"Ho! Ho! Ho! Haha!"
Many people formed a circle, using a special technique to emit rhythmic, resonant roars from their chests. At the same time, their bodies moved up and down, squatting and rising in sync.
This was likely a custom of the Nirubit tribe; they performed similar rituals during celebrations and sacrifices, with only slight variations in process and tone. It's said that these collective roars could even scare away wild beasts—a ritual probably passed down from ancient hunting practices.
This seemingly ancient sound, representing humanity's primal wildness and struggle against nature, could deliver a unique impact to modern listeners. Displaying such a special ritual was itself a sign of respect and welcome.
Although Gray and Rhodes didn't know much about the Nirubit tribe, they could feel their enthusiasm.
After a round of roaring, some people stepped aside to let others join in, and two individuals invited Gray and Rhodes to participate.
Unable to refuse such hospitality, Gray and Rhodes awkwardly stood within the circle, shouting along haphazardly with the others' rhythm. After yelling until their throats were dry, they finally grasped the technique and successfully blended into the Nirubits' chorus.
The resounding "Ho! Ho! Haha!" echoed, seemingly penetrating the surrounding mountains and forests, driving away wild animals.
By the end of the event, both Rhodes and Gray felt exhilarated—it was thoroughly enjoyable.
If there was any regret, it was that Wendy had been sulking in a corner the whole time, hugging her knees. Even when Robin Lu called her, she merely puffed out her cheeks and looked away. Carla firmly stood by Wendy's side, completely unwilling to help mediate.
After the banquet concluded, Rhodes approached Wendy to ask why she was upset.
However, despite her young age, Wendy had already learned to dodge the question:
"It's nothing. Mr. Rhodes, are you starting your mission? Carla and I can help anytime."
"Hmm, thank you." If she says it's nothing, then it's definitely something, but it's hard to press further. Rhodes followed her lead and took out a map. "We need to meet our client here before five o'clock this afternoon. Do you know this place?"
"It's quite far. To get there, you need to go around the back of the village, and then..."
Wendy was very familiar with the paths near the village. Following her guidance could save them from climbing an extra mountain and avoid forests where dangerous beasts roamed.
"Thank you, that's a big help."
Although the crabs had already explored some suitable routes, this greatly improved their efficiency.
Wendy added, "Carla and I can take you there."
"Thank you, but bringing people not involved in the plan to meet the client without permission might make them unhappy," Rhodes said. "Besides, Wendy, don't you have things to take care of here?"
"Things to do?"
"Yes, being angry is normal. It's a way to vent emotions and express dissatisfaction, but it doesn't solve the problem."
Rhodes patted Wendy's head as she puffed up her cheeks. "When you're not as upset, you should properly express your feelings to the person who made you angry."
"Hmph!" Carla glared at him. "You don't know anything, yet you speak so lightly."
"Haha, I couldn't help but say more than I should. Solve it in the way that feels right to you." Rhodes turned and waved. "See you this evening."
"Even though he's showing off a bit, what he said makes some sense. See you tonight."
Gray also waved. He felt that Rhodes just now resembled the Master a bit, and even Natsu.
Carla grumbled, "What a self-important guy."
...
"Of course I resemble them; I learned from them. Don't you think the Master is really good at comforting people?" Rhodes said.
"No wonder you had the demeanor of a father consoling his daughter." Sitting together on the crab's back, Gray teased, "Learning from the old man is one thing, but why imitate Natsu?"
"You don't know. On our last mission, we met a sad little girl, about this tall." Rhodes gestured. "When Natsu comforted her, the way he patted her head, spoke gently, then turned and waved—it was so cool.
...I wanted to look cool too."
"Heh, heh—" Gray made a disgusted face.
Rhodes threatened, "Believe it or not, I'll kick you off!"
Gray wasn't intimidated. "Go ahead and try! If you can do it, I'll just glide on ice!"
Once fighting was involved, the usually calm Gray became impulsive, displaying an 'I don't care who you are; if you're not convinced, let's fight' attitude.
The two bickered loudly as they passed through valleys and forests, startling many birds and scaring away pheasants and hares.
However, as they neared the meeting point, Gray's voice grew quieter. It was clear he really didn't want to see the Council members.
When they were about two kilometers away, Rhodes suddenly told the crab to stop.
"What's wrong?" Gray asked.
"Gray, do you think the Council might pretend to assign us a mission but actually set a trap to arrest us?"
"No matter what, it hasn't reached the point where we'd be arrested, right?" Gray replied. "Why are you asking this?"
"Because there are too many people ahead. That team in white robes has set up a cordon—there are about a hundred of them."
Gray thought for a moment. "Maybe the mission has changed. If they wanted to trap us, they'd be lying in ambush."
Rhodes considered this. "Let's get off the crab and walk over, but stay alert."
Gray was momentarily confused before realizing what "get off the crab" meant. As for being alert—alert for what? The two of them couldn't possibly fight the Council.
"Halt! We are the Third Custody Enforcement Unit of the Fiore Branch of the Council. No entry beyond this point."
"We are wizards from Fairy Tail, here on a mission commissioned by the Council."
Rhodes produced the mission request and pulled up his sleeve to reveal the guild emblem.
Gray tugged at his collar to show the emblem on his chest.
Rhodes glanced at Gray, thinking that displaying the emblem like this was inconvenient... Oh, he likes to strip; he's probably restraining himself in front of the Council.
Rhodes pondered what he'd do in winter—maybe he should get another emblem elsewhere.
"Please wait a moment." The white-robed soldier holding a magic staff departed and soon returned with a man sporting short golden hair and a full beard.
"Fairy Tail wizards, I presume? I am Kewpie, Captain of the Third Custody Enforcement Unit.
I'm sorry, but due to changes in the target's actions, we've adjusted our plan, so your mission has some slight modifications."
Changing requirements on short notice—I've heard many workers dislike this.
Rhodes calmly asked, "May I see your identification?"
"Huh?"
Rhodes explained, "I mean, something that can prove your identity or confirm that you have the authority to modify the Council's mission."
Kewpie was clearly surprised by the question.
Even Gray was taken aback. Do people without a criminal record speak this boldly?
A soldier behind Kewpie scolded in a low voice, "How rude, Fairy Tail wizard! Would anyone dare to impersonate the Council?"
Rhodes glanced at him. Of course—there are people in our guild who'd dare to do that.
This guy probably took pride in being part of the Council; Rhodes chose not to argue.
Kewpie raised his hand to signal his subordinate to stand down. He pointed to the cross symbol on his clothing. "This is the Council's insignia. As for the authority to modify the mission... Here is the official document from the Council ordering the arrest of 'Naked Mummy' members. I am the person fully in charge."
As he spoke, Kewpie smiled. This time, this Fairy Tail wizard seemed a bit different.