Welbor Island, Devala Headquarters.
Within one of Devala's offices, the sound of scribbling and shuffling of papers were the only disturbances in this tranquil atmosphere.
A man with short light-blue hair and eyes, wearing a blue jacket along with a black shirt underneath, combined with black pants and boots that matched the color of his hair, is currently focusing on some documents that needed to be taken care of.
He had a face that was a mix of sharpness and calm, as if a raging wave was causally stored within, ready to burst when the situation calls for it.
After some time had passed, the Communication Lacrima beside him lightened up in activity. The man's hand paused, glancing at the sphere with a curious expression.
He answered it immediately, prompting the item to form a clear figure who wore golden armor. The light blue-haired man stared at the person for a moment, before initiating the conversation.
"To what do I owe the pleasure, Ivan Dreyar?" There was a hint of mockery as he said that, making the golden armored figure in the lacrima to scoff in annoyance.
"I do not need to hear your useless prattle, Vandis. I'm only here to inform you of interesting news that I've received from my men." The man, now known as Ivan, ignored the tasteless joke.
"Oh?" Vandis was aware of the convenience of his peculiar magic that can span long distances. There were a few active paper dolls that Ivan placed on his men that were undercover in both the town and island.
The dolls function as a way of communication, increasing surveillance against possible scenarios that may give their activities away.
"You are in the know that Wizards from Blue Pegasus are currently on the island, yes?" Ivan asked.
"Them?" Vandis raised an eyebrow. "Although it is a bit surprising, there's no point in noting every individual that enters the island." He shook his head as he wanted to focus on taking the next step for his plans.
Once he had confirmation of Mack's death, he simply waited for the news to drop. Slipping in magical bombs within the cruise undetected was a bit of a hassle, but the results were worth the effort.
During these five years of smearing his reputation, if he didn't have the assistance of Raven Tail, the established social status of Mack wouldn't have even budged. There were too many variables to consider.
So he did it little by little, planting a seed of doubt in the employees. The ones who had strong belief and respect for him needed to be dealt with other means. Those from Raven Tail were more experienced in administering such methods.
Whether it would be by bribery, blackmail, extortion, or even being silenced… There was no going back if he wished for his visions to be realized.
Then, they leveraged on these activities by fabricating evidence pointed towards Mack. But it needed to be on the basis of suspicion, and not outright arrest. Vandis still had to improve his standing within the island.
The political strife among the Noble Families, Craftsman Guilds and other factions could only fight within the shadows, since openly starting conflicts would give Mack the power to kick them out.
That was the unbreakable renown of a founder who built everything from scratch. Public opinion was completely on his side, which is why Vandis had to resort to illegal means to overcome this wall.
However, Mack managed to resist all of these, and was determined to identity the culprit at all costs. Unfortunately, the closer he got to the truth, the more flaws would be found with the evidence they forged.
Unbeknownst to Mack, Vandis was aware of his concealed movements, so he kept track all this time. From the quiet transfer of his family up until the turning point that birthed the incident.
Now, Vandis only needed to make sure his family wasn't a threat, while also navigating the stormy political situation that was on full throttle the moment Mack Devala's death was announced.
"Don't be so quick in dismissing it, this report might be related to that Mack in general." Ivan showed a thin smile.
"His passing will obviously incite some gossip." Vandis resumed his work on the documents, still not bothered by whatever Ivan was saying. "Give it some time, and everything will mellow out eventually."
"What if I include Waynir in the picture, then?" Ivan added.
Vandis frowned as he heard that name. The reclusive owner of Waynir Forgery was someone who disdained the power struggles between the factions, and only declared himself as a neutral party.
Obviously, he also knew of his close relationship with the founder of Devala Commerce, so Vandis monitored him with caution.
Although the blacksmith frequently conversed with his friend, there was not one instance on where Waynir stepped in to help when all kinds of rumors were swirling about.
Vandis deemed him as an accomplice during the first year, when the deal with Mack was at its early stages. But those suspicions lessened as the years went by, prompting him to erase the grumpy craftsman from his list of potential enemies to dispose of.
"Go on, I'm listening." Vandis glanced at the figure in the lacrima with an unreadable expression.
"One of my men that was disguised as a local talked with the group, and they didn't even act as customers or tourists." Ivan rubbed his chin in thought. "Their topic of interest solely focused on the situation regarding Mack, a bit unusual, don't you think?"
"It isn't that surprising." Vandis replied calmly. "I don't think anyone right now wouldn't find a place here in this island that's not talking about him." He narrowed his eyes as he inquired. "And him being close friends with Waynir is common knowledge, so get to the point already."
Ivan chuckled as he feigned being sad. "I'm quite hurt by your cold tone, given that we're considered comrades and all." Although his face never changed as he said that, then followed up with the matter at hand.
"Waynir was spotted to be exiting his forgery alongside the group, as if they had a substantial discussion." Ivan shared the report.
"Huh?" The Guild Master of Paramount Tide tilted his head in confusion. "That's it? You do realize how vague that sounds, right?" Vandis simply understood it as a normal negotiation between client and customer.
"I can't tell if you're displaying confidence or pure ignorance." Ivan stated with a bit of mirth. "Do what you will with that information, Kurohebi and Nullpudding could be of assistance while they're still stationed there… They wouldn't make things hard for you, so don't hesitate to contact them."
After saying his piece, Ivan abruptly ended the call right there and then. Vandis stared at the now silent Communication Lacrima, his mind racing with countless scenarios that stemmed from that single report.
