Devala Headquarters.
"That's about it." A voice resounded within Vandis' office, bringing along an annoyed tone. "I don't know if there were others with them, so locking down the island maybe necessary to block any possible escape route."
Its source came from one of the transparent screens that the Communication Lacrima formed, showing a woman who was currently brooding.
Vandis simply gave her a deadpan expression. "I didn't think you'd return empty-handed, it is quite rare for you to fail while doing tasks like these."
"They were hand-picked elites who participated in the downfall of Oracion Seis." Hana grumbled. "It was obviously going to be a bit difficult for me, but not in the way I expected."
The others who were listening agreed with her statements. Hana's prowess was something they understood very well. Rarely do they ever witness her struggle unless the problem included a truly skilled wizard.
Her tendency to prolong her battles to see what her opponents could do is a glaring flaw for most, and anyone would take advantage of this fact. If it weren't for her notorious strength and reputation, such scenarios could end differently.
"You really need to control those impulses when it concerns the guild, Hana." A man with short, hazel hair interjected from another screen, not exactly amused at her antics.
He wore a pair of goggles on his forehead, indicating a specific type of style that was fitting for him. His eyes were shaped like crosshairs, giving him the vibe of someone who would never let his targets out of his sight.
The man had a plain, simple, brown hunter outfit with a hood, letting the screen only show the upper half of his entire clothing. He was currently resting his cheek on his black gloved hand, adorning an exasperated expression.
"There's no point in trying to scold her, Gilrid." Another individual joined in the conversation. He was also a man who shared his opinion, but looked hopeless for the most part.
His medium-length, dark, green hair was tied into a short ponytail, alongside matching eyes that shined like a serene breeze. He wore a top consisted of a white-green collared shirt that was a mix between casual and battle design, while his arms displayed pristine tattoos that looked like wind currents.
"Only the guild master can reign in someone like her." The individual shrugged in acceptance, as if this happened many times already.
"Hello~? I can hear the obvious passive aggressiveness, Noah." Hana thinly smiled at the man.
"I'm just cordially sharing my opinion of you." Noah glared right back with slight provocation.
"Cordially, huh? I'll gladly chop off your limbs one by one in return~" Hana said in a sing-song tone.
"You should have done that when you arrived at Waynir's place, it would've spared us the hassle of doing more than intended, barbaric woman." Noah sneered.
"How rude---!"
"Alright, stop the bickering."
Vandis interrupted them with authority, calming the argument instantly. Only the tapping of his finger remained after everything quieted down for a moment.
Nobody dared to disturb him during contemplation, and even Hana was no exception. All of them respected Vandis due to many reasons, whether it would be charisma, intellect or connections.
But there was genuinely just one thing that tied these bunch of personalities together, a dark guild that concealed their status from the public for a few years now…
They considered him to be the strongest.
"Are they the only group that arrived on the island with intentions like that?" Vandis inquired.
He had to accommodate a multitude of factors when faced with a possible ongoing investigation on their tail. The first and foremost crucial piece of knowledge is to be aware of the number of people involved.
It was hard to believe that only Blue Pegasus is the singular group that are currently doing this seemingly hidden operation.
Hana softly shook her head. "Not that I know from the information that was given." Recalling her previous interactions before her fight. "At least that was what our allies told me, since that group was a bit high-profile during their tour around the island."
"And you didn't reuqest for assistance? Those two elites from that Ivan were close by, you know?" Vandis raised an eyebrow.
The cooperation between Paramount Tide and Raven Tail ensured the inevitable control of Welbor Island in terms of combining their manpower. Other than Ivan's so-called elites, there were also weaker wizards who specialized in other professions, blending themselves directly with the local residents.
One could say that Paramount Tide would be in the limelight, while Raven Tail will assist them from the shadows. It was an arrangement that managed to cover most of the important districts of the island.
Vandis knew that there were a decent few specifically stationed here in the central district, even if their combat capability wasn't that great, they were skilled in terms of simply being informants.
Which is why these elites from Ivan were big presences that caught his interest.
"Them?" Hana scoffed. "I just requested for the current update on the situation that time, there was no need for such help because I could do it alone."
"We wouldn't be having this meeting if it was a success though." Noah rolled his eyes as he remarked.
"Heh~ You truly don't know when to shut up." Hana retorted with a hint of venom in her jovial tone.
Vandis motioned his hand to get their attention, pausing their bickering once again. "Now that we've confirmed Blue Pegasus' purpose somewhat, going along with Hana's suggestion is the best approach." His eyes scanned the screens back and forth.
"Tch!"
"Drop your pettiness for crying out loud, Noah." Gilrid sighed loudly as he was the only person listening quietly. "It's grating my damn ears."
"I can't help it! She's naturally infuriating!"
"Thanks for the compliment~"
Vandis stared at the noisy bunch, patiently waiting for his chance to continue. After the others noticed his annoyance, they quickly ceased their embarrassing display.
"... But the possibility of them having more allies is still on the table." He spoke. "I've tried contacting Rale a while ago, and he didn't answer any of my attempts." Then frowned as he stated that.
