Actually, for dealing with this type of enemy, the most suitable person should be Mira, but unfortunately, given her current condition, there's no way the President can let her go.
Meanwhile, Mystogan has other tasks at hand, and Laxus hasn't shown up ever since the S-Class exam ended, so this task can only fall on Erza.
As for Rhode, his summoned beasts are quite versatile, and they could be very useful in this type of task.
Moreover, the President remembers Rhode's red and blue auras and believes that, no matter the level of battle, he can lend a hand.
During the last exam, he also demonstrated excellent teamwork abilities, so teaming up with Erza surely wouldn't hold back.
Erza decisively said: "Leave it to me, I will absolutely not let them succeed!"
Rhode frowned; there are many legends about Zeref, supposedly he was a black mage from four hundred years ago, the origin of black magic.
He once single-handedly created countless demons, later was hunted down by mages representing justice; some say he was killed, others say he was sealed.
But these are merely recorded as legends in magical realm incidents and the like, not history books, so their credibility is questionable.
The demons, however, indeed exist, and some years ago, Dailola's whereabouts surfaced in a certain eastern country, luckily sealed by a powerful mage.
Mira also once received a demon called 'Satan'.
Perhaps because of the existence of demons, there are still some Black Magic Sects that worship Zeref, believing that he will be revived someday and conquer the world.
When incidents involve people associated with them, they tend to be quite dangerous.
Rhode expressed his confusion: "What good does summoning demons do for them? The demons in Jellal's Book are all monsters only familiar with killing and destruction, right?"
"Perhaps it's for power, for world domination, or maybe just those who have been mesmerized into becoming Zeref's fanatic followers."
Makarov said, "We can't comprehend their thinking, but we can't let them act recklessly. So what's your decision?"
"This task feels pretty unsafe..." Rhode pondered, "But teaming up with Erza, I guess it's okay."
If worse comes to worst, he could keep a distance, unleash some beasts, give Erza some buffs or something.
An S-Class mage with red and blue buffs, just thinking about it feels powerful.
Mira was about to say something but stopped, eventually just sorting and handing the crucial data to Rhode.
Technically, it should be handed to Erza.
Makarov said: "If you've decided, then begin preparing now, and set off as soon as possible. Also... don't let your guard down."
He believed with Erza's seriousness and Rhode's cautious nature, it's unlikely they would be careless.
Erza reached out her hand to Rhode: "Please take care of me from now on."
"Please take care of me." Rhode shook hands with Erza, feeling a bit awkward.
Mainly because everyone already knew each other so well, this sudden formality felt strange.
Erza went back to her dorm to take her luggage, and Rhode went to the library to bring some books along.
The journey to the area near the North Coast was quite a long distance, enough to carefully organize the data along the way.
While waiting for Erza and after gathering the necessary items, Mira hesitated a bit and ended up helping him tidy his attire.
Rhode smiled, and Mira quietly reminded:
"Be careful on the road, this mission is very dangerous, don't act recklessly. If possible, rely more... rely more on Erza. Don't mind the matter of saving face; she's strong, and even if you show a bit of weakness, she's not the type to laugh at you for that. Also..."
Rhode listened with increasing delight, feeling a bit eerie; according to movie scenarios, Mira suddenly being like this, it felt like he might suddenly drop dead.
After she finished speaking, Rhode bravely placed his hand on Mira's head: "I've remembered everything."
Mira stopped her actions, not minding his hand, and said somewhat dejectedly: "I'm sorry, if I still had the same power as before..."
"Then now I'm worrying about you as you used to worry about me," Rhode said with a smile, "Besides, if you were your old self, I definitely would have gotten beaten countless times."
Mira smiled again: "True, with your current behavior, I'd be breaking both of your arms."
"Don't say such frightening things while smiling, okay?" Rhode retracted his hand, thinking Mira's hair texture was quite nice.
Mira laughed: "Then just break one arm."
Rhode pointed at her: "You demon!"
Mira put her hands on her hips: "That's right, it's me."
...
Traveling with Erza is quite a secure feeling.
The trouble was her luggage being too much; for a long trip, besides renting a carriage to sit in, they had to rent an extra one to carry luggage.
But this sister with power to lift mountains and cover the world's aura, the mere amount of luggage didn't require Rhode to help at all.
Both sat in the front carriage, carefully reviewing the materials Mira had handed over.
Unlike Natsu, Elfman, and Alzack, before executing a task, Erza would thoroughly read the materials and think through her strategies.
She shares similarities with Gray, but is more proactive—she highlights what she believes is worth noting, then initiates discussions with Rhode.
Moreover, her experience is quite vast, and conversations along the way made Rhode feel at ease.
No longer does every matter require him to think hard!
No wonder she left such a reliable impression the first time they met.
Erza seriously planned the route: "Their hiding location is near Manjushaka Town and Pepi Town, over a day's journey to reach.
I suggest we travel a bit during the night today, and if we can't reach the towns, we lodge in the wild; this way we can arrive earlier."
Rhode nodded: "I'm okay with that, but what about the two carriage drivers?"
Erza said: "No worries, I'll negotiate with them properly."
She's talking about proper negotiation, right? Rhode thought about Erza's manner, somewhat worried she'd have her sword against their necks.
Better keep an eye on it.
Rhode took out the books he borrowed from the guild and handed one to Erza: "About the geography near the North Coast, along with some village and town information. It might come in handy, though some records are quite old, use them as reference."
Erza accepted the book and smiled: "Just as Bisca said, very thorough consideration."
Rhode gently shook his head: "Because my skill and experience don't match yours, I can only improve the task's success rate a bit this way."
Erza said: "Don't underestimate yourself; the President has praised your abilities more than once."
Rhode smiled, having once earned praise by chance and certainly was commended.
Wondering how this mission will turn out.