Rhodes hadn't expected that answer. He hadn't paid much attention earlier when Max and the others mentioned the rise of "new generation" mages on the way here.
But to hear that a guild relying on tools and new magic devices could actually surpass Blue Pegasus in competition?
Even if the events of the tournament weren't purely about combat, that was still impressive.
Rhodes realized then that joining this Grand Magic Games might be the best way to restore Fairy Tail's reputation, their standing, and the respect they'd lost.
"When's the next Grand Magic Games?" he asked.
"July of next year," Jura replied.
"...?" Rhodes was stunned.
Jura chuckled at his expression. "Impatient already? Unfortunately, this year's Games are over. We'll look forward to Fairy Tail's performance next year."
Rhodes sighed. It seemed this wasn't something that could be rushed. Still, it was just as well, who knew how many powerful mages had risen during the six years they were gone? Everyone would need time to train and prepare.
Jura lingered a while longer, chatting with Makarov about the current state of the world.
Lyon gave a small nod, quietly reminding Jura that it was time, they still had matters waiting back at Lamia Scale.
"I'll be along shortly," Jura said. "I have two things I need to speak about with Master Makarov."
Lyon said his proper farewells, gave Gray a pointed look, and then turned to Juvia with a dramatic flourish. "Do come visit sometime."
Juvia flushed, her mind immediately running away with strange imaginings. She glared at Lucy, who was giggling and clearly enjoying the scene.
Mira hesitated, torn between following to watch the unfolding "love triangle" drama or staying put to hear Jura's more serious news.
At the counter, Makarov leaned forward, curious. "What exactly did you want to discuss?"
Jura's expression grew serious. "First, about Grimoire Heart. They disbanded suddenly six years ago, but word has reached me that Hades was once Fairy Tail's Second Guild Master, Precht. Is that true?"
Makarov's face clouded with melancholy. "Aye. That's true. What of them now? Were they ever captured?"
"Some were arrested," Jura answered. He hadn't been surprised by Makarov's confirmation, his sources had been strong. He had only wanted to hear it directly from Fairy Tail.
"When news came that Grimoire Heart had dissolved, Hades and the Seven Kin of Purgatory were already gone. Some of the lower-ranked members drifted back into other dark guilds.
"But here's the strange part, whenever these remnants started making a name for themselves, taking illegal requests and stirring up trouble, they wouldn't last long. They were always captured by mysterious forces and dumped right at the Council's doorstep."
Rhodes raised an eyebrow. Jura continued. "Sometimes it was just one or two of them, other times entire guild branches. To this day, no one knows who was behind it."
At first, everyone had assumed it was some nameless vigilante, a righteous figure tired of the dark guilds but unwilling to break the treaty against inter-guild conflict. Yet now, with the revelation of Hades' Fairy Tail origins, speculation had begun to turn in a direction better left unsaid.
"In short," Jura concluded, "Hades and the Seven Kin have not been seen causing trouble in years."
Makarov released a long breath. For a moment he had feared Jura brought grave news of their return, but this was merely confirmation.
For an old man outwardly ninety-four, Makarov found himself muttering wryly: 'Having such an unreliable Second Master has caused nothing but headaches.'
If only Precht had been as steady and loyal as himself, things might have been different.
Jura then grew serious once more. "The second matter is about Laxus. During the time you were gone, I caught wind that a dark guild has been investigating his whereabouts."
The name immediately sobered Makarov, the drink clearing from his head. "Raven Tail?"
"Yes," Jura confirmed. "I heard that Raven Tail's Guild Master, Ivan, is your..."
"Ah. He's my son." Makarov's voice grew heavy. He remembered what Gajeel had once told him, that Ivan had been scheming to rip the Dragon Slayer lacrima from Laxus.
But Laxus had been missing for six years. Had Ivan truly given up?
"Did he cause any serious trouble?" Makarov pressed.
Jura shook his head. "No. In fact, not only has he avoided any major crimes, but he's also been making efforts to register Raven Tail as an official guild."
"Ivan… trying to go straight?" Makarov's eyes narrowed. He knew his son's character too well. Believing Ivan was reformed was about as likely as believing Gray could go a whole day without stripping.
Still frowning, Makarov muttered, "Thank you for telling me. But if you ever cross paths with Ivan… be extremely careful."
"I understand," Jura said, bowing slightly. "Then I'll take my leave."
Rhodes and Mira walked Jura and the Lamia Scale team to their ship, watching as they boarded and lifted off.
The Lamia Scale vessel was smaller and slimmer than the Fairy Warship. Its bow was carved in the shape of a beautiful woman, while the stern rose into a serpent's tail, just like their guild emblem, a serpent maiden.
The whole design looked like a dragon boat, elegant yet swift. Rhodes guessed it could outpace Fairy Tail's ship by half again, likely a brand-new model.
As they turned back toward the guild, they caught sight of Erza, who was just finishing her farewell with Simon.
Mira called out warmly, "Why don't you stay a bit longer, Simon? Things will only get livelier later, it hasn't even truly begun yet."
Simon smiled gently. "No, I've yet to return to Blue Pegasus to report in after my mission, and besides, you'll all have plenty on your hands soon. I'll come back to bother you again when I have more time. After all… you're right here."
Erza's heart warmed at those words. She smiled softly. "Yes. We're right here."
After watching Simon off, the three returned inside, only to find Makarov sitting cross-legged atop the counter, a deep frown etched into his face. His wine bottle sat at his side, unopened.
"Master?" Rhodes called.
"Mmm." Makarov's reply was distracted.
Erza stepped closer. "Is something troubling you?"
"All sorts of things," he sighed. Earlier, caught up in the drinking and laughter, he'd managed to forget them. But Jura's warnings had stirred it all back up, questions that needed answering, decisions that needed making. The more he thought, the heavier his head became.
"Is there anything that absolutely must be resolved immediately?" Erza asked.
Makarov paused, then admitted, "Well… no, not immediately."
Erza glanced around at their companions, already dragging tables aside to dance and brawl joyfully, and she smiled. "Then for now, let's just enjoy ourselves."
"That's right." Makarov chuckled. In Fairy Tail, nothing was more important than letting your heart out, laughing, crying, raging, and then carrying the weight of it all together. That was their way.
He tipped the bottle back and gulped deeply.
Rhodes raised an eyebrow. "Actually, Master, there is one thing pretty urgent."
"Hm?"
"Have you thought about notifying Porlyusica?"
"Pfft...cough, cough, cough!" Makarov nearly spat the wine across the room, hacking loudly.
Of course he should tell her. But if he showed up at her home reeking of booze, Porlyusica would definitely whack him with that broom of hers, six years of pent-up emotions packed into a single swing.
Makarov scratched his head nervously. "…How about inviting her here to celebrate with us?"
Rhodes blinked. "Do you really think that's appropriate? Bringing Porlyusica to a noisy, drunken party?"
Even Makarov realized how ridiculous it sounded. He glanced at Rhodes helplessly.
Rhodes thought a moment, then said, "How about Wendy and I go? She won't get mad at Wendy."
"As for me, " Rhodes grinned. "It's been six years since I last saw the old lady. I really do miss her. If I take a hit for it, I'll live."