Chapter 141: Me? Investigate a Dark Guild?
Chapter 141: Me? Investigate a Dark Guild?
Rod first glanced over the details of the mission:
Investigation Mission: The Naked Bandage Men
Reward: 240,000 Jewels
Recent sightings of the 'Naked Bandage Men' from the Dark Guild have been reported in the Southern Mountains. Investigate their movements and intentions.
The mission was commissioned by the Fiore Kingdom's Enforcement Division, a branch of the Council.
"A Council mission?!" Rod thought, momentarily ignoring the absurd name of the Dark Guild. "Dark Guild? You want me to go? Master, have I done something to upset you recently?"
Makarov explained, "First, this is just an investigation, not a raid. Second, it's only two members of the Dark Guild, not the entire guild."
Rod mumbled, "Last time, Natsu took a monster investigation mission, and it ended up being a raid."
Makarov sighed, "That's why I'm sending you this time. It's an investigation, not a raid, and you have the right magic for it."
"..." Rod fell silent, wondering if he really looked that reliable. The magic Makarov referred to was likely the Swift River Crab from the Rift.
So, the correct way to execute this mission would be to hide out at the Cat Cafe for a few days, then release a couple of river crabs to run around the mountains?
Makarov continued, "And the mission is just a side task. I actually want you to escort Wendy back."
"Given the distance and the Dark Guild's activities, she and Charle won't be safe on their own. You seem to care about Wendy, right?"
It was obvious that Makarov had noticed.
Rod did care. Wendy was the most vulnerable among the people he recognized. Plus, she was such a sweet, well-behaved, and adorable little girl that anyone would want to look after her. But, it had to be within his capabilities.
After some thought, Rod asked, "Master, can I form a team?"
Makarov nodded, "Sure, who do you want?"
"Alice."
"Alice has another mission."
"Then Misty and Laxus will do."
Although he had some personal grudges against them, Rod felt that in the face of a greater threat, personal vendettas could be set aside.
Makarov nearly fell off the counter, "If Mirajane were still an S-Class, would you ask her too?"
Rod shook his head, "No, that would be too dangerous for her."
Oh, so Mirajane can't be in danger, but others can?
No, Makarov almost let the kid lead him off track. He retorted, "It's just a covert investigation. As long as you're careful, there won't be any danger!"
Isn't that what you're best at?
Rod's comment wasn't about others deserving danger; he was mainly worried about how it would look if Mirajane was always protecting him.
After all, investigating a small Dark Guild would be much more stable with an S-Class teammate.
Makarov named a few people, "Kana, Gray, or Natsu. Choose one."
"Can I...?"
Makarov gave him a look.
"Alright, I'll choose Gray."
Natsu was still dealing with the aftereffects of his last mission, and Kana, being a versatile mage, didn't quite fit with Rod's style.
Gray was a good choice, and the name of the Dark Guild, "Naked Bandage Men," seemed to fit Gray well. Even though he didn't have bandages, he could be the naked one.
"Alright, then." Makarov called out to the bar, "Gray!"
Laki patted Gray's shoulder, "The Master is calling you."
"Huh?"
Gray and Laki approached. Laki went back to her work, while Gray listened to the mission details from Makarov.
"Form a team to complete the mission? Sure." Gray didn't have Rod's reservations, "When do we leave?"
Rod said, "Let's meet at the station tomorrow morning. What time does the train to Hargeon leave?"
Mirajane answered, "The earliest one is at 7:30, and that's the one Wendy and the others are taking."
Gray nodded, "Alright, let's meet at the station entrance a bit early."
Laki laughed, shaking her head. Rod was such a character...
When going to the capital with Mira, they would meet at the guild, not at the ferry. When going out with Gray, they would meet directly at the station.
Kukuku...
Gray had skimmed through the documents and left, but Rod was still meticulously studying them. The Dark Guild of the Naked Bandaged Man was a significant threat, and their base was still unknown. They had been spotted in Oshibana, Gunog, Onibus, and other cities, but these were all along the railway, making it impossible to draw any conclusions.
Here, you didn't need an ID to buy a train ticket, and there was no proper security check. Anyone, whether a regular person or a terrorist, could board a train whenever they wanted.
"By the way, Master, should we bring a communication magic crystal? It would make it easier to stay in touch with the guild."
"..." Makarov sighed. "If you can manage it, go ahead."
Mira chuckled. "I'll help you get one."
Rod followed Mira to the guild's storage room. Mira pointed to three communication magic crystals on the ground and said with a smile, "These are the spares. Pick any one."
"Wait, aren't there any smaller ones?"
Rod gestured, indicating that the magic crystal, including its base, was taller than the old man. It was also incredibly heavy, and he would probably have to check it as luggage if he wanted to bring it on a plane.
Mira laughed. "These are already the smallest size available. They're working on even smaller ones. Do you want to take one?"
"..." Rod was speechless. He grabbed two blasting magic crystals from a shelf and stuffed them in his pockets, then took two magic books and tucked them into his coat.
"I saw that."
"Miraaaa," Rod looked at her with a pitiful expression. He should have brought Worm to help him look cute.
Mira covered her mouth and laughed. "Alright, I approve."
"Thanks!" Unfortunately, he couldn't hug her to show his gratitude, so he quickly stuffed a couple more magic crystals into his pockets.
When they returned, Makarov was trying to suppress a laugh. Rod's expression when he saw the communication magic crystal must have been priceless. However, when he noticed how Rod's pockets and coat were bulging, his amusement turned to concern.
"Mira..." Makarov wanted to say something about not letting Rod go overboard.
Mira smiled sweetly. "It's fine, Master. Rod won't cause any trouble. He just feels more secure this way."
Makarov sighed. "Alright. You can go."
"See you later, Master. See you later, Mira." Rod hurried away before Makarov could change his mind.
But not long after, Rod came running back, tiptoeing toward the library. Makarov and Mira had a pretty good idea of what Rod was up to, but they didn't say anything. It wouldn't hurt to gather more information.
"Levy? You're here."
Rod entered the library and saw Levy sitting on a mobile ladder, flipping through a large book.
"Rod?" Levy looked up. "Yeah, I'm looking for some ancient text references. What about you?"
"I need information on the southern mountains, including their terrain, climate, wildlife, and local customs."
"That specific, huh? Is it for a job?"
"Yeah, there's a mission in that area, and I want to be well-prepared."
"What kind of mission requires so much information?" Levy asked casually, not really expecting an answer.
She thought for a moment. "I remember there's a copy of 'Fiore Geography' on shelf 3, and 'Animal Atlas' is in..."
With Levy's help, finding the books was much quicker.
Rod patted the magic crystals in his pockets. "Today, I'll teach you how to write 'Art is Explosion.'"
"What's that?" Levy smiled, taking off her glasses. "You need so much information. The Wind Chanting Glasses can help you read faster."
(End of Chapter)
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