Black Snake added, "Moreover, the Dragon-Slaying Magic Crystal inside Laxus is very valuable. It's a rare item now, even difficult to purchase with money. After capturing him, even if we can't extract any secrets, we could still dig out the Magic Crystal for a hefty profit."
Rhode frowned. Extracting a Magic Crystal implanted in someone's body is extremely risky, potentially destroying their magic at best, or causing disability or even instant death at worst.
Has Ivan gone mad? Isn't he Laxus's own father?
Rhode found it unbelievable.
If the President were to find out about this, he would be heartbroken.
Rhode pointed to the Magic Crystal not far away, "If you didn't kidnap my companion, then what was that Magic Crystal turned into?"
Black Snake replied sheepishly, "Since there were legitimate guild mages investigating us, I used the Angel Cannon to capture her. The President said we could make use of her."
This person is truly unfortunate.
"Speaking of which, weren't you all planning to become a legitimate guild?"
"Because being a legitimate guild makes some things easier, but the ultimate goal is still to find out about Flowing Starlight. So now that there's a chance to find out directly, we can skip that step..."
This plan of action is quite flexible.
He physically hypnotized Black Snake and then went to ask Freyja.
The Marine Sub-Dragon and Freyja were chatting happily—only one party was happy.
When Rhode approached, she seemed a bit regretful and took the opportunity to demand, "At least compensate me with two jokes."
"...Fine." The demand was too low.
Rhode repeated the previous question, getting a similar answer. Seeing Ivan's anxious and angry expression, it seemed true.
"You can go back. I'll handle these people."
The Mountain Sub-Dragon and Cloud Sub-Dragon eagerly returned to the canyon. One was simply in a hurry to sleep, while the other's personality dictated a quick reminder to "find someone fast" upon returning.
The sentence was short, and having communicated more over the years, even at a fast pace, Rhode could understand.
The Purgatory Sub-Dragon had a different focus: "These guys are too useless. Call me again when you encounter something fierce."
"Alright." You used to say to come to you whenever there's a fight.
The Purgatory Sub-Dragon added, "And that black kid, find him quickly so the brothers can deal with him."
"...Alright." Rhode nodded. The 'black kid' referred to the Black Dragon Acnologia, and the Purgatory Sub-Dragon had been holding a grudge.
"Hey, and that little girl..."
"..." Big brother, you're about to turn into a matchmaker.
The Purgatory Sub-Dragon looked at Freyja and said, "I feel that fire dragon kid might fancy her. So why don't you go easy on her?"
Rhode was taken aback, "Big brother, are you playing matchmaker now?"
"No, what are you thinking? I'm talking about that smell on her."
"...Brother, we can't be this perverted."
"..." The Purgatory Sub-Dragon was silent for three seconds, then squeezed out a line, "Well, that's how it is. Let's practice again when we have time."
The Purgatory Sub-Dragon disappeared, and Rhode realized he might have stirred up some trouble.
But it wasn't a big problem, he had fought before.
He stared at Freyja for a while, making her uneasy, but he couldn't see anything different.
In terms of beauty, she wasn't prettier than Mira; in terms of figure, it was strong but not outstanding. Her demeanor was peculiar...
As for the smell the Purgatory Sub-Dragon mentioned... Rhode hesitated for a moment, but in the end, he didn't go up to sniff her and directly asked the Marine Sub-Dragon lingering nearby, "Does she have anything special?"
The Marine Sub-Dragon nodded, "Hmm, her sense of humor is higher than yours. I told her a few jokes, and she didn't laugh."
"..." Can I just say it's because I sometimes cooperate with you, and she literally can't laugh now?
"Rhode!" A demon flew down from the sky.
Mira first looked around cautiously, seeing unfamiliar people lying on the ground, with a dragon guarding nearby, then grabbed Rhode and checked him thoroughly.
"Are you okay? What happened?" Mira asked urgently.
Seeing four dragons from a distance had terrified her.
The last time on Celestial Wolf Island, she had only seen three. What kind of enemy was it this time?
"Nothing, nothing." Rhode petted her head, "The big setup was mainly because they pretended there was a hostage, and I wanted to ensure a precise strike. Why are you here?"
He flexed his muscles as well to make them confess obediently.
Mira said, "Gajeel sent word back to the guild that Raven's Tail might be up to something against you and Laxus. You had sent Yukino off, and it's been a while without you returning; we got worried something might have happened. The President and others are coming."
She glanced around after speaking, "But it seems unnecessary now."
Ivan heard her mention Gajeel's message, mumbled angrily. That Gajeel, the damned double agent!
Rhode ignored him, holding Mira's hand, "Let me introduce you, this is the Marine Sub-Dragon, who loves jokes and rainy days. I've been well taken care of by her these years."
Hearing this, Mira immediately adjusted her clothes and bowed formally to the Marine Sub-Dragon, "Sorry for the trouble Rhode caused, thank you."
Rhode also introduced to the Marine Sub-Dragon, "This is Mira, my fiancée."
The Marine Sub-Dragon quickly said, "I know, I know, she's the one you occasionally call out for in your sleep, right?"
Mira gave Rhode a gentle look.
Rhode gave a 'bashful' smile and thought to himself, Sister Ocean, from now on, you're my long-lost sister of a different species!
Mira blushed a bit and started chatting with the Marine Sub-Dragon, asking about Rhode's living conditions.
Talking about these things made her forget to ask about the recent events.
The only issue was, the more the Marine Sub-Dragon talked, the more she wanted to laugh, and the more Mira listened, the more she wanted to cry.
"Sister Mira! Brother-in-law!" A large green bird and an ugly magical beast flew down and turned into Lisana and Elfman upon landing.
Not long after, Makarov arrived with a group of people, including Macao, Wakaba, Gajeel, and Li Li.
Gajeel stood with arms akimbo, examining this dragon he hadn't seen before, "I said this guy doesn't need anyone to worry."
Macao and many others were seeing the Marine Sub-Dragon for the first time, "It's a dragon; Rhode can actually summon a dragon."
Wakaba felt complex emotions, "This kid has finally become unimaginably strong."
Marcus said, "Like Kildas, he's already a complete monster, right?"
Several people quietly reduced their presence. Before, when Marcus fought with Natsu, they had fantasized about surpassing Rhode again, but now they didn't dare to imagine it at all.
Makarov, confirming that Rhode was okay, looked at Ivan with a complex expression, "Ultimately, it's come to this. Is your pursuit truly more important than your companions?"