"The ’Nine Commandments Secret Society’? You just mentioned the ’Nine Commandments Secret Society’!"
"Do you know their current situation?"
Hearing the monster in front of him mention the "Nine Commandments Secret Society," Ronald almost instinctively raised his voice.
The enemies he had encountered on the island last time, Ronald had always suspected that they had an extraordinary connection with the "Nine Commandments Secret Society." It would be absolutely plausible if they were to come forward and claim responsibility for the entire incident.
However, the actual outcome was not clear.
On that day, on the overseas island, everyone who had been conducting the ritual died a violent death, and afterwards, those summoned beings were dealt with thoroughly and cleanly.
Even with an organization like the investigation bureau in charge, there was no way to find clues from that situation. And without clues, the suspicions in Ronald’s mind could only be put on hold at the stage of suspicion.
As for investigating from other aspects...
The "Nine Commandments Secret Society" was inherently secretive and now even more so, having scaled back their operations. Protected by the power of spells against prophetic magic, finding a flaw in their armor seemed almost impossible!
Yet now, there was a sudden turn of events!
In an incident caused by a cult magician, a monster, who should have been an enemy, spoke to him about the conspiracy of the "Nine Commandments Secret Society," even actively inviting Ronald to cooperate?
Reality was too bizarre.
So much so that Ronald decided to discard all the arguments he had just prepared.
At the same time, the attitude of the monster appeared to be rather magnanimous, even directly addressing Ronald’s inquiries:
"Under normal circumstances, information about the ’Nine Commandments Secret Society’ would naturally not be disclosed to outsiders. But Mr. Ronald must also be aware that our sect has never been described by the word ’normal’—and it’s for this reason that I can know things that ordinary people cannot."
Looking at the creature before him which bore no human shape.
Ronald, adhering to the principle of careful attention to detail, whispered the incantation for a ’lie detector’ spell with minimal volume before he spoke again:
"I’ll take what you say for granted as the truth for now, but to talk about other matters... do you think I can discuss cooperation with a terrorist?"
"Terrorist... that’s a pretty good label." Hearing Ronald’s retort, the monster repeated the word ’terrorist’ with satisfaction, then, still smiling, responded, "As for that, we don’t actually have a direct conflict."
"Although our side often engages in quite outrageous acts and doesn’t consider the feelings of others in our actions, we still firmly adhere to the most basic principles—for example, this time, didn’t we try out new casting techniques and make good use of the Illusion Technique on the Swollen Demon?"
The monster’s words were so audacious that Ronald couldn’t help but choke back:
"So when you attack ordinary people, you still remember to prevent the world from becoming alien? The investigation bureau really ought to thank you?"
The monster nodded earnestly:
"Of course, I do have a very strict set of criteria when it comes to this. If those relics of the old era were to return successfully, I might face even more serious problems than you."
Looking at the monster discussing seriously.
Ronald pondered for a few seconds, then, as if he had given up something, sighed.
"Alright then, I think I understand your perspective. So, to prevent the revival of the old powers, you’re now willing to do things you were unwilling to do before and even negotiate properly with me here?"
The monster continued to respond:
"I also have my own criteria for choosing partners."
"The hounds dependent on others in the investigation bureau are beneath my notice, I disdain to speak to a church with an unclean foundation, and ordinary, weak spellcasters can’t even make sense of the past history. Only an absolute powerhouse like Mr. Ronald can engage in a conversation of standard with me."
Ronald remained silent for a few seconds, then adopted a convinced demeanor:
"If that’s the case, then talk about the information you have. As an independent caster, I really don’t have much information."
"Not at all!" Upon hearing Ronald’s words, the monster immediately objected, "Mr. Ronald, you have repeatedly thwarted the plans of the ’Nine Commandments Secret Society,’ even directly dealing with a key figure in Springs. Compared to some who are still focused on the safety of the city, your contribution to the world is miles above!"
Ronald raised an eyebrow: "You seem to know quite a bit, don’t you?"
The monster’s tone even became modest: "It’s just a minor ability, hardly worth mentioning."
"As for the true purpose of the ’Nine Commandments Secret Society,’ I’ve only managed to grasp a rough execution date. Utilizing Dantrian’s declaration as the world’s overlord, they intend to bring the gods of the old forces directly to this city at the same time as disrupting other strategic points around the world, thereby completely breaking down that barrier established in the past."
The lie detector spell was working normally, and the feedback indicated that the other party was not lying.
Was such a spell really effective against a creature ?
Although he was not fully convinced, Ronald still continued to probe:
"Your news is too vague."
"After all, with anti-prophetic original text defenses, it’s already not easy knowing this much."
The monster’s explanation was in line with reality.
But, adhering to the principle of stalling for time and fishing for as much information as possible, Ronald changed his previous attitude.
"If everything you say is true, then we can still talk about opposing the ’Nine Commandments Secret Society.’"
"The smart choice!" Hearing this, the monster looked quite pleased, even starting to make subtle gestures with its tentacles, "In that case, Ronald, we..."
However, just then, the monster’s expression suddenly changed.
It then quickly fell silent and, a few seconds later, smiled as it stepped back, speaking with a carefree tone:
"Mr. Ronald, it seems your two female companions have already informed the investigation bureau to handle my other arrangements in the city. Although this experiment is not yet over, I have at least obtained what I want—let’s leave it at that."
As the monster’s words fell, its body, along with that of the other monsters around it, began to collapse, like melting candles, slumping down.
In the last second before transforming into a puddle of rotten flesh.
An elegant voice tinged with madness rose from the pile of decay:
"Mr. Ronald, let’s find an opportunity to meet again in the future."
"And as a reminder, I suggest you take into your own hands the relic of the Saint that the church promised you—it’s quite important..."