Makarov was primarily concerned about human life: "Attacked? How are the casualties?"
Lahar said, "There were no casualties, just everyone instantly lost their Magic Power, and the culprit disappeared without a trace. They likely just wanted to rescue someone and didn't want more information to fall into the Advisory Council's hands."
Upon hearing this, Rhode broke into a cold sweat. A bizarre magic that causes direct magic loss—thankfully, he didn't encounter it.
"Hmm... Causing everyone to lose Magic Power instantaneously, was it a pre-arranged trap like a Technique? There's also some Space Magic involved." With too little information, Makarov couldn't analyze much more. "It seems to be quite a troublesome enemy."
Lahar nodded, "Exactly, which is why the intelligence Mr. Rhode has is even more important."
Makarov nodded towards Rhode, indicating that he could share it with them.
Rhode pulled out a stack of papers: "Do you have anyone skilled in photocopying?"
"Of course," Lahar immediately instructed his people to start working.
This convenient magic of copying is still quite useful for the Advisory Council.
Although they've equipped printing machines, they're too bulky, so there are still many clerical staff skilled in this magic.
Taking advantage of the time spent copying the documents, Lahar glanced at the information provided by Rhode.
He had thought just knowing a name, magic, and general characteristics would be good, yet the first page included character portraits.
Even the part discussing magic effects had illustrations—the dark flame was painted incredibly realistically!
Most outrageous was the inclusion of the dialogue between the two individuals before and during the battle!
Even phrases with a slightly literary style from Rastillos were recorded, with circles in places where memory was unclear.
This is incredibly useful for analyzing the opponent's character and fighting style!
Lahar had never seen intelligence handled like this; they almost went as far as noting the color of the opponent's underwear.
"Mr. Rhode, this..."
He didn't even know what to say, and for a moment, Lahar felt like poaching Rhode.
"What's the matter? Does it not fit your standard format?"
"No, the intelligence department should learn from you what a standard format means."
Lahar shook his head. If all intelligence were this detailed, he couldn't imagine how easy it would be to devise combat plans.
Rhode said, "That's good, but a word of caution, the intelligence is time-sensitive. If they aren't caught quickly, they might learn new magic."
Lahar was dismissive, "Learning new magic isn't that easy.
Especially for mages as strong as them, reaching their current level hasn't been easy, and to progress further will require much more time."
Rhode looked towards Makarov, is that so?
"He's right," Makarov believed Rhode misunderstood magic learning.
Like Natsu, Gray, and Kana, they're already considered very talented children.
Which of them hasn't been learning magic since childhood to achieve their current level?
Overall, each of them has spent roughly ten years.
Learning new magic, if it's just for convenience like Rhode's Text Magic or Requip Magic, that's fine; but to significantly enhance combat power, one shouldn't even think about it without years of training.
Unless one is a genius among geniuses among geniuses, or has compatibility with some magic good enough to rival such a genius.
For example, Rhode can be considered the latter, but such chances are extremely low.
"Oh, there's another thing," Rhode said, "You've seen the drawings, I had the best artist in our Guild help me with them. He hasn't worked these days to complete them for me, so..."
Makarov took a sharp breath; he had intended to share these intelligence reports with the major Guilds.
He cooperated with the Advisory Council just to write fewer reviews later, but Rhode actually intended to get paid by the council?
Rhode decisively started to plea poverty: "President, don't look at me like that. I failed the last mission and consumed precious Magic Books and Magic Crystals, plus the medicine expenses for these injuries.
I've also been tirelessly sorting intelligence for the stability of the Magic Realm recently, and if I have to pay Lidas' wages again, I won't be able to afford food..."
"Mr. Rhode, please don't go on anymore..." Lahar felt guilty about losing the captives already, and further mention made him ashamed.
Mr. Rhode exhausted himself, yet they held him back. Who should really maintain the stability of the Magic Realm?
"With my authority, I can apply for a designated task for you and this artist... is it Mr. Lidas? Consider it a meager compensation, thanks for your help."
"Ah, this is too much, it's just what we should do!" Rhode was delighted, as the remuneration for designated tasks wouldn't be low.
The consumption of Magic Books and Magic Crystals was recouped, perhaps with some surplus—truly great.
The Advisory Council has deep pockets.
Once Lahar and others left, Makarov looked at him expectantly: "Rhode."
"President, please speak directly, staring at me is quite terrifying."
"Oh, nothing much, this year's S-Class examination, you must do your best."
Makarov wandered off, feeling his days were increasingly promising.
"... Rhode didn't understand what he was up to. The exam isn't until December, it's only the end of April, why the rush?"
"Rhode, this task." Gray placed an assignment sheet on the counter, "Isn't Mira around?"
"She went with Elfman to visit a grave."
This was what Mira told Rhode yesterday.
Although it wasn't the anniversary, the siblings both wanted to go have a look.
Rhode wasn't very worried; Mira was not the same as six months ago, and Elfman had made great strides.
As long as Elfman can forgive himself, Mira should soon follow.
"I see," Gray thought for a moment and said, "About last time, I apologize."
Rhode was puzzled: "Huh? What do you mean?"
Gray said, "When you and Elfman got into trouble, I was on a mission and couldn't receive communications, so..."
He was actually dwelling on not being able to support them.
Rhode laughed, "I should be thanking you for thinking about me, as it was we who brought trouble on everyone a few days ago."
Gray, whose magic was cold, had a warm heart.
"But are you sure you want to accept this task?" Rhode pointed at the task sheet:
"Temporary Recruitment for Fashion Model (Male)"
Requirements: Handsome, sunny, with evenly developed muscles, and warm towards people.
Work content: Wear specified fashion at a clothing store to attract customers, and act as a guide if necessary.
The difficulty isn't high, and Gray fits the looks criteria, but the requirement to wear specified outfits...
This might be a bit challenging.
"No problem, I'm going with Loki; he has experience in this area."
Rhode glanced towards the door and saw Loki peeking with half his head out, waving cautiously at him.
Taking Loki, a notably popular handsome guy, would face no problem in hard criteria, but it made Rhode even more concerned.
The combination of these two doing customer-attracting work just seemed bound for mishaps.
"Hmm... just watch out more,"
The principle is not to criticize anyone's chosen job based just on personal issues.
The Guild has strict limitations regarding dangerous tasks but is especially lenient in this matter.
After all, people can improve, and the President always hopes the kids can progress in the next task.
Rhode could only assist by stamping.