Oracion Seis headquarters.
The leader, holding a peculiar skull magic staff, asked the white-haired woman who walked in, "How is it, Angel?"
"Red Headscarf has sent word that they've found that area. The land and forest nearby have already started to perish."
The leader smiled, "Well done. So the method to unseal it should be true as well."
Angel asked, puzzled, "Why would that former evaluator named Ultear provide us with information?"
"Because... I'm her 'savior'," the leader smirked playfully. "Though she's joined Demon Heart, there might be other motives for providing us information... but no matter. As long as we obtain Nirvana, all six wishes of ours will be fulfilled!"
The six present, in addition to that skull staff, showed expressions of longing or fanaticism.
They couldn't wait to activate Nirvana and start the celebration.
However, it seemed the legitimate guilds had sent someone to cause trouble.
The leader gave an order: "Inform Red Headscarf, White-tailed Eagle, and all members of the New Iron Forest to pinpoint the exact location of Nirvana, then we'll personally welcome our guests."
Those guilds under them aren't very useful in battles, but they're quite adept at making money, and they can use their numbers to find things, which isn't entirely useless.
"Leader, Ailiger sent a lot of money over and even requested to join the headquarters," Hot Eye said excitedly, "because the smell of money is so enticing, I agreed to ask for him~"
"Oracion Seis doesn't need those defeated by legitimate guilds..." The leader thought for a moment, then said, "Reply to him like this,
'I heard you were defeated by Fairy Tail, at least bring one or two heads of Fairy Tail members before saying such things.'"
"Okay~" Hot Eye said simply, "I want to take the opportunity to ask for more money~"
The leader didn't comment, finding amusement in toying with incompetent fools before years of planning came to fruition.
...
"Sister Mira, Brother Rhode!"
Rhode and Mira had just arrived at the Cat Transformation Inn and were warmly welcomed by Wendy.
The small body leaped into Mira's embrace like a swallow returning to the forest, her excitement briefly overshadowing some unnecessary sadness.
"Long time no see, Wendy." Mira hugged Wendy and gently stroked her long hair.
Rhode looked at Wendy and then at Carla, who was standing behind her, and opened his arms, "Want to jump in too?"
Carla turned her face away, "Not interested."
Rhode looked regretful; apart from Hapi, he hadn't hugged any other cats and wanted to pinch those paw pads.
Carla turned her face back, "Though it's not the first time you've been here, welcome."
Rhode stared at this tsundere cat, smiling, "Thank you."
Carla turned her face again, "Alright, don't just stand here. You haven't had lunch, right? Wendy and I have prepared a lot of food."
Wendy nodded, directly revealing today's main course, "Yes! Today we have pheasant and mushrooms brought back by Pascal and Naoqi!"
Rhode still remembered these two people; they seemed to be the best hunters in the village.
"Then we won't be polite." Thinking of the pheasant stew with mushrooms made his mouth water, and Rhode asked, "By the way, have you warned them about the dangerous person nearby?"
"I told the President yesterday, and he'll make sure everyone is careful." Wendy said softly, "Actually, Pascal and Naoqi planned to help search for clues on that person, but unfortunately found nothing."
Rhode quickly said, "Though I appreciate it, they really shouldn't help rashly. That person is a ruthless killer, really dangerous."
"Yes," Wendy nodded, not saying much more.
Everyone... will be alright.
As Rhode and Mira walked to Wendy's house, they looked around the village. It had been roughly three months since their last visit, and it felt unchanged.
It was still that leisurely, serene, ancient village, with villagers warmly greeting Wendy as always.
Every visit seemed unchanged.
Back home, Wendy and Carla served the prepared dishes. Without formalities, they chatted about recent events while eating.
Though some topics had been discussed through magic crystal communication, they couldn't help but repeat them face-to-face.
As one topic concluded, Wendy hesitantly asked, "I heard Jellal did some terrible things and has been captured. Is that true?"
"Don't worry, the one captured isn't the Jellal you know. By the way, you probably don't know yet, actually..." Rhode suddenly stopped, looking at Mira, uncertain about telling Wendy.
Mira was also in a dilemma; Mystogan probably wouldn't want his identity broadly known, but he was evidently important to Wendy.
As if a light bulb flashed, Carla asked, "You all probably know his true identity, right? Mystogan is actually Jellal from another world."
Rhode and Mira were surprised, "How do you know?"
At that moment, Wendy also breathed a sigh of relief and apologized, "So you all know, too. I'm sorry; actually, Jellal visited me after returning from the Advisory Council, but he told me not to tell anyone."
"I see, we have the same considerations," Mira smiled. "Since you already know, it's much more convenient. Rest assured, the Jellal you know, that is Mystogan, is doing well now."