"Speaking like that, do you think I won't lay a hand on you?"

Seeing Anthony's movements, Ronald frowned and issued a warning:

"We're outside the city now, so if I wanted to— even if I killed you right now, no one would..."

Ronald was about to continue his admonition, but was interrupted by Anthony.

This elderly caster showed not a trace of fear, walked up to Ronald, and said assertively:

"Someone willing to risk exposing secrets to save an innocent life would never do such a thing!"

Ronald was speechless for a moment; indeed, he had no intention of harming the old man.

But being so easily seen through left a strange feeling in his heart.

On the other side, seeing Ronald's acquiescent attitude, Anthony continued:

"Your thoughts and plans probably won't harm humanity."

"Although I'm not a caster of the [Nine Commandments Conclave], I've lived here for quite some time. So in many important matters, perhaps I can offer some help."

Ronald remained silent, starting to ponder.

A few seconds later, he turned his head and continued moving forward, then continued questioning Anthony:

"Weren't you just talking about following the mainstream societal development?"

Seeing this, Anthony understood completely.

The old man walked up smiling, explaining:

"Aligning words with actions is a very difficult thing to do."

"Sometimes trying to make a change might yield significant gains."

As his words fell, Anthony awaited Ronald's response.

But unexpectedly, Ronald immediately got to the point and revealed an absolutely forbidden statement here:

"Then I'll say it now—we're going to deal with the [Nine Commandments Conclave], with the aim to take down their leader. If obstacles arise, at the very least, we must destroy that book 'Interpretation'."

"..."

Anthony had prepared quite a few words.

But he hadn't even opened his mouth before Ronald's explosive statement shut him up entirely.

Due to the turmoil inside, the elderly caster slowed his pace by two steps.

Then he caught up with the two ahead, hastily warning:

"Attacking a faction's headquarters in their own territory is not a wise choice. Particularly since they have mastered powerful forces and possess several holders of original codes."

After Anthony finished speaking, he seemed to feel it wasn't persuasive enough, so he added:

"You know, a year ago there was an expedition fleet from [Gread]."

"The target was to campaign against the then [Nine Commandments Conclave]!"

"But what was the result? Now the fleet is gone, yet the [Nine Commandments Conclave] is still thriving here. An enemy that even the world's strongest nation's fleet couldn't handle, it's definitely not something one or two people can shake!"

Anthony felt his persuasion was compelling.

But Ronald was unmoved, even bringing up a detail Anthony wasn't aware of before:

"I must remind you, those people from a year ago were not Gread's fleet. The elite casters of Gread at that time were dealing with the escaped Barrier Mountain wizards. Most who came here by ship were nothing but profit-driven fools."

Although Anthony was shocked, he reacted quickly:

"You two, are you from [Gread]?"

"Is that important?" Ronald retorted.

"Indeed, it isn't important." Anthony chuckled wryly, without pursuing further, "In this matter, I only need to know that you harbor hostility towards the [Nine Commandments Conclave]."

The conversation reached a point where the three fell into a brief silence.

After walking about two kilometers, Anthony sorted out his thoughts and asked again:

"Sir, I haven't asked your names yet."

"Ronald." Concerned about names, Ronald thought there was no need to hide from Anthony, so he pointed to the maid beside him, "She's Costate, my maid."

"Ronald, Costate..." Anthony's expression was somewhat bewildered.

Just as Ronald expected, although his fame in the mainstream world of the mysterious side was not small, a year's time still wouldn't spread to the distant southern continent.

Unless the [Nine Commandments Conclave] actively publicized, who would know Ronald's name?

So... could they spread Ronald's fame?

As the one who slew an artificial deity, Ronald's name alone was enough to become a threat, even the foolish ones of [Nine Commandments Conclave] wouldn't seek such inconvenience.

Meanwhile, Anthony didn't dwell on this matter for long.

He quickly abandoned this line of thought, proposing a suggestion to Ronald and Costate:

"Since that's the case, how about this—on the way, I'll claim you're my spell apprentices externally. With my previous identity as a guarantee, it won't be a problem."

Ronald agreed with a nod but also noticed Anthony's urge to speak, so he guided the topic actively:

"Seems you have more questions?"

Anthony was visibly stunned by this inquiry, but quickly realized Ronald had sensed his thinking. Despite appearing somewhat uncomfortable, he nodded:

"Yes, I suggest we hire a carriage back in the city."

"If we're heading to the capital of this country, the journey still has a ways to go. Riding in a carriage would save energy and be faster than walking."

Ronald gave no comment on this.

Just when Anthony wondered why he didn't respond, Ronald pointed ahead. It was a mountain range stretching eastward, the road making an arc there.

"By the time we reach there, it'll be about dark." Ronald said.

"So, what's the point?" Anthony still looked puzzled.

"So by then, I'll use a flying spell and take you with me." Ronald continued to explain.

"..."

"Time interference, mental sensing, and even able to fly?"

At this point, Ronald's words undoubtedly brought another shock to Anthony.

This elderly caster's voice even trembled:

"What school do you belong to? What spells are you proficient in?"

"I've never heard of any school's original codes achieving so many rare effects by one person's power alone!"

Ronald didn't spare any face, citing an example right away:

"As far as I know, the investigators in [Gread] studying original codes can achieve such effects. And the royal family actually mastering the codes is akin to a versatile army knife-like all-encompassing caster."

At this point, Anthony became impatient, urging:

"Don't talk about this and that, I just want to know what's up with your school!"

Ronald thought for a moment, then replied honestly:

"It's a family-taught original code, never considered naming the school."