The destruction of the Council Headquarters is a major event that shocked the entire Magic Realm, so the presidents of various guilds hold this meeting in high regard. The attendees are more complete than at any previous meeting.
Compared to the large guilds with renowned reputations, the small and medium-sized guilds are even more proactive.
Being small means weaker risk resistance, and they eagerly hope that the Guild Alliance can bring them some sense of security.
Rhode and Makarov traveled a great distance, and by the time they arrived at the venue, it was already afternoon. Most of the presidents had already gathered.
The situation was serious, so they skipped the pleasantries and luncheon, and as soon as everyone was assembled, they proceeded directly to the conference room.
Makarov, unusually serious this time, naturally took the position of meeting host.
Rhode thoughtfully handed his guild president a chair and then discreetly retreated to a corner, lowering his presence.
However, the scene of Rhode together with his companions brutally defeating Lalabai last time was too shocking, and many couldn't help but glance at him.
Makarov, though small in stature, stood on the chair, cleared his throat, and managed to capture the presidents' attention back with authority.
"I believe everyone has heard about the situation at ERA (Council Headquarters). We happen to have a clue regarding the culprit."
Facing the inquiring gazes of the guild presidents, Makarov gestured, "Rhode, it's your turn to speak."
Though he had already heard the children recount the events once, Makarov felt his own account wouldn't be as accurate as that of an eyewitness.
"...Alright, I'll speak. It's not the first time I've spoken in front of so many presidents," Rhode assuredly recounted the incident at the Tower of Paradise.
"Let's start with the main point. We once suspected an insider in the Council but never found out. That person is one of the Evaluators, Zikrein."
The conference room was in an uproar; they could hardly believe an Evaluator could be a traitor.
Naturally, some dared not believe and asked Rhode how he knew.
Rhode briefly summarized the events at the Tower of Paradise, omitting certain detailed information.
This included the summoning of the Mountain Sub-Dragon and the matters concerning Erza and her companions.
"In short, Jellal infiltrated the Council mainly to obtain the Magic Power needed to activate the R System and find candidates for human sacrifice."
He might also have intricate connections with the Dark Guild and the Black Magic Sect, though this couldn't be confirmed.
Additionally, I heard that an Evaluator named Ultear was close to him, which might also be problematic, but we'll have to inquire with the other Evaluators to be sure."
Goldman asked, "What about Jellal?"
"Unknown. After we severely wounded him, he fell into the sea. Due to the influence of the Magical Elf Power, the wind and waves last night were too strong, and his current whereabouts are unknown."
The conference room fell silent.
With the R System, Zeref, and Magical Elf Power, the information Rhode just provided was overwhelming.
Moreover, many began to piece things together.
Something's not right. That Zikrein, no, Jellal, besides being an Evaluator, isn't he also one of the Ten Wizard Saints?
In that case, didn't a few young members of Fairy Tail, without Makarov's presence, defeat a Ten Wizard Saint?
Many looked at Makarov with a different sense, understanding that although they were the top guild in Fiore, this level of strength seemed too exaggerated.
Even if not mentioning Jellal, there's also the notable achievement of crushing the infamous assassin team, the Three-Plumed Crow.
For a small guild to face the Three-Plumed Crow, they would likely lose not only the president but many members as well.
Where on earth did Makarov find so many outstanding young people?
Rhode was also met with many admiring or respectful gazes, likely being taken as the commander of this battle.
But he only felt it was a pity because with ERA down, the reward for annihilating the Three-Plumed Crow couldn't be claimed.
Even if they reorganize, a new era brings new people, and they might not recognize it anyway.
Rhode suffered significant losses.
Makarov wanted to laugh heartily but knew it was a meeting, not a banquet—hardly the time for a display. So, he patted his heart and proceeded to the main topic.
"In short, the incident with ERA is inseparable from that individual. We need to notify the Southern Guild Alliance to keep an eye out for Jellal's whereabouts. Everyone should remain vigilant."
There are more Local Guild Alliances than just this one, even beyond the Fiore Kingdom.
As news spreads in these couple of days, other alliances will probably hold meetings too, and information will naturally be exchanged.
"Let's officially delve into today's agenda: what impacts the temporary inability of ERA to operate will have on us and the Magic Realm."
Although usually offbeat, Makarov, when serious, remained quite dependable.
He meticulously listed the potential troubles that might ensue.
For instance, the Dark Guilds will likely feel greatly encouraged, and their activities may become even more rampant.
Criminal activities involving the use of magic might increase.
Moreover, the Council's branches in various countries entering a headless state are unfavorable for ERA's reformation and resumption of normal operations.
In severe cases, they might even face attacks from unscrupulous individuals.
After listing and analyzing point by point, Rhode realized that the collapse of the Council might most significantly affect ordinary people's lives.
Of course, some Legitimate Guilds might also face attacks from Dark Guilds.
They always believed they couldn't receive decent commissions because of exclusion by Legitimate Guilds and that the world was unfair.
All the guild presidents discussed a series of countermeasures, like increasing inter-guild communication and mutual assistance.
The most crucial point was to intensify efforts against Dark Guilds, ensuring they couldn't exploit the situation.
Rhode assumed that he'd probably be assigned several suppression tasks, as such matters involved the stability of their entire region, forcing guilds to either provide funds as rewards or people to take on tasks.
Given that their guild was just reconstructed, spending vast sums, they would likely be responsible for sending people.
An afternoon passed, with the presidents discussing numerous details, still feeling unsatisfied.
However, as it was getting late, they had to temporarily adjourn, take some time after dinner to organize their thoughts, and resume discussions the next day.
At the dinner banquet, many approached to toast Makarov, showering praises on Rhode. They genuinely admired Makarov.
After rounds of drinking, familiar folks eventually gathered in small groups again for drinks and chats.
Rhode had just breathed a sigh of relief when he was again praised a few times by Goldman and President Bob.
"Speaking of which, the other day, many of Fairy Tail's cute boys came to our guild to play~♡. Why didn't you come, Rhode-chan?" President Bob rested his chin, casting a flirtatious glance at Rhode.
Goosebumps rose, and Rhode awkwardly replied, "Well... you know we've been so busy lately, and the president likes to push tasks onto us."
In front of others, he might need to maintain the president's face, but with these two, it was fine to complain a bit.
Makarov didn't even bother to refute.
"That's truly a pity." Bob rummaged through his pants pocket and handed a few tickets to Rhode,
"These are complimentary passes to our bar. Bring some friends over when you have time~♡."
"Tha... thank you?"
Despite being just ordinary small slips, Rhode felt they were burning hot.
I'm a decent person!