Team composition

After the initial shock, Macao had become considerably calmer, analyzing all suspicious aspects. He gently held his chin, his expression puzzled as he murmured to himself.

"What in the world is this? Regardless of why Calvin is alive, how could his summoning cards possibly develop independent souls, let alone worship demons?"

"Though he was interested in creatures like demons when he was young, his research on them was solely to perfect the summoning cards, not out of any inappropriate fascination with demons. It was purely academic."

At that moment, Jellal seemed to recall something and asked Macao, "Lord Macao, did Calvin ever independently visit the Storm Labyrinth?"

Macao looked at him, puzzled at first, but then it dawned on him. After all, it was Jellal and Calvin who had sealed the Kile's temple within it.

Without concealing anything, he elaborated on how Calvin, after developing an additional persona, went alone to the Storm Labyrinth and was later brought back by Kildas.

Upon hearing this, Jellal pondered for a moment before slowly speaking up.

"I have a guess. What do you think?"

Everyone urged him to continue.

"I've crossed paths with Kile's, the mage known for his supreme mastery of wind magic. Besides that, he's quite knowledgeable about souls. Calvin probably sought him out to resolve the issue of having an extra persona."

"I suspect Kile's might be behind the loss of control over Calvin's summons."

Kile's was always mysterious. Other than being the most terrifying dark mage before Jellal's time on the continent, nothing else was known about him—his goals, origins, or even why he managed to survive seven years ago—all remained a mystery.

"But undoubtedly, his strength has significantly dwindled over the years. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been easily sealed by me and Calvin, let alone defeated by Calvin alone."

At this point, Jellal suddenly shivered, his pupils shrinking, seemingly having realized something.

"However, if— and that's a big if— Kile's originally settled in the Storm Labyrinth to attract talented mages, everything starts making sense."

Hearing this, everyone's expression changed.

But Jellal paid no heed and immersed himself in his deductions, continuing unabated.

"For some invisible person's purpose, Kile's has been seeking suitable mages. He created eerie phenomena in the Storm Labyrinth to attract mages for investigation. Calvin might be the suitable one he has been seeking for years."

"Although I don't understand why Kile's was so sure Calvin would come alone to find him, he definitely harbors ill intentions."

Macao sighed repeatedly, then took a deep breath and solemnly spoke, "Continuing speculation won't confirm anything. Jellal, I'll inform everyone to assemble. Even if we exhaust all our efforts, Fairy Tail will take down the Sins of the Seven!"

Jellal nodded, having no doubt about Fairy Tail's determination. Then, he exchanged glances with Ultear and Meredy before speaking again.

"If that's the case, while you gather the team, we, the Sins of the Sorceress, will investigate again. At the very least, we need to identify the identities of the Seven Sins."

"Let's set it for ten days from now. We'll gather in the town below Mt. Orlec, directly attack their headquarters, and rescue Calvin."

Macao nodded in agreement. After bidding farewell to Jellal's group, he started contemplating how to address everyone.

"Sigh... Well, let's just inform everyone to return immediately."

With that, the Fairy Tail emblem on his body emitted a radiant glow.

Guild emblems carried magical properties and had an inexplicable connection. As the guild master, it was possible to convey certain messages to the members.

On that day, almost all the members within the guild received his signal. Those who received the message, except for Gildarts, appeared at the guild.

This included Laxus and the Thunder God Tribe, Mirajane and her siblings, Cana, Gajeel, and others.

However, the six figures of Erza, Natsu, Gray, Wendy, Lucy, and Levy were absent.

This was why the term 'almost' was used.

According to Jett and Droy, who used to team up with Levy, these six seemed to have gone to the Celestial Spirit World for training.

"The Celestial Spirit World? I heard time flows differently there. Thanks to them being there, it's definitely Lucy's doing," Macao remarked.

"Old man, spare the unnecessary details. Why call us back in such a hurry?" Laxus said impatiently, the Thunder God Tribe behind him nodding in unison.

"Be patient. Now that everyone is here, I'll explain everything."

"The reason I called you back while you were all striving in your training is for one thing."

"We will join forces with the independent guild, Sins of the Sorceress, to destroy the Dark Guild, Sins of the Seven, and rescue someone imprisoned within."

Hearing this, the people below began discussing fervently. Why suddenly confront the Dark Guild, especially one of its most powerful leaders?

"Guild Master, please clarify. Why suddenly engage with such a powerful Dark Guild? And who is the person to be rescued?" Mirajane inquired.

Macao gazed deeply for a moment, then spoke with a grave tone, "The person to be rescued is Calvin."

As soon as he said this, it was as if a storm had erupted. The previous discussions came to an abrupt halt, and the entire tavern could only hear Cana's incredulous voice asking, "Rescue Calvin?! What's going on?"

So, Macao detailed the information he had discussed with Jellal.

As his aged voice echoed, disbelief washed over the people at first, but soon their expressions turned into a mix of shock and anger. While it was good news that Calvin might not be dead, the fact that someone had taken advantage of his state and imprisoned him was unbearable for them.

Especially for Laxus and the Thunder God Tribe. Calvin had been captured once because of them, and this time, they were determined to redeem themselves by rescuing him from the Sins of the Seven.

"The enemy this time is formidable. Although the Sins of the Seven are Calvin's summon creatures, I believe you know the strength of these summons. Hence, I will select only a few."

"Laxus, the Thunder God Tribe, Mirajane, Elfman, Lisanna, Cana, Gajeel, and..."

"Erza, you ten will participate in this operation along with the Sins of the Sorceress."

"And I, this time, will personally take part!"