Rhode first glanced at the rough content of the task:
Investigation Task: Naked Bandage Man;
Reward: 240,000 J;
Recently, there have been frequent sightings of the Zat Brothers, known as the 'Naked Bandage Man' from the Dark Guild, appearing in the Southern Mountain Range. Investigate their whereabouts and purpose.
The client is the Council's Fiore branch's Enforcement Unit.
It's actually a task from the Council!
Let's not even comment on that ridiculous guild name, Rhode's focus was:
"Dark Guild? Sending me? President, have I annoyed you recently?"
Makarov said, "First of all, this is just an investigation, not an attack. Secondly, it's only two people from the Dark Guild, not the entire guild."
Rhode muttered, "Last time Natsu took on a monster investigation task, and didn't it end up in a battle?"
Makarov sighed and said, "That's why I'm asking you to go this time, it's an investigation not a battle, and you have the right kind of magic."
"..." Rhode was silent. Do I really look that reliable?
The suitable magic the President was referring to should be the Gorge Swift Crab.
So, the correct execution of the investigation task was to hide in the Cat Transformation Inn for a few days as a guest, and then let two River Crabs run around the mountains?
Makarov said, "Besides, the task is just secondary; I hope you can escort Wendy back.
It's such a long journey, and with the Dark Guild being active, she and Carla are not very safe. Besides, you seem to care about Wendy, right?"
He even noticed that.
Caring, yes, Wendy is the most delicate among those I 'recognized' now.
Plus, such an obedient, cute, and sensible little girl always makes people want to take care of her.
But, the premise is within my ability, of course.
Rhode thought for a moment and asked, "President, can I assemble a team?"
Makarov nodded, "Sure, who do you want to ask?"
"Erza."
"Erza has another task."
"Then Mystogan and Laxus will do too."
Although he held a grudge wanting to beat them, Rhode thought the greater threat is at hand and personal grievances could be set aside.
Makarov almost fell off the counter: "If Mira were still S-Class, would you also want to ask Mira!"
Rhode shook his head, "That's not possible, such a dangerous task, how can I drag Mira into it."
Oh, so Mira can't be in danger, but others deserve it?
No, he almost got carried away, Makarov huffed, "I just told you to investigate quietly, where can the danger come from as long as you're cautious!"
Isn't that what you're best at?
Rhode's statement wasn't because he thought others deserved it, he was mainly worried it might look a bit awkward being protected by Mira.
Originally, investigating a small Dark Guild and teaming up with S-Class could assure victory.
Makarov listed a few names, "Kana, Gray, Natsu, choose one."
"Can I...?"
Makarov looked at him without talking.
"Alright, I'll choose Gray."
Natsu's aftereffects aren't completely healed, Kana is an All-Purpose Mage, not a good match with Rhode in terms of compatibility.
Gray is good, and the guild "Naked Bandage Man" fits Gray pretty well too.
Although there are no bandages, he can be the Naked Man.
"So it's settled then." Makarov shouted into the tavern, "Gray!"
Laki patted Gray on the shoulder, "The President is calling you."
"Huh?"
Gray came over with Laki, Laki tended to her own things, while Gray listened to the President about the task.
"Team up to complete the task? Sure." Gray didn't have as much to say as Rhode, "When do we set off?"
Rhode said, "Tomorrow morning at the station. What time is the train to Harujion?"
Mira said, "The earliest one is at 7:30, Wendy and her party are on that one."
Gray nodded, "Alright, then meet at the station entrance in advance."
From the side, Laki chuckled. Rhode, this person...
When going to the Royal Capital with Sister Mira, he'd arrange to meet in the guild, not at the dock.
When going out with Gray, he sets to meet directly at the station.
Hehehe...
Gray left after quickly scanning through the materials, while Rhode was still carefully studying them.
The Naked Bandage Man counts as a not-so-small Dark Guild, the guild's base cannot be determined.
Previously, people confirmed their presence in cities like Oshibana, Gonuki, and Onibus.
But these are all cities along the railway, making it hard to infer anything.
You don't need an ID to buy train tickets here, nor is there decent security checks, whether it's ordinary people or terrorists, they can take the train if they want to.
"Oh, by the way, President, since we're going so far, shouldn't we bring a communication Magic Crystal? To keep in touch with the guild."
"..." Makarov sighed, "If you can manage it, go ahead."
Mira giggled, "I'll take you to get it."
Rhode followed Mira to the guild's warehouse.
Mira pointed to the three communication Magic Crystals on the ground and smiled, "These are the spares, take whichever you like."
"...Aren't there smaller ones?"
Rhode gestured with his hand, this Magic Crystal, including its base, was taller than the old man.
And it was ridiculously heavy, probably requiring shipping if taken on a plane.
Mira laughed, "This is the smallest batch, I heard smaller ones are still underdevelopment. So, do you want to carry it?"
"..." Rhode was speechless. He casually grabbed two Bursting Magic Crystals from a shelf and stuffed them in his pocket, and also took two Magic Books into his arms.
"I saw that."
"Mira~" Rhode looked at her pitifully, knowing he should've brought Warm along to help act cute.
Mira covered her mouth, laughing, "Alright, I approve it."
"Thank you!" It's a pity he couldn't hug her as a token of gratitude, so Rhode quickly pocketed two more Magic Crystals.
When they returned, Makarov was holding back laughter, Rhode's expression upon seeing the communication Magic Crystal must have been amusing.
But when he saw Rhode's pockets and arms bulging, he could no longer laugh.
"Mira..." Makarov wanted to say why didn't you stop him a little.
Mira smiled sweetly and said, "Don't worry President, Rhode won't act recklessly, that's just how he feels secure."
"Never mind." Makarov waved his hand, "You can go now."
"Goodbye President, goodbye Mira." Rhode took the chance to slip away quickly before the President changed his mind.
But soon he sneaked back, tiptoeing towards the library.
Makarov and Mira guessed what Rhode wanted to do, but didn't expose him.
Gathering more information is always beneficial.
"Reby? You're here."
Upon entering, Rhode saw Reby sitting on a mobile book ladder reading a bulky tome.
"Rhode?" Reby looked up, "Yeah, I'm looking for some ancient texts. What about you?"
Rhode said, "I want to find information about the Southern Mountain Range's topography, climate conditions, types of creatures, and regional customs and culture."
"That specific, got a mission?"
"Yeah, there's a commission from that area, I want to familiarize myself with the situation in advance."
"What kind of task requires that much info..." Reby said casually, not intending to specifically ask.
She thought for a moment and said, "I remember on shelf 3 there's 'Fiore Geography', and 'Animal Atlas' is in..."
With Reby's help, the efficiency of finding books increased significantly.
Rhode patted his pocket with the Magic Crystals, "Today, I'll teach you to write 'art is an explosion'."
"What's that..." Reby chuckled, taking off her glasses, "You have a lot of material to look at, you can borrow Wind's Glasses."