Ronald and Catherine entered the treehouse and ascended all the way up.

This time upon entering, they were subjected to an identity check.

The wartime situation was, after all, different from usual, especially at such an important person's workplace like Congressman Darman's. Even though the people at the gate knew Ronald and Catherine's identities, they still didn't dare to skip the necessary process.

Ronald and Catherine, of course, complied with the staff's requests.

Only after verifying their identity and explaining the situation were they allowed to proceed, and then they ascended the stairs inside the treehouse.

Compared to the previous day's experience.

There was a noticeable change in personnel at the treehouse this morning.

In sight, some familiar faces Ronald had seen before were absent, and many unfamiliar ones had appeared.

For now, Hamno had transformed Congressman Darman's work location into a wartime command post!

Ronald didn't even need to discern carefully.

Just through the magical fluctuations and emotional changes of these people, he could tell that they were mid-level personnel directly involved in this war. Their responsibilities probably included communication and analysis and judgment of relevant strategies.

"..."

"Ronald, you might find it quite 'magical'!"

This scene seemed to have prompted Catherine's musings.

So during the brief time ascending the stairs, she teasingly said to Ronald:

"Back when we prepared for that revenge battle against the real world, the attitude of the Barrier Mountain wizards towards war actually wasn't as professional as these people."

Ronald was not particularly surprised:

"After all, each field has its specialization."

"The Barrier Mountain wizards can achieve such excellent results in mystical research, it's entirely understandable that they might lack in other areas."

Catherine displayed a rather disdainful expression:

"Your saying is gracious enough! Specialization indeed, but it's really just about throwing everything into so-called spell research while neglecting everything else like a bunch of foolish wizards."

At this point, Catherine slightly lowered her head, self-mockingly added:

"Of course, I'm just the same."

"..."

This time Ronald didn't respond any further.

Because with just a few words, the two of them had already reached the floor where Congressman Darman's office was located.

He stepped forward to see the door was not fully closed.

Moreover, intense discussions could faintly be heard from inside.

Bang, bang, bang—

Ronald gently knocked on the door, then waited a few seconds.

Only after the discussion inside fell silent did he push the door open and appear before everyone with Catherine.

"Ah? Mr. Ronald!"

Congressman Darman's excited voice immediately rang out in the office.

At the same time, Ronald could see, beside the delighted Congressman Darman, several casters with grave expressions were gathered here. The desk originally filled with governmental documents now had a clearly marked military map laid over it.

There was no doubt.

These were the military personnel discussing the direction of the war with Congressman Darman.

They eyed Ronald and Catherine entering the office with varied expressions. Some showed a hint of disdain, while others, like Congressman Darman, were quite optimistic about their arrival.

During the initial observation of each other.

Congressman Darman had already looped around from behind the desk.

As Ronald and Catherine approached the desk, he stood firm in front of them ahead of time.

This gesture not only expressed his warm welcome to them.

But his body also cleverly shielded the military map on the desk behind him.

Ronald saw through this, but did not point it out.

He carried on as usual, giving Congressman Darman a smile, then asked:

"Congressman Darman, at your invitation, Catherine and I are here."

"If there is anything that needs doing, can we discuss it now?"

At this moment, among the officers, someone clearly wanted to step forward to say something to Ronald and Catherine.

But one of his colleagues stopped his action.

Their tugging produced considerable noise.

Noticing this, Congressman Darman cast a complex look at the two, then turned back, putting on a warm smile for Ronald and Catherine:

"Of course, there's certainly something we need to entrust to both of you!"

"Not hiding from you, last night, Lama I summoned with some subordinates was doing public work outside the city when they ran straight into the advancing Lin Yin City army..."

Ronald briefly scanned around and saw the place lacked the presence of the Demon Lama.

At such a tense moment.

Lama should be staying beside his summoner to guard him!

"Lama is not here now?"

Upon hearing Ronald's inquiry, Congressman Darman regretfully shook his head:

"According to the survivors who managed to escape back, Lama likely perished in the first clash with the army. But as a summoner, I can faintly sense his presence, yet now, I can't contact him under any circumstances."

"..."

Ronald was left momentarily speechless.

You certainly won't reach him...

Because after the first clash with the army last night, the great demon prioritized self-preservation and disappeared without a trace.

Still maintaining the contractual link with Congressman Darman, probably due to some sly maneuver made on a gambled chance.

Ronald felt rather speechless but didn't directly expose the Demon Lama's scheme.

Meanwhile, Congressman Darman began to articulate his true intention:

"If Lama has not been lost, then given his agile capability, there is a task that undoubtedly needs to be assigned to him. But unfortunately, I've temporarily lost his aid now." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Upon hearing this part, Ronald already foresaw the next development.

Thus he preemptively said:

"So you hope for us two capable casters to replace Lama in executing an originally important task?"

Congressman Darman eagerly started nodding.

Proving Ronald's words were true.

But standing aside, Catherine seized the moment to deliver a sharp mockery:

"Darman, our initial contract did not include such a task. Now, during this tense wartime, you suddenly want to add work outside the agreement, doesn't seem right, does it?"

Congressman Darman's smile froze instantly.

Not only did his mindset stiffen, but the memories of being oppressed by Catherine also surged, leaving him at a loss for words.

While he failed to react.

The officer who just displayed an aggressive stance stepped forward and loudly said:

"If not for the lack of available people, Hamno wouldn't ask outsiders like you!"

"Do you think we're really willing to entrust such tasks to you?"