CHAPTER 698: CHAPTER 693: SEA OF FLOWERS

Snap—

There was no surprise.

The weapon swung by the young man was clasped by Ronald with one hand, and the effect of the attack spell was instantly blocked by "Guardian Angel."

"..."

After that, he tried to wrestle the weapon back from Ronald’s grip.

The result was despairing.

Not only were all the attacks futile.

Now, even if he exerted all his strength, he could not pull his weapon out of the man’s hand.

To be more precise.

Ronald’s posture remained motionless.

The difference in physical power between the two wasn’t on the same level, and there was never a chance to reverse the outcome from the beginning.

"..."

"Perhaps it’s best if you rest for a while."

Seeing the conflict escalate further,

Ronald also knew this wasn’t the time for ’nice conversation’.

Thus, he removed the cloth bonds entwined on the Sword of Saint Catherine with one hand, and with a flick, the cloth unfurled.

Swish—

The pitch-black blade flashed before him.

The next second, the Saint’s ability to manipulate human hearts immediately spread out.

However, right after that,

the spreading Magic Power instantly condensed and contracted.

Having experienced the "Infinite Negative Domain," Ronald adjusted the range of this ability, locking all its power specifically on Orland nearby.

"..."

The expression of the leader of Banica became wooden.

If it were a widespread control typical of the Sword of Saint Catherine, Orland might have been able to break free through his own abilities, but to escape this intensely focused control was genuinely impossible for him.

"Could it not be..."

At the same time, Ronald murmured softly.

He was somewhat surprised.

Having thought Orland, as the leader of Banica, would likely be a potent bearer of the Organic Encyclopedia, Ronald only confirmed after actually controlling him that Orland did not possess the Encyclopedia.

This man was merely a strong Caster.

But after integrating resources in Yizi Forest to the fullest extent possible, he too had become a qualified power.

"A habitual mistake..."

"Experience from Springs isn’t applicable everywhere else."

Reflecting on his misstep, Ronald glanced around.

After this brief episode, the surrounding Casters mostly chose to protect themselves wisely.

After all, the reality of Banica’s collapse was right before their eyes.

They had no reason to provoke Ronald, who was evidently very strong.

After assessing the situation,

Ronald knew they were safe and straightforwardly continued to Orland:

"Orland, it’s about that ’Mother of Dryads’ matter, tell me everything you know."

Under the control of the Sword of Saint Catherine,

Orland began to speak directly:

"Mother emerged from the core of Yizi Forest as a powerful being, and after mastering Magic Power, she became even stronger, far surpassing any Caster I’ve ever seen."

"Wait!" Ronald interrupted just as Orland began to speak, catching onto an explosive detail, "You also call that thing mother?"

Orland nodded again:

"Yes, she is the most respectable being to me."

"If it weren’t for Mother bestowing me with immense power, I’d still just be a lowly Caster struggling to survive in Yizi Forest."

"..."

As the words were spoken, the surroundings suddenly became restless.

Some of the surviving Casters who had enhanced perception abilities also overheard the conversation and shared the information with their companions.

Thus, the surviving Banica Casters were astounded.

They had never imagined that their leader had managed to establish this valuable camp with the support of a mutated creature.

The atmosphere around them started to shift subtly.

Ronald furrowed his brow and continued asking,

"How do you refer to that ’Mother,’ and do you know what caused all this—the whereabouts of the original tome in her possession?"

"I guess she carries it with her," Orland replied without hesitation, revealing all he knew. "Mother evolved from a plant rooted underground; she doesn’t like moving against her habits, so the original tome must also always be on her."

"..."

"Hey! Look over there!"

"Ah? What is this thing?"

Ronald was about to continue his questioning when a survivor from further away suddenly exclaimed.

They looked in that direction.

An astonishing scene was unfolding in the distance.

After the recent explosion, Banica’s location had been completely reduced to charcoal, and the fire was still spreading further away.

It was under these circumstances.

A kind of plant being burned by the flames, which retained a large amount of original tome’s Magic Power, began to evolve at this junction.

The originally green leaves and branches suddenly turned black.

The pattern on the veins of the leaves also transformed into a sparkling orange-red.

As for the properties it exhibited...

—This newly born plant was fire-resistant.

—It also possessed unique organs capable of directly absorbing and converting thermal energy!

Immediately following was the plant in the flames quickly absorbing the surrounding heat and growing at an unbelievable pace, spreading everywhere visible within the field of vision.

Then, they blossomed.

Brilliant red flowers resembling fire bloomed on the branches of these plants, the petals covered with a layer of flame-like, luminous patterns.

In just about a quarter of an hour.

The fire spreading through the forest was completely devoured by these plants, and Ronald’s surroundings transformed into a pure sea of flowers composed of these plants.

In the midst of the night.

The lifeless land was submerged under a vibrant and beautiful sea of flowers.

This surreal experience brought an indescribable, dreamlike beauty.

Several bold Casters immediately conducted tests.

These plants showed no aggressiveness; if their orange-red veins or petals were broken, a sweet, viscous liquid would flow out.

"..."

Watching everything unfolding before him, Ronald couldn’t help but fall silent.

This was the power of the "Organic Encyclopedia."

If used properly, the beauty it could bring to the world was beyond words.

But just like this beauty.

Once it showed its aggressiveness and potential for destruction,

The results it could cause were unmatched by any other original tome.

"..."

"Ha—ah—"

It was during this time.

Orland finally overcame the control of Saint Catherine’s Sword.

He staggered and fell to the ground, fully aware of his situation.

Though now, he merely grinned foolishly and said to Ronald,

"See?"

"This is Mother’s power."

"The beautiful force symbolizing life and hope."