Chapter 404: The Council of Judges... Gone
Chapter 404: The Council of Judges... Gone
The next day, Rod woke up to a bright morning, having slept for only a couple of hours due to the previous night's commotion. His mind felt groggy, and he could easily fall back asleep if he closed his eyes.
Mila had already finished her morning routine and was wearing a pajama set similar to Elusa's, but in a different color. Seeing Rod's condition, she felt a twinge of concern. "Do you want to sleep a little longer?"
Rod sat up on the bed, rubbing his face to wake himself up. "No, I have a lot to do today."
He thought about the Three Ravens, notorious criminals, and felt the need to explain his actions. Additionally, he planned to send Crab Ship to Paradise Tower to investigate Gerald's whereabouts.
Rod anticipated the Council's inquiry and decided to take the initiative by preparing a report and questioning them about the Archmage Spirit Energy and the insider.
He also considered Elusa's friends and their settlement, which required some attention.
Thinking about these miscellaneous tasks made Rod's head ache. He opened his arms to Mila, saying, "Where's my good morning kiss?"
"I already gave it to you," Mila blinked, "while you were still asleep."
"That doesn't count! You stole a kiss, and I want it back!"
"How immature," Mila said, walking over to kiss his forehead.
Rod hugged Mila's waist and buried his face in her embrace before going to freshen up. Then, they left together.
"They're gone? When?"
The two learned from Elusa that Simon and his companions had left on a boat shortly after the banquet.
"Not long after the party ended," Elusa said, her face showing a hint of sadness, "They've lived in the tower all this time, and they wanted to see the outside world with their own eyes before deciding on their future."
"Elusa..." Mila was concerned about Elusa's feelings.
Elusa smiled and said, "Don't worry, I properly saw them off. They are strong individuals, and I believe they will make their way."
Rod thought that even if they wanted to leave, he should have provided them with some basic knowledge and common sense.
However, in this world, many people act on their impulses, unlike Rod, who thoroughly considers his actions.
Regardless, they were all archmages and could manage on their own.
Rod asked, "What about Simon? Weren't we supposed to help him with his eye and injuries? He seemed like the one who wanted to stay the most."
"Simon has his reasons for leaving," Elusa explained, "He has a missing sister he must find, and Varis also has a brother."
There were other reasons as well. They felt that if they stayed, seeing Elusa would remind them of their painful past.
It was better to take some time away and give both parties space.
Mila asked, "If they're looking for someone, wouldn't it be better to ask for help from everyone?"
Elusa shook her head lightly. "Because they've decided to live without depending on others and not live for others until they determine their new way of life. That's the 'freedom' they seek."
Rod felt like it might be a post-traumatic stress reaction from being used for eight years. He might need counseling or time to heal.
Since Elusa had spoken, he could only wish them well.
Although Rod wasn't hungry when he woke up, he still ate a simple meal before heading to the hotel manager to discuss compensation for the damaged room and the underground arcade equipment.
He learned that the compensation wasn't just for Mila's room but also for the damaged equipment in the underground arcade.
Simon and his group had caused some damage while trying to capture Elusa.
Additionally, Xiu had used his card magic to trap all the tourists and staff in cards, causing some panic.
Each incident required individual attention, and only a few tourists didn't complain, possibly because a blonde, beautiful female archmage had given them a show when she was tied up.
"Lucy, I'm so touched by your dedication to the guild. I never expected you to make such a huge sacrifice." Rod exaggerated, "You have my vote for this year's Best Newcomer."
Lucy covered her face, "Please don't bring it up again, it's so embarrassing!"
Gray spoke with a sense of righteousness, "That was so careless of you, to be seen by so many people."
"You're the last person who should be saying that!" Lucy shouted at him, "At least put on some clothes first!"
Juvia glared at Lucy, "How could you use such a method to attract Gray-sama's attention? That's so improper!"
Lucy pointed at Gray, "Who's being improper now?!"
Rod was used to his companions' boisterous behavior and walked towards the beach on his own. He needed to flatten the small mountain he had created yesterday and release the river crabs.
After being busy with various chores for most of the day, the group took a break to prepare for lunch when they saw Makarov rushing back.
"President, what's going on?"
Makarov had followed Rod's suggestion to proactively contact the Council of Judges, and from his expression, things didn't seem right.
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Sure enough, Makarov said, "Pack up, we're returning to the guild immediately."
"What are you talking about, old man?" Natsu complained, "We've only been here for one day, and we have a three-day vacation voucher!"
Lucy didn't dare to argue, but she secretly agreed.
Elusa asked, "Did the Council of Judges hold us accountable?"
Makarov spoke solemnly, "No, the Council headquarters has been destroyed, and there are many injured, including some of the Elders."
"What?" Everyone was shocked, "The Archmage Spirit Energy was released just yesterday!"
Elusa immediately thought of someone, "Zikrein... no, did Gerald do this? To go this far..."
Makarov shook his head, "The details aren't clear yet, but in any case, Elusa, you and Mila, take them back to the guild. I'll leave the guild in your hands for now."
Elusa and Mila replied, "Yes, we understand."
"You'll also be in charge of Juvia's official guild membership, and Gray will help her get familiar with the guild environment."
"..." Gray found it troublesome but couldn't refuse at the moment.
"Rod, come with me. The Local Guild Union is holding an emergency meeting, and we're leaving right away."
"Okay." Rod didn't hesitate.
The destruction of the Council headquarters was a rare and severe incident, and the magical world might face turmoil because of it.
While they usually found the Council of Judges rigid and annoying, sometimes they seemed to cause more trouble than they solved. But it was undeniable that these were exceptions, and in reality, they had accomplished much more.
They had also contributed significantly to eliminating dark guilds and sects like the Black Magic Guild. Many of these evil forces hated the Council of Judges more than they hated legitimate guilds.
The Council also bore a considerable burden.
With the destruction of the Council headquarters, chaos might ensue. Not only would the magical world be affected, but ordinary people might suffer more.
Furthermore, a dangerous element had infiltrated the Council, and the other Elders might also need to be investigated.
The selection of the next Elders would require utmost caution, and who knew how long that would take.
Another issue was the title of the Ten Great High Mages, which was originally bestowed upon the ten most outstanding mages on the Ishgal continent.
However, among them, dangerous elements like Jose and Zikrein had appeared, and this negative influence couldn't be ignored.
(Jose had started a war on his own, which could be considered as dangerous as Gerald)
Before the Council of Judges resumed normal operations, the Local Guild Union must actively respond to the situation.
(End of Chapter)
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