With such a sudden incident occurring, Ronald and his two companions could no longer rest.

The three of them sat in the living room of the suite, beginning a discussion about the possible events to come.

According to Anthony's account.

The mysterious leader of the city is a caster named Frank Allen, a top local caster like Anthony, who does not hold a favorable view of the Nine Circles-Conclave.

However, constrained by the lack of explicit resistance.

In the past, the Nine Circles-Conclave did not resort to direct force but continuously used this kind of 'academic visit' to undermine and suppress these local occult leaders.

After gaining a more detailed understanding of the overall situation, Ronald steered the conversation towards their plans for the next morning:

"Regarding this academic visit, what exactly is the process?"

Being part of the circle, Anthony found it naturally easy to explain this question:

"Simply put, it's an open forum where both sides engage in debates over academic and ideological matters. Now that the Nine Circles-Conclave holds the Book of Interpretations and is the actual controller of this area, the outcome of such debates is naturally without any other possibilities."

Ronald continued to ask:

"Is Frank's invitation meant for you to help with the debate?"

Anthony nodded:

"Partly to help with the debate and partly to provide support. The difference in pressure between facing a power alone and with others is enormous."

Understanding the situation clearly, Ronald gazed at the glass of water in front of him, pondering for a few seconds.

The confrontation between local casters and the Nine Circles-Conclave—this event is definitely more informative than wandering blindly around the city and could potentially play a crucial role in their subsequent actions. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Before any action, there was only one question—

"Anthony, if I go with you, will the identities of Costate and me be an issue?"

The aged caster smiled wryly:

"How could that be a problem?"

"Although it is a confrontation, the Nine Circles-Conclave undoubtedly holds an absolute advantage. Under such circumstances, where arrogance isn't even considered wrong, those people don't consider us old fellows at all."

"..."

Anthony's tone carried a hint of bitterness, his gaze tinged with a trace of reminiscence.

A year ago, the Nine Circles-Conclave was merely a civilian force in the southern continent, capable only of causing some trouble for Anthony and the former high-ranking officials.

But what happened afterward?

The world changed, and those dragons disguised as wolves revealed their ferocity at that moment.

They, who were adapted to the unchanging environment of the past.

Were thus forced to accept the reality, and over the course of a year, declined step by step to their current state.

When Ronald found Anthony, the strongest one previously in the city,

it wasn't because he was the truly strongest caster, but because almost ninety percent of the old-guard leaders had either fled this land or already submitted to the will of the Nine Circles-Conclave.

And then used the academic visit method to deal with those stubborn individuals!

When one grows old, it's easy to fall into such emotions.

Seeing Anthony in such a state, Ronald gave the elder ample time before deciding:

"In that case, we'll set out tomorrow morning."

"For our final confirmation, do we have anything else to prepare?"

Anthony pointed at his head, indicating the situation while also requesting:

"Everything needed is here."

"But in this last stretch of time, I might write some things down to organize my thoughts."

Ronald nodded slightly, instructing Costate to head downstairs for paper and pen.

Upon acquiring the items, Anthony immediately entered a working state, focusing entirely on writing what he needed.

During this period, Ronald also glanced at what the other party had written.

Time was of the essence, and at this moment, Anthony could certainly not draft any long-winded manuscript. Based on his knowledge, he listed out clear entries, anticipated potential questions from the opposing side, and thus confirmed in advance what kind of responses to adopt.

Setting up this kind of mental guidance in advance can save a lot of effort during the debate, allowing more energy to be devoted to the content of the argument.

This could be considered the most efficient approach at present.

Seeing the aged caster writing earnestly, Ronald naturally wouldn't disturb him. However, due to the geographical issue, though this hotel was high-class, it still had no balcony in the room.

Thus, he took Costate with him to the rooftop of the hotel.

The night was deepening on the rooftop.

The city under the governance of the Nine Circles-Conclave was evidently much better off than its northern neighbors.

Even at night, there were places in the city where lights were on, carrying out night-time economic activities.

Yet, these local characteristics remained unchanged.

With Ronald's strong sensory perception, he could clearly distinguish that there were powerful casters stationed at these places, activities that ordinary people could absolutely not undertake.

Whoosh——

At this moment, a northern wind blew through.

Ronald heard the sound of clothes being rustled by the wind and turned to see Costate pressing down slightly on her skirt — an action a maid would never have done in the past.

The change triggered a thought, prompting Ronald to speak:

"We've spent a few days here in the territory of the Nine Circles-Conclave."

"Costate, after seeing all these things, what are your thoughts now?"

Costate earnestly contemplated Ronald's question.

While pressing down her skirt and gently leaning forward as if gazing downward at something.

After a few breaths, the wind ceased.

Costate stood upright again, answering with a serious tone:

"Generally speaking, the governance of the Nine Circles-Conclave is quite successful, choosing the most suitable development path for the mysterious side. Living in such an environment, people will naturally yearn for and pursue spells, and even the inherent antagonism of class itself can be shifted onto the concept of power."

Ronald was noncommittal about her answer but proceeded with the question:

"Do you think what they're doing is right?"

Costate replied:

"From the perspective of people in this world, I think what they're doing is probably not wrong, but that doesn't mean this path is correct."

Listening, Ronald remained silent for a long time.

He could understand this line of thought; in such an environment, it was natural for such a mindset to emerge. But for Ronald, whose mindset did not belong to this place, this was not easy to accept.

"Your view somewhat resembles what Anthony mentioned earlier."

"Well then, let's enjoy the scenery. We may not have time for this later."

Leaving those words, Ronald ceased the conversation and instead focused on the city around him.

Standing beside him, Costate had something to say.

She knew in her heart that if it were her old self, she would have spoken by now, yet now she couldn't voice it.

The words were— "Sir, I seem to understand your thoughts."