"Is there really a dragon attack? The origin of the giant dragons is unknown?"
The evaluators were uncertain due to the reports from Lahar and Dolanbart.
In the original novel, Dolanbart, to prevent the black magic of the Eclipse Gate from affecting the stability of the Fiore Kingdom, deliberately used his magic to modify the memories of almost everyone who knew, including Lahar.
Therefore, everyone believed that the dragons they saw that night were illusions created by magic.
But now, even Dolanbart himself doesn't know about the Eclipse Gate incident, so naturally, he didn't modify anyone's memory and just reported truthfully with Lahar.
So the information the council received was that seven dragons of unknown origin attacked the Royal Capital of Fiore.
Chairman Gulan Domma temporarily suppressed other inquiries and first asked, "What about casualties, is the damage severe?"
Lahar responded, "There are many injured. However, thanks to timely treatment and Mr. Rhode summoned a giant dragon to counter them, only the city suffered severe damage."
The evaluators further inquired about details, with some astonished by Rhode's power, others seeming a bit apprehensive.
Previously, they knew he was strong, but didn't know he was this strong.
If what Lahar described is entirely accurate, doesn't that mean Rhode alone could almost withstand six or seven dragons?
Given the Celestial Wolf Island incident, their evaluation of the Black Dragon Acronologia's power probably also needs to be raised.
Since Lahar expressed not knowing the dragons' origin, the chairman asked, "Did anything suspicious happen during the Great Demon Fighting Martial Arts? Or see any suspicious persons?"
"Well… yes." Lahar immediately thought of Ultear.
Although internally he believed the Sin of the Witch was unrelated to this incident, he could only report truthfully.
After all, so many people saw it, there was no way to keep it secret.
The evaluators were very agitated upon hearing Ultear's name, with some immediately questioning:
"Having seen the felon of the Sin of the Witch, why not capture them?"
No need for Lahar to answer; Mr. Org immediately defended him: "Do you think soldiers should unhesitatingly aim their weapons at someone who just saved them?"
"That's a criminal! The culprit who once destroyed the council headquarters!"
"Even so, the primary enemy in such a situation remains the dragons in the sky and the 'sub-type' on the ground."
"Then what about after the battle? Why not continue to search for them?"
"In frontline command, one must consider soldiers' emotions and physical conditions! I see no fault in Captain Lahar's decision!"
"Turning a blind eye as felons escaped in front of them is a disgrace to law enforcement!"
The evaluators quarreled endlessly; Lahar himself also felt he should count as negligent this time but simultaneously believed he did the right thing.
As the conference room echoed with disputes, two Frog People bearing letters knocked at the door.
The chairman tapped the table, signaling others to quiet down, then called the outsiders in.
The Frog People respectfully delivered two letters. After reading, the chairman said, "These two letters, one is from Jura, the other from the King of Fiore Kingdom."
"Jura's letter is simple, believing he lacks the ability to be ranked as fifth among the Ten Wizard Saints and hopes Rhode's ranking can be adjusted forward, willing to take the last seat."
The evaluators discussed briefly, considering the issue not significant.
"Lacking ability and willing to be last is too much; Jura's magic power and contributions are apparent to all; he's too modest."
"Indeed, regarding ranking adjustment… with Rhode's displayed ability this time, he is worthy of the top three, perhaps even replacing that person's position."
At this point, everyone fell silent. On one hand, due to God Serena's 'disappearance,' on the other, Rhode's progress was too sudden.
Previously, tests judged his magic power barely passable; how did he, after disappearing for six years and shortly returning, grow to such an extent?
The original top four of the Ten Wizard Saints were known as the Ishujal Four Kings, acknowledged as monsters beyond human scope.
Now it seems there's another such monster.
"Let's switch Rhode and Jura's rankings." The chairman felt it unnecessary for Jura to truly go to the last seat.
The Ten Wizard Saints ultimately aren't solely based on combat power; Rhode is so young, he will surely improve even further.
"The letter from the Fiore Kingdom aligns with Lahar's report, mainly describing this incident and expressing gratitude to them."
The chairman passed the letters for others to read, then asked Lahar, "What's the matter with the Dragon's Treasure?"
Lahar said, "The Dragon's Treasure attacked the Royal Palace using magic-guided cluster cannon on the night of the incident, later captured by the Knight Order with Fairy Tail's assistance.
"I suspect they are related to the cause of the dragon attack, but Fiore insists on interrogating them independently. After all, the Royal Palace was attacked, from our position, we couldn't take away the criminals."
The evaluators nodded, this was reasonable; let Fiore interrogate first, and later the council actively contact them, it's alright.
Lahar mused and added, "If we want to trace back the dragon's origins… this time we captured several special criminals.
"They were hired by unidentified persons to assassinate Mr. Rhode and steal Miss Lucy's Star Spirit Key; tracing them to their guild might yield some results."
The Assassin's Guild and Thief's Guild, strictly speaking, also fall under their jurisdiction.
Having happened such an incident of assassinating the Ten Wizard Saints, it's reasonable for the council to seriously eliminate them.
The evaluators nodded in agreement, preparing to arrange the eradication of these two guilds immediately.
Having discussed these issues with relatively low difficulty, the topic came to the most troublesome matter.
What to do about the flame dragon that was let go?
If there was anything that made the evaluators most uneasy in the whole incident, it was how this flame dragon, which had a record of damaging the Royal Capital, whose whereabouts are now unknown, and the Sin of the Witch, who has again vanished without trace, might be equally concerning.
The Fiore side claims this flame dragon is hence finding a place to live in seclusion, won't act out aggressively…
But considering the entire Magic Realm's stability, the council absolutely can't help but keep a watchful eye.
After all, it's an anomaly, and a powerful one at that.
However, until now, Fairy Tail, the one capable of dealing with dragons, seems to hold a quite friendly attitude towards this dragon.
The evaluators argued for a while, ultimately deciding to find the flame dragon's whereabouts, observe its actions but try not to provoke it.
Of course, also to prepare for the worst and devise a 'Dragon Slayer plan.'
As for the Sin of the Witch, the crime can't be pardoned yet, but its priority in response should be slightly lowered.
The subsequent topics need no Lahar's participation, he also timely exited the conference room.
Looking at the time, this meeting seems to have run from morning until dusk.
Dolanbart leaned against the wall, arms crossed, "Finally over? It's the same as always, discussing even a trivial matter all day."
Lahar shook his head, "The evaluators are responsible for the Magic Realm. Moreover… how can the near-ruin of Fiore's Royal Capital be considered trivial?"
"Yes, yes." Dolanbart spread his hands, "So, busy times ahead again?"
"Indeed…" Lahar adjusted his glasses, smiled at Dolanbart, "Your change in recent years is quite significant; a year ago, you'd definitely say 'a chance to achieve merit has come, must give my all this time' or something like that."
"Is that so…" Dolanbart tilted his head back, gazing at the ceiling.
If the plan on Celestial Wolf Island had gone smoothly, really allowing him to capture Demon's Heart, arrest Zeref, save Fairy Tail, and make great achievements…
Perhaps he wouldn't be like he is now.
During past years, he constantly regretted his powerlessness that day; upon hearing the destruction of Celestial Wolf Island, he felt a deep pain.
Evidently, that was the guild he constantly wanted to find fault with…