Vandis assigned Rale to keep watch on Mack's wife ever since their move to Calio Village. Although this doesn't mean 24/7, the mist wizard still needed to give status reports periodically.
It was already unusual for one of the guild's core members to not answer his summons, unless he was notified ahead of time. When Rale does this particular task, he usually sends an update around early evening, which is right now.
This would definitely raise alarm bells within Vandis' mind, no matter how much of a small difference it may be, especially when it collides with the current issue at hand.
"That guy is as slippery as one could be." Gilrid uttered in surprise. "I can't imagine him getting captured or killed with that annoying magic of his."
"What will we do, master?" Noah inquired. "If the enemy could defeat Rale, then they must be on the same level as those Blue Pegasus fellows."
"Haha! The more, the merrier!" Hana excitedly remarked.
Vandis thought for a moment, mentally laying out the outline of the island to formulate their approach. This was a matter that needed to be taken very seriously, considering that the goal of their adversaries' supposed investigation was to expose their identity as a converted dark guild.
"Initiating a lockdown would only attract unnecessary attention, so we'll quietly divide our manpower between all districts to cover potential routes." Vandis explained his strategy.
He was aware of the island's natural terrain that wasn't touched upon yet, since it was a decision to make the entire landscape more aesthetically pleasing for the locals.
Whether it would be beautiful riverbanks or domestic species, one may see it as an adventure in itself. This is thanks to its size that was a bit bigger than other islands, so it allowed for a variety of paths that pointed towards their intended districts.
Vandis obviously understood that it was a done deal that the enemy wouldn't choose to return to any district, since their physical descriptions and reputation made it a disadvantage.
He guessed that they would use the rural areas and corners around the island to move, because there were definitely various developed locations like caves, miniature gorges, and rock formations that could be seen as great temporary hiding spots.
"We'll contact all available personnel the guild and from Raven Tail's side, especially those elites who were sent here."
"Noah, go to the western district to guard against potential reinforcements. The forest section there had formed interconnected paths that can allow a person to avoid the districts completely, letting one enter and exit through the bridge unhindered."
"Understood, master."
"Gilrid, try to intercept them at the forest there in the eastern district. I'm sure they would seize this chance to circle across the northern edge."
"I'll be on my way now."
"Hana, let Gilrid take over that place. Return here to the central district to help me search for their other allies, considering they might have Rale as a hostage. We'll need to take the initiative, since we're not sure how many of them are there."
"Fine~" Hana groaned. "If only I wasn't one upped by that illusion…"
"Wow, so someone like you can feel slight regret?" Noah chuckled as he exited the call.
"That guy… I swear I'll slice him up when this is over." Hana followed suit.
Gilrid simply excused himself politely.
The guild master was left to his own devices as the office went back to its usual tranquility. Vandis sat still for a few more moments, his expression never shifting even after the meeting.
He then stood up, stretching his limbs while his magic power suddenly shook the entire room.
"It's been quite a while since we've had a fight of this scale… I'm looking forward to this, light wizards."
…
Welbor Island, Bridge District.
A group of three were currently walking at a quicker pace compared to the rest. Although it wasn't that obvious due to the ongoing liveliness of the vendors and shops that were active during the evening.
Warren had his index and middle fingers on the side of his head, linking everyone's thoughts while Lyon and Sherry were beside him to at least not let anyone be suspicious of his specific actions.
They had to be careful and nonchalant, their eyes vigilantly scanning the place to check if there were individuals with out of place demeanor.
[Men~! Hibiki and Max-kun have encountered an enemy during their escape. We found them unconscious after noticing traces of battle around the area.] Ichiya's voice rang solemnly.
[How are they?] Lyon inquired with concern.
[They beautifully won! But they're now riddled with heavy injuries, so we're on our way to the cave to catch up with you, Sir Waynir.] Ichiya informed them.
[I hear ya! I'm also glad that you guys managed to escape that woman.] Waynir responded. [Hana's no slouch when it came to fighting… Even I can understand that as a normal person.]
[That's an understatement.] Ren grumbled.
[We got quite lucky since she held back the whole time. It's a good thing maestro is with us, or else the result would've been different.] Eve interjected.
[I could say the same for the both of you, it was impossible to outsmart that lady without such teamwork.] Ichiya remarked with praise.
[Well, let's consider this as our first wins against them. But that doesn't mean it's over, Ichiya, your group became a primary target in exchange.] Lyon reminded.
[Indeed. Excluding the bridge, the other districts are too dangerous since it will be swarmed with hostiles. They probably understand that the natural terrain is our only option, so pursuit is expected.] Ichiya sighed.
The Telepathic Link suddenly turned silent as everyone is brainstorming ideas to overcome this predicament. Being outnumbered while they were in unfamiliar territory is already a huge disadvantage, and if it weren't for Mack and Waynir's presence, this investigation would have been more difficult.
[We might as well go with the obvious choice, I know some forked paths that can confuse them for a while.] Waynir began first. [Those bastards will definitely respond with more aggressiveness, so gaining a headstart is for the best.]
[Men~! Sir Waynir is correct.] Ichiya agreed with the suggestion. [Although traveling hastily will just make our traces more glaring, we must pause for momentary breaks to cover our perimeter consistently.]