He tapped his finger on his desk unconsciously, brushing off the matter for a moment. Vandis also knew that this so-called partnership with Raven Tail, even if it already spanned half a decade, had always been fragile under the pretenses of cordial cooperation.
Ivan Dreyar, son of the Eighth Wizard Saint, Makarov Dreyar.
Vandis wasn't privy as to why this person was expelled from Fairy Tail. But ever since they finalized this partnership to steadily take control over Devala Commerce, he saw the man as an elusive personality.
Ivan felt cryptic at times while holding up his end of the bargain. Raven Tail maybe the only dark guild that isn't included in the Baram Alliance, but their connections within the underworld were no joke.
They established numerous businesses based on assassinations, smuggling, and even contributing to the mass development for more slave trade deals with their country neighbor, Bosco.
Raven Tail never stepped too deep into the affairs of clients, opting for a professional distance always. Obviously, this was the underworld, so there were individuals who eyed them like prey.
But all who had harbored hostility against them were granted a cruel end. The network they built across numerous checkpoints were beneficial to most, meaning they didn't even need to lift a finger because others would do it for them.
Paramount Tide gained a lot by also doing transactions with Raven Tail, in return, they would share a portion of dominion of everything the island had to offer, slowly taking control of it under the noses of the island's local factions.
However, Vandis always took note of Ivan's eerie demeanor. He wasn't intimidated by it per say, but leaning more on curiosity. The underworld was a place where humans could express their wishes and desires without restraints.
It wasn't that uncommon to encounter unique unhinged outcasts or criminals who had nothing to lose.
The way how Ivan acted stood out like a sore thumb for him, because he couldn't truly guess what is on that man's mind.
Those with ambition openly declared themselves with raw determination, yet someone carved a name for himself while observing from the shadows was one who triumphed over various daydreamers.
Vandis saw hints of madness, anger, and pure obsession in the eyes of Ivan every time they made contact. That doesn't mean he would ask directly, but he was indeed amused that something could rile him up that much.
"As long as this type of progress is maintained, there would be no problems with that enigmatic guild." He muttered as he stood up, shifting his attention to his own matters right now.
Once he opened the door, a flurry of activity welcomed his sight. The second-floor lobby that is the central point between a collective number of offices is bustling with liveliness.
Heated discussions regarding the issue of Mack's passing were still in effect, and many had their own thoughts on how to go forward from here on out. The moment Vandis walked through such scenes, everyone paused to greet him respectfully, considering his guild was the protector of the commerce.
Vandis continued to walk across the twist and turns of many corridors and hallways for a while, before arriving at specific area that was avoided by most. He put his hand against a Lacrima Scanner, his magical signature being analyzed.
It glowed in recognition as circuits of Ethernano appeared and were channeled in response, then he pushed the entrance, showing a private and vast training field that was constructed just behind the headquarters.
"She should be here currently---!" Vandis immediately sensed another presence that was flying towards him with strong momentum.
He calmly glanced at the source, seeing a verdant-colored greatsword that was ready to chop him up. Vandis sighed as he casted a small stream of water, effortlessly redirecting the strike with no change in his expression.
BOOM!
A burst of wind created a crater that had web like cracks that surrounded the only two people here. Vandis gripped the attacker's right wrist after deflecting the weapon. He looked at the woman in front of him with annoyance.
"Didn't you have your fill of battle recently, Hana?"
"Hah! Taking care of some beasts isn't enough for me, you know? The quest was boring as hell!"
The woman huffed as she lifted the greatsword back as if it was weightless, making it disappear afterwards.
She had black hair that reached her shoulders, alongside matching eyes that could intimidate those who have weak wills. Her outfit consisted of a sleeveless red collared buttoned shirt, black pants, and battles heels that were a mix of black and crimson.
Vandis shook his head. "Well, I'm not here to entertain you, unfortunately." He looked at her seriously. "The task I'll give you may scrape some of that boredom, so you might find it worthwhile."
"You say that all the time, and half of them were tedious ones." Hana rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms.
Vandis sighed at his most competent wizard that was just behind him in strength. Her love for fights and greatswords were notorious within the guild, and only he could calm her down for the most part.
"This is different, I assure you." He tried to convince her that it wasn't the case.
"Here we go again." Hana grumbled. "Spill it." Her expression displayed disinterest and resignation, as if this type of conversation happened a lot.
"Do you know of the alliance that took down Oracion Seis?" When Vandis asked that, he saw the woman's face lighten up.
"Of course! I've always wanted to fight everyone that participated in that operation!" Hana grinned wildly. "I was planning to send duel requests if I had the time, but the commerce comes first anyway, right?" She clicked her tongue.
Vandis simply chuckled as he heard that. "At least you're aware of our guild's priorities." He said with amusement. "Although this time will be an exception, since it's related to that very alliance."
That got the battle maniac's attention. "You're not pulling my leg, are you? Is this some form of motivation for me to be more enthusiastic about measly tasks?"
"I'm not kidding, Hana." Vandis assured her. "Wizards from Blue Pegasus got into contact with Waynir. I want you to probe if they have any other intentions while being in the island."
"Haha! Did paranoia put you in a chokehold there, Master Vandis?" Hana giggled but show no signs of refusal. "I'll obviously accept this! I can use it as an excuse to battle openly, so it's a win-win anyway."
"Yes, yes. Off you go, then." Vandis gestured. "I'll contact those from Raven Tail who are currently undercover, they'll fill you in on more details, should there be any."
Hana mocked salute as she walked away.
Just like that, Welbor Island's Investigation group was compromised without them knowing.