Council Member

Leo and Yajima provided intelligence on the secret addresses of several important retired congressmen.

Makarov stroked his chin and pondered for a moment. In order to maximize combat power, he divided the guild's strongest members into several elite squads.

As he arranged, Riyao stayed behind at the guild.

Upon hearing this arrangement, Riyao raised an eyebrow in displeasure.

"What's going on? I'm going to the front lines too. Can't the old man just stay here and watch the guild? Aren't you strong enough to protect the guild?"

"What do you know, brat! I'm worried that the fighting is fierce at the front. If any seriously wounded are urgently sent back, you'll be here to save their lives immediately. This is of paramount importance to the rear!" Makarov explained, glaring at him.

"But this time we're facing the Tartaros. Even Laxus almost lost his life when dealing with one of the Nine Demon Gates. You're sending Elfman and Lisanna? If they're unlucky enough to run into one of the Nine Demon Gates, do you think they'll come back alive?"

Riyao strongly disagreed with Makarov's arrangement of dispersing combat forces.

"Brother-in-law, don't look down on me! A man can admit he's not up to something, but when it comes to protecting his comrades, he must never back down!"

Upon hearing this, Elfman immediately flexed his biceps, showing off his proud muscles.

"Oh? You think those dead muscles of yours can beat Laxus, or even the Nine Demon Gates?"

Riyao glanced at him.

Mirajane sighed helplessly, stepped forward, and expertly gave Elfman a sharp rap on the head.

Elfman immediately shut up, covered his head, and squatted on the ground, drawing circles with a pitiful expression.

Lisanna, watching this everyday scene unfold, could only manage a forced laugh and try to smooth things over.

After disciplining his younger brother, Mirajane turned to look at the chairman, whose expression was solemn.

"President, Riyao is right. The danger of the Tartaros is beyond imagination. I suggest that each rescue team must be led by at least one S-Class Mage. This is the safest approach, and we can't let everyone go and die in vain."

Makarov calmed down and thought about it, realizing that Mirajane's suggestion was indeed reasonable; this enemy was different from the past.

So he readjusted the team assignments.

Erza, an S-Class Mage, teamed up with Elfman and Lisanna.

Mirajane then went alone to the most dangerous former speaker's house.

Although she is acting alone, she can still use the Celestial Spirit Key to summon the Riyao to teleport directly to provide support at any time.

Before leaving, Riyao held Mirajane's hand.

His fingers gently caressed her soft palm, a rare seriousness appearing in his eyes.

"You must be very careful. The fact that so many members' secret addresses were exposed at the same time means there's definitely a mole in the upper echelons of the Magic Council. And the only person who could have such detailed information about everyone is that former speaker. That old guy is definitely suspicious; it would be best if we could bring him back."

"Don't worry, I know what's important and I'll be careful. If we encounter any unexpected situations that we can't handle, I'll definitely call you over immediately."

Mirajane gripped Riyao's hand tightly in return, giving him a reassuring look.

She leaned forward, naturally wrapped her arms around his neck, and gently kissed his cheek.

Hearing Riyao's reasoned and well-founded analysis, the others around couldn't help but furrow their brows.

If the former speaker really was a long-time mole, then this situation is a hundred times more complicated than imagined.

"Alright, time is of the essence, everyone let's go! Be careful, and come back alive!"

Makarov stood up and announced loudly.

"Whoa!" everyone responded in unison, and sped off in their respective destinations.

With the guild's main fighting force and elites all dispatched, the once noisy guild hall suddenly became empty, leaving only a group of mediocre second-tier members staring at each other.

Ur stretched lazily and yawned without any regard for his image.

"Oh dear, this has caused quite a stir. It feels like the entire magical world is about to be turned upside down."

Riyao walked to the huge barrel next to the bar, reached in, and grabbed Cana, who was fast asleep inside, by the back of her collar and pulled her out.

"I was wondering why I couldn't find you anywhere. Turns out you were sleeping soundly in this barrel. Aren't you afraid of drowning?"

"Good morning, hiccup~ Riyao."

Cana groggily opened her eyes and let out a loud burp.

A strong, pungent smell of alcohol wafted out instantly, making Riyao frown.

Riyao reached out and slapped her messy brown head.

A bright, healing green light burst forth from his palm.

Cana, who was initially dizzy and disoriented, suddenly felt refreshed.

The splitting headache from the hangover was completely gone, and I felt like I had an inexhaustible burst of energy, making me feel refreshed.

"Hey! What are you doing! Give me back that blissful, high-spirited feeling of being drunk! I finally managed to get into that state!"

Once she regained consciousness, Cana immediately became enraged, grabbing Riyao's wrist tightly and refusing to let go, opening her mouth as if to bite him like a puppy.

Riyao reacted extremely quickly, extending his other hand and accurately pressing the fingers against Cana's forehead, preventing her menacing mouth from reaching him.

"Hey, wake up! There's practically a war going on outside, and you're still getting drunk like this?"

"Tch, what's there to be afraid of? Anyway, with a freak like you holding the fort in the guild, you'll be the one to hold up the sky if it falls. What kind of big trouble could possibly happen? It would be great if that old bastard were here too. I wonder where that jerk has gone off to gallivanting off to again. He hasn't been around for half a year."

Cana pouted and muttered a complaint.

"Where else could she be? Probably taking advantage of her youth to have affairs everywhere and rush off to make you younger siblings."

Riyao casually made a comment.

Upon hearing Riyao's unfiltered words, Cana instantly bristled like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

The little fists rained down on Riyao.

Riyao, relying on his thick skin and tough flesh, stood still as if nothing had happened, too lazy to even dodge, letting her vent her anger.

Cana, exhausted from hitting him, stopped, panting, and pouted in dissatisfaction.

She walked to the bar table and casually picked up the unopened bottle of wheat beer in front of Makarov.

She skillfully slammed the bottle neck against the edge of the table, and with a "click," the bottle cap flew off. She tilted her head back and gulped down a large mouthful.

This smooth and effortless maneuver made Makarov's forehead veins throb and his mustache bristle with anger.

"You little brat! Put that down right now! That's a bottle of fine wine I've treasured for ten years, and I haven't even had a sip!"

Riyao rolled his eyes helplessly at the uncouth drunkard who only knew how to steal drinks.

He couldn't be bothered with the chaotic scene and turned to look at Ur, who was standing aside watching the spectacle.

"Ur, get ready. Once we've completely breached the Tartaros and taken over their equipment, I can begin creating a physical body that truly belongs to you."

"Huh? Really? Should I send a message beforehand and ask Ultear and the others to come and lend a hand? Hehe."

Ur's eyes lit up instantly.

Hearing this, Makarov was feeling sorry for his wine, stopped fighting with Cana for it and came over with a serious expression.

"Creating a physical body? This is no child's play; there won't be any dangers or problems, will there?"

"Don't worry, what problems could there be? It's not like we're creating a life form, just crafting a suitable container. We hesitated before because we were too lazy to find the materials; this time, we'll just grab them all."

"You brat, you actually knew about this kind of technology in the Tartaros all along?"

Makarov stared in astonishment, his eyes widening.

"How novel that is! My initial inspiration for Life Mimicry came from that demonic cyborg 'Nildo Longla' at the Tartaros."

Riyao shrugged nonchalantly.

Makarov scratched his bald head, as if that were indeed the case.