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Zanke's thoughts were exactly the same as Weston's.
"Trying to step on Fairy Tail to climb the ranks?"
"These filthy rats in the gutter are really bold enough!"
Seeing the increasingly hostile look in Weston's eyes, Zanke panicked and hurriedly tried to dissuade him.
"You must not act impulsively!"
"The enemy has superior numbers. Relying on your Fairy Tail guild alone, it's impossible to defeat them."
"Why not let me step forward and contact the guild alliances across the regions? Combined with the Council's troops, we can form a coalition army to crusade against them together!!"
A guild coalition?
Like in the original story where Fairy Tail, 'Blue Pegasus', 'Lamia Scale', and 'Cait Shelter' formed a team to crusade against the 'Oración Seis'?
Judging from a rational perspective, this is indeed a good idea.
But—
"Say no more!"
Weston waved his hand, cutting Zanke off.
"When family is taken advantage of, what sense does it make for me, as the head of the family, to run to outsiders for help?!"
"Whether it's 'Fire Serpents Eye' or the forces behind it, Fairy Tail will wipe them all out without leaving a single one!"
Zanke stood frozen in place upon hearing this. When he processed the meaning of Weston's words, he grew even more frantic.
"Guild Master Weston, you absolutely, absolutely, absolutely must not act impulsively!"
"Even for Fairy Tail, it's an impossible task to face those dozen-plus guilds alone!"
Zanke was so anxious that sweat beaded on his forehead.
He clearly understood in his heart that his ability to secure the position of 'Councilman' today was greatly linked to the achievements and status that Fairy Tail and Weston had attained in the Magic World and the Fiore Kingdom.
It was no exaggeration to say that even if he fell from power, Fairy Tail wouldn't, but if Fairy Tail fell, he certainly would!
In fact, Zanke even felt that if he had to choose the one person in this world who least wanted to see Fairy Tail decline, that person would undoubtedly be himself.
"Mr. Zanke, I understand your concerns."
"However, this matter must be handled with overwhelming force!"
"Since the other side is targeting Fairy Tail, there's no need to drag unrelated people into this."
"Otherwise, if we give people in the Magic World the impression that Wizards of Fairy Tail can be taken advantage of at will and only know how to seek help from the Council and other guilds, it would be a significant blow to the guild's and my own authority and prestige, inviting more trouble in the future."
That's what he said, but in Weston's mind, there was another layer of concern.
Namely, the Magic Guilds currently within the Fiore Kingdom were all second or third-rate forces, not only sparse in numbers but also far too weak in strength.
Involving these people and having them face a formidable enemy like the 'Dark Alliance alongside Fairy Tail would be of little use other than sending them to their deaths for nothing.
Sigh—
Why won't this kid listen to reason?
Could 'face' really be more important than 'life'?
He's indeed still young, too rash and emotional!
Though he thought this, Zanke could also understand Weston's perspective and had to try persuading him in another way.
"Even if you don't want other guilds as allies, someone still needs to handle the aftermath of the battle, right?"
"Why not let me lead the Council's troops to follow behind your guild members and coordinate?"
"Moreover, you need someone to guide you to find 'Fire Serpents Eye'!"
Hmm— That's true!
"Alright then, I'll trouble you with that."
With the decision made and the location of the 'Fire Serpent Forest' confirmed, Weston swiftly took action, mobilizing all members of Fairy Tail for a full-scale assault.
At the same time, Zanke also returned to the branch to muster troops and followed behind.
Three days later.
Outskirts of the Fire Serpent Forest.
Weston met Zanke again, along with the undercover agent the Council had dispatched.
"I am Duke Vecto, Captain of the Third Unit of the Fiore Kingdom Council Branch Forcible Detention Squad. Having safely returned from my undercover mission, I am here to report the situation and assist in completing the capture mission against 'Fire Serpents Eye' and the group of Dark Guilds—"
"Mission!!"
"Very good, well done!"
"Any recent news about 'Fire Serpents Eye'?"
As a Councilman, Zanke could very well have stayed safely in the rear issuing orders, calmly awaiting the outcome of this conflict.
However, firstly, the enemy they faced this time was too powerful, and he worried Fairy Tail might be too reckless and get wiped out. Secondly, relying on his past experience as the chief of the Detention Squad and possessing some strength himself, he chose to take the risk and lead the team personally.
"Report!"
"As of yesterday, for this operation, 'Fire Serpents Eye' has gathered a total of fifteen fellow Dark Guilds of the 'Dark Alliance, lying in wait for Fairy Tail to walk into the trap."
"Currently, all fifteen guilds are hiding within the Fire Serpent Forest, with a total estimated strength of around 2000 people!!"
"This is the enemy force distribution map I managed to obtain—"
Duke took a rough sketch from his bosom and handed it to Zanke as if presenting a trophy.
Zanke took the sketch from Duke, studied it carefully for a few moments, then nodded with satisfaction.
"Well done, Duke!"
"After this operation concludes, your position can be promoted a step."
"Ah— Yes, sir!!"
Excellent, the gamble paid off!
Duke became as excited as if he'd been injected with adrenaline.
The Forcible Detention Squad of the Fiore Kingdom Council Branch had a total of twelve numbered units.
Zanke was originally the chief of the Enforcement Squad, but since his promotion to Councilman, the position of 'Chief Captain' had been left vacant, with no replacement appointed yet.
Duke was the Captain of the Third Unit, inherently qualified to compete. However, within the branch, there were eleven others eyeing the 'Enforcement Captain' position just like him.
To stand out among the many competitors, he had personally taken the risk to infiltrate 'Fire Serpents Eye' as an undercover agent at this critical juncture to accumulate military merit.
"Guild Master Weston, look at this map!"
"With it, we can launch a surprise attack and eliminate the allies summoned by 'Fire Serpents Eye' one by one!!"
Zanke presented the sketch to Weston like a treasure, a hint of pride still on his face, as if saying: See, this is the soldier I trained. Impressive, isn't it?"
"Where are the Wizards of your Fairy Tail?"
"The troops I brought have already made preparations outside and are ready to coordinate with their actions at any time."
"Do you have any instructions?"
"Oh yes, this is the perfect opportunity for me to witness the commanding prowess of the 'Fairy Commander' in battle!"
Weston took the sketch Zanke handed over, also gave it a serious look, then burst into hearty laughter.
Under the puzzled gazes of the two men, Weston uttered shocking words.
"Thank you both, Mr. Duke, Mr. Zanke."
"However, the enemies you speak of were all taken care of by my guild's Wizards yesterday!"
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