After the inventive cross-country race, it was time for a listless breakfast.
For the mages of Fairy Tail, a ten-kilometer run is nothing, a cross-country run is nothing, adding some weight could be... a bit challenging, but still manageable.
The most troublesome part was having to stay alert at all times during the run to guard against some bizarre sneak attacks.
If you got hit, not only would it hurt a lot, but you'd also be required to retrace a certain distance and run again, with the trap positions changing on the repeated run.
Additionally, some people's annoying mouths were quite torturous...
This cross-country run was practically a dual test of spirit and body.
As Rhode ate, he could always feel an indistinct gaze sweeping over him.
Mira asked, puzzled, "What did you do to them?"
Rhode replied, "It was just an ordinary weighted cross-country run with a few little interference factors added."
Mira laughed, "But why do I feel like everyone wants to hit you?"
"Oh... that suggests the training wasn't tough enough."
After joking around for a while, Rhode noticed a wisp of pale purple mist drifting past the window.
"A friend is here," Rhode stood up, "I'll step out for a bit, let them follow the schedule for training, and ask Erza and Laxus to help watch over things."
Mira nodded, "Okay."
...
Rhode went out through the back door, where a person in a white cloak was leaning against the outer wall of the backyard waiting for him.
Upon hearing his approach, the person removed the hood of the cloak, revealing head of reddish-brown hair.
It was Eric, from Sin of the Witch, a former Oracion Seis member, also known as Cobra (Kobra).
Rhode asked, "Why not just come in directly?"
Eric said, "After all, I'm still a wanted criminal, it could be troublesome if I show up openly."
Rhode said, "There's no one else in the guild—can't you tell?"
Eric nodded, but then shook his head, "It's better to be cautious..."
Just as Rhode was about to speak, Eric immediately said:
"It's not what you think... whether we meet or not doesn't matter, as long as I know she's doing well... am I being unfair to her... am I very important to her... but she doesn't remember me anymore, does she... no, there's no need to add to her troubles, I haven't atoned for my crimes yet... you don't need to persuade me anymore... I..."
He talked as if he were neurotic, muttering to himself, but in fact, Rhode had hesitated several times to speak.
This guy always caught what Rhode wanted to say before he could open his mouth, and then started answering his own questions.
It looked like he had a split personality.
Rhode brought his fist down on his head with a thud, "Did you hear this thought of mine?"
"Wow!" Eric covered his head, "I heard it, but I didn't have time to react... ah, I know it's somewhat impolite, but the voices just enter my ears on their own... sorry."
Do I not need to explain even the reason for hitting him? Rhode sighed helplessly, "This way of communication is quite efficient, let's get to the main point first."
"Okay." Eric said, "Ultear is already trying to contact Precht, and since I'm the closest, I came to pass the message and share some intelligence."
"What intelligence?" Rhode realized he opened his mouth unnecessarily.
"Recently, a new mysterious organization that worships Zeref has appeared. They're collecting information about Zeref everywhere.
"Everywhere Demon Heart and Gate of the Underworld were once active, there's their trace.
"Any potential data, tablets related to Zeref have been scraped clean— even those that the Council deemed worthless after cleaning.
"Meanwhile, they're also spreading their religion, with followers likely exceeding a thousand, and they're not just limited to Fiore."
"Not long ago, I heard some intelligence that they believe Zeref isn't dead and have researched a way to summon him."
"That impressive?" Rhode was quite surprised; this Black Magic Sect was the deepest in Zeref studies he'd ever seen.
At least they weren't clamoring to resurrect Zeref.
Eric nodded and said, "Yes, they're devising some plan, specific actions not yet fixed, but the core involves death, massive deaths.
"They believe all souls should belong to Zeref's people, and by creating massive deaths and providing numerous souls, they can draw Zeref in, ushering the Great Magic Era."
Another group aiming for the Great Magic Era.
Rhode thought to tell this to the second generation and see if he finds it nostalgic.
Eric glanced at Rhode, sensing a streak of morbid curiosity in him.
Wisely he chose to pretend not to hear it and continued with his topic: "Later, the Council started monitoring them, and it became inconvenient for us to track them."
"The intelligence the Council holds right now isn't as detailed as yours," Rhode said, "your ability is quite handy."
Eric took out an envelope and handed it to Rhode, "Here is a list we've gathered, along with some places the sect members have appeared, I'm entrusting it to you."
"Okay, thank you." Rhode also took out a prepared document, "Please take this back for me."
That was information about the Western Continent.
Eric put away the materials and put his hood back on, "Then I'll be off now."
"Wait a moment." Rhode called after him, showing a kind smile,
"I'm requesting you meet with Ginanna one more time... could you do me this favor?"
Looking at Rhode's eyes, Eric reluctantly said, "Fine, I'll wait here."
"Thank you, just a moment." Rhode happily turned and went back.