Not long before, in the Magic Council's meeting hall at ERA.
On either side of the enormous table, several council members sat stiffly upright, anxiety written all over their faces. The empty seats among them, however, were conspicuous.
"So it's finally been located!? The eighth Tower of Heaven." Council Member Ogre, whose hair and beard were white and who had a small bird perched on his head, rested his chin on his clasped hands, his expression grave.
"According to the latest intelligence, its coordinates place it just off the coast of Calrum." Council Member Belno lowered her eyes as she solemnly continued.
"No, don't tell me they've already finished building it..."
"Unfortunately, yes. Our investigators wouldn't joke about something like this." Belno sighed, then raised her eyebrows in puzzlement.
"But... according to their reports, every member of Fairy Tail has rushed over there for some reason."
"Fairy Tail!? Them again?" Ogre slammed his hands on the table and shot to his feet in shock. "They only just finished their review! How have they gotten mixed up in the Tower of Heaven incident already!? They never give us a moment's peace!"
"Never mind. They'll be a substantial fighting force there, too. We need to act immediately and dispatch troops at once!! There's no time to waste!"
"Where's Siegrain!? This is all his brother Jellal's doing! Make him take responsibility!!"
"Absent again." Michello tapped the table and looked toward the two empty chairs at its far end, his voice thick with displeasure.
"We haven't heard a word from Council Member Ultear since the Phantom Lord trial, and now even Council Member Siegrain is nowhere to be seen. Since when did the Magic Council become a place where people could skip work whenever they pleased?"
"Calm down, Michello. Council Member Siegrain is young