Beneath the cloak of night, Galuna Island blazed with roaring bonfires and thundered with jubilant cheers.
Amidst the clamor, Ron quietly erged, a faint smile playing upon his lips.
He hadn't expected that after just going out to find soone for a trade, he would return to find Lyon and his group joining the banquet.
He strolled over to Erza's side. She was currently talking to the village chief about the origins of the island. Seeing Ron return, she nodded slightly in greeting.
"We have always felt inferior because of our appearance, so we never interacted with other islands."
The village chief took a sip of wine and spoke in a low, heavy voice, his tone tinged with bitterness.
"Over ti, rumors spread to the outside world that this place was a cursed island, a place where demons resided..."
Lucy, who had been listening from the side, suddenly realized the truth.
"I see! No wonder the people at the port were so afraid of this island. So that was the reason!"
The village chief nodded, a relieved smile appearing on his face.
"However, we are going to change from now on."
"We want to interact more kindly with people from other places, to beco able to help each other instead of blindly hiding away."
Hearing this, Erza's eyes shone with approval.
"If we communicate like this, regardless of appearance, I believe everyone will surely be able to understand each other."
Ron, however, thought to himself that the reason these villagers firmly believed they were humans...
...aside from the direct influence of the moon drip, was likely inextricably linked to their own deep-rooted inferiority complex.
Just like those who feel like misfits in a group and suffer strange looks for being different, they instinctively long to be accepted and to blend into what is considered normal.
When the moon drip interfered with their mories, because they inherently possessed the ability to transform into human forms, the villagers subconsciously seized this opportunity without hesitation to disguise themselves as existences that fit mainstream perception and wouldn't make them feel inferior.
This was not just a mory disorder, but also a manifestation of a self-protection chanism—an escape from the painful feeling of 'I am an outlier' deep within their hearts.
Therefore, when they were told the truth, although they had a brief mont of confusion, they were able to find relief quickly.
Because they had shed their false identities, they began to face their true selves and accept their unique demon bodies, accepting their different and non-conforming selves.
The banquet lasted from night until day, until the east turned the color of a fish's belly and the first ray of sunlight fell upon Galuna Island.
The mbers of Fairy Tail finally bid farewell to the villagers amidst laughter and joy.
Upon leaving, Erza refused the mission reward, only accepting the Zodiac Key as an additional reward and a gift of thanks between friends.
Then, they boarded the pirate ship they had arrived on and set sail for the return journey!
...On the other side, Ultear had also returned from Galuna Island to the Magic Council.
"The matter on Galuna Island is truly a great pity," Ultear said, looking at Siegrain.
Siegrain closed the book in his hand and shook his head indifferently.
"Forget it... it couldn't be helped. Who could have imagined that Deliora was actually already dead."
"I thought that by obtaining Deliora, I would be one step closer to my dream."
"I am very sorry, Lord Siegrain," Ultear stepped forward and said. "I didn't expect her magic power to be powerful to such an extent."
"Even a demon with immortal characteristics like Deliora could be completely obliterated..."
Siegrain looked at Ultear before him with a strange expression.
'What's going on? I actually heard a hint of pride and boasting in her words...'
'It must be my imagination...'
Siegrain shook his head and decided to change the subject.
"That Natsu Dragneel... I didn't expect him to be in Fairy Tail."
"Based on your observations, what are your thoughts?"
"Although I didn't confront him head-on, he feels quite extraordinary."
Ultear recalled the power she had felt when he fought Lyon back at the temple.
"That child seems to possess infinite potential... he will likely beco stronger and stronger in the future."
Siegrain's lips curled into a satisfied smile, a fanatical light flashing in his eyes.
"Yes... that Son of Igneel, for the sake of my dream, let him continue to burn. He will be the most perfect fuel to drive the great change of this world."
"What about Ron the 'Heterochromatic'?"
Ultear was slightly stunned; she hadn't expected Siegrain to suddenly ask about that guy.
"This person..."
She carefully considered her wording before slowly speaking.
"Is very troubleso!!!"
"Very troubleso?"
Hearing Ultear's evaluation, the smile on Siegrain's face gradually faded, replaced by deep thought.
"Heterochromatic Ron..."
He softly repeated the na, a dangerous light flashing in his eyes... "Hey, they're back, they're back!"
"Aye, we're back!"
After a journey, the group finally stepped onto the streets of Magnolia again.
"From now on, we are also people who have completed an S-class mission!!!" Natsu waved his arms, not yet having co down from his state of excitent.
Happy also circled above his head, echoing excitedly, "That's right, we completed an S-class mission!!!"
"However, after all that effort, the reward was only one key," Gray grumbled, shaking his head.
"An S-class mission we finally finished..."
"Since it wasn't official work, this is just about right," Erza said, dragging her mountain-like luggage.
"Exactly, exactly!" Lucy nodded repeatedly, unable to hide the joy in her expression. "Stop complaining."
"Didn't Lucy get all the benefits? Why don't we just sell the key?"
"Eh?! You stupid cat, what nonsense are you talking about?"
Startled, Lucy pulled Happy into her arms and ruthlessly kneaded his chubby face.
"This is a 12 Zodiac Key! There are only 12 in the whole world. They are incredibly precious, how could I sell it..."
"Speaking of which, you guys are really taking it easy."
Ron placed his hands behind his head and reminded them nonchalantly.
"You haven't forgotten that you have to accept punishnt after returning to the guild, have you?"
"Eh?!!!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the three of them instantly froze.
Erza imdiately followed up with another blow.
"Ron is right. Although I approved of your actions on the island, that was rely a field judgnt. Therefore, there will still be punishnt."
"While I believe we could be lenient this ti, the one who decides is the Master, so... be prepared to accept the corresponding punishnt."
"Could it be... we're forced to do that?" Happy asked in terror.
"Wait a minute, anything but that. I definitely don't want to do that a second ti..." Gray broke down.
"No way..." Natsu broke into a cold sweat.
"Suddenly, I'm kind of looking forward to it," Ron said, gloating.
"Yes, too," Erza agreed.
"Hey~ Hey~"
Lucy looked left and right, her heart growing increasingly confused, puzzled, nervous, and fearful.
"So can soone tell ..."
"What exactly is the punishnt!!!"
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