Chapter 405: I'm a Serious Person
Chapter 405: I'm a Serious Person
The destruction of the Council Hall was a shocking event for the entire magic community, so the guild masters attached great importance to this meeting, and the attendance was more comprehensive than ever before.
Compared to the well-known large guilds, the smaller and medium-sized guilds appeared more eager.
For the smaller guilds, it meant they had weaker risk resistance, and they desperately sought the sense of security that the guild alliance could provide.
Rod and Makarov had a long journey, and by the time they arrived at the venue in the afternoon, most of the other guild masters had already gathered.
Given the severity of the situation, the usual pleasantries and lunch were omitted, and everyone immediately headed to the conference room.
Makarov, for once, was serious and took the initiative to preside over the meeting.
Rod thoughtfully offered a chair to his guild master and then retreated to the corner, reducing his presence.
The scene of Rod and his companions brutally beating up Lala Bay was so shocking that many people's gazes unconsciously drifted towards him.
Makarov was a bit shorter in stature, but standing on the chair, he cleared his throat, commanding attention.
"The incident at the Council Headquarters has surely reached your ears. Regarding the culprit, we have obtained a clue."
As the guild masters looked on with anticipation, Makarov waved his hand, "Rod, you tell them."
Although he had already heard the children's account, Makarov felt that his own words would not be as accurate as those of the eyewitnesses.
"..." Rod began to narrate the events at the Paradise Tower, not feeling nervous about speaking in front of so many guild masters. After all, it wasn't his first time doing so. He clearly described the incident.
"Let's get to the main point. We previously suspected that there was an insider within the Council, but we couldn't find any evidence. That person is one of the council members, Zikrein."
The conference room erupted in an uproar; they never expected a council member to be a spy.
Naturally, some doubted the information and asked Rod how he knew.
Rod summarized the events at the Paradise Tower, omitting some detailed intelligence.
This included the summoning of the Mountain Dragon and the involvement of Erza's companions.
"In summary, Gerald's infiltration into the Council had two primary objectives. First, to obtain the magic power required to activate the R System and, second, to find a suitable living sacrifice.
Perhaps he also had intricate connections with the Dark Guild and the Dark Magic Sect, but we cannot verify this.
Additionally, I heard that a council member named Ulutia was close to him, which may be worth investigating further by consulting other council members."
Goodman asked, "What about Gerald?"
"Unclear. After we severely injured him, he fell into the water. Due to the influence of Archmage Spirit Energy, the wind and waves were too strong last night, so we're unsure of his current situation."
The conference room fell silent.
R System, Jelf, Archmage Spirit Energy—the information Rod had just shared was overwhelming.
Many people slowly began to grasp the implications.
Wait, that Zikrein, no, Gerald, wasn't he also one of the Ten Great High Mages?
In that case, the young members of Fairy Tail had eliminated a Saint Ten while Makarov was absent.
Many guild masters' gazes towards Makarov changed, acknowledging Fairy Tail as Fiore's top guild, but this strength seemed exaggerated.
Even without mentioning Gerald, there was the infamous Three Ravens, known for assassinating guild leaders.
If a small guild encountered the Three Ravens, even their guild master might be eliminated.
Where did Makarov find so many exceptional members?
Rod also felt the admiration and respect in the gazes directed at him, likely seen as the commander of this battle.
Despite his disappointment, Zhi Ke Lei Yin couldn't help but feel sorry for the ERA's shutdown, as the rewards for eliminating the Three Ravens were now inaccessible.
Even if the ERA were to reorganize, loyalties might shift, and recognition might not be guaranteed.
Rod suffered significant losses.
Makarov desperately wanted to burst into laughter, but this was a council meeting, not a banquet, so he suppressed his urge to show off and focused on the agenda.
"In any case, the ERA's situation is closely linked to that person. We need to notify the Southern Guild Alliance to pay close attention to Gerald's whereabouts. Everyone should also be more vigilant."
The Local Guild Alliance had branches beyond this region and even extended beyond the Fiore Kingdom.
Undoubtedly, once the news spread, other alliances would also convene meetings, and information would naturally be shared among them.
"Now, let's officially address today's agenda. The temporary shutdown of the ERA will undoubtedly impact us and the entire magic community."
Although Makarov was usually playful, he proved to be reliable when it came to serious matters.
He meticulously listed the potential challenges they might face.
For instance, dark guilds would undoubtedly be greatly encouraged, and their activities might become even more rampant.
Additionally, cases of magic-related criminal activities might increase.
Furthermore, the Council of Judges' branches in various countries would be left leaderless, hindering the ERA's ability to restore normal operations after reorganization.
If things got worse, even the Fairy Tail Guild might face attacks from lawless elements.
After listing and analyzing each point, Rod realized that the collapse of the Council of Judges would likely have the most significant impact on ordinary people's lives.
Of course, some legitimate guilds might also suffer attacks from dark guilds.
—These guilds often believed that they didn't receive decent commissions because legitimate guilds marginalized them, blaming the unfairness of the world.
The guild masters discussed a series of countermeasures, such as increasing communication and mutual assistance among guilds.
The most crucial measure was to intensify the crackdown on dark guilds, preventing them from taking advantage of the situation.
Rod felt that they would likely be assigned numerous raid missions due to the impact on regional stability. Guilds would either offer financial rewards or send members to undertake these tasks.
As their guild had just been established, they had already spent a significant amount of money, leaving them with no choice but to contribute manpower.
An afternoon passed as the guild masters discussed numerous details, still feeling that there was more to be said.
However, time was running out, and they had to adjourn the meeting temporarily. They would have dinner, organize their thoughts, and continue the discussion the next day.
During the dinner, several people approached Makarov to toast him. When they spotted Rod, they couldn't help but shower him with compliments, genuinely envious of Makarov.
After a few rounds of drinks, everyone naturally gravitated towards their usual groups, chatting and drinking together.
Just as Rod breathed a sigh of relief, he was immediately praised by Goodman and Pop, the guild masters.
"Speaking of which, a few days ago, some members of the Fairy Tail Guild came to play at our guild. Why didn't you join them, Rod?" Pop rested his chin on his hand and winked at Rod.
Rod felt goosebumps and replied with some difficulty, "Well... You know we've been busy lately, and the guild master tends to assign tasks to us."
In front of others, he might need to maintain the guild master's dignity, but with these two, he could afford to vent a little.
Makarov didn't even bother to refute.
"That's a shame." Pop reached into his pocket, took out a few tickets, and handed them to Rod.
"These are invitation tickets to our bar. Bring your friends when you have time."
"Th-thank you?"
Rod felt a bit awkward holding these ordinary pieces of paper, as if they were burning hot.
I'm a serious person!
(End of Chapter)
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