suddenly made her reluctant. Everyone in Cait Shelter had been so kind to her!
"Come with me."
Seeing Wendy like this, Roubaul smiled gently and led the way, bringing everyone to the village entrance.
By then, everyone from Cait Shelter—men, women, and children—had already gathered behind Roubaul.
"Cait Shelter," the name Roubaul had given this guild, was something he had come up with on the spot. He had no choice; even the guild members were illusions he had created, and there hadn't been time to think of a better name.
"To have fabricated an entire guild just for one person… that's truly incredible."
Watching those spirit projections, Moen couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Was Roubaul really going to reveal the truth to Wendy?
"Wendy, go on. Go with them. There, you'll find what you've been searching for—the companions who will truly stay by your side."
Standing before the spirit projections, Roubaul spoke softly, waving to Wendy. The spirit members behind him also smiled warmly, waving in farewell, though their figures didn't fade away.
"If you ever want to come back, you can always return to Cait Shelter to visit everyone."
Roubaul's tone was kind, his face full of affection.
But his words shocked both Moen and Makarov.
Was this old man truly planning to maintain the existence of Cait Shelter… just for Wendy?
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