Chapter 90: Council's Shock! Strike Force!

[Magic Council ERA]

Four or five days had passed since the council's section had launched. Thanks to Chairman Crawford Seam's efforts, the section had been completely transformed, a stark contrast to the emptiness at its debut. The section now had many functions, and reporting violations was just one of them, handled by specific council mages.

The types of reports varied widely, such as accusations of certain accounts being dark mages hidden within the network, like "Shinigami" Erigor, or sightings of dark guild activities in various areas. Due to the high enthusiasm from users of the new section, there had been a flood of reports in recent days, and Crawford Seam was pleased with this development. The official section had greatly improved the council's efficiency and enhanced the management of the magic world.

It was just after 8 PM, and Crawford Seam was still at his desk working when a young mage suddenly rushed into the room.

"What's going on? Why are you in such a hurry?" he asked.

"Chairman, we just received an urgent report online. It's about Councilor Siegrain!" the mage explained seriously. "The report was filed by 'Knight,' who is none other than the Fairy Queen of Fairy Tail, Erza Scarlet!"

Crawford frowned. Erza reporting Siegrain? He immediately opened the council's official section and found the report filed by Erza in the complaint division. The report was long, and Crawford carefully read through it. The more he read, the more shocked he became.

Erza had revealed her identity and filed a real-name report. Crawford deemed the contents to be about 70% trustworthy. Jellal, the R-System, the eighth Tower of Heaven… Siegrain was actually a Thought Projection of Jellal Fernandes?!

"They aren't twins?!"

"This can't be true!" Crawford gasped, cold sweat soaking his back. According to the report, Siegrain had completed the construction of the eighth Tower of Heaven and was planning to use Erza as a sacrifice to revive the Dark Mage Zeref. If this was true, it would be a disaster—he could lose his position as chairman!

In the final part of the report, Erza mentioned that Nate had confirmed the Thought Projection issue. She offered to bring witnesses like Simon to confront Siegrain directly at the council headquarters.

Taking a deep breath, Crawford wiped the sweat from his brow. He believed about 70% of Erza's report but trusted Nate's word about 90%, especially since Nate was the creator of the network they were currently using.

"This needs to be handled discreetly before Siegrain realizes what's happening!"

Crawford quickly made up his mind. Even if the accusations turned out to be false, he needed to apprehend Siegrain immediately. And if they were true, Siegrain's presence in the council posed an enormous threat.

Crawford opened the council's chat group, intending to convene an urgent meeting to discuss the matter. But then he remembered that Siegrain was also in the group. He decided to create a new group and invited the remaining eight council members. When it came time to invite Ultear, he hesitated.

"She joined the council at the same time as Siegrain. Can she be trusted?"

To be cautious, he left Ultear out of the group.

Council Members: "Chairman, why did you create a new group?"

Council Members: "And why are two people missing?"

Council Members: "What's going on?"

As the other seven councilors joined the group, Crawford immediately started a voice call.

Crawford Seam: "Something major has happened, everyone!"

Crawford Seam: "Siegrain might be compromised—he's a Thought Projection!"

Crawford Seam: "He's completed construction of the eighth Tower of Heaven!"

For a moment, the entire group was silent, stunned by the revelation.

…

At the Akane Resort Hotel, Nate and Erza were enjoying their dinner. Erza seemed distracted, frequently glancing at her report submission.

Nate couldn't help but remark, "You filed a real-name report, and it's a big deal. As long as the council isn't completely incompetent, they'll take it seriously."

"Do you think so? They haven't replied yet," Erza muttered, chewing on her fork.

How little do you trust the council? Nate thought to himself, though he had to admit the council wasn't exactly reliable either.

Just then, Nate's ring flashed.

Crawford Seam: "Nate, about Siegrain... Is it true? Can you guarantee it?"

Why are you asking me and not Erza? Nate thought, then told Erza, "The chairman's asking me."

Erza quickly moved closer, peering over Nate's shoulder.

Sigma Male: "Regarding the Thought Projection, I vouch for it in the name of a Wizard Saint. Siegrain is indeed a Thought Projection."

Sigma Male: "As for Erza's report, I can vouch for its accuracy."

Crawford Seam: "Understood! This is terrifying! Thank you, Nate!"

Sigma Male: "You should really be thanking Erza."

Crawford Seam: "One more thing—Ultear joined the council at the same time as Siegrain. Is she also a Thought Projection?"

Seriously, you're asking me this? There's no way I'm betraying her! Nate thought, deciding to let Ultear keep her position for now.

Sigma Male: "Ultear isn't a Thought Projection."

After a brief pause, Crawford replied.

Crawford Seam: "We've discussed it, and we've decided the Tower of Heaven must be destroyed. It's too dangerous!"

Crawford Seam: "The council will organize a joint strike force with several guilds to deal with Siegrain."

Crawford Seam: "Do you know the exact location of the Tower?"

Nate didn't know the precise coordinates but knew it was on an island near the Sea of Caelum. He figured Simon, who was sealed in a card, could provide more details.

Sigma Male: "It's on a small island near the coast of Caelum."

Crawford Seam: "Got it! Thank Erza for me; she's done us a huge service."

The conversation ended, and Nate turned to Erza. "Feel better now?"

Erza, looking a bit embarrassed, responded, "Thanks again, Nate. I didn't expect the council to take it so seriously. Are they really going to form a strike force?"

"Are you planning to join them?" Nate asked, nodding. "For now, just focus on dinner. It's vacation time."

Seeing his expression, Erza couldn't help but laugh.

Is he annoyed by me? Sorry if I'm too much to deal with, she thought. But Nate was right—it was time to relax. They could deal with Siegrain after the strike force arrived.

Finally, she let go of her worries and focused on enjoying the rest of their meal. After finishing dinner around 10 PM, the two returned to their hotel room.

~~~

Sleeping right now. Bonus Chapter later...

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