CHAPTER 719: CHAPTER 714: TREE CITY

Ronald was not planning on commenting on the current situation of the Secret of Aogen.

After all, under the current circumstances, being able to stand firmly within the forest and to take in survivors was already a precious act.

Walking on the path carved inside the trees,

Ronald was also observing the unique architectural structures here.

The Secret of Aogen had ingeniously designed their camp; apart from the defensive advantages the trees themselves offered, they had integrated Spells for illumination along the textures of the tree branches.

Immersed in such an environment,

softly glowing tree patterns surrounded him on all sides.

If one didn’t consider the current defensive situation that the Secret of Aogen was forced into, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this place was built as a magical castle for amusement.

"The people here are extremely skilled in modifying trees."

Over ten minutes had passed when even Il from the team couldn’t help but speak out in admiration and immediately asked Ronald, "Sir, do you think I have a chance to learn this technique from them?"

"..."

Ronald turned his head to look at this individual.

Il was looking around with great interest.

Although she understood her special identity as not human but evolved from plants and had constructed a world view in the forest, she was obviously different from normal people in many aspects.

Ronald looked at Il with a complex expression.

Ahead of them, the Caster of the Secret of Aogen who was leading the way naturally heard Il’s inquiry.

"Mr. Ronald, who is this...?"

The Caster didn’t show anger at Il’s words.

He simply asked Ronald in a very ordinary manner, considering that the latter was clearly the leader of the party.

Quickly comparing the reactions between Il and the Caster of the Secret of Aogen,

Ronald made up his mind and simply said:

"She is a pet I tamed in the forest, her mind is a bit different from ordinary people."

"You don’t need to mind her."

"Yes, that’s right." Il nodded in strong agreement, "But regarding the request to learn plant control techniques, my desire to learn is very serious."

"..."

The expression of the Caster of the Secret of Aogen was a bit subtle.

He looked earnestly at Il, who was definitely extraordinary in appearance, then glanced at the renowned Ronald. After showing a smile of complete understanding, he continued to draw runes and opened the pathway.

"Previously, this might not have been possible."

"But recently, the elders of the school discussed the current global situation. If your negotiations with the higher-ups are appropriate, your companion might indeed have the opportunity to come and learn."

"..."

After the brief interlude,

The team continued moving through the secretive fortress within the trees.

They walked for over half an hour and, after climbing multiple spiral staircases, finally followed the leader out of the tree trunk.

That was the end of it.

Ahead was the world within the tree canopy.

Unlike the narrow, elongated paths restricted by the tree trunks earlier, stepping into this area offered a suddenly expansive view.

The Caster of the Secret of Aogen.

Within this interconnected, gigantic dome, he used Spells to carve out an extremely spacious mezzanine. Below was a sturdy wooden floor, and above, the verdant tree canopy added to the scenery. To say this place was a city within a tree would not be an exaggeration.

It was at that moment,

A person from this unique city walked out, heading straight toward Ronald and his group, with a polite smile on his face:

"Lodi, this is Mr. Ronald, right?"

The Caster leading the way immediately replied,

"Yes, Mr. Ogger."

After a brief introduction, the guiding Caster turned and walked back in the direction they came from. Meanwhile, the Caster before them became the point of contact for Ronald and the others.

"Ogger Zhongsi," the Caster introduced himself simply and then shook hands with Ronald enthusiastically, "I’m pleased to meet a responsible Caster like you coming to our aid at such a time."

Ogger first expressed his welcome to Ronald.

But soon, the middle-aged Caster’s expression turned into a bitter smile:

"As for the current situation in Yizi, I won’t hide it from you; actually, since last month, we’ve been sending people through the dangerous forest. But from the limited information they’ve managed to send back, it seems that no one from the outside is willing to reach out a helping hand..."

Ronald immediately spoke to comfort him:

"The situation outside isn’t much better either."

"Casters sealed in the Dark Age returned from the sea and then launched an attack on Springs. With such a major event involving the whole world, the situation in Yizi naturally wouldn’t be prioritized."

"Dark Age!"

Ogger’s eyes widened upon hearing this from Ronald.

Although the Secret of Aogen was still operating normally in Yizi, their contact with the outside world had become incredibly weak, due to their location deep within the forest.

At this moment, the news Ronald burst out with,

obviously had a significant impact on this caster of the Secret of Aogen.

"So that’s it... Wait!"

Ogger was initially shocked by Ronald’s information, but it didn’t take him long to suddenly realize something else:

"Mr. Ronald, are you saying that the prime culprit causing anomalies between heaven and earth could also be due to the battle happening in Springs?"

Ronald raised an eyebrow.

Mr. Ogger was quite quick-witted.

While normal people receiving such news might naturally draw connections, it was quite uncommon to realize it so promptly like he did. Indeed, the Caster sent from the Secret of Aogen to interact with him was no simple character.

Having reassessed the man before him, Ronald then replied:

"Although I was involved in that battle, I’m not clear about the specifics of the unnatural changes occurring between heaven and earth."

"And right now, the pressing issue should still be Yizi, right?"

Ogger immediately nodded in agreement with Ronald’s response:

"Yes, you’re absolutely right."

"However, regarding the issue of Yizi, let’s discuss it in detail later."

Ronald politely responded:

"Thank you for doing so."

After a few more words,

Ronald continued deeper into this unique city in the trees under Ogger’s guidance.

Another ten-plus minutes of walking passed.

During this process,

the difference between the Secret of Aogen and Sorato became even more apparent in Ronald’s eyes.

Although both factions were active in Yizi Forest, until they entered the meeting room, none of the Aogen casters had noticed the non-human nature of Il.

In contrast—was the camp constructed by the Secret of Aogen and its completeness.

The open camps like those of Sorato could not compare to such a tightly structured and incredibly safe city in the trees.

The human forces still holding out in Yizi Forest,

indeed all had their unique aspects.