Kurohebi added nervously, "Also… the magic crystal inside Laxus's body is extremely valuable. It's considered rare now, almost impossible to buy even with money. After capturing him, even if we couldn't extract any secrets, we could dig out the crystal and make a fortune."
Rhodes's brow furrowed. Removing a magic crystal implanted in someone's body was highly dangerous. At best, it would cripple their magic. At worst, it could cause permanent disability, or even kill them on the spot.
'Has Ivan gone mad? He's Laxus's father!'
Rhodes found it almost unbelievable. If Master Makarov knew about this, it would break his heart.
He pointed toward the magic crystal nearby. "Since you didn't capture my companions, then who does that crystal belong to?"
Kurohebi hesitated, then said awkwardly, "Because a mage from a legal guild happened to be investigating us, I used Angel's Salute to trap her. The Guild Master said we could make use of her."
Rhodes sighed inwardly. 'Unlucky soul…'
"Speaking of which," he asked, "aren't you Raven Tail? Weren't you planning to apply as a legal guild?" Googlᴇ search
"Originally, yes," Kurohebi admitted. "It makes certain things easier. But the Guild Master's ultimate goal has always been to uncover Fairy Tail's Light. Now that there's a direct chance, we can skip all of that."
Their adaptability was impressive, if nothing else.
Rhodes quietly cast a hypnotic seal over Kurohebi, then turned to question Flare.
The Ocean Dragon was still looming over her, chatting happily in her own way. Well… one-sidedly happily.
When Flare noticed Rhodes approaching, she looked a little regretful, then tried to bargain. "You owe me at least two jokes."
"Fine." Rhodes sighed. 'This demand is almost too low.'
He repeated the same question, and Flare's answer matched Kurohebi's. Judging by Ivan's frustrated, furious expression, they were telling the truth.
Rhodes nodded. "Alright, you all can return. I'll handle the rest."
The Mountain Dragon and Cloud Dragon withdrew eagerly. The dragon reminded him, in her quick, clipped way, "Find them soon," before vanishing. After years together, Rhodes could easily follow her rapid speech. The Mountain Dragon, meanwhile, simply hurried off to resume his nap.
The Purgatory Dragon's priorities were different. "These ones are too weak. Next time, call me when you face something fierce."
"Sure," Rhodes said. 'That's not what you used to say. You used to want in on everything.'
Purgatory Dragon flicked his tail. "Also, find that dark-skinned brat quickly. We brothers will take him down."
"Right." Rhodes nodded grimly. That "dark-skinned brat" could only mean Acnologia, and Purgatory still hadn't let go of that grudge.
"Oh, and about that little girl..."
"Brother, you're starting to sound like a doting dad."
Purgatory Dragon glanced at Flare, then added, "I think that Fire Dragon cub might fancy her. How about you don't make things difficult for her?"
Rhodes blinked. "Wait… are you trying to play matchmaker now?"
"No, you fool. I'm talking about her scent."
"Brother, we can't be that perverted."
"…" The Purgatory Dragon fell silent for three long seconds, then finally rumbled, "Anyway, that's all. When you've got time, let's train again."
With that, the Purgatory Dragon faded away, leaving Rhodes frowning. He had the nagging feeling he'd just inherited another problem.
But it wasn't anything he couldn't handle. He'd fought worse.
His gaze lingered on Flare. She shifted uncomfortably under his stare. He couldn't see what the dragon meant.
She wasn't as beautiful as Mira, and though her figure was striking, it wasn't unmatched. Her temperament was unusual, though. As for this so-called "scent"… Rhodes hesitated. He wasn't about to lean in and smell her directly.
Instead, he turned to the Ocean Dragon, who had lingered behind. "Do you sense anything special about her?"
The Ocean Dragon nodded seriously. "Yes. Her funny bone is even higher than yours. I told her several jokes, and she didn't laugh once."
"…."
Rhodes could only sigh.
"Rhodes!"
A familiar voice called down as a figure descended from the sky.
It was Mira, in her Satan Soul form.
She first glanced around warily. When she saw the strangers lying defeated on the ground and a Dragon standing guard nearby, she rushed to Rhodes, grabbing his hand and checking him over from head to toe.
"How are you? What happened?" she asked anxiously.
From a distance, she had seen four Dragons gathered here. The last time she had seen three together was on Tenrou Island. What kind of enemy could possibly require four now?
"It's fine, really," Rhodes reassured her, stroking her hair. "The whole commotion was because they pretended to have hostages. I wanted to end it in one strike… and show enough power to make them confess quickly. Why are you here?"
Mira explained, "Gajeel sent word to the guild that Raven Tail might be targeting you and Laxus. When you didn't come back after escorting Yukino, we were worried something had happened. The Master and the others are right behind me."
She then looked around at the scene. "But it seems we were worried for nothing."
Ivan overheard her and muttered bitterly, his voice breaking. 'Gajeel… that treacherous bastard, that double agent!'
Rhodes ignored him and squeezed Mira's hand. "Perfect timing. Let me introduce you. This is the Ocean Dragon. She loves jokes and rainy days. She's looked after me quite a bit these past years."
Hearing this, Mira quickly straightened her clothes and gave the dragon a respectful bow. "Rhodes has caused you trouble. Thank you for taking care of him."
Rhodes added, "And this is Mira, my fiancée."
The Ocean Dragon's eyes twinkled. "Oh, I know, I know. She's the one you sometimes call out for in your sleep, isn't she?"
Mira gave Rhodes a very gentle look.
Rhodes smiled weakly. 'Sister, from this day forward, you're my true sister… different parents, different species, but a sister all the same.'
Blushing slightly, Mira began chatting with the Ocean Dragon, asking if Rhodes ate properly, if he rested well, and whether he ever overworked himself.
Once she got into it, she forgot all about the battle that had just taken place.
The only problem was that the Ocean Dragon wanted to laugh as she spoke, while Mira looked like she wanted to cry as she listened.
"Mira-nee! Brother-in-law!"
A giant green bird and a beast swooped down, transforming back into Lisanna and Elfman as they landed.
Not long after, Makarov arrived with a group that included Macao, Wakaba, Gajeel, and Panther Lily.
Gajeel planted his hands on his hips, eyeing the unfamiliar dragon with curiosity. "See? I told you this guy doesn't need anyone to babysit him."
For Macao and several others, it was the first time seeing one of Rhodes's dragons. Their jaws nearly dropped.
"A real dragon? Rhodes can summon dragons?!"
Wakaba's voice was heavy with emotion. "This kid… he's finally become unimaginably strong."
"Like Gildarts," muttered Max. "He's become a complete monster, hasn't he?"
Several guild members instinctively shrank their presence. When Max and Natsu had once boasted of competing with Rhodes, they had believed they might one day surpass him. But now? None of them dared to even think it.
Makarov approached, relief softening his features when he saw Rhodes unharmed. His eyes then turned to Ivan, filled with a complicated sadness.
"So it's come to this at last," the Master murmured. "Ivan… is your pursuit truly more important than your comrades?"