Rhodes' response made Mira very happy. She put the letter away, saying she would consider it.
As for the magazine, she left it at the counter, remembering that Rhodes liked reading the news.
After the New Year, the guild returned to its normal operations, and Rhodes resumed his regular training.
…
Three days later, a young boy wearing glasses came to the guild.
He had a round face, a buzz cut, and carried a large backpack, looking very well-behaved.
After entering, he looked around and then made his way through the bustling tavern to the front desk.
Mira greeted him, "Hello, are you here to post a request?"
"No, my name is Tonno, Tonno Labiz. I just turned 15 this year, and I use light magic."
Tonno introduced himself in an orderly manner, then said, "I'd like to join the guild."
"Oh, I see. Hello, I'm Mirajane." Mira said, "Please wait a moment, I'll go get the guild master."
"Have a seat." After Mira left, Rhodes took over welcoming the newcomer. "I'm Rhodes. I joined the guild half a year ago, so I guess I'm still a newcomer myself. No need to be nervous."
"I know you, you're the strongest newcomer, right?" Tonno said excitedly, "I've been following Fairy Tail's news for a while."
"Really? Haha, that news article was exaggerated by the reporter. Who knows, you might become the strongest newcomer now. Hmm, want something to drink?"
Rhodes figured that for this kid to have been following the guild's news and still liked Fairy Tail, he must truly love it.
Tonno sat on a stool and said honestly, "Just plain water, thank you."
Rhodes poured Tonno a glass of water, and soon the guild master came over with Mira.
Tonno's joining process was as simple as Rhodes'. The guild master asked a few basic questions and then stamped the guild's emblem on him.
This was the first time Rhodes witnessed a newcomer joining the guild, and it felt… a little surreal.
"Having witnessed a newcomer joining, does this mean I'm now a senior mage?"
Makarov glanced at him but said nothing.
A senior mage? He had just moved from second-to-last place in mission completion to third-to-last.
Mira played along, "Well then, Rhodes, why don't you try guiding the newcomer?"
That seemed kind of interesting, so Rhodes asked, "Can I?"
To be safe, Makarov asked, "What do you plan to teach him?"
Rhodes looked at Mira and smiled, "Just like how Mira guided me, helping him get familiar with taking on missions, meeting clients, and completing tasks."
Tonno was delighted. So, newcomers would be mentored by senior mages after joining the guild? And it was even the strongest newcomer—it sounded very reassuring.
Rhodes thought for a moment and added, "I could also share some personal experience, like…"
"Alright, I've decided. Tonno will be guided by Levy." Makarov said decisively, "Didn't you mention you liked history?"
"Yes, but Rhodes, I..."
Makarov interrupted, "Don't worry about him. He and you aren't a good match."
Rhodes felt a little offended.
Mira covered her mouth, laughing. The guild master was probably worried that a newcomer guided by Rhodes would end up running around with explosive lacrima, right?
She patted Rhodes on the back in comfort, then turned to Tonno, "Come with me. I'll take you to find Levy."
Makarov said, "Don't look at me like that. There may be a mission for you in a few days."
"For me? What kind of mission requires saving for me specifically?" Rhodes thought for a moment. Could it be something from the Council again? Those guys were a bit troublesome.
"Details are not confirmed yet; we need further information." Makarov said, "Anyway, try not to leave town for the next couple of days."
"Alright." Rhodes was a bit unsure.
Makarov knew Rhodes' personality and reassured him, "Don't worry, if you end up going, I'll find a reliable partner for you."
Rhodes felt even less reassured now. If the guild master was already talking about finding him a partner, didn't that mean the mission was particularly tricky? Makarov shook his head and left with his hands behind his back—he still had a report to write.
That idiot Natsu went after some thieves and ended up demolishing seven houses. He hadn't even returned yet, but the Council's subpoena had already arrived.
A real headache.
When Mira returned, she found Rhodes with a troubled expression.
"What happened? Did the guild master say something?"
"No, it's just that there may be a huge trouble waiting for me."
Mira smiled, "It's because the guild master trusts you."
"Trusts me, yet won't let me mentor a newcomer."
"Well, about that…" Mira didn't really know what to say. Honestly, she thought having Rhodes mentor a newcomer wasn't a bad idea.
"Forget it," Rhodes said, "Wasn't Levy out on a job? How come the guild master assigned Tonno to her?"
"Levy just returned today; you were in the backyard, so you didn't see her." Mira explained. "They ran into some trouble during the mission. Now Jet is in the hospital, and Droy is taking care of him."
"That serious?" Rhodes frowned. "What happened?"
Mira said sympathetically, "Apparently, Jet wanted to show off and accidentally got caught in a trap meant for capturing wild beasts. So Levy and Droy had to protect him while finishing the job."
"..." It was hard for Rhodes to comment on this—this was the kind of situation where someone tries to show off and ends up making a fool of themselves.
"Should I go to the hospital to see him?"
"Better not. Levy said Jet doesn't want everyone to see him in such an embarrassing state."
Mira smiled mischievously, "If you must go, make sure to bring Reedus along."
"..." Miss Mira, your devilish nature is showing.
"By the way, have you thought about that matter?"
"I'll be going to Sorcerer Weekly's branch the day after tomorrow. The guild master hopes I can restore a bit of Fairy Tail's positive image."
Mira smiled, knowing it was because of Natsu's recent troublemaking that the guild master felt a bit anxious and decided to take action.
Rhodes had originally planned to accompany Mira.
But he didn't even get to wait until the day after tomorrow—early the next morning, the guild master, looking very serious, called him over.
And beside the guild master, besides Mira, who looked worried, there was also... Erza.
Rhodes immediately felt that something was wrong. Teaming up with Erza? Was the situation that serious?
Makarov spoke seriously, "This mission is dangerous. If, after I explain, you feel it's too difficult, you can choose to refuse."
Rhodes glanced at Erza and guessed, "An S-Class mission?"
Makarov shook his head, "It doesn't quite qualify as an S-Class, but if it isn't rated as such, it would be extremely difficult for others and could involve life-threatening danger."
Erza said, "If you're taking it so seriously, it must be an important mission. Please, tell us."
Rhodes nodded as well. If the situation was dangerous but they were still being asked to go, it must be something that had to be dealt with, no matter what. Makarov slowly said, "A cult worshiping the dark mage Zeref has appeared near the northern coast of the kingdom. They're called 'Shadow of the Ogre.'
"They've been abducting children from nearby villages and towns, intending to use them as sacrifices to summon the demon Carnibro from Zeref's book. The mission this time is to arrest the cult members and rescue the innocent children.
"Because the enemies may wield dangerous dark magic like Bone Break, Blood Conversion, and Curse of Death, and if their summoning succeeds, the mission's danger level could rise above S-Class, which is why Erza is needed.
"Since the mission involves both combat and protecting the children, I worry that Erza alone might not have enough focus. So... Rhodes, you're the most suitable candidate."