In a conversation that was neither unfriendly nor particularly friendly, Rhode finally received a 'video call' from the council members at headquarters.
The image in the communication magic crystal's crystal ball was somewhat distorted and unclear, so Rhode couldn't tell much about their expressions.
Judging by their tone, they didn't seem to think he was being disrespectful or anything.
Avoiding a bit of trouble, that's nice.
After chatting with the president and Captain Trein briefly, it became clear that these gentlemen had been sent back by a large number before they could even see the numbers.
Trein stated earnestly, "Yes, 6934, although it was brief, my subordinates and I saw it clearly."
"Hmm." Gulan Domma nodded. They had witnessed such power with their own eyes and even 'experienced' it up close. Though the numbers were astonishing, there seemed to be no issue.
He asked, "What does 'brief' mean?"
"Because... the magic power tester was broken." Trein gestured for his subordinates to bring the box over for the president to see.
Inside the box was a shattered crystal ball, with the base charred and partially melted.
Gulan Domma: "..."
The designer cut corners? Weren't they supposed to withstand super magic?
And this tester's theoretical limit is 9999. It shouldn't just break like that, right?
"Um... sorry. If compensation is needed..." Rhode felt he should say something, after all, compensating for damages is one of the rare qualities of Fairy Tail.
"Never mind." Gulan Domma sighed, thinking it's just an instrument, and he himself had said not to worry about it breaking, so there's no need to pursue Rhode's responsibility.
"As the president, I announce that this test is valid. The determination of the Ten Wizard Saints title now enters the final ranking stage. Tentatively, on New Year's Day of X785, which is next month on the 1st, the Ten Wizard Saints Medal will be formally awarded to Mr. Rhode, and his ranking will be announced."
"Additionally, please provide your clothing sizes and preferred clothing style. The council will be responsible for custom-making two sets of clothing symbolizing the Ten Wizard Saints identity, to be delivered with the medal."
This decision was made after discussion prior to the call with the branch——mainly because they had been disconnected for so long, a suitable reason was needed, lest they not know how to respond when questioned.
They care about their image.
Before knowing the specific numbers, the evaluators were already certain of Rhode's identity.
It just so happened that Org heard that Rhode was already engaged to Mirajane, with the date set for next month, so they decided to announce it on New Year's Day, adding joy to the occasion and also expressing goodwill.
Rhode thought for a moment and chose the same white trench coat as the president, one thick and one thin.
The style of the Ten Wizard Saints emblem features a white cross and petal pattern in a blue circle.
Having been accustomed to the president's color scheme, other colors might feel out of place, plus it would look more uniform when worn out.
"Congratulations, we have other matters here. Trein, please entertain Mr. Rhode, then goodbye."
Gulan Domma hastily disconnected after noting Rhode's request, seeming very busy.
Rhode understood, as the council had just been reorganized not long ago, they were probably quite busy.
He didn't stay long at the branch, politely declining Trein's escort offer before leaving the council on a River Crab.
Trein watched Rhode leave, feeling complicated as he sighed, "This should be the youngest of the Ten Wizard Saints…"
In fact, Jellal was also 19 when he became one of the Ten, but Trein ignored that.
He could only marvel at the ever-emerging geniuses.
"Alright, everyone back to training!"
"Yes..." the soldiers responded weakly.
Today's blow to them was a bit much; they doubted they could match those privileged guild mages even with a lifetime of effort.
"What kind of expression is that?" Trein scolded, "Do you think Mr. Rhode's strength was completely dependent on help from others?!"
He took out Rhode's training schedule and pointed at the densely written page:
"Take a good look, even if advantageous conditions existed, he accomplished these training programs with dedication! The effort and sweat he put in are genuine!
"With the kind of spirit you currently possess, even with the same conditions, you would be nothing but useless! Knowing you're not as talented as others, yet still unwilling to work hard, do you deserve such conditions?!"
The soldiers lowered their heads in shame.
"Starting today, double your efforts. I'll apply for professional doctors to examine you regularly!"
"Yes! Double the effort!"
After a round of reprimanding, the soldiers finally regained some spirit.
But Trein secretly sighed.
He was relieved that not everyone could give their all like Rhode, because if they could, it would likely lead to even more despair.
Sometimes, talent is that kind of despair-inducing thing.
...
The guild's small building was nowhere near the scale or splendor of the council's structures.
But indeed, this place was much more pleasing to the eye.
Rhode pushed open the guild doors with force: "I'm back!"
"Rhode!"
"How did it go? How did it go?"
"Did you pass?"
A group asked about Rhode's test results.
There was no need to hide anything from his companions, Rhode chuckled and said, "I have to congratulate everyone!
"If all goes as expected, after the new year you can start calling me Mr. Rhode, Lord Rhode, or Sir Rhode! Hahaha!"
Rhode laughed heartily with his hands on his hips, unconcerned about any image, as he could express any emotion freely in front of them.
He was genuinely happy.
The title of the Ten Wizard Saints itself wasn't important to him; what mattered was the meaning behind the title.
It meant he had grown from a weakling who could easily be crushed by wild beasts to one of the top in strength on the Ishujal Continent.
His sense of security was soaring.
He lacked nothing in strength, fame, wealth, or friends and was about to marry the one he loved—Rhode felt his life was nearing perfection.
Thinking of all this, it was hard for him not to laugh out loud.
"What Lord Rhode!"
"Stop showing off!"
"With such good news, hurry and treat us to drinks!"
"President, how about another party to celebrate?!"
Though their words teased him, his companions all felt proud.
Yesterday had been a surprise, today a thought slipped in that having two of the Ten in the guild made for great conversation material.
Especially since Rhode had grown right under their noses, many had even beaten him up in the past.
'When I was young, I hung a Ten Wizard Saints upside down and beat them up…'
'When I was young, I fought a Ten Wizard Saints to a standstill…'
Hahaha, not only for now, but they'd also have material to brag to their grandkids about post-retirement.