Mystic Overlord: Reading Gives Strength

Ronald hesitated for a moment.

During the transformation of the surrounding environment, he only caught a brief glimpse of the magic fluctuation, after which everything around him turned completely normal.

Moreover, upon close observation, whether the ground or the scenery, everything had a physical existence, not a false illusion.

Such a degree of change.

At least in Ronald's understanding, only archetypal trials, complete techniques, or super-large barriers could achieve the same effect.

But in reality, these three scenarios are hard to align with the current situation.

Archetypal Trials—Ronald's enhancement magic currently operates normally, theoretically, the expected magic conflict is nowhere to be seen.

Super-large Barrier—During previous investigations, neither the caster from [Nikos] nor the people from [Gred] discovered traces of anything similar. Even if Ronald failed to notice it, it's unlikely everyone would overlook a barrier set on the island.

Only the last complete technique.

Perhaps in the city of [Larchmont], someone cast the complete technique from some archetype in the past, and then under extremely special circumstances, maintained this unusual result until now.

According to the current information, Ronald can only make this inference.

"Hmm?"

At that moment, Ronald's expression froze.

He suddenly felt a complex stream of information squeeze into his mind, and then these bits began to unfold, ready to replace Ronald's original memory, simultaneously bringing a very intense pain.

"..."

"?"

A normal person under such a 'raid' would likely fall victim easily.

But Ronald, after all, has the protection of [Boundary of Reason], just with a thought, the complete technique thoroughly erased the threat posed by this information.

Afterwards, what's left is merely accepting the contents of this information.

——Brad.

——Male.

——21 years old.

——A resident of [Larchmont], an ordinary person aspiring to become a caster, recently worrying about finding a new job due to job loss.

...

Ronald pondered carefully and found that the influx of information into his mind was actually a person's life memory!

Moreover, regarding the recent days and major life events, the record is particularly detailed, practically a complete replica of the current state.

If Ronald's memory had actually been replaced by these things just now.

Then he might really think he's an ordinary person named Brad, standing outdoors for a walk now, to ease the anxiety and trouble caused by unemployment.

"..."

"Really, when I first crossed over, why didn't I get such comprehensive information like here?"

Facing this result, Ronald was left with only a wry smile.

This explains why those who entered the ruins earlier, although not killed, couldn't return either.

Having their memories replaced, then living as new identities in this special environment. Unless some sudden incident stimulates the brain, how could they escape in the short term?

Thinking thus, Ronald decisively turned around and walked back.

He straightway reached the island's edge, only to find himself still in the bright daylight, with no sight of the overcast sky and heavy rain.

"The scope was even broader than the island..."

He murmured softly, recited a spell, and flew into the air, heading toward the ocean.

He wanted to confirm the boundary of the terrain this way.

Or try if he could leave this special environment by simple physical movement.

——The answer was negative.

Ronald flew straight along the sea for about fifteen minutes before seeing the island's edge again at the horizon. This world seemed to be a closed loop, always returning to the archetype after moving outwards.

Ronald, with multiple spells, could ensure his path was straight and error-free.

"In that case..."

"That suggests, apart from violently destroying everything here, the only way out is to find another method."

Analyzing the situation, Ronald continued flying towards the island, then headed to the central city.

Before he got closer, a shadow suddenly rushed out from the nearby bushes.

Then the person rolled on the spot, showing a flattering smile:

"Boss, you also came in?"

"Il?" Ronald raised an eyebrow, stepped forward and pulled Il up from the ground, "What happened earlier, what situation did you encounter here, tell me in detail."

"Also, hasn't your memory been replaced?"

Due to the soul fragment, Ronald didn't need much confirmation to know the real Il was in front of him.

Thus, he directly pointed to the essence of the inquiry.

Il was picked up from the ground by Ronald and straightforwardly answered:

"Boss, I always act meticulously, had already prepared several spare brains in my chest. It replaced the one above, the bottom one is completely unaffected."

"..."

Ronald automatically ignored some elements in Il's words and continued to ask:

"Since it's like that, then tell me what you've encountered here."

Il continued to reply:

"This is the city [Larchmont] once established by humans."

"When I first came in, I carefully explored the surroundings. Besides replacing the outsiders' memory, the environment here poses no danger, all the 'people's' lives are maintained in a very stable state."

No danger...

Hearing this, Ronald felt even more on guard in his heart.

Directly visible dangers can be addressed in direct ways. But if it's something not easily detected, then it must be treated very cautiously.

Firmly noting Il's response, Ronald walked toward the city, intending to witness everything Il mentioned for himself, while continuing to ask:

"By the way, Il, where are the other members of the team?"

"Coming in for so long, with your capability, you should be able to find Costate at least?"

However, the subsequent answer struck Ronald harshly.

Though his expression remained calm as usual, Il's reply revealed almost the worst reality:

"No, absolutely none."

Il turned and shook his head at Ronald, then pointed at the city in front:

"Since coming in, actually, boss, you're the only one I've met. Neither Costate nor any human casters are in this space or the previous ones, I can guarantee with my body!"

"..."

Ronald's steps halted silently.

He turned his head with some stiffness and asked word by word:

"Not encountered anyone else?"

"And what are you saying? There weren't any in the previous space either?"

Il nodded seriously:

"Yes, the previous space refers to the one I've destroyed."

"This is actually the third cycle I've experienced."