Gemini's interrogation efficiency is beyond words; just a slight touch can reveal all the intel in the prisoner's mind.
There happens to be a cadre recently captured by Lahar and his team in the prison.
As soon as Gemini made contact, they transformed into Abel—a small figure with a heavy turban over his head and clown makeup on his face.
"Bili-bili~ The Black Magic Sect's goal is 'Purification Plan,' which specifically involves killing all 30,000 people in Malba City and offering the 'pure souls of the innocent' to Zeref."
Rhode was not surprised by this answer; Zeref's zealots often come up with mad plans.
Lucy, however, was still startled: "They want to... kill 30,000 people?"
Abel in the cell was terrified: "What's going on?!"
At first, he saw two strange little things turn into his figure and didn't care, thinking it was just some special transformation technique.
He even ridiculed them in his heart, thinking they were naive enough to imitate his appearance and act as spies.
But as he listened to Gemini's words, Abel started to panic, realizing this wasn't just any ordinary transformation technique!
Gemini ignored him and continued: "Originally, the Black Magic Sect needed more than half a year to grow their membership, meticulously preparing. But recent actions by the Council have made them anxious.
"So they decided to accelerate their expansion and execute the plan ahead of schedule. Their leader, known as the Divine officer, recently issued the command:
"'On the New Year, assemble all members at Malba City's southern suburbs to execute the Purification Plan.' The reason being that on New Year's Day, people are less vigilant."
Lucy said: "New Year? Isn't that soon?"
Lahar replied sternly: "We cannot let them succeed; they must be apprehended before the New Year!"
"No need to rush." Rhode said, "We have the time and place, just take people and ambush them outside Malba City... How many forces do they have?"
Gemini responded: "The leader, the Divine officer alone, two headquarters cadres, ten division heads, and more than eight hundred other members.
"However, the last time Abel checked numbers was two weeks ago; by New Year's Day, there might be over a thousand."
"Over a thousand mages..." Sweat beaded on Lahar's forehead.
Over a thousand mages are different from over a thousand soldiers; these people can easily destroy a city.
Moreover, they all belong to the Black Magic Sect, so it's safe to assume each of them wields highly destructive magic.
Although the Council's Strong Detention Team is capable, completely wiping them out might incur significant casualties.
Rhode asked: "So, feeling pressured?"
Lahar frowned, but still said: "We can handle it."
Seeing his dilemma, Rhode suggested:
"Actually, our Fairy Tail Guild has dozens of mages itching to test their recent training results."
Lahar was intrigued; the destructive force of dozens of Fairy Tail mages might well surpass that of the Black Magic Sect's thousand or so.
But since the battle will be just outside Malba City, there is plenty of open space suited for Fairy Tail to let loose.
Even if things get a bit out of hand, worst case, the suburbs of Malba City gain a new artificial lake... No big deal.
Lahar quickly weighed the pros and cons, then sincerely said: "Please lend us your aid!"
Compensation was guaranteed, and the specific operation needed careful planning, so Rhode called Lucy and Lahar to the office to discuss.
Abel in the cell watched them leave, puzzled why the addition of just dozens of mages seemed to relieve the bespectacled guy.
In any case, since these people are so overconfident, the Divine officer and others are sure to succeed.
The Great Magic Realm will be unveiled!
...
"I'm in!"
"Count me in too!"
"I'm joining!"
"I'm getting rusty, can't miss out on this!"
"A man mustn't shrink from challenges like these!"
Back at the guild, as soon as Rhode mentioned a fight, a bunch of battle-thirsty folks couldn't sit still, scrambling to sign up.
These days, Rhode's been grilling them hard, and since they can't beat him, fighting others might not be bad.
The Black Magic Sect, a thousand members—they can go heavy-handed, right?
And they're even backed by the Council!
They have to go!
Rhode pressed both hands down, signaling for quiet:
"I understand how you feel, but this time, the enemies are Zeref's fanatics, and lots of their magic are lethal.
"So the danger of this action almost matches a war's, I hope everyone considers carefully before deciding."
Gajeel suddenly donned a white robe, laughing:
"Ji-hee~ For the lives of 30,000 innocent citizens, I must go; it's an Evaluator's duty."
Reby was surprised: "Didn't you return the robe?"
Li Li added: "Gajeel, you're no longer a Council member, and you were never an Evaluator."
Though Gajeel's conduct was a bit foolish, his words resonated with those initially indifferent to the commotion.
It's thirty thousand innocent lives, after all.
Consequently, everyone present signed up for the New Year's event.
Of course, Mira and Asuka's applications were invalid, and Qico was designated to keep them company.
—Her magic requires extensive preparation when leaving Magnolia, making it hard to employ on external battlefields.
After registration, Rhode noticed a considerable boost in his companions' training zeal, all eager to showcase their skills.
Finally, Christmas Eve arrived, December 31st, X791, and Rhode led the Fairy Tail members to the designated spot.
Gray looked around at the surroundings: "Isn't this quite far from Malba City?"
Rhode nodded: "Because it's an ambush, we need to be wary of being discovered by them."
Natsu bumped his fists together, eagerly saying: "Why all the hassle? Just find them and knock 'em flying!"
Gajeel replied: "Dummy, you gotta find them first."
"What did you say?"
Erza gently punched each on the head, quieting them, then asked: "Do we need to meet with the Council?"
Rhode replied: "No, they're busy hunting for suspicious characters in the city, we're handling the outside."
After the last collaboration, Lahar felt that the Council and Fairy Tail don't work well together on the battlefield, so they handle their tasks separately.
The Council has ample experience and primarily takes on the meticulous tasks.
While Fairy Tail, being action-oriented, tackles the less brainy parts.
"Fried, Ibarglin, and Reby, prepare the city protection technique first."
"Okay." ×3
Residents' safety must be the priority; thorough preparations are essential.