Waynir offered to be the group's guide as they toured the island for the rest of the afternoon, ending it the moment evening arrived.
Naturally, there were two reasons as to why he did it. One, he was grateful for finding out his friend was alive, while also getting updated on his current status. Two, to not arouse too much suspicion based on their identities, because he was sure that he was being monitored in some way.
When you also factor in the attention they've received during their treks along different sections of the island, Ichiya's group had to act the part of being customers that required his services.
But they also had to make sure it wouldn't be too obvious, since showing a high level of caution may backfire.
After their period of relaxation, the blacksmith led them towards a location that wasn't swarmed by locals, one that was reserved for him alone.
"This is my place." Waynir introduced his mansion to the others, which had enough space to be seen as a whole area. "Although it's the same kind of quiet like my forgery, I'm not a fan of living with so much noise."
"We don't mind the tranquility, Sir Waynir." Hibiki sighed as he gestured towards Eve and Ren. "We're too recognizable to people who follow Sorcerer's Magazine, so I envy your lifestyle."
"Yeah, I decided to buy a house near the guild for convenience. But the downside of it is being preoccupied by enthusiastic fans." Ren grumbled.
"C'mon, guys. Let's just focus on the mission for now." Eve sweat dropped as he glanced at their gloomy leader who was drawing circles on the ground.
It's a good thing that there was a person who was currently in the same predicament, staying by the man's side in understanding.
Max comforted Ichiya with an encouraging pat on the back. "Don't be so down, Ichiya, at least it adds to our chance of not being discovered."
"You have a point, Max-kun!" Ichiya quickly shook his head as he instantly recovered. "Men~! Listen well, you three! The perks of not having anyone to recognize you is the essence of a successful investigation!" He posed while lecturing the Trimens.
"We'll remember your lesson, boss!" They bowed in unison.
Waynir chuckled as he looked at Max who was walking towards his direction. "They're an entertaining bunch."
"Yep." Max also laughed. "That's just how they are for the most part."
Once Blue Pegasus were done with their antics, the group entered the house under Waynir's guidance. The inside was what one would expect from a mansion, although it was a bit overwhelming for a single person.
They each occupied a couch within the living room, making themselves comfortable while preparing for another Telepathic Link.
"It may stun you at first, but don't resist against it, Sir Waynir." Hibiki had two fingers on the side of his head while rested his hand on the blacksmith's shoulders.
Waynir nodded and closed his eyes, waiting for the Archive Wizard to do his thing. There were a few moments of silence before he felt a connection that bonded with others' thoughts.
[Can you hear me, Sir Waynir?] Hibiki asked.
[This is… incredible. I didn't think that there would be magic like this.] Waynir looked at Hibiki to confirm that it's working fine.
[Oh? There's a new guy in here. Did something happen?] Lyon's voice appeared with a tone of curiosity.
[Yeah. We'll just have to connect Mr. Devala in here before we get to that.] Hibiki said. [Warren, we planted an activation link within him, right?]
[I'm pretty sure we did.] Warren answered. [You there, Natsu, Kagura, Happy? Can you three tell him to enter the Telepathic Link.]
[Sure thing. I'll be the one to inform him.] Kagura responded.
[I'm still busy with watchin' over this prisoner of ours.] Natsu suddenly interjected as he didn't sound tired at all, considering they had the captive since early afternoon.
[I hope he's intact, Natsu. We can't have someone whose mind is in shambles because of a string of knockouts, right?] Lyon joked.
[Aye! Natsu did it four times before he threw in the towel. He actually looked traumatized from what I remembered… He's currently with his hands tied to the ground just outside the house.] Happy explained with a joyful voice.
Everybody within the Telepathic link were simply speechless as they listened. It looked like direct physical methods can be truly effective from time to time. Especially when it came from a dragon slayer that only had out of the norm ideas lurking in that brain of his.
[Wow. Is this considered as mental torture?] Warren remarked in slight awe.
[You're quite good at it, Natsu.] Lyon chuckled.
[Does it really look like that? My punches weren't even that strong.] Natsu asked as if he was confused.
[The boon of natural strength is a thing of beauty, Natsu-kun!] Ichiya praised him.
[Thanks, I guess…?] Natsu's voice trailed off. [Ah! He's here, guys. Mack's gonna join now.]
The Telepathic Link within their minds trembled, feeling another individual thought surface with the rest of them.
Waynir clenched his fists as he took a deep breath, the anticipation for confirming his friend's situation reflected on his face.
[Hello, are my thoughts being expressed clearly?] A new voice entered the conversation, sounding unsure if it worked or not.
[Affirmative, Mr. Devala. We apologize for disturbing your quality time with your family, but I'm sure you would like to catch up with your friend also.] Hibiki said.
[There's no problem. I'm grateful to all of you who didn't hesitate to offer help, even if the situation was still unclear.] Mack didn't mind the interruption. [By friend, do you mean…?]
When the Telepathic Link was created, Hibiki and Warren already asked Mack if it was fine to include him. But he refused at first, since he wanted to see his family before getting into the bottom of the issue.
Those five years of trying to fight against an enemy that was quietly sabotaging him took a lot out of him mentally. If you add in the fact of him finally figuring out the identity of the culprit and dodging death's embrace…
It was too much to process for one normal man, and he needed a place to peacefully recover until he was good to go.
Mack obviously wouldn't let them dip into this situation blindly, so he shared general knowledge that can be used upon their arrival at the town and island. It was a matter of verifying such suspicions afterwards.
