Mebius returned enthusiastically, having arranged with Wendy, Carla, and Reby to share a room tonight.
Although Mebius is a ghost and doesn't need sleep, she enjoys being with her comrades like this.
Rhode and the others naturally went about their own bathing and sleeping routines.
Mira went to take a bath with Jubia.
When they came out, Jubia was hugging her chest, her face flushed red, while Mira held her face with one hand, smiling contentedly.
She surely did something wicked to Jubia or said something strange.
Sadly, it's impossible to find out.
June 30th, clear weather.
Rhode woke up in his pajamas, cuddling a blanket.
He turned his head to see the neighboring bed where Mira also hugged her blanket, albeit in a more ruthless fashion, hinting at a grappling technique from fighting arts.
Rhode couldn't help but sigh, realizing that those who aren't physically robust shouldn't marry someone skilled in fighting.
On Mira's other side, Jubia lay on her side, also hugging a blanket, but her expression was really suspicious.
Not to mention that in her sleep, she rubbed her face against the blanket, showing a smile with some suspicious drool at the corner of her mouth.
You could tell right away what kind of dream she was having.
Across from them, Laxus lay straight, while Gajeel sprawled out but was unexpectedly quiet.
Rhode's movements woke up his companions, who decided to get up and wash up together.
After breakfast, Rhode announced, "Today is for free activities, but don't forget the things I reminded you of, and make sure to return before dinner."
According to the schedule of the Great Demon Fighting Martial Arts, tomorrow is the official opening day.
The organizers specifically stated in the rules that all participants must return to the designated lodging by midnight tonight, or else be disqualified.
Rhode dislikes such low-level mistakes, so his requirement for the team is to return before dinner.
—A typical case of adding layers of requirements.
Unfortunately, the wicked Demon Couple controlled the guild, and Rhode himself was a 'trusted envoy,' most annoyingly, those who have opinions couldn't beat him.
So Gajeel and Jubia had no choice but to agree.
Rhode and Mira also decided to go for a stroll, and to avoid trouble, they dressed up a bit, changing their hairstyle and usual clothing style.
But they regretted going out shortly after.
The street was just too crowded.
More than during their guild's magical parade.
It's understandable though, with mages from over a hundred guilds gathered together, and ordinary people from all over the nation coming to watch, why wouldn't it be lively?
Finding a place to stay before the organizers arranged it was already considered lucky.
Mira, holding Rhode's arm, looked at the jostling crowd: "It's troublesome when everywhere is like this."
"Even magic four-wheeled vehicles can't run on the main road," Rhode said, "Let's head outside the city to find some lesser-known spots we haven't visited?"
Mira nodded, and they changed direction.
Along the way, they overheard many people complaining, saying 'There are so many people this year, not like last year.'
Mira nudged Rhode: "Is this you and Mr. Jura's fault?"
Rhode chuckled: "Heh, how do you know they aren't here for Fiore's number one beauty model?"
Mira feigned ignorance with a smile: "You mean Jenny? Hmm... she really does have a huge fan base."
"Ha... indeed, I'm talking about Jenny," Rhode laughed, "I'm actually a fan and have always wanted her signed photos, but I'm a bit afraid, so could Miss Mira help me?"
"Sure, just signed photos?" Mira clung tighter to Rhode's arm, asking, "Does Mr. Rhode want a chance to take a photo with her and have close contact?"
Rhode sensed an underlying danger in the soft contact, but didn't hesitate:
"Taking a photo is nice, but close contact isn't necessary. Not every model is as perfect as Miss Mirajane, both in magazine appearances and private life."
Mira's smile became extremely sweet: "Don't regret it, this is..."
Suddenly, a commotion arose ahead, followed by shouts about mages fighting.
Rhode decisively pulled Mira in another direction: "Let's go, take a detour."
Mira asked: "Not going to take a look?"
"No need, what if it's people from our guild, then managing is wrong, not managing is wrong, let them fight, they won't come to harm."
Rhode kept looking back alertly at the gathering crowd as they walked away.
It wasn't until they were far away that Rhode sighed in relief: "Luckily, no strange flying objects hit the back of your head. Seems like it's not people from our guild fighting."
Mira pouted: "What kind of odd standard is that."
Actually, today's fight incidents in the Royal Capital were far more than just this one.
Although other guilds' mages might not behave as recklessly as Fairy Tail, there are still hot-tempered individuals among them.
The relationship between guilds isn't always harmonious, often leading to conflicts, and grievances could carry over from previous Great Demon Fighting Martial Arts tournaments.
As a result, once they meet, fights are inevitable.
The Royal Capital's law enforcement team was quite busy, but in such situations, as long as no ordinary citizens were harmed and no one was hospitalized, they usually turned a blind eye.
Especially towards contestants, they were more lenient.
Careful people could probably sense that the importance of the Great Demon Fighting Martial Arts had been subtly placed above public order laws.
A delightful day passed, and Team B returned to the lodging on time.
Laxus didn't show any change, but Jubia and Gajeel seemed in good spirits.
During casual chat, Jubia revealed that she met her beloved Gray today.
Moreover, Gray and Leon both competed to invite her for lunch. Gray ultimately won by whisking Jubia away.
Jubia was still immersed in happiness.
Rhode started wondering if Leon genuinely fell for Jubia at first sight last time or if he noticed something and was assisting Gray.
Gajeel refused to share why he was in a good mood.
But Rhode noticed a few black cat hairs on his clothes—surprisingly, black cat hairs, not blue hair?
So he must have enjoyed petting a cat?
Reby, you lost to Li Li.
They chatted idly, and Rhode suggested that those feeling tired take a break, but it'd be best not to change clothes.
Because the rules specifically required returning before midnight, something must be happening, maybe an opening ceremony?
Laxus and Gajeel settled on the small sofa in the room, closing their eyes.
Jubia rolled around on her own bed.
Rhode and Mira were reviewing the key points of magic knowledge taught by the second-generation.
Time unknowingly reached midnight.
As the clock's second hand aligned with the hour and minute hands, the whole city rang with the sound of bells.
This explicitly unusual situation led Rhode and the others to stop what they were doing and gather at the window.
The chimes sounded twelve times, and all of the city's lights dimmed, replaced by intersecting beams of light at the city's center.
At the intersection of the beams appeared a giant image.
It was a Pumpkin Man wearing a green pointed hat.
He spread his arms wide, loudly announcing, "Hello to all guild members who are here for the Great Demon Fighting Martial Arts.
"Next, we'll conduct the qualifying round to reduce the 182 teams to 8!"