Mebius replied, "For Zeref, establishing the Alvarez Empire was partly to pass the time and partly to prepare for war."
Makarov instinctively said, "Prepare for war? Against us?"
Mebius shook her head, "No, against Acronologia. He probably thought about using the entire continent's power to combat Acronologia."
Makarov said, "In the end... did he fail?"
Mebius said, "You can't say it's a failure, because the two sides haven't faced each other directly yet.
"Maybe up till today, he still isn't confident that the Western Continent's power can win.
"...That's also why he needs to obtain the Fairies' Heart next."
Now Makarov was shocked, "An entire continent can't resist Acronologia..."
If the combined power of the Western Continent can't handle Acronologia, doesn't that mean he can...
Defeat the entire world with the power of one Dragon?
Although he had witnessed the power of the Black Dragon firsthand, he recalled the experience on Celestial Wolf Island and felt that Acronologia shouldn't be that strong.
At that time, the few Dragons and Big Spider summoned by Rhode seemed capable of harming that Black Dragon...
No, he couldn't think like that.
The creatures summoned by Rhode often possessed unreasonable powers that seemed not to belong to this world.
From a Mage's perspective, scales that can almost immunize against all Magic are, indeed, enough to cause despair.
When you reach the level of Acronologia, the number of Mages hardly matters.
Even the mighty Western Continent.
Then the question arises, if Rhode were to summon six Dragons together now, could they win?
Makarov thought about it and gave up pondering.
The Black Dragon killed more than just six Dragons four hundred years ago; such battles aren't ones he can judge based on imagination.
Rhode, not knowing what the old man was thinking, continued to ask, "Won't Zeref's curse kill people from that country?"
Mebius explained, "No, because he treats the process of establishing the Empire as a management game. The continent is his chessboard, the people, his pieces.
"He won't 'love' his pieces, so the curse doesn't take effect. But..."
She hesitated for a moment but continued:
"However, Zeref was originally a kind person. For a long time, to avoid harming life, he forced himself not to 'love' or care about any life.
"But his inner kindness would often awaken, creating two personalities due to this contradiction.
"When the ruthless personality dominates, he plays 'management games' in the Western Continent, expanding land through cruel wars, finding it amusing.
"When the kind personality dominates, he would find the indifference to life and reckless warring ugly, commanding subordinates to cease warfare.
"Meanwhile, he'd also wander to uninhabited places, fearing he'd harm his citizens. During such periods, he'd seek ways to end his own life.
"When the ruthless personality takes over again, Zeref would return home to start wars once more, and the cycle repeats..."
"How could a country with orders that might be halted at any moment unify the whole continent?"
Rhode found it hard to understand how someone with constantly changing orders could maintain authority.
Mebius might not understand either, but with the facts laid out, she could only speculate:
"I don't know the specifics. Maybe he stops wars every time right after a major battle when rest and recuperation are needed.
"And when the next war starts, the country has already recovered...
"Moreover, there are probably some excellent people in that country who keep it running even in his absence."
That's too far-fetched...
A monarchy that can be activated anytime, right?
Makarov didn't dwell much on how Albarez was founded.
He calculated the time and said with furrowed brows, "The destruction of Feis and the paralysis of Magical Elf Power should soon have reached the Western Continent.
"But they haven't acted yet... does that imply Zeref is probably wandering abroad at the moment?
"Then the timing of Albarez launching a war depends on when he'll return next?"
Mebius nodded, "There's a good chance that's the case. So things aren't that urgent yet."
Rhode pondered and asked somewhat eagerly, "If that's the case... could I infiltrate and secretly take care of a few troublesome...?"
"No way!" Mebius and Makarov stopped him in unison.
Makarov said sternly, "It's the enemy's stronghold over there. As far as I know, someone among the Twelve Shields seems to master quite dangerous magic. Also, their Magic Power may not be inferior to yours. It's too risky to barge in recklessly."
Mebius agreed, "I think so too. At least understand what kind of magic the enemy uses before taking action."
Some magic can't be countered just by having more Magic Power than the Caster. Carelessness could lead to falling for it.
So, enemy intelligence is crucial. Even if we don't find weaknesses, we should at least understand their magic's basic functions.
"Alright, let's investigate first." Rhode, not yet turned into a reckless fool, didn't oppose thorough preparation.
He thought for a moment and suggested, "How about asking Alzack and Bisca? I remember they immigrated from the Western Continent."
Makarov nodded, "It's possible, but they came here quite early, may not know much. Also, they might not return until the day after tomorrow."
Rhode feigned surprise and said, "You actually know their whereabouts?"
Makarov glanced at him strangely, "Isn't that the President's duty?"
Rhode promptly praised, "You are indeed an excellent President, irreplaceable by anyone."
"Of course..." Makarov was taken aback, what's the meaning of this kid?
Rhode quickly discussed the next steps with Mebius.
Firstly, gather intelligence. That's to wait for Alzack and Bisca's return to inquire, and also ask the Council for help.
Next, try to track Zeref's whereabouts, which Sin of the Witch has been doing; we can reach out to them.
Then there's strengthening the Guild's members. In such large-scale wars, no one can ensure no unexpected events.
The stronger everyone is, the higher their survival chances.
So Rhode plans to conduct a devilish training within the Guild.
Apart from the elders, pregnant women, and children, from S-Class Mages to a few little kittens, all are to be dragged in for special training.
Ideally, only allowing them necessary rest and to earn a living.
Given the competitive spirit of the Guild's people, just secretly telling them their archrivals are joining is enough to ensure no one wants to fall behind.
Although deceiving so many people simultaneously isn't very great, but...
It's fine to just deceive Lucy, then let her 'spread the rumor'.
Rhode is confident that deceiving Lucy doesn't even require telling a single lie.
Well, this way he won't feel guilty.
Today is another conscience-driven day.
Rhode smiled contentedly.
Mebius tugged at Makarov's clothes, but being in Ghost state, she naturally didn't touch him.
However, Makarov noticed her gesture and asked, "What's wrong, First Generation?"
"It's nothing, just felt Rhode's smile just now was a bit scary."
Makarov: "..."
Just leave him be, it's not like he'll do anything bad.