[Then it's settled.] Waynir said. [Our first checkpoint will be at the northern edge of the island, I went there a few times and saw more divided paths as it goes around towards the western side.]
[Sounds like a plan.] Ren didn't have any complaints.
[As long as we can protect both Hibiki and Max.] Eve also had no problem.
[Heh! They won't be able to catch us, I'll guarantee that.] Waynir huffed. [I'm sure you guys realize where I'm going with this, we'll regroup between the border of the northern and western side, after that, our next approach for this mess.]
[Got it.] Lyon replied. [Me, Sherry and Warren are almost at the island's entrance, are there any alternatives to avoid surveillance? I'm sure probing for more information wouldn't work at this point, considering that their guard is definitely raised.]
[No problem! Your conjectures are spot on, kiddo. Those lurking there will pay close attention to even the smallest of conversations.] Waynir clicked his tongue as he recalled the feeling of being watched daily.
The craftsman gave Lyon's group the description of a path that was discovered by him accidentally, hidden beneath at the left side after going through the entrance. But they had to make sure to not attract attention, given that such actions would garner curiosity.
[Natsu-kun, Miss Kagura, Happy-kun, how are things on your end?] Ichiya asked.
[Aye! The carriage is going as fast as possible! I kinda feel bad for the magical beasts though…] Happy stated.
[It is quite fortunate that there were special services that lets one pick unique domestic species within the stables.] Kagura added. [Still, even at our current speed, it will take fifteen more minutes at least.]
[Kurghk! I…I'm so… g-gonna knock the livin' hell out of those bastards when we arrive---! Urgh!] Natsu was suffering on a moving transport like always, although he was the most eager to wreak havoc.
Everyone smiled at they listened to his declaration, unintentionally boosting morale.
[Men~! I guess that's all for now.] Ichiya said. [Please be careful everyone.]
[See you all at the destination, guys.]
[We'll make sure to immediately sprint there with all our might.]
Warren ended the Telepathic Link afterwards, putting his fingers down as he cautiously looked around.
"No one glared at us intently or something?" He inquired in a low tone.
"I didn't sense anything of the sort." Sherry whispered. "Maybe their ongoing activity will be beyond the entrance."
Lyon suddenly paused, gesturing them to stop for a moment. "Looks like they've started." His eyes narrowing as he observed the usual crowds of customers, tourists, and vendors just in front.
It wasn't that obvious at first, but he felt the slight shift of the atmosphere from the scene. Flickers of magical power appeared and disappeared just as quickly, but it failed to escape his sharp detection.
Both of his companions tensed at his words, trying their utmost effort to not react too much.
"What should we do?" Sherry discreetly circulated her magic, preparing herself for battle.
Warren quickly patted her shoulder. "Don't be too rash, Sherry! It's probably just precaution after Ichiya and the others fought with one of their higher-ups."
Sherry sheepishly calmed down, a bit embarrassed for internally panicking.
Lyon hummed in thought, before glancing at the telepathic wizard. "Warren, can you find a safe place to act as our beacon of communication? Hibiki is currently recovering, so you're the only one who could control the link smoothly."
Warren knew that he had low combat ability, and being courageously stubborn would do more harm than good. Helping everyone by utilizing his own strengths is more than enough to support the group.
"I understand." He seriously nodded. "Don't lose against them if the two of you are forced to fight."
"Of course! My ice will freeze anyone who will stand in our way."
"No need to worry, my passionate love for Ren shall give me unlimited boosts!"
Their responses made him chuckle a little as he bade farewell, signaling the second phase of this investigation: The inevitable battles that will come to them sooner or later.
However, unbeknownst to all parties involved, there were two more individuals who blended within the boiling chaos.
"What happened? Most of our targets look restless."
Inside one of the prominent food establishments within the island, a pair of women, one who was older with sleek black, long hair, and one who was young with short, pink hair, were seated at an inconspicuous corner.
Their black cloaks might have raised some eyebrows if they wore the hoods, but the way they carried themselves displayed their seemingly ordinary demeanor among normal folks.
The younger woman with short, pink hair, gazed at a short, hunched, purple humanoid discussing quietly with his subordinates.
The older woman with black, long hair had her right hand resting on her cheek, while absentmindedly fiddling with an orb on their table.
"We'll just have to see how it plays out… Maybe the security within the headquarters will dwindle thanks to that."
The younger woman noticed how her foster mother acted. "Are you alright, Ultear?"
Ultear exited the stupor she was in, gently looking at her in response. "I'm fine… Meredy.
Meredy stared at her for a period of time, before sighing afterwards. "Don't forget, we have each other, you know?"
Ultear softly smiled as she heard that.
"Yes, I know."
---------
AN: I'm up to date with 100 Year Quest, and oh boi... I mean seeing the potential of Take-Over Magic from Elfman was nice, but But Mira's fight finished too damn quick, although her Algeria Form appeared again, which is good too. At this point, maybe only Zero's fight with Gajeel will be interesting, and even that's a stretch bruv.
It's time to put the fries in the bag, Books of Faris, Fairy Tail's usual formula is on the horizon.