After squeezing out useful information from the two thieves, Gemini learned the assassin's identity using the same method.
Much like those two thieves, he was also hired for an assassination.
In this world, some people always believe that just because mages' magic is powerful, it doesn't mean they can't be defeated.
Even the Ten Wizard Saints could be easily killed with a stab at the right moment.
So, with a mindset of giving it a try, this assassin took the commission, planning to make his name known in the killer world.
As for the real identity of the employer, it's naturally unknown.
At this point in time, both thieves and killers seem to think that Rhode and Lucy would be obstacles.
There is a slight chance that it's due to their overwhelming presence at the Fairy Tail fighting tournament, attracting resentment — but in that case, it shouldn't be targeting just Rhode and Lucy.
After some discussion, Natsu and others woke up one by one, inevitably causing a commotion.
Rhode asked Erza and Lucy to explain to them, while he took the three individuals directly to Lahar and Dolanbart's residence.
On the surface, these two came to watch the Great Demon Fighting Martial Arts, but actually, the Council worried that having so many mages gather in the Royal Capital might cause trouble, so they approved their "vacation."
Because they didn't come alone, they brought a team with them.
Luckily, this time both the thief and assassin are mages, which makes it reasonable to hand it to them for handling.
While doing so, help the guild gain some impression points.
——We, Fairy Tail, abide by the law and report to the Council as soon as something happens.
"Someone hired an assassin to target the Ten Wizard Saints and steal personal magic tools?" Lahar questioned the security of the Royal Capital first and then realized the situation might not be simple.
Normally, who would rashly provoke a Wizard Saint? Especially one who displayed monstrous strength during the first day's match?
"I don't get it either, but anyway, I've handed the people over to you. I've got a match, see you." Rhode waved and headed to the arena.
As soon as he reunited with the teammates, he found them all looking serious.
Rhode asked, "What's wrong?"
Laxus said, "Grandfather sent a message saying someone attempted to assassinate Future Lucy last night, but Abar and Elfman caught them. He told us to be extra careful."
"Future Lucy?" From Laxus's tone, Rhode knew Future Lucy was fine and asked, "The only people aware of Future Lucy's existence are us, the King, and the Princess, right?"
Laxus said, "No, although Future Lucy was the target of the assassination, the assassin aimed at Lucy herself but didn't expect there to be two Lucys, hence the mistake in following."
Mistaken identity, huh? Rhode furrowed his brows, seemed like the setup against him and Lucy was the same, wanting to steal the tools and commit murder.
Yukino was probably receiving the same treatment.
This makes the most suspicious party to be the one trying to carry out the Eclipse Project.
Another person from the future?
Rhode pondered these issues, temporarily ignoring why Abar and Elfman were apprehending people together in the middle of the night.
...
The noise in the venue gradually reached the resting room, and Rhode and the others soon heard the host calling participants to the stage.
As the current first in points, Fairy Tail B Team naturally was the last to appear.
They were greeted by the audience's thunderous applause and cheers, and some participants' eyes filled with fighting spirit.
As for the other part...
Rhode glanced around, feeling like someone didn't dare meet his eyes; he should pay attention.
"Welcome to the final day of the Great Demon Fighting Martial Arts! Today's host and commentator are still me, Jabadi, and Mr. Yajima, with our special guest—official mascot Mr. Mato!"
"Pumpkin!" The Pumpkin Man waved gently.
Gajeel couldn't help but say, "That guy actually has a name."
Rhode helplessly replied, "…Isn't it just the King Toma's name reversed?"
They even have the mood to be a guest, not sure if that matter has been decided.
Wendy jumped in surprise, "The King? That Pumpkin Man, is it played by the King?"
Rhode was puzzled for a moment, "Huh? Didn't I mention it to you all the day before yesterday?"
Everyone shook their heads.
"Maybe I forgot, anyway, it's not something important."
"…" Everyone was speechless.
Thinking about it, Mr. Pumpkin Man has been almost hit by magical attacks several times, right? Is it really okay for the King to do such dangerous things?
The commentators casually chatted for a bit as an opener, then the big screen showed the current point rankings.
Jabadi said, "Fairy Tail B Team and A Team are leading by far, could they lock in the victory in advance?"
"Not at all, pumpkin." Pumpkin Man said, "Because the rules for the final day's match are different than before, if one earns all the points, even the current eighth place Sabertooth can win!"
Jabadi cleverly asked, "Oh? Then what are the specific rules?"
Pumpkin Man said, "The final day's match requires every team member to participate in a survival game! This round tests every team's magic, strategy, combat skills, and team cooperation!
"The eight teams will be sent to eight different locations in the Royal Capital, as long as they find and defeat other team members, they can earn 1 point. If they defeat the captain, they earn 5 points.
"The points earned during the match are added directly to the total score until only members of the same team are left on the field, the match ends. That then determines the final result of the Great Demon Fighting Martial Arts!"
Jabadi calculated, "1 point per member, 5 points for captain, a complete defeat earns 9 points. Defeating all other teams could earn 63 points!"
Yajima said, "Theoretically, yes, but in practice, it's more complicated."
Pumpkin Man said, "Right, using the entire city as a battlefield tests mobility, reconnaissance, physical distribution, and even ambushing and counter-ambushing tactics. The actual situation will be very complex."
"For participants, it's complex, but for us spectators, it should be very exciting!" Jabadi worriedly asked:
"But if fighting occurs in the city, wouldn't that cause damage to buildings and possibly harm citizens?"
Pumpkin Man replied, "There's no need to worry about this, as any damage caused during the match will be repaired by the organizer.
"All regular citizens in the Royal Capital have been evacuated outside the city. Therefore, participants need not worry about accidental harm, and can battle with full effort!"
Hearing such a ridiculous arrangement, Rhode was a bit shocked, "Such a grand gesture, such a chaotic evacuation action."
He slightly doubted the rules were decided just in these past two days, using the match as an excuse to evacuate citizens in preparation for the oncoming dragon swarm.
The most absurd part is the Royal Capital's citizens being so obedient and leaving the city just for a match?