Rhode handed the backup intelligence to Balrog, telling her to take it back directly.
Not long after, the President came over and gave him a list.
"I directly inquired about this matter through the Local Guild Alliance; basically, any guild with a Star Spirit Mage has received the same commission."
This kind of 'wide-net' commission release usually follows the rule of first come, first served, whoever meets the client first gets the task.
But as long as the client requests it and the mages don't mind, everyone can execute the same mission.
Whether it's a competition or cooperation approach, both are allowed.
Although the cost might be higher, the client doesn't care about money, and the Mages' Guild can't complain.
Rhode asked, "When did this happen, has anyone taken the job?"
Makarov said, "Almost like us, I inquired, and these are commissions received the day before yesterday, with some taken that very day, and most taken yesterday.
"In total, there are 13 Star Spirit Mages, along with their companions, totaling 30 people."
This is just the situation within the local guild alliance they belong to in Fairy Tail; 13 Star Spirit Mages is quite a number.
Across the entire Fiore Kingdom, there might not be even 100 Star Spirit Mages; on the entire Ishujal Continent, there could be around 200.
That Mr. Dor they met last time might also be among them.
Fortunately, there are quite a few Star Spirits outside the Zodiac Gates; otherwise, Celestial Spirit Magic would be considered a very niche and obscure magic.
Rhode calculated and wondered, "If we calculate according to the President's statistics, could there be over 400 mages involved this time?
"Would the Pegrandi Kingdom allow such a large-scale entry of mages?"
Makarov said, "Have you forgotten? The Pegrandi Kingdom is a federal country, quite lax in management.
"Saint Dopia is also an uninhabited area; the royal high-ups might not even notice it. Besides, a considerable number of mages are actually natives."
Rhode asked, "Can we order the major guilds to urgently recall them?"
"Impossible," Makarov said, "Communication Magic Crystals are expensive and inconvenient to carry; few people take them when they go out.
"And the latest departures were only yesterday, most likely already at the destination by now. Moreover, we don't have concrete evidence to prove there's an issue with the mission.
"I had someone investigate the client, and they indeed are a renowned astronomer from the Pegrandi Kingdom. The commission is legitimate and legal without any compulsory requirements."
"Tsk... Doesn't that mean these people went voluntarily, and to put it harshly, if something goes wrong and they die, it's their own fault?"
"Mr. Rhode..." Lucy's nature made it impossible for her to watch so many people possibly facing danger without doing anything.
Although she was somewhat scared, it was a matter concerning Star Spirits, and she was determined to see it through no matter what.
"No need to show that expression," Rhode said, "Since I told you about this, I'm already mentally prepared to make a trip.
"Look on the bright side, if we can completely resolve the issue this time, we can be more at ease in the future."
Lucy showed a grateful expression, "Thank you!"
"Alright, check your keys, then go to the warehouse to select a Bursting Magic Crystal and Magic Book, or other tools, and we'll head out immediately."
"Here." Mira handed the keys to Lucy.
"Yes!" Lucy trotted towards the warehouse.
Rhode didn't have much to prepare; he just needed to say goodbye to his wife.
Mira helped adjust his collar, "It's very dangerous this time, how about I go with you?"
Rhode grinned, "No need, just take care of the guild and keep the bed warm at night."
Mira rolled her eyes, "It's almost summer, and you still want a warm bed."
Rhode chuckled, "Don't worry, I can run super fast now, if needed, I can bring the entire guild over, so just wait at home for the news."
When Lucy returned with the items, four people and two cats appeared before them.
Erza, Natsu, Gray, Wendy, Hapi, and Carla suddenly showed up, looking like they were coming along.
"Everyone?"
Natsu flexed his arm, "My training has been going well lately, I just want to stretch a bit, heard we're going to a no-man's land?"
"Aye! Natsu is completely different from before!"
Lucy, helpless, remarked, "Even if it's a no-man's land, it's still the Holy Land of Astronomy and Celestial Spirit Magic."
Erza, clad in his usual armor, stood with arms akimbo, smiling, "Speaking of which, it's been a while since our team acted together."
Lucy, feeling guilty, said, "Ahaha, because everyone had their schedules disrupted by various things."
Gray, with one hand in his pocket (surprisingly wearing pants), scratched his head with the other, "Been tied up so tightly lately, need to get away for a bit."
Lucy, worried, said, "Remarks like this seem a bit dodgy... Moreover, I'll be swamped when we return, won't I..."
Wendy raised the small white cat, "Carla wants to help; her abilities are quite useful."
Carla retorted, "It's clearly you worried someone might get injured."
Even though everyone got a round of comedic snark, Lucy understood why they came, and she said, touched, "Thank you, thank you, everyone!"
The atmosphere was harmonious, and Lucy was motivated; as long as they're together, things will surely go smoothly.
Full of energy, she said, "Mr. Rhode, let's go!"
"Hmm..." Rhode sighed, disrupting the mood, "Actually, I want to back out now."
Lucy paused, "Why!"
Rhode sighed, saying, "Originally, I didn't think much of it, but now that you're all coming, with such emotional tension, it surely won't be a small hassle."
Gray, displeased, said, "You jerk, there's a limit to making fun of people, you know? We're not always causing trouble."
Natsu, a bit guilty, added, "Lately, it's been rare to cause trouble."
Lucy looked at Natsu, stifling the urge to retort, this person just said something about creating a ruckus earlier on.
Wendy and Carla understood Rhode's feelings and didn't interrupt.
"I'll make sure to keep an eye on them this time." Erza directly looped her arms around the two, their heads making a clear sound as they hit her breastplate.
Natsu and Gray struggled.
What I'm worried about isn't that; it's your protagonist's aura.
Rhode smiled; eventually, it had to be dealt with. A bit of a hassle, let it be a hassle.
"Alright, let's go." He called everyone to the guild's backyard, "Cloud Sub-Dragon!"
The blue and white Cloud Sub-Dragon appeared immediately, scanning the crowd and casting an extra glance at Natsu before smiling at Wendy.
Wendy returned a sweet smile, "Hello, Sister Cloud."
Yunnan Sub-Dragon nodded briskly, asking Rhode, "Fighting or heading out?"
Rhode replied, "Heading out; we might as well cross half a continent."
"No problem, come on up." She lowered a wing to let everyone 'board.'