"Everyone, today's accident has further strengthened a thought I've had."
Hayberion tapped the table, opened the magazine, folded over the photo page, revealing only the advertisement page,
"We must equip the front-line combat units with such portable communication devices."
The others looked towards the advertisement, and Rhode cooperatively took out the sample from his pocket.
Unexpectedly, Brellins also took out an identical one.
Hayberion said in surprise, "Oh? Brellins has already started using it?"
"I've been in touch with this kind of news for a while, so I bought one as soon as it was released," Brellins said, "This way, it's more convenient for me to communicate with the Guild when I'm out.
"If today's operatives had been equipped with one, it would've saved a lot of time in calling for help.
"Besides direct calls, this portable Communication Magic Crystal also has a text message function... Mr. Rhode, how about we demonstrate?"
"Alright," Rhode reported a number.
Brellins clicked a few times with some unfamiliarity, and a message popped up on Rhode's Magic Crystal screen:
"Hello, I'm Brellins."
Rhode showed his screen, "This feature is quite useful when reconnaissance personnel need to quietly relay information."
Uluvheim nodded, indicating that there indeed is such a need during missions outside.
Brellins said, "That's right, I've heard they're considering adding positioning, detection, and other Magic functions in the future, so its uses will increase.
"There's no doubt that this will greatly aid our work, so I support mass deployment."
Hayberion suddenly realized he didn't know enough about this device:
"Such a thing is actually being sold as a regular Magic tool, if lawbreakers get equipped with it, then..."
Brellins said, "Then we should be more equipped; we can't suffer unnecessary casualties because we're lagging behind in this aspect."
Rhode said, "We might contact the development team and ask them to customize a law enforcement edition that isn't sold to the public."
"A good proposal," Uluvheim agreed, "Separate law enforcement and civilian editions to maximize law enforcement advantages."
"Hmm… it's indeed a good idea." Hayberion nodded, "Then let's do it this way, regarding the quantity..."
Vorod noticed his gaze and reported several numbers.
The funds currently available, those available next month, and those available next season.
Hayberion calculated in his mind, saying,
"Let's order in batches; when the numbers are insufficient at first, it will serve as common equipment—teams needing to execute missions collect them before departure and return them upon returning. Adjustments will be made when the quantity becomes adequate later."
Rhodes actually had another approach, which was to pay a deposit first and delay the balance.
He heard some national official departments do this when collaborating with private entities.
The balance would be delayed indefinitely, citing reasons of inspections, financial procedures, and upper-level approvals...
Private entities couldn't say anything, just waiting eagerly, occasionally nudging gently fearing they'd be forgotten.
However, the Council has just resumed operation, so it's time to build its image, and they can't do things that damage credibility.
Additionally, isn't Wolian getting his share here? Let's not trick him.
This guy really stands to make a big profit this time.
"Then, it's settled. Let Jura handle the negotiations."
Hayberion said this, and Rhode realized Jura hadn't been included in the meeting and yet had tasks assigned after the meeting...
Embarrassment.
"Why not invite Mr. Jura now? I also have something I wish to say."
...
Jura arrived at the conference room with some confusion, "What's so urgent?
"I've arranged a meeting with representatives of the Borgo Kingdom and Sai Wen Kingdom's Local Guild Alliance Presidents this afternoon, preparing to mediate the disputes among the mages of the two kingdoms."
"Please sit down." Rhode greeted, "If it's about that matter, it can wait, as soon it won't need mediation."
Jura sat in his place, even more confused upon hearing this, "What do you mean?"
Rhode stopped being cryptic and stated directly, "Because a greater threat is approaching, that being war with the Western Continent."
"What?" Jura and Brellins were both shocked.
Uluvheim asked, "Who plans to initiate war with the Western Continent?"
Rhode stated, "The Albareth Empire intends to wage war against us."
Hayberion pondered for a moment, asking, "Are you suggesting that because we've lost Feis and Magical Elf Power, the Western Continent might reignite the war from ten years ago that was halted?"
Rhode nodded, "That's the idea."
Vorod became serious, "There's definitely a possibility."
Precht had hinted to him about Mebius's matters. Though not elaborated on too much, Vorod sensed it might be related to the Guild.
From his position, he must protect Mebius and the Guild at all costs.
Brellins was unwilling to consider the worst-case scenario:
"It's still just a possibility, right? Even if they had war plans a decade ago, after so much time, they might have abandoned them."
Jura queried, "Are there any intel on Western Continent's moves? Like whether they've recently been expanding their armament."
"Our communications with the Western Continent are blocked. Recently, we haven't had leisure to focus," Hayberion said, "But I've occasionally heard tidbits from over there; they've actually been expanding their armament constantly, pretty much without pause."
Uluvheim said, "Then it can only be understood as the other side preparing for war."
Rhode guessed that the Western Continent expanding its armaments, as Hayberion had heard, was probably targeting the Black Dragon.
Nevertheless, the current target probably has shifted towards Ishujal, so his intel wasn't mistaken.
Rhode pondered, then suddenly asked, "Oh, by the way, do you know who the Emperor of the Albareth is?"
Hayberion said, "I heard he's a mysterious and powerful man named Sprii."
Rhode nodded, then revealed a big scoop, "Yes, the meaning of Sprii is 'Ugly Fairy', his real identity is actually Zeref."
The conference room fell silent for a moment, then almost everyone gasped in shock, "What?!"
The Black Mage was already quite troublesome, but behind the Black Mage stands a whole nation, and that nation occupies an entire continent.
This matter is undeniably too startling.
Hayberion couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Rhode, this matter is crucial, can you be certain?"
Rhode assured, "Although I just found out about this recently, I can guarantee the accuracy of the intel.
"Sprii being the same person as Zeref... this is the clue left by our 'late President Mebius.'