It was the second Thursday morning of March.
Ronald intended to apply for a suspension of his work with the "Scrolls Research Society".
Given his current situation, he had basically finished browsing through the collections in the Wis University library, and Ronald naturally had no intention of spending any more time there.
Moreover, over these past days,
he had managed to organize quite a bit of useful material.
The basic tomes that the "Nine Commandments Secret Meeting" might possess, more excellent and advanced casting techniques, historical documents that outsiders could hardly retrieve—all these could be considered quite a good harvest.
So, after organizing everything he needed, Ronald specifically carried a briefcase and left his apartment.
Compared to last month’s weather,
the temperature in Springs had continued to rise slowly, so that ordinary people would not feel unbearably cold walking on the streets as long as they wore a couple layers of clothing.
Still not needing to ride in a carriage, Ronald walked to Wis University.
Heading straight to the library’s second-floor office, he knocked on the door of one of the offices.
"Mr. Auben, are you there?"
Auben was the abbreviation of Abernathy’s name.
After getting to know him, it seemed the old man did not like people calling him by his full name, so he was usually addressed by the abbreviation.
From within the room, the old man’s gentle response came quickly:
"Is that you, Ronald? Please, come in."
Pushing the door open and entering the office, Abernathy was sitting alone behind his desk, with a plate of meat with a rich sauce in front of him.
Eating inside the office isn’t allowed, is it...
Thinking of the library’s rules, Ronald couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.
But this old man, after all, was the person in charge of the "Scrolls Research Society", and it wasn’t appropriate for someone about to resign to say anything.
So, wearing a smile on his face, Ronald took out the prepared resignation document from his briefcase and placed it on Abernathy’s desk.
"Mr. Auben, could you take a look at this, please?"
Picking up the document from the desk, Abernathy leafed through it candidly.
However, when he saw the words "resignation application", the old man showed a look of realization and immediately closed and put down the document.
Gently pushing the plate with the meat aside, he crossed his hands in front of him.
Then, looking seriously at Ronald in the office, he said:
"Ronald, you’re planning to leave the Research Society, huh?"
"Indeed," Ronald nodded, aware that the man before him was a powerful Caster, so he had no intention of deceiving him, "due to some personal matters that need attention, I definitely won’t be able to keep working regularly like I am now."
"You work, you get paid."
"We’ve seen your performance during your time with the society. Although we would still like to continue the collaboration, since you have some pressing matters, it wouldn’t be right for us to insist."
"Thank you very much for your work and contributions over this period."
"Should the opportunity arise, the Research Society would still welcome your participation in the future."
As his words concluded, Abernathy stood up from behind his desk and then bowed to Ronald with proper etiquette.
Ronald returned the gesture: "Thank you for your understanding."
Sitting back down, Abernathy continued:
"I will now organize the necessary documents for your resignation."
"Ronald, you can go down first and pack your things, and also say goodbye to your friends."
Ronald nodded slightly and turned to leave the office,
"See you later then."
Auburn’s attitude was no different from what Ronald had anticipated.
Whether joining or leaving, the "Scrolls Research Association" always treated him quite well.
This was the treatment a Caster holding the original text could enjoy.
Moreover, after this period of time, Ronald’s conduct had been verified, and at least the official forces of Springs had confirmed his safety, removing the constant surveillance outside his apartment long ago.
Now he was finally suitable to start his investigation work in the city.
Feeling quite good, Ronald entered the basement and said goodbye to several researchers with whom he had a good relationship.
In reality, personnel changes at the "Scrolls Research Association" were quite frequent.
Apart from those occupied with duties or responsible for research topics, many people moved on after working for some time, transfers and mobility were common occurrences, and Ronald’s departure naturally did not cause any disturbance.
However, as he was packing up and walking out through the underground passage,
Ronald passed by the laboratory of researcher Hall.
Hall was the short, plump one who had also proposed the original text’s trial. Even in this specialized research institution, such a Caster had left a rather distinct impression on Ronald.
So, as he walked past the other’s laboratory, Ronald instinctively glanced inside.
His gaze swept over, and Ronald’s steps hesitated.
It was that simple glance that slowed Ronald’s steps.
With his extremely sharp perception, he sensed a dangerous magic energy gathering, and the current situation was very unstable.
"He wouldn’t be that bold, would he...?"
Combining his previous experience, a premonition rose in Ronald’s heart.
At Wis University, the "Scrolls Research Association" was considered a ’conscientious company’ to him; if something were to happen, he would certainly be concerned.
Hence, just to be safe, Ronald approached carrying a bag of luggage and gently pushed on the door.
Worried about disturbing the other, Ronald kept his voice low.
However, as his gaze looked into the laboratory, he realized he didn’t need to be so cautious.
The moderately-sized personal lab was completely covered in rampant curse power at the experiment table, with racing pale blue streams swirling around it, and what appeared to be a book-like object enveloped within the depths of the curse power.
As for why he only felt a faint sensation just now...
That was because the "Scrolls Research Association" laboratories were specially designed to isolate curse power, precisely to prevent some emergencies from causing excessive damage.
But the situation at hand...
If it were to continue, the design would likely not withstand it.
After studying here for some time, Ronald was very clear about what this scene meant.
—This was a precursor to the original texts going berserk under strong stimulation.
And the owner of this laboratory, Hall,
Was nowhere to be seen in the room after Ronald opened the door.
He must have tried to initiate the original text trial himself!
So, with swift movements, Ronald promptly closed the door, turned, and walked toward the depths of the passage, loudly warning:
"Everyone, pay attention, something’s happened with Hall!"