Fairy Tail: I Don't Want to Be the Guild Master-Chapter 179: Teaming Up with Erza

In truth, the most suitable person to deal with an enemy like this would have been Mira. But due to her current circumstances, Master Makarov couldn't allow her to go.

Mystogan was assigned to another mission, and Laxus hadn't returned since the end of the S-Class Trials. That left only one candidate: Erza.

As for Rhodes, his summoned creatures provided unique and versatile support that could prove invaluable in a mission like this. Plus, Makarov had been deeply impressed by the red and blue buff's he'd displayed before. He was confident Rhodes could hold his own, no matter how intense the battle became.

During the recent trials, Rhodes also demonstrated excellent coordination and teamwork. Pairing him with Erza wouldn't hinder her, if anything, it might enhance her performance.

Erza made her decision immediately. "Leave it to me. I won't let them succeed."

Rhodes furrowed his brow. There were many myths surrounding Zeref. Some claimed he was a black mage from four hundred years ago and the origin of all dark magic. According to legend, he had created countless demons on his own before being defeated by powerful mages representing the forces of light. Some believed he was slain; others believed he had been sealed away.

Of course, those tales were mainly found in magical folklore and books like Legends of the Magical World, not in historical records. Their truth remained unclear.

Still, demons were very real. Only a few years ago, Deliora had emerged in a country far to the east, though he fortunately been sealed by a powerful Ice-Make wizard. And Mira herself had once transformed into a demon—her "Satan Soul" was infamous among both allies and enemies alike.

It was because demons truly existed that certain black magic cults still clung to the belief that Zeref would one day be reborn to conquer the world.

And whenever these cults made a move, the consequences were always dangerous.

Rhodes voiced his confusion. "What do they even gain by summoning demons? The demons in the Books of Zeref are nothing but killing machines, aren't they?"

"Maybe they seek power. Maybe they want to rule. Or maybe they've been completely consumed by fanaticism," Makarov replied. "We can't make sense of their madness. But what we can do is make sure they don't succeed. So, what's your decision?"

Rhodes hesitated. "This mission sounds... risky." He paused, then added, "But if I'm going with Erza, I think we can manage."

Worst case, he could always hang back, release a few support summons, and boost Erza's strength from afar.

An S-Class mage with red and blue buffs would be practically unstoppable.

Mira looked like she wanted to say something but held back. Instead, she handed Rhodes the compiled mission intel, even though that would normally go to Erza.

Makarov nodded. "If you're sure, start preparing now. The sooner you depart, the better. And remember, don't let your guard down."

With Erza's disciplined approach and Rhodes' cautious nature, Makarov felt confident they wouldn't be careless.

Erza extended a hand toward Rhodes. "Let's work well together."

Rhodes returned the handshake, though it felt a little awkward. "Yeah... please take care of me."

It wasn't the handshake itself, it was just that they already knew each other well. Somehow, doing something so formal now just felt weird.

Erza returned to the dorm to pack her things, while Rhodes headed to the library to grab a few books for the road.

The journey to the North Coast was a long one, more than enough time to study the mission details and get familiar with anything they might encounter.

As Rhodes organized his gear and waited for Erza, Mira hesitated for a moment, then quietly walked over to help straighten his coat.

Rhodes chuckled softly, but Mira leaned in and whispered,

"Be careful out there. This mission's dangerous, so don't try to be a hero. If you have to... rely on Erza more. Don't let your pride get in the way. She's incredibly strong, and she's not the type to mock someone for needing help. And..."

The more Mira spoke, the more it warmed Rhodes' heart—but it also made him a little nervous. In a movie, when someone says things like this before a mission, it usually doesn't end well.

When she finished, Rhodes mustered up his courage and gently placed his hand on her head.

"I remember everything," he said with a smile.

Mira froze in place, ignoring his hand, and murmured with a hint of regret,

"I'm sorry. If I still had the strength I once did..."

"I'm just as worried about you as you are about me," Rhodes replied. "And honestly, if you were still as strong as before, you'd probably have beaten me up a dozen times by now."

Mira finally smiled again. "That's true. If you tried something like this back then, I'd have broken both your arms."

"Can you not say something that terrifying while smiling like that?" Rhodes retracted his hand, but couldn't help thinking how soft her hair felt.

"Then maybe just one arm," Mira teased with a grin.

Rhodes pointed at her, mock accusingly. "You're a devil."

Hands on her hips, Mira smirked. "Guilty as charged."

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...

Traveling with Erza was one of the safest things imaginable.

The only issue? She packed way too much.

In addition to renting a passenger carriage for the two of them, they had to hire another one just to haul all of Erza's luggage. But true to her reputation, Erza didn't need anyone's help, she loaded the entire cart herself with ease.

They both settled into the front carriage, flipping through the mission documents Mira had compiled with great care.

Unlike Natsu, Elfman, or Alzack, Erza wasn't the type to charge into a mission without preparation. She always read through all the information thoroughly and took time to analyze every detail.

In that way, she was similar to Gray, but far more proactive. She not only underlined the parts she thought were critical, but also made it a point to discuss them with Rhodes along the way.

Thanks to her experience and methodical nature, the trip had been smooth and surprisingly relaxing for Rhodes.

Finally, he didn't have to think through every little thing by himself.

Just like when they first met, Erza left a strong impression: reliable, sharp, and always one step ahead.

"We'll be passing near Manjusaka and Poppy Town," Erza explained, tracing the route on the map she'd laid across her lap. "It'll take us over a day to reach the suspected location."

She paused, then added, "I suggest we we travel further tonight. If we don't make it to town before sundown, we can set up camp somewhere safe. The earlier we arrive, the better our chances of catching them off guard."

Rhodes nodded. "I'm fine with that, but what about the drivers?"

"I'll speak with them," Erza said simply.

Rhodes tilted his head, slightly concerned. With Erza, the words 'I'll speak with them' might mean anything from negotiation to threatening them with a broadsword.

He made a mental note to supervise that conversation later.

Rhodes reached into his satchel and pulled out a well-worn book. "Here—this one has some topographical details on the North Coast and outlines a few surrounding villages. It's a bit outdated, but it might give us an edge."

Erza accepted the book with a rare smile. "Just like Bisca said, you're always so thoughtful."

Rhodes shook his head modestly. "It's just that I'm not as strong or experienced as you. So I do what I can to improve our chances, even if it's just something small."

"Don't sell yourself short," Erza said, her voice firm but kind. "Master Makarov's spoken highly of you more than once."

Rhodes smiled at that. It was true that the praise had been earned, though he felt a bit lucky to have received it so early.

Still, he couldn't help but wonder how this mission would turn out.