Rhode described his plan.
It involved being prepared to close the door before opening it, and once the effects of the Eclipse Gate were verified, immediately closing the door.
If an unsolvable problem arises, the Eclipse Gate can be used to bring the King or Princess back to the current time to prevent the door from being opened.
This could minimize the risk to the lowest possible level.
"I object." Danton said, "Since it's already certain that the Eclipse plan is useless, there's no need to attempt opening the door again, right? It would be better to destroy it quietly now."
"No! I agree with Mr. Rhode's plan." This time, Arcadios stood on Rhode's side.
He had worked hard for so many years and made so much effort, and he was really not willing if he couldn't see the effect with his own eyes.
Princess Jade said, "I also think this is the safest approach."
Her mentality was similar to Arcadios, having planned the strategy for so long, there should be some way to verify it.
Moreover, if the dragon horde is not related to the Eclipse plan, then one can travel through the Eclipse Gate further back in the past to make the past self do more preparation.
The King had similar thoughts but was somewhat wary: "May I ask, to what extent can the dragons' power reach?"
"The power of the dragons... is hard to describe." Rhode thought for a while and replied, "Do you remember the scene when I fought against Mr. Jura? The destructive power then could be roughly equivalent to the dragons just frolicking, perhaps?"
The four of them showed some fright on their faces, remembering the first day of the Great Demon Fighting Martial Arts when the two casually created mountains, easily shattered them, and frequently caused earthquakes...
Such a level of battle was just frolicking?
The King solemnly asked, "Then, how many dragons can you at most deal with, Mr. Rhode?"
Rhode replied conservatively, "If one or two ordinary dragons come, I'm confident there would be no personnel damage; four or five can be controlled though the battle would be intense, and the city would definitely suffer damage;
"If there are two or three more... it would be a tough battle, and there wouldn't be much energy to focus on things outside the battle, people nearby would have to rely on themselves to survive."
In other words, he could defeat seven or eight Mr. Jura at least? The Knight Captain and the Minister of State suddenly had this thought.
The King considered seriously for a while: "If what you say is true, then I agree to briefly open the Eclipse Gate."
Princess Jade asked curiously, "Father, why ask such a question first?"
"Because if the dragons come out of the Eclipse Gate, I worry that even if opened for a moment, not just one would appear." The King's speech slowed down, like he was organizing his words,
"I know some information, the 'target' that can come out of the Eclipse Gate at one time might be 5 or 6. I can't elaborate on why, but that's the situation as I understand it."
Rhode guessed the King's basis was probably factual. Perhaps, 14 years ago when the Eclipse Gate was opened, Anna came with five or six companions?
No time to think deeply now, Rhode nodded: "Six dragons, still manageable."
No surprises, not needing to use the last resort even.
After thinking for a moment, he added, "At that time, have the non-combatants stand far away."
"Then it is decided," The King looked at the time feeling it wasn't early anymore, "Is there any objection?"
Danton hesitated for a moment, said: "I still oppose such a dangerous attempt. But since it is His Majesty's command… I will fully cooperate, also, I request to participate in the vigilance work to guard against unruly persons."
"Very well, then begin preparations now." The King began issuing orders, "Danton, send people to inform the residents taking refuge outside the city. Due to the extended festival time and expanded range, ask them to move to outer refuges. Afterwards, lead the troops to guard against unusual situations in the city."
"Yes."
"Arcadios, take people to move the Eclipse Gate to the ground, place it behind the Royal Palace, then lead the Knight Order to tightly guard it, prohibiting unrelated persons from approaching."
"Yes."
"Jade, coordinate with Sergeant Yukino to prepare for the opening and forced closing of the door."
Princess Jade felt somewhat troubled: "Father, to open and then forcibly close the door in such a short time, our magic power may not be enough."
"This…" The King looked at Rhode.
Rhode nodded: "I will bring Lucy, but since there was an assassination attempt last night, I will bring a few people responsible for Lucy's safety.
"Please also consider the Princess and Yukino's safety, especially at the instant the Eclipse Gate opens."
"There was such a thing?" The King looked at Arcadios.
Arcadios quickly stated: "The Knight Order will vow to protect the Princess!"
"Hmm." The King nodded, "I will let the Hungry Wolf Knight Order cooperate with you, ensure nothing goes wrong."
"Yes!"
Danton and Arcadios each left, Princess Jade also went to find Yukino to finalize the details of opening the door.
Rhode returned to the Guild base, discussing with everyone the actions for tonight.
Unexpectedly, just as night fell, soldiers suddenly came to inform that the King was summoning all mages in the Royal Capital to Li Yin Chirsto Square.
"I understand, will bring the Guild immediately." Makarov responded to the messenger and came back to inquire from Rhode.
Rhode shook his head: "This was not discussed just now."
"Hmm…" Makarov thought for a moment, "The King's summoning cannot be ignored, let's go and see first."
...
When Fairy Tail arrived, the square was already crowded, looking around there were at least two or three thousand people.
Calculating from the festival teams alone this time, there were 182 participating teams, nearly a thousand contestants.
Even if not every team had the entire Guild like Fairy Tail as support, many came as spectators.
Gathering a few thousand mages was actually quite normal.
As the champion of this Great Demon Fighting Martial Arts, Fairy Tail was immediately noticed upon arrival and even quickly got preferential treatment—mages who arrived earlier voluntarily made way for them, allowing them to go to the front row.
Rhode signaled for the two Lucys to stay close to him to avoid any foul play. The 'bodyguards' of the two were also wary of the surroundings.
A moment later, the King and his guard appeared on the platform in the center of the square.
The noisy square soon quieted down, mages looked at the King with eyes mostly showing respect.
—Even if possessing power far beyond ordinary people, mages still respected royal authority.
The Council's team stayed on the outskirts, solemnly observing the mages.
Such a large-scale gathering of mages brought them considerable pressure.
Lahar and Dolanbart almost thought that the peace-loving Fiore Kingdom wanted to start a war.
Seeing the number is about right, the guards adjusted the loudspeakers, the King began to speak:
"Everyone, summoning you at this time is for a request."