The rumor that Galuna Island was a "cursed island" had actually been circulating faintly even before the "Moon Drip" ritual began.
It was because they felt inferior about their demonic appearances and didn't dare to interact with the outside world, occasionally hiding from people who landed on the island, that many misunderstandings arose.
They scared off many people, which gradually led to the spread of the rumor.
The appearance of the "Moon Drip" ritual had only made the legend seem more real.
For these demons, asking them to fight people, to kill and commit arson, was truly asking too much of them.
"This is the reward we've prepared. Please, you must accept it!"
The demon villagers brought out the reward they had prepared long ago and pushed it forward with great solemnity. It was something they had all pooled together.
The fact that they could gather so much money showed that they had had some contact with the outside world before and were not completely isolated.
"Let's forget it. Since the quest is going to be canceled, I can't accept the money. That would be against our guild's procedures.
"Keep the money. Using the curse as an excuse, you can venture out into the world more, interact with others, or at least do some trading to improve the standard of living on the island."
After a quick scan of the village's basic conditions, Marco refused the reward.
To him, seven million Jewels was a drop in the ocean, but for the villagers of Galuna Island, it was very important.
While their living conditions weren't terrible, they were quite primitive, with much room for improvement.
"How can we do that?!"
The village chief stomped his foot in agitation, his rough blue hands clenched into fists.
"Even if the quest is canceled, you've already gone to great lengths for us and completed the task! You should accept our gratitude!" the chief said anxiously.
If Marco didn't even take the reward, the debt they owed him would be even more impossible to repay.
"Dad is right, Marco-san. This is a small token of our appreciation. If you don't accept it, we'll feel truly uneasy." Bobo quickly chimed in.
The village chief was his father.
Although they weren't even the same color—the chief was a blue-skinned demon and Bobo was a red-skinned one—it seemed this trait wasn't hereditary.
The entire village had demons of every skin color and every possible shape, a testament to a freewheeling design.
There was a reason they felt insecure about their demonic appearances.
For those who didn't know them, it would indeed be difficult to judge them as good people at first sight.
"Alright then, I'll take this key."
Marco pondered for a moment, his gaze falling on the small, exquisite box that was set apart.
He reached out and picked up the key that gleamed with a mysterious golden luster—the Sagittarius Celestial Spirit Key.
"My disciple, that blonde girl Lucy, is very fond of Celestial Spirits."
Marco smiled and glanced at Lucy.
He had long noticed her reaction; the girl's eyes were practically glued to the Sagittarius key, unable to look away. She really wanted it.
"This..."
Bobo and the village chief wanted to persuade him further, but Marco decisively raised a hand to stop them, his movement sharp and clean.
"Say no more. This is how it will be."
Marco's words left no room for argument.
After speaking, he didn't look at Bobo and the chief again. Instead, with a flick of his wrist, he tossed the golden key.
The golden key traced a shining arc through the air, landing precisely in Lucy's direction.
"For you."
Marco had promised before they came that he would give the Sagittarius key, which was part of the reward, to Lucy, and he naturally wouldn't go back on his word.
Lucy, who had been staring nervously at the key, hastily stretched out her hands to catch it.
She cradled it in her palms as if it were a priceless treasure, her eyes filled with delighted surprise.
"Thank you, Master~!"
Lucy immediately looked up, her voice sickeningly sweet.
The title she rarely used now rolled off her tongue with incredible smoothness.
She couldn't help it; who could blame her when her master was so generous!
When he had good things, he really gave them away!
This was one of the twelve Zodiac keys in the entire world!
To her, it was a treasure she had dreamed of!
Lucy clutched the key tightly, an irrepressible, happy smile spreading across her face.
Of course, in Marco's eyes, this item might not be considered anything special, but Lucy's love for Celestial Spirits had been unwavering since childhood.
Watching Marco hand the golden key to Lucy, Bobo and the village chief understood that Marco truly had no intention of taking the reward.
"Marco-san, you may not accept the reward, but we are planning a feast tomorrow. We implore you and your companions to stay and attend. Please! Celebrate with us! Let us express our heartfelt gratitude!"
And so, the father and son duo approached, their faces wreathed in warm, simple smiles, as they invited Marco and his group to stay for a celebratory feast.
"A feast?!"
The word "feast" was like a spark to a fuse.
The moment he heard it, Natsu shot up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, his eyes shining.
A grin spread across Gray's face, and Happy cheered, flapping his wings and spinning excitedly in the air.
"A feast is great! I love feasts! Will there be fish?"
Happy was the first to agree, and he even started ordering food.
"Of course! We have plenty of fish here!" the demon villagers responded in an excited chorus.
This was an island, after all. Asking if there was fish was asking the right question.
Fish was a major source of their daily food.
"Let's stay for the feast! Big Bro Marco!"
Natsu pumped his fists and began to clamor with excitement.
He simply loved a lively atmosphere.
He hadn't gotten a satisfying fight this time and had nowhere to vent his energy, so he at least wanted to liven things up at a feast.
"Alright, we'll join the feast."
Seeing the expectant looks on his companions' faces and the earnest expressions of the demon villagers, Marco graciously agreed with a smile.
It was already so late today, and it wasn't a good idea to leave Galuna Island overnight anyway.
He had planned to stay the night from the start.
"That's wonderful! We'll make sure you get to experience a demon's feast!"
Seeing Marco and his team agree, the villagers erupted in a thunderous cheer, their rough voices mixed with joy, echoing in the quiet night sky of the island.
It was just that a "demon's feast" sounded a bit strange, like it might not be a friendly banquet.
"What about you? Care to join us?"
With a smile on his face, Marco's gaze shifted to Lyon, Sherry, Yuka, and Toby, who had been watching silently from the shadows.
He extended the invitation in a gentle tone, but his words were like a stone dropped into a calm pond, causing the boisterous, celebratory atmosphere to fall silent for a moment.
Everyone's gaze followed Marco's, focusing on the four figures.
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