Finally, Ronald felt that the most nerve-wracking moment of the day had arrived.
Although he now had a considerable amount of money in hand, when it came to the most important knowledge of the mysterious side, he couldn’t help but feel a little guilty.
After all, this was the nature of his request.
Would he be unable to pay even next month’s rent after today?
As Ronald controlled his expression, preventing his nervousness from showing, the elder spoke up.
With a friendly smile on his face, he looked at Ronald and took the initiative to say,
"Mr. Ronald, you must know that our ’Scroll Research Society’ is an organization loyal to Her Majesty the Queen, so I won’t beat around the bush."
"Gaining knowledge is actually very simple for you."
"The ’Scroll Research Society’ can help you acquire knowledge, as well as benefits."
However, at this point, the elder’s tone suddenly shifted:
"Of course, if you’re not willing to join us, then this cooperation cannot be discussed."
The elder’s demeanor was indifferent, and during this declaration, his attitude was very firm, almost leaving no room for refusal.
Listening to the elder’s explanation, Ronald showed an understanding expression, then calmly nodded.
His purpose today was exactly this, so naturally there were no grounds for refusal.
Although he knew that this might bring some trouble, Ronald had to admit that the historical records collected by official powers were definitely worth it.
Thinking this, Ronald gave the elder a careful look.
He was an old man from whom no magic power could be detected.
But instinctively, Ronald felt an inexplicable sense of mystery emanating from him, no doubt another powerful figure.
This was the ’Scroll Research Society’ serving under the Queen...
At the same time, seeing Ronald’s reaction, the elder was naturally very pleased.
This was an original text holder!
For their organization, having someone who possessed the original text join was absolutely great news. A being with knowledge and experience, if communicated with properly, could advance their research even further.
Exuberantly, the elder stood up from his chair:
"The ’Scroll Research Society’ is very pleased to welcome you."
"Mr. Ronald, rest assured."
"We will try our best to meet any of your requests."
Seeing that Ronald was listening to his explanation without objection, the elder then took out a card and handed it over:
"This is our identification card, injecting your magic power will complete the verification."
"Holding this, you will be able to prove you’re a member of the ’Scroll Research Society,’ and I believe you will find it useful."
Ronald nodded in response while taking the card.
A black card the size of a bank card, it bore only some decorative stripes and revealed no information.
Following the elder’s instructions, Ronald tried injecting the magic power that strengthened his body from the ’Divine Comedy’ into it, and immediately, an image of a figure holding a book and dressed in a red robe appeared on the black card.
"Good, the verification is very successful."
Seeing this, the elder immediately nodded in delight:
"However, with this done, we should change locations to continue our conversation."
As he said this, the elder clapped his hands, and the bookshelves in the room split open to reveal a passage leading underground.
"Mr. Ronald, please come with me."
"And let me introduce myself, I am Obenheim Shelley, but you can just call me Old Shelley."
As he spoke, Obenheim had already started down the passage.
Ronald closely followed the old man inside, stepping into the passageway as well.
The inside of the passageway was very quiet, with long strips of an unknown glowing material on both sides providing illumination. The entire tunnel also clearly extended downwards.
People of the mystical side.
They really do like delving into the ground...
Thinking to himself, Ronald followed the elder deeper into the passageway.
The length of the tunnel was not too far, really.
It wasn’t long before Ronald saw light appearing ahead.
Following this, a downward stone stairway came into view; it wasn’t particularly spacious but was quite smooth and stable.
"This is our place. I am a book researcher, and you carry credentials as a researcher. You should know that the books in our study are all confidential, so do not divulge any information."
Ronald nodded in understanding,
Walking down the stone steps and looking around, the space hidden beneath the library had been excavated to be quite spacious, and columns around it helped maintain the stability of the room.
Encircling the stone spiral staircase were six deep passages, carved in different directions. Moreover, the room itself was fitted with an abundance of bookshelves, almost at the entrance to every tunnel, with a large number of books and documents stored on either side.
Meanwhile, Obenheim Shelley’s explanation continued:
"This is our research institute. All the books and documents here are under our care. The six passages correspond to the information collected from the six continents of this planet."
"You are permitted to browse here, just take care not to damage the books and documents."
Having said this, the elder took the lead and walked toward one of the tunnels:
"Let’s go, we are going to sign a contract."
"To ensure that we can work together pleasantly in the future."
So the two of them continued deeper, following a tunnel that stretched out from the underground space, and entered an office.
Leading Ronald into the room, the elder deftly retrieved a contract from the office.
The white paper was not very large, but it was covered in swirling Magic Power.
This was a contract imbued with magical effect.
The old man first wrote his own name on the contract and then handed it to Ronald.
Taking the contract, Ronald scrutinized it carefully.
The contract was an agreement concerning knowledge and wealth, and the terms written on it were simple, direct, and detailed, devoid of any hidden contractual traps.
After reading it through, Ronald placed the contract back on the table.
Watching Ronald’s movement, the elder asked:
"Finished reading, how does it feel?"
Ronald nodded, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.
He didn’t speak but, in the manner he had learned from the investigation bureau, he simply extended his hand and made a mark on the contract. Magic Power left its imprint on the paper, and the contract was thus considered executed.
Obenheim Shelley stood up once again, and took out another...
No, it would be more accurate to say a thick stack of contracts.
With a thud, he placed it in front of Ronald and said with a very pleased look in his eyes:
"Come on, Mr. Ronald."
"This is the work contract for a ’Wis University’ library administrator. To disguise your identity and facilitate your movements, this is also necessary."
Seeing the hefty stack of work contracts.
Ronald’s expression faltered.