The Investigation Team Arrives

After a full night of rest, Allen and Laxus had adjusted themselves to peak condition.

The next morning, the two quickly packed their belongings, ready to track down the fleeing Black Robed Figure.

Even in the complex terrain of the mountainous region, their pace did not slow in the slightest. Along the way, Allen and Laxus remained fully focused, forgoing all unnecessary rest, driven solely by the need to catch up to their target.

Their efforts paid off. After two grueling days and nights of travel, on the third day, Allen's keen perception detected the Black Robed Figure not far ahead.

By then, they had arrived at a small town at the foot of the mountain. Sensing that the Black Robed Figure had stopped moving, Allen decisively pulled out his Communication Crystal and contacted Guild Master Makarov back at the guild, reporting the situation in detail. From Makarov, he learned that the Council's Investigation Team was rushing to their location. Allen immediately made a decision: capture the Black Robed Figure in this town and wait for the Investigation Team's arrival.

Allen and Laxus walked side by side through the streets of this still-unnamed town. They soon noticed that every resident seemed to be staring at them with strange looks. Though puzzled, Allen didn't let his guard down, lowering his voice to warn Laxus to stay alert.

After a while, Allen confirmed the Black Robed Figure's exact location through his perception—inside the building directly ahead of them. Instead of barging in, both he and Laxus stared in shock at the emblem above the door.

That emblem was one they had seen just days ago, on the clothes of the injured man they had treated—Harry Calvin. It was the guild crest of the Foxes of the Forest.

Allen realized the situation had grown tricky. Without knowing the Black Robed Figure's true identity or their standing within the Foxes of the Forest, acting rashly would be unwise.

After all, the Foxes of the Forest were also members of the Light Guild. After careful deliberation, Allen made a decisive choice—keep watch in secret, wait for the Investigation Team to arrive, and let them make the call.

And so, Allen and Laxus checked into an inn near the Foxes of the Forest.

With Allen's perception, they had no fear of the Black Robed Figure slipping away.

For similar reasons, they chose not to contact Harry. Recalling the strange looks they had received since entering the town, an ominous feeling crept into Allen's heart.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Just as Allen thought this dull day would end without incident, the Communication Crystal on his person suddenly flared to life. He answered it, and a voice claiming to be the Investigation Team's leader, "Yahar Benjamin," told them to head to a designated spot outside the town immediately.

At that moment, Laxus, who had been sitting quietly in meditation, snapped open his eyes with excitement. The long wait had been pure torture for someone as restless as him.

Without a word, the two sped off toward the location Yahar had mentioned.

Soon, they arrived at the rendezvous point.

When the two groups met for the first time, both sides furrowed their brows almost simultaneously.

Allen's frown came from a simple reason—the Investigation Team sent to support them was far too small, only four people! With such meager numbers, if a fight broke out, given the Dark Magic Group's style, these people might not be enough.

The four members of the Investigation Team were frowning just as deeply.

Though Allen and Laxus had used magic to alter their appearances, making themselves look more mature, no matter how you looked at it, they were still far too young. The seasoned and cautious Yahar, in particular, instinctively doubted these two youngsters.

After a brief silence, it was Allen who broke the deadlock. His expression grave, he spoke: "After some investigation, I've successfully pinpointed the location of one of the Dark Magic Group's members. However, this person is currently inside the Foxes of the Forest. We only know his name is Malcolm, but since we can't confirm his exact identity, we haven't taken any action yet."

Hearing Allen's words, Yahar's already furrowed brow deepened. This was definitely bad news. As a member of the Council, he naturally knew of the Foxes of the Forest. Though not particularly prominent, they had a certain history. If this matter was mishandled, it could cause massive repercussions.

After a moment of silence, Yahar asked Allen, "Is it possible to lure this Malcolm out?"

Allen shook his head helplessly. "While you were on your way, Laxus and I have been watching him. But he hasn't stepped out of the Foxes of the Forest even once. Without tipping him off, I have no better plan."

The atmosphere fell into a heavy silence.

Before long, Yahar's tightly knit brows relaxed slightly, as if he had finally made up his mind. His gaze firm, he looked at the group and said in a low voice, "I'll contact the Council first. Until I receive instructions, all of you stay here and wait for my news." With that, Yahar turned and left.

Allen, Laxus, and the remaining three members of the Investigation Team stood there in silence, staring at each other, eyes wide, none daring to break the suffocating stillness.

Finally, the more mature Allen couldn't bear the tension any longer. He cleared his throat softly, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere, and introduced himself: "My name is Allen, and this is my younger brother, Laxus. As for where we're from, I'm sure that goes without saying."

As soon as he finished, one of the Investigation Team members responded, "I'm Laharl. These two companions beside me are Ryan and Elmer. The three of us are new recruits to the Council."

When Allen heard the name Laharl, he raised an eyebrow, surprised inwardly: I didn't expect Laharl to join the Council this early.

With the introductions out of the way, the previously tense atmosphere began to ease. Everyone chatted casually, trading stories and opinions on the current situation. The more they talked, the more they clicked, and before they knew it, the distance between them had shrunk considerably.

Just as the group was deep in lively conversation, hurried footsteps approached. Everyone stopped talking and turned to look. Yahar strode back briskly, not even stopping fully before declaring decisively, "Into the Foxes of the Forest. We're making the arrest!"