Rhodes was quite pleased after messing around with it for a bit.
He had already noticed the image on the GG, which was the mobile phone that Warren had participated in developing. The product had begun to be sold, and its official name was "Small Communication Magic Crystal," which was very pragmatic.
Rhodes immediately understood what Hyberion meant. "Does the Council intend to equip this magic crystal on a large scale?"
Hyberion nodded. "Yes. If there is no false advertising in the GG, then equipping frontline troops with it will make both command and requesting reinforcements far more convenient."
"I seem to have seen you use something similar before. What do you think of it?"
Rhodes carefully looked at the GG copy and replied, "What I used before was a prototype, and its functions are about the same as what is described here. As for performance, communication from here to the Kingdom of Fiore, spanning almost the entire continent, is no problem."
Hyberion nodded. "In that case, the GG is basically accurate. We can consider equipping the Enforcement Unit with it."
"But the price is too high," Rhodes said. "I'm afraid the Council's current finances cannot guarantee one for everyone. Why not seek Mr. Ulfheim's opinion and find out what the frontline combat personnel actually need?"
Ulfheim was responsible for the training and reorganization of the Enforcement Unit and had led teams on many missions over the past month or so. He knew best whether switching to communication magic crystals was necessary.
"That works too," Hyberion agreed. "Let's invite Bryliens and Warrod as well." One of them understood technology, and the other managed finances, so naturally both should be consulted.
Rhodes intended to use this opportunity to bring up the West Continent, but a muffled thud suddenly came from outside the office door.
"Who is it?" The guard's shout was cut short as soon as he opened the door, turning into astonishment. "Mr. Doranbalt?"
Rhodes immediately opened the door and saw Mest collapsed on the floor, one arm straining to support himself against the ground while the guard moved to help him up.
"Emergency," Mest said, his face pale. "Emergency situation."
"What happened?" Rhodes helped lift Mest up and simultaneously cast Oceans Heal on him.
Mest's complexion became slightly rosier, and his voice regained some strength. "Lahar led a team to capture a group of criminals today and asked me to help with reconnaissance. It was going smoothly at first, but during the capture, more than twenty people suddenly collapsed.
Some had high fevers, some had unbearable abdominal pain, and some had limb spasms. Lahar led the others to continue fighting, but people kept losing their combat effectiveness for the same reasons."
"I noticed a purple-haired woman was behind it and wanted to take her out with a surprise attack, but as soon as I touched her, I also developed symptoms of a serious illness."
"Magic that can induce disease? That's rare." Hyberion walked over, holding a wine glass. "What happened next? How are the others?"
"More than half of us were hit," Mest said, "and intelligence suggested the enemy might have reinforcements arriving at any time.
When Lahar saw the situation turning bad, he took the wounded and retreated. But even after reaching a safe location, everyone's symptoms didn't disappear. The doctor prescribed medicine based on their symptoms, but it had absolutely no effect. So Lahar decided to send someone ahead to return for reinforcements.
I was worried someone wouldn't hold on, so I took a painkiller and pushed myself to rush back...ugh.."
Mid-sentence, Mest's expression twisted in pain. He clutched his head and nearly collapsed.
Rhodes caught him and cast a healing spell again, but the effect was not as pronounced as before.
"How are you?"
Mest gasped for breath. "The pain eased slightly, but it seems it will come back."
"Medicine doesn't work, and ordinary healing magic is useless too?" Hyberion raised two fingers and asked, "Do you want to try bloodletting therapy? I'm quite skilled at it and can ensure there's no pain during the procedure."
Rhodes declined on Mest's behalf. "No need. Let's arrange for someone to meet up with Lahar. I'll take Mest back to the guild for a look; Wendy might have a way to deal with this."
"Hmm, please do."
The fact that Mest was an undercover agent had long since been quietly settled.
Apart from Lahar beating him up, the higher-ups had basically no reaction. They were still used to calling him Doranbalt, and they continued assigning him the same work as before. After all, he had performed meritorious service in the past, and the members of Fairy Tail were indeed quite useful.
Mest provided the location, and Hyberion immediately notified Ulfheim to send people to meet up with them. Rhodes then took Mest and returned to the guild through the Hex Gate, helping him down the stairs.
"Is Wendy here?" Rhodes asked, his voice urgent.
"She hasn't come yet; she's probably in the dormitory," Mira replied. "What's wrong with Mest?"
"He was hit by magic that can induce disease." Rhodes scanned the tavern and called out, "Lisanna, go to the girls' dormitory and bring Wendy over! Hurry!"
"Brother-in-law?" Lisanna, who was holding a tray, glanced at Mest and read the urgency immediately. "Okay!"
She casually shoved the tray into Elfman's hands beside her, transformed her arms into wings, and flew out the door.
Rhodes took Mest to the infirmary and set him down. Within a few minutes, Wendy and Carla burst in after them.
"Brother Rhodes, how is Mr. Mest?" Wendy asked, her voice full of worry.
"He was hit by strange magic and has a headache so bad he can barely speak. See if you can do anything for him."
"Okay. If it was caused by magic, then..." Wendy checked Mest's condition, her palms emitting a blue glow. "Raise! Dispel!"
The effect of both spells was immediate. Mest's complexion visibly improved. He sat up in astonishment and touched his head. "It seems, it doesn't hurt anymore? This is...?"
Wendy smiled. "Raise is a magic that boosts resistance to abnormal status effects, and Dispel is a magic that removes them."
Mest felt as though he had been given a second life.
Rhodes nodded. "Good, it works. Wendy might just be that woman's worst nightmare."
"Who was it that made Mr. Mest like this?" Wendy asked, puzzled.
"It was a..." Mest caught himself mid-sentence and asked urgently, "Right, there are many others in the Council who were hit by the same magic. Wendy, can you help remove it for them as well?"
"How many people?" Carla asked.
"A few dozen, roughly."
"No problem," Wendy said with confidence. "I can go now."
"Then let's head out." Rhodes turned to Lisanna. "Lisanna, let her sister know, and make sure to take her out for some fresh air."
"Of course. Elfman and I will keep her company. Be careful out there, brother-in-law."
"Ha. The criminals are the ones who should be worried about us."