The next morning.

Ronald and Costate, after a night's rest, stepped out of the inn full of energy.

Looking at the unfamiliar city around them, wherever they set their sights, it was filled with ordinary people living earnestly and fervently.

This was clearly a well-operated normal city.

Where was the appearance of an evil stronghold, as one might expect?

For a moment, Ronald felt a bit perplexed.

The current actions were no longer a simple plan of direct confrontation, so where should he begin?

Should he head straight for the capital of the [Nine Commandments]?

Or should he stay in this city for another day to gather information?

Or maybe follow Eve and the others out of the city to gather more intel?

At this moment, Costate took out the pendant from last night and asked:

"Sir, should we go for the registration?"

Sometimes, the birth of a plan is just one trigger away.

And Costate's inquiry helped Ronald sort out his thoughts and determine his next course of action.

So he took out his pendant and handed it to the maid beside him.

"Alright, let's go check out this so-called registration."

"Such places, focused on external communication, will definitely be easier to gather information than ordinary places."

Costate immediately got to work, modifying the shielding on the pendant.

Then, the two of them strolled leisurely towards the city center in the early morning.

On the way, they naturally had the patience to observe their surroundings.

To Ronald's surprise, the people here generally lived quite well. Even if not as technologically advanced as [Grid], at least the normal folks could make ends meet.

In this era.

This was an achievement worth boasting about; the rulers had every right to brag about such accomplishments. Of course, the [Nine Commandments] had its unique characteristics.

During this stretch of road, Ronald witnessed a conflict between a Caster and an ordinary person.

Though it was due to the Caster's negligence.

However, the ordinary person did not resist or hold any grudge; they immediately admitted their mistake and apologized to the Caster.

And on the Caster's side, there was no excessive harm towards the ordinary person.

They just exchanged a few words and went on with their respective affairs.

What does this imply?

The Casters surely hold a high status.

And in the eyes of ordinary people, they are not monopolizers or oppressors, but instead rightful and friendly superiors.

From Ronald's perspective, this way of interaction between classes seemed to be enjoyed by both sides on the surface, and they even internally accepted such rules.

But underneath the facade of friendliness lies the mysterious power rules and the already established big academies.

At this rate.

It could be far more dangerous than Casters simply flaunting their power!

As they continued walking, similar scenes kept occurring, causing Ronald to furrow his brows ever more tightly.

Half an hour later, they reached their destination.

This was the city's external reception office, located within a comprehensive administrative center dealing with issues like citizen disputes and security regulations, which were also managed here.

There were quite a few people dealing with matters, but outsiders like them were probably quite uncommon, right?

Walking into the building, this was what Ronald thought.

Even before reaching the hall for formalities, he assumed there wouldn't be too many people here.

But once inside, Ronald realized he was wrong.

This port city, right at the border, actually had a considerable number of Casters handling formalities here!

Good news — this made Ronald and Costate's infiltration less conspicuous.

Bad news — Such an inclusive [Nine Commandments] would only become increasingly problematic!

Ronald and Costate exchanged a glance and stood at the back of the line.

Meanwhile, the conversation between a Caster in the queue ahead and the [Nine Commandments] Caster handling the procedures echoed in their ears.

"Name, school."

"Boli, from the Long Night White River school."

"Do you have a referrer?"

"I heard from the North Federation that they're accepting talent here, so I expressed my interest at their office to come and take a look."

"Your purpose?"

"Um, I heard that [Nine Commandments] possesses the ability to decipher the originals. In the current world landscape, joining such a force is something every Caster hopes for."

"..."

The [Nine Commandments] Caster pursed his lips at this point in the conversation, clearly unimpressed with such a statement.

Due to external diplomacy.

Casters with hostility have a hard time entering the city, so those who come here are usually well-intentioned, and their statements typically reflect that.

Therefore, the [Nine Commandments] Caster took out a stamp.

He looked again at the man before him, this time augmenting his inquiry with spellcraft:

"Tell me — do you have any special magical abilities or outstanding combat achievements? This will greatly help your future circumstances and treatment."

The other person replied:

"I participated in the Inanna Sea Battle and achieved commendable results."

"A combat-type talent, huh." Hearing this response, the [Nine Commandments] Caster nodded satisfied, pressed down with the stamp in his hand, and returned the pendant belonging to this man.

"Here, keep this, it still serves as your identification."

"For the next month, do not leave our city; your attitude and statements will be monitored and evaluated. If all goes well afterward, we welcome talent like you into the organization."

Upon hearing this response, the Caster entering the city was overjoyed and repeatedly nodded to express his gratitude:

"Thank you, thank you very much."

In his mind, he had joined an organization with infinite potential.

According to the Casters' rumors, even an ordinary Caster like himself might get the chance to access the originals within the [Nine Commandments]!

Perhaps his destiny had changed today.

The [Nine Commandments] Caster was quite accustomed to such attitudes. He waved lightly at the man before him and then called out to the next person in line:

"That's nothing, we welcome every talent who wants to join."

"Next!"

"..."

"Name? School?"

"..."

The [Nine Commandments] Caster adeptly attended to everyone registering.

Looking over several individuals, Ronald noticed that the examination here was relatively stringent.

Clearly, combat-type talents with notable achievements are bound to be accepted by the [Nine Commandments]. But if one only has a particular skill, their acceptance could be uncertain.

As for those just gambling, possessing only a few spells.

The chances of joining were nearly nonexistent for them.

They would only gain the right to reside here, and even their identification pendant might be taken back.

Gradually, the line moved steadily forward.

And finally, it was Ronald and Costate's turn.

The [Nine Commandments] Caster in the hall glanced at them, asking in an unremarkable tone:

"Are you two together?"

"Names? School?"