After resolving the issue aimed at thwarting the rise of the Wicked King, the next step was to ensure that his downfall would benefit Zeref as favorably as possible. For this, Zeref had the perfect weapon.
An weapon that could almost rival the five great nations if it wanted.
It was the Zion guild. One of the largest clandestine mage agencies in the world.
Zion was more than just a guild of mercenaries.
It was an international network that brought together the best mages and brightest minds from various fields.
Founded over two centuries ago, Zion had managed to forge an enviable reputation in the world of secrecy.
What set this guild apart from its competitors was its ability to solve complex problems and carry out highly risky operations successfully.
Zion's strength lay in its carefully selected team of mages who were second to none compared to those serving in great nations.
Additionally, Zion had a vast network of contacts and allies across the world.
Despite its secretive nature, Zion did not operate outside the law.
They always respected international laws and regulations, and only operated when necessary and authorized.
This attitude of not getting involved in political conflicts or wars between countries earned them the status of a neutral force, which could be used by anyone who had the means.
Its power was such that unofficially, it had earned the title of the "Sixth Great Power," positioning itself almost at the same level as the five great nations.
This was the perfect weapon that Zeref planned to use to achieve his goal.
In the novel, Zion intervened very rarely during the plot, leaving a hint of mystery surrounding its origins and leaders.
It was only in volume 89 that it was brought to light, along with the mysteries surrounding it.
For Zeref, who had read the work up to the last volume, 92, this was an opportunity.
He was one of the few, barely exceeding ten, who were privy to the history and organization of Zion.
And it was with this advantage that he seized control of it.
Yes, Zeref planned to appropriate the guild for himself, to allow him to inaugurate his era of heroes.
The approach first involved joining the guild under his character's real name, Vylrald Grimwald.
It was easy to get in touch with one of the managers of its branches in the Middle Land.
Pilar, whose real name was Andreas Fyovel. Granddaughter of the former leader of the guild, she was a pillar of the agency as the manager of the northern branch of the Middle Land.
Apart from her identity, she was also a mage whose ability was highly esteemed and valued by the guild's top leaders.
She could detect any individual's slightest lie with her unique eyes.
Ironically, she was the perfect choice for Zeref.
Zeref, formerly known as Vylrald Grimwald, had fled his country as a criminal, changing his identity and face.
As such, it would have been difficult for Zeref to prove his identity. But this problem was solved with Pilar, who could detect lies.
Zeref approached her and revealed his identity and his plan to work for the guild without reservation.
Given Pilar's uncurious nature, Zeref had no fear that she would subject him to a heavy interrogation that would otherwise force him to reveal his identity as a reincarnated individual and his objective of appropriating the guild.
That was how Zeref seamlessly integrated into the guild. But his choice didn't just lie with Pilar because she would help confirm his identity as Vylrald Grimwald, but also because of the close relationship she maintained with the agency's top leaders.
On a silent consensus, Zeref struck a deal with her, whereby if his performances proved conclusive and profitable to the guild, she would introduce him to the top leaders, a privilege reserved only for branch managers and top agents.
With the consensus established, Zeref only had to make use of the resources at his disposal.
As the one who would have been the First of Calamities, Zeref possessed quite a rich arsenal.
He didn't hesitate to use it to increase his notoriety in the guild in a short amount of time.
Thanks to Klein, his faithful right-hand man, he had successfully completed the S-rank mission entrusted to him by Pilar, aimed at testing his abilities.
In the same vein, he used such strategies, excelling in no less than twenty high-risk missions in just five months.
From these missions, Zeref didn't miss the chance to have fun and make the most of it.
Subsequently, he instructed one of his ministers to use one of the many weapons that had characterized Zeref as an antagonist and the First of Calamities to sow chaos in the city of a fairly famous country, where he had made a name for himself as a savior.
Although it was under the media coverage of the country, which portrayed his intervention as that of their own army, Zeref made sure to leave a lasting impression.
In the end, he had caught enough attention, securing a meeting with the guild's top leaders.
His efforts had paid off.
Zeref's approach to taking over the guild did not involve a straightforward discussion with its leaders.
Zeref was well aware that such a thing would be futile.
That's where he used his knowledge of the guild from the novel.
However, he desired to possess the guild in the most peaceful manner possible. Provoking a war would only be counterproductive.
Hence the idea of bargaining.
Zeref proposed to hand over the country of Joranis to the guild leaders in exchange for the guild itself. The same country where the Wicked King was poised to rise, only to be defeated by him.
Of course, Zeref guessed that his proposal would carry no weight, being just empty words.
That's why, to strengthen his position at the bargaining table, he made sure to neutralize certain guild leaders whose identities were no secret to him. He not only knew their true identities but also their potential locations.
The rest was left to Klein and his abilities.
However, there was the possibility that the leaders would refuse to cooperate.
In that case, Zeref would have no qualms about destroying the guild to its roots.
It would be a great loss, but Zeref could not allow it to hinder his future plans.
"Make the right choice, guys..." murmured Zeref as he continued to survey the landscape and savor good wine.