It didn't take long for the short old man Uluvheim and the bald, long-bearded Jura to arrive.
After exchanging some pleasantries with Jura, Rhode casually asked for some snacks and then quietly started reading a book.
Jura was a laid-back person, able to chat with the boisterous Makarov as well as the ill-tempered Uluvheim.
At this moment, after greeting everyone, he suddenly started discussing the recent uproar about the Star Spirits.
Everyone looked towards Rhode; they had their own sources, knowing that although Yukino and Lucy, who hold the Zodiac keys, formally reported the matter to the Council, it was actually Fairy Tail that first brought it up and started investigating.
Makarov's demeanor made it hard for those unfamiliar with him to trust, so it was naturally assumed that Rhode was the one handling things.
Rhode said truthfully, "I may not know more than you since most of the important information has been disseminated through the Council.
"Some matters concerning our guild members' personal information are tricky to mention, so we're left with just this list."
Rhode took out a stack of papers that listed all the rebellious Star Spirits by categories: those confirmed to have returned to the Star Spirit Realm, those repelled and now unaccounted for, and those who have not yet shown up.
Further pages contained more detailed information—backgrounds, magic, reasons for being annulled, witnesses, and so forth, all laid out clearly.
The Council had a copy as well, though who knows if they were keeping it updated.
Rhode said, "This information is partially provided by the Star Spirit Realm, but mostly the work of our guild's Lucy and Reby."
Hayeberion quickly skimmed through it and praised, "It's truly clear and concise. If the Council had such talent, their work efficiency would improve greatly."
Jura flipped through a few pages and remarked in admiration, "This could nearly be compiled into a scholarly book on Celestial Spirit Science."
"Hahaha..." Makarov suddenly laughed, looking a bit silly.
He was delighted that his guild had such a variety of talented individuals.
Rhode followed up by lavishly praising Reby and Lucy, then continued to discuss the current stalemate.
"This is a real hassle, can't they just come out and fight fair and square?" Uluvheim grumbled irritably, "These hiding creatures claim they want to rule the Human Realm?"
"That's precisely why it's troublesome." Rhode also had no good solution; they couldn't just use all the Star Spirit Mages as bait, could they?
Uluvheim suggested, "How about using all the Star Spirit Mages as bait?"
Rhode looked at him in amazement — was this old man a hawk?
"Of course not," Hayeberion immediately opposed, "If any oversight occurs, it would be irreparable."
Jura expressed some concern, "If this drags on, someone might relax, thinking it's over."
"Such fools aren't worth mourning," Uluvheim said coldly, "Even if they survive this, they'll die next time."
"That's still a life, how can you say 'not worth mourning' so lightly!" Makarov couldn't agree with such a viewpoint.
The two old men, already at odds, immediately began arguing fiercely again.
Hayeberion tried to mediate them, "Alright, let's think of a solution slowly; we're not here to fight today."
Uluvheim grumbled discontentedly, "Speaking of which, why haven't those two arrived yet? Isn't one of them today's main focus?"
"Mr. Vorod sent word that he's busy today and can't come," Hayeberion said, "As for Mr. Brellins... he probably got lost; I'll go fetch him."
Uluvheim seemed to recall something and huffed lightly, "That troublesome fellow."
The other three didn't quite understand but remained quiet and waited.
Soon, through the perspective of the River Crab, Rhode saw Hayeberion leading a white-haired man towards them.
The man appeared to be in his forties, wearing round glasses, a beige mage robe, and holding a magic staff slightly taller than himself.
The group met him at the door, feeling he was somewhat peculiar.
Rhode observed closely and noticed deep forehead lines, with brows seemingly perpetually furrowed in thought.
Though he kept moving forward, it appeared he wasn't actually watching his steps — his gaze seemed unfocused, attention clearly elsewhere.
Stopping at the door, Hayeberion began to introduce, "This is the newly inducted Ten Wizard Saints, Brellins... um."
Before he could finish, Hayeberion winced as his foot got stepped on.
Brellins seemed completely unaware he was supposed to stop, and continued walking forward.
Uluvheim's arm enlarged into a giant green monstrous limb, narrowly stopping a massive fist mid-swing before Brellins, bringing a fierce gust of wind with it.
Brellins suddenly snapped back to reality, his right-hand-held magic staff gleamed briefly. Realizing the setting, he quickly withdrew.
Just in an instant, the magic power surging on the staff gained Jura's acknowledgment, fitting for one of the Ten Wizard Saints.
"Sorry, I was pondering some issues just now," Brellins spoke in a gentle voice, surprisingly endearing.
Hayeberion continued the introduction, "You've met Uluvheim; this is Jura, ranked fifth of the Ten Wizard Saints, this is the sixth, Makarov, and this is the seventh, Rhode."
"Good morning everyone. Then, uh... Mr. Rhode, I heard you also specialize in possession-based magic, could you let me study your magic tools?
"Don't worry, it's just ordinary magic research, I definitely won't disassemble it, nor damage it. Of course, I can compensate at the agreed time, I..."
With a firm handshake, Brellins earnestly chattered away, asking rather sincerely.
What's this guy's deal? Rhode turned questioning glances toward the others.
Uluvheim snorted, "That fool's a research fanatic, he gets intrigued by anything unfamiliar. Being targeted by him, prepare for annoyance."
Hayeberion explained, "Mr. Brellins is an inventor who specializes in magic tools. In his guild, Rays of the Rising Sun, all the magic tools are crafted by him.
"Additionally, some of his civilian products have hit the market receiving widespread acclaim. However, due to his research obsession, he often becomes absent-minded and somewhat... straightforward interpersonally."
Brellins added, "I just prefer efficient communication, so Mr. Rhode, please agree to my request."
"I see, so in the interest of efficiency, let me respond equally succinctly," Rhode smiled amicably, "I refuse."