[You're a very tenacious bastard, Mack!] Waynir vigorously shouted, his voice loudly ringing across the minds of everyone present. [I'm glad that you're still alive.]
[Waynir… It's good to hear your loud and obnoxious voice again.] Even though it hasn't been that long, Mack was definitely blessed to have survived.
Nobody stopped their mundane banter, letting the two speak with one another for a while. They were individuals who endured these five years of fabricated drama, so this safe space within the confines of their thoughts was a way to lessen such burdens.
Then, Mack inquired about the current landscape after his supposed death. Waynir told him on what he found out, but those from Paramount Tide was uncharacteristically quiet, as if their leisurely biding their time.
[Although we already confirmed they're the masterminds, how do we deal with Raven Tail?] Warren asked with a bit of worry.
Aside from Kagura, the rest who were in Fairy Tail were startled by the unexpected involvement of the guild that was created specifically to fight them.
[Tch! I don't like that stupid name!] Natsu scoffed in irritation.
[Remember guys, we aren't here to start a conflict.] Hibiki reminded. [It will be tricky to gather physical evidence, but we need to do it so that the council won't drop this matter altogether.]
[Easy for you to say. They are good at hiding their traces, and if we try the method of luring them out in the open, who knows what will happen?] Lyon gave a valid point.
Since this has been going on for half a decade, the groups speculated that there were contingencies for a long-running operation like this. Mack's analytical prowess had been useless, and Waynir couldn't exert influence due to his image of neutrality.
[We've reached a dead end, huh…] Ren said helplessly.
[Regrouping is the best option for now. We still have a captive that can be used against them.] Kagura suggested.
[He ain't that cooperative when we tried to ask last time, but it's better than nothin'] Natsu added to his companion's input.
[Are you guys sure he wouldn't escape?] Lyon asked. [He may have surrendered willingly, yet that doesn't rule out the possibility of him just waiting for an opening to let your guards down.]
[Nah, that won't happen.] Natsu stated with assurance. [If he does that, Kagura will pin 'im with her gravity again, then I'll knock 'im out in one fell swoop!] The dragon slayer sounded very enthusiastic.
[Me and Natsu-san can guarantee that he won't dare to do such a thing.] Kagura chimed in.
It looks like their poor captive will not have the chance to try anyway…
[You lot already got one of them? Who is it?] Waynir inquired with surprise. He didn't expect his friend's help to be this capable.
[It's Rale.] Mack chuckled. [Don't forget, Waynir. Other than Blue Pegasus, Fairy Tail and Lamia Scale are also included in this investigation.]
[Looks like we truly have the opportunity to end this nightmare once and for all.] The blacksmith glanced at the group, who nodded with smiles.
[We will make sure that they would be brought to justice.] Hibiki solemnly declared. [But Raven Tail is indeed an unexpected variable, so we'll go along with Kagura's suggestion.]
[Lyon's group is fine, since they just need to cross the bridge.] Hibiki continued. [Are there any transport services at the village?] He asked those who are currently residing in there.
[You don't need to be too concerned, Young Hibiki.] Mack replied. [It's only early evening, so they are still open.]
[I want to walk!] Natsu instantly complained.
[Don't be stubborn, Natsu-san. We need to consider our escort of the hostage.] Kagura softly scolded him. [And besides, it's merely an hour of travel.]
[Yes, ma'am…] His grumbling voice made the others laugh, which lightened the mood of the conversation.
Once they finalized their decision for their gathering spot, the Telepathic Link ended. Everybody agreed with Waynir's mansion because of the tranquil environment, and due to his public image, no one would attempt to test their luck in attracting his ire.
More importantly, Mack's situation was a unique case. He wouldn't want to reveal his survival this soon, the council took the liberty of concealing it for this operation. All of them understood that he wanted to more time with his family, so nobody really was protesting against it.
Only when an opening that would present itself, appearing at the perfect moment, and one that could end the issue smoothly. Mack had cultivated patience throughout this life ordeal, so he had no problem with standing by.
Currently, everyone who are inside the mansion opted to relax as they waited. Although in the next moment, a sudden visitor at this hour would be the least of their expectations.
Knock!
Knock!
A series of knocks grabbed their attention, prompting them to frown in confusion. They paused as they looked at each other, caught off-guard by this person's timing of arrival.
"Sir Waynir, do your clients personally go here for commissions?" Ichiya glanced at the door with a serious expression. It may also be a false alarm, but there's no problem with being too careful.
"Of course not. This is my house, you know?" Waynir scratched his head as he stood up and walked towards the entrance. "But there are those who visit for other purposes, so it ain't that of a big deal."
He turned the knob to see who it was outside, then slightly widened his eyes as he identified the woman in front of him.
She was humming a light tune while her face had a thin smile, and the way she carried herself was that of a predator seizing up her prey.
Waynir quickly composed himself as he felt a chill under her intrigued yet sharp gaze. This was someone that any sane person would avoid, a wizard who was just behind Vandis in terms of power and influence in both the town and island.
However, she was also well known for her love of fights, and she will find any excuse to start one.
The Second Strongest of Paramount Tide, Hana.
"Good evening, Waynir~! I have a few questions for you! May I enter so that we can talk?"
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AN: Welp, I adjusted quickly. Looks like it's possible for me to do 2,000 word chapters. The rate of updates are a bit unclear, but it will range from 1-3 days again, I hope.