The night grew deeper.
Under such a pitch-black canopy, a solitary figure sat on the edge of the execution platform in the center of the execution grounds, as if waiting for something.
Apart from that, the wide-open square looked utterly ordinary.
Unused for nearly a year and only subject to regular cleaning, one could see everything clearly at a glance here: quiet and empty was the first impression it gave.
Of course, these were all just illusions.
In the most secret corner of the execution grounds, the creeping fog had already filled the dark crevices to the brim, ready to completely engulf the enemy as soon as they appeared.
Amidst the silence, the man sitting at the very center of the execution grounds cleared his throat softly.
He was, of course, Ronald.
And the enemy he awaited would arrive here before long.
Feeling the cold wind in the execution grounds, devoid of the slightest scent of blood, Ronald did not feel lonely. At that moment, he glanced down at his newly crafted light grey gloves.
Claudia had just used the corner of her own clothing to hastily fashion this item. Although it was a product made in a rush, the gloves fit perfectly and were quite comfortable to wear.
Pondering in such surroundings, Ronald’s gaze instinctively surveyed in the direction of the left wall.
That was where Claudia had disappeared earlier.
In terms of the comprehensiveness of abilities, one had to admit that spellcasters using an original text such as the "Britannica Encyclopedia" were exaggeratedly powerful.
Attack, search, miscellaneous...
All sorts of needs could be handled singlehandedly.
And even in concealing her tracks, Claudia now executed the task flawlessly.
At least, with the enhanced sight that Ronald possessed, he could not spot her anywhere in the execution grounds with his eyes alone.
Ronald would definitely not choose such a person as an opponent.
Just as Ronald felt somewhat contemplative, a cool breeze brushed across his face.
At the same time, the surveillance power of "Fury" also reacted.
Due to the trouble encountered in Springs earlier that day, Ronald had deliberately locked the surveillance range to about a hundred meters around the execution grounds. This way, the spell feedback put almost no pressure on him.
Now, Ronald was keenly aware that someone was approaching the execution grounds, their path almost without any error.
—The enemy had arrived.
Realizing this, Ronald’s entire spirit locked onto the other party.
There were three people in total, one in front and two behind, each harboring emotions of anger to some extent.
If his subsequent ambush proved successful, all three fellows would be within the targeting range of "Fury’s" power.
This... could this be a relatively simple fight?
Because of his considerable trust in the capabilities of the "Divine Comedy," Ronald had already formulated his battle strategy for what was to come.
—Try to make the fog come into contact with their bodies.
—Simple, direct, and effective.
Ronald looked up slightly and silently watched the main gate of the execution grounds.
Although it was deathly quiet around him, he was certain the enemy would arrive soon.
Pat-a-pat, pat-a-pat, pat-a-pat—
In the darkness, the uneven sound of footsteps began to echo.
Just as Ronald had monitored, the three figures quickly walked through the pitch-black execution grounds’ main gate into the area.
And the three who appeared all at once consisted of an elderly scholar followed by two students.
Elva and the two students he had brought back to his home from Wildering University.
The exact same combination as Ronald and Raphael had seen spying in the afternoon, without the slightest variation.
Ronald felt something subtle in his heart.
To be safe, he immediately expanded the detection range of his "Fury."
However, the scouting told him that, besides the three individuals in front of him, there were no other ambushes around.
This was all the force the enemy had sent.
How should he put it?
It seemed a bit too weak.
While Ronald was puzzled by this discovery, Elva, with the two students, had already entered the execution site and also noticed Ronald sitting on the central platform with a sullen look in his eyes.
In the darkness of the night.
Watching Ronald sit there alone, peering at them with sullen eyes.
Even though they were the ones who had approached, they still felt a bit disheartened.
Faced with this situation, Elva raised his right hand, and the two students following him stopped in their tracks.
Then, from a considerable distance, the man called out to Ronald with a deep voice that did not match his age,
"Young man, were you the one who caused a disturbance at my home in the afternoon?"
It was another question that Ronald hadn’t anticipated.
He had originally thought that, given the strength this organization had shown before, this guy would have at least known his identity by now and would say something full of information to him.
But when it came down to it, just an ordinary question?
He shook his head with a hint of regret.
Ronald leaped down from the platform with a snap and twisted his body slightly to warm up.
Although he wasn’t cold himself.
Having sat there for a while, he felt a bit stiff from the chilly wind and needed to loosen up.
Seeing Ronald’s actions, Elva and his two students also fixed their gaze upon him.
It was difficult for them to grasp the origin and purpose of the man in front of them.
However, just at that instant, thick fog suddenly surged around them, and under the distraction, an attack from the shadows was hard to defend against.
Ronald made his move.
His main purpose in doing so was to attract their attention.
Just like he had decided earlier, he wanted to resolve his enemies as simply as possible.
As long as they were under his control, he could ask whatever he wanted later, couldn’t he?
But at that very moment, Elva moved as well.
Even though he was standing at the entrance to the execution ground and had been distracted by Ronald, the elderly spellcaster still maintained a certain level of caution and immediately noticed the black fog attacking them.
His pupil sharply contracted, and he instantly realized what was happening.
"This guy is an Original holder!"
On hearing Elva’s warning, the two young men’s faces immediately showed signs of trouble. But, perhaps out of combat habit, they continued to stand behind Elva as if they intended to entrust their safety entirely to him.
Meanwhile, the elderly scholar took out a book from his chest with agility that defied his age.
Just one second before the black fog could touch the three of them.
Elva successfully read the text aloud.