CHAPTER 616: CHAPTER 613: RACING AGAINST TIME

"The Nine Commandments Secret Meeting" related to the cult magicians in the city.

This matter... was not surprising; it was expected.

Not to mention the profoundly problematic mindset of the cult magicians, but the fact that Bapulor, the leader of this power, had disappeared for two months during such a crucial time.

Any organization with a shred of weak order

would immediately fall into a very difficult-to-manage state.

So, if that organization was run by cult magicians...

Slap—

Ronald slapped his own face, his tone becoming somewhat unpleasant:

"Tell me, to what extent have you collaborated with the cult magicians, just talk about what you know."

"..."

The caster from "The Nine Commandments Secret Meeting" continued to speak:

"According to the chairman’s assessment, we probably can’t shake Springs with our hard power, even if we collaborate with the cult magicians. Therefore, the entire battle plan has been adjusted."

"In the morning, we will first launch an attack, causing significant losses to Dantrian and temporarily disrupting their arrangements in the city. In the afternoon, cult magicians skilled in stealth operations will be the core of the action, in conjunction with our placements within the investigation bureau—"

"Ugh... Mmh! Ahhhhh!"

Suddenly, this caster from "The Nine Commandments Secret Meeting" began to wail loudly.

The expression that should have been controlled by the magic potion instantly twisted, and a strong magic fluctuation surged out from him.

—Original spell.

Just by sensing the intensity of the magic fluctuation on the other person,

Ronald quickly judged the guy’s state.

Because he was about to disclose information that should not be leaked, some sort of original spell used for keeping secrets was taking effect on the person before him.

Ronald’s choice was simple and direct.

The power of Hell turned into a black mist, covering the other as his consciousness was awakened by the spell, aiming to stabilize—or rather, control the other’s state as much as possible.

"Ugh—"

Under the control of multiple spells, the caster’s legs gave out.

And he immediately collapsed on the ground, motionless.

"..."

"It’s still not working..."

Ronald stood up with a frown—the result was terrible.

"The Nine Commandments Secret Meeting’s" secrecy spells were domineering and potent, designed to kill the informers.

Although Ronald had swiftly taken control of the other’s body,

even so, the guy’s brain had already been irreparably damaged.

Patricia, who had been watching everything, stepped forward.

The precise gaze of the swordsman immediately assessed the unfortunate soul on the ground:

"No use, he’s done for..."

"..."

Ronald silently stood up.

He motioned and then walked away with Patricia to a distant location.

The wail from the other side had been far too loud, not only alarming the citizens preparing for the celebration but also the investigators, who had been startled like scared birds, rushing over this way.

Under normal circumstances, Ronald wouldn’t have to avoid the investigators to this extent.

But just now, the caster from "The Nine Commandments Secret Meeting" had—under the torture of the magic potion—said, ’in conjunction with our placements within the investigation bureau.’

With the magic potion of the Entrode spy agency and "The Nine Commandments Secret Meeting’s" self-purging spells as a double guarantee, it was almost a sure thing.

So until things became clear, or the spy was caught,

Ronald preferred to avoid contact with the investigation bureau for the time being.

Hidden in the darkness unknown to their enemies, they moved much more easily than out in the open.

In silence, Ronald and his companion made their way several streets away.

As they approached the edge of the industrial area, Patricia suddenly spoke up,

"Ronald, the enchantments guarding the intelligence usually have the ability to send information back. The ’Nine Commandments’ may not know it was us who acted, but they definitely know that someone is obstructing them."

The point Patricia had raised was very important.

Especially for Ronald.

The messages he received during Time Retrospection were based on the premise that there were no unexpected developments injected into the progression of events in Springs. But now, with this external factor, what if these people suddenly changed plans?

Allowing the enemy to activate such a spell.

In fact, it was a serious mistake.

"..."

"So, the plan might change, huh..."

Ronald murmured quietly to himself.

Now, two options lay before them—the first was to bet that the ’Nine Commandments’ and the occult magicians wouldn’t change plans, and continue with the action as Patricia and he had intended;

The second choice was actually quite simple—strike immediately!

They would bet the success or failure of their operation on the efficient speed of their actions. Even if the ’Nine Commandments’ and the occult magicians chose to change plans, if they moved fast enough, they could still get ahead and block them before they made their move.

Who could afford to take such risks at a time like this?

Ronald didn’t hesitate in his heart, immediately choosing the latter without any struggle.

So, he turned his gaze to Patricia.

"Patricia, of the other two hidden spots of the ’Ultimate Conclave’ I only know the general direction, one is near the edge of the Forest Side district, the other in the Organ district. Which side do you think is suitable for us to strike?"

The situations in the Forest Side district and the Organ district were completely different.

The Forest Side district was the largest among the fourteen districts of Springs and located at the very edge near the land outside the city, making the search extremely difficult in the limited time; the Organ district was smaller in size, but it was nearly exclusively the home to nobility and high society, and the potential troubles they could stir up were definitely not few.

Ronald did not wish to make such a decision on his own.

Having Patricia, who was more familiar with Springs, make the decision, was now a safer course of action.

"Hahaha—"

No sooner had Ronald spoken than Patricia laughed.

The girl’s face, free from even a speck of dust, was expressive, her clear eyes gazing at Ronald before her:

"Is there even a need to think about it? It’s definitely the Forest Side district."

"The Organ district, with all its mess, where many already have issues, would make it extremely hard to search for the enemy casters. But if we go to the Forest Side district to look for the enemy..."

As she spoke, Patricia paused and pointed at herself:

"Our Nicholas family’s mansion is right there."

"When it comes to finding people from the Forest Side district, do you think there’s a better option?"

"..."

Ronald gave a dry laugh and scratched his head.

As soon as Patricia had opened her mouth, he immediately recalled the time he visited her family’s house. The Forest Side district of Springs, wasn’t that the stronghold of the Nicholas family?

Ronald immediately said:

"Patricia, let’s set off now."

"I’ll use a Flying Spell to carry you, that fine with you?"

Patricia nodded slightly:

"You keep the Flying Spell going, and I’ll fill you in on the details about the Forest Side district."

"..."

Confirming their method of action.

Ronald immediately recited the incantation skillfully:

"From the standpoint of the relationship between the entire earth and the sky, we’ll begin to form our perception..."