Fairy Tail: You Call This Celestial Spirit Magic?!
Chapter 222 - 222
For the remainder of X779, the construction of the "exclusive community" became the most talked-about topic in Fairy Tail.
No, it wasn't just within the guild itself—the entire city of Magnolia was abuzz with excitement over the matter, sparking lively discussions everywhere.
First and foremost, the repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt male dormitory would finally be demolished for good.
This news left many construction industry merchants and workers lamenting the loss of a steady income stream.
After all, Fairy Tail's male dormitory, which required reconstruction every few days, had been a reliable source of livelihood for many.
Thus, when the announcement came that the dormitory would no longer be rebuilt, some outsiders were even more upset than the dormitory's actual residents.
However, once the plans for the "exclusive community" were revealed, their spirits lifted—this was a truly massive project!
They all knew that Fairy Tail's "construction team" alone wouldn't be able to complete such a project quickly.
And with so many people eagerly waiting to move in, the project was urgent, meaning other construction teams would inevitably be brought in.
Naturally, no one wanted to miss out, and preparations were made to join the effort.
If nothing else, Fairy Tail never skimped on payments.
The dormitory reconstructions had always been done at emergency rates, which was precisely why everyone had such fond memories of the project.
Losing a steady job was one thing, but landing a big payday like this wasn't bad either.
Besides, who was to say this exclusive community wouldn't suffer the same fate as the dormitory?
Wouldn't it be destroyed too eventually?
Considering the destructive tendencies of Fairy Tail's members, many believed it was entirely possible.
Sure, the community was large, but could it really withstand a guild full of monsters?
When these guys lost control, leveling the entire "exclusive community" would be child's play!
Of course, these outsiders didn't know that the houses were being built on loans.
At least until the debts were repaid, everyone would be on their best behavior—after all, this wasn't just another guild dormitory.
Moreover, the issues these outsiders speculated about were things Marco had already considered.
To prevent impulsive brawls from breaking out, he specifically designed an arena within the "exclusive community," located at its center—a sizable circular coliseum.
Marco planned to instill a strong sense of discipline in the guild members, encouraging them to take their fights to the arena.
He would reinforce the arena's perimeter with "Crystal Walls" to contain their battles, ensuring no collateral damage outside. Inside, they could go all out without restrictions.
The guild members unanimously supported the arena's design, all swearing up and down that they'd follow the rules—no reckless destruction in the "exclusive community," and all fights would be taken to the designated arena.
Marco chose to take them at their word—for now.
Actions would speak louder, and Natsu, Gray, and Gajeel were his primary subjects for observation.
.....
By the time the "exclusive community" was completed, X779 had come to an end, ushering in X780—the dawn of a new decade.
"It's great. The completion of Fairy Tail's exclusive community marks a good start for this new decade."
Standing before the prominent gates of the exclusive community, Makarov spoke up.
Today was the official move-in day, and as the investor and guild master, it was only natural for him to say a few words.
"I won't say much. Let Marco, who's in charge of this project, speak instead."
After just a couple of sentences, Makarov called Marco forward.
He had barely been involved in the project, acting as a hands-off leader, so he naturally didn't have much to add.
His presence alone was meant to show support for Marco.
Stepping forward, Marco looked at the residents below with deep emotion.
The final number of residents in this "exclusive community" had far exceeded initial expectations.
It was no longer just male members—many female members and their families had moved in as well.
Now, it truly lived up to its name as Fairy Tail's "exclusive community," whereas the original design had been little more than a simple male dormitory.
Of course, the girls' dormitory hadn't been abolished.
In fact, it still had many advantages—proximity, spaciousness, and even its slightly higher rent had become a selling point compared to Magnolia's current average housing prices.
The landlord, Mr. Lazio, was quite generous, refusing to raise the rent for the girls' dormitory and promising it would never increase in the future.
Members like Erza and Cana still lived in the girls' dormitory, not taking advantage of this wave to build their own homes—at least for now, they had no such need.
It couldn't be helped.
Most of them were alone, unlike Mirajane who had siblings to live with.
There was no real reason for them to move out, and staying in the dormitory was actually more convenient—at least they could enjoy each other's company and keep things lively.
The situation for the male members was similar.
Many were also loners, and while living in the dormitory had been chaotic, it had been fun.
But there was no helping it—the male dormitory was now history, and they had no choice but to move out.
Fortunately, Marco had proposed building this "exclusive community."
Though everyone now lived in their own standalone houses, at least they weren't too far apart.
"I have only one rule: do not cause destruction within the community. Many of our comrades' families now live here, and most of them aren't fighters. If anyone recklessly causes harm to them, the entire guild will never forgive that person."
Marco spoke calmly, stating his sole requirement—one that was incredibly lenient, merely asking that the community not be destroyed from within.
There was no other way.
Marco wasn't afraid of external enemies, but internal sabotage?
That was truly impossible to guard against.
"..."
A heavy silence fell over the crowd.
They exchanged glances, each seeing the gravity in the others' eyes.
Marco's words had been surprisingly stern.
But everyone understood.
If anyone acted recklessly and hurt their comrades' families, it would be an unforgivable crime, met with severe punishment.
Even Natsu, Gray, and Gajeel wore serious expressions, clearly recognizing the weight of Marco's warning.
"That said, don't feel stifled or repressed. If you want to fight, take it to the arena."
Seeing everyone's serious expressions, clearly understanding his words, Marco's expression softened as he smiled and began talking about the specially constructed building—the one that had cost the most.