Ronald still wanted to continue asking for more information.

But the other Casters on the island certainly didn't intend to sit and wait.

Almost simultaneously with this inquiry, someone underground began to take action, charging upwards at an astonishing speed!

"..."

"Mr. Anthony, I'll leave these people to you."

Without hesitation, Ronald simply instructed and turned towards the island, with Costate immediately following.

On the shore behind.

The elderly Caster slightly opened his mouth, but the words he wanted to say ultimately never left his lips, turning into a bitter smile on his face.

—The gap in strength was indeed too great.

Anthony also had experience with companions whose capabilities were lacking, and to avoid becoming a burden, arranged to keep them away from battle. He just didn't expect that he'd encounter such a day, becoming the weak one who needed protection!

With a helpless expression, Anthony turned his gaze toward the seven people in front of him.

One of them had their chest pierced by Ronald and was nearing death.

But the remaining six were completely intact, easily handled elite members of the [Nine Rings Conclave].

Anthony certainly didn't plan to let these people go.

Yet, before dealing with them, he might be able to do quite a bit?

...

"Ah——!!!"

Leaving the shore, Ronald hadn't walked far before he heard screams from behind.

He turned to see Anthony dealing with captives, and opted not to pay further attention, continuing forward with Costate.

The island's environment was quite close to nature.

During its century-long period, it had been subject to wind, sun, and waves.

Any traces that might have existed had completely vanished from the ground by now. Ronald and his companion saw no sign of any artificial structures, only following a small path treaded into the ground deeper into the island.

This path led to a cave at the foot of a mountain.

The pitch-black entrance showed no signs of illumination, only extending downward into a deep, bottomless passage. Before Ronald took a step within, his sharp hearing captured the hurried footsteps of several approaching the entrance.

"Costate, let's fight here."

Ronald raised a hand to stop Costate, and both halted at the cave's entrance, waiting for the enemies to appear.

His previous work experience had instilled a habit of not wanting to damage this ruin.

Moreover, this was the ruin of a church Ronald had a good relationship with.

Being able to resolve some powerful enemies outside the ruin — Ronald was very pleased with that.

The Casters of [Nine Rings Conclave] returning to the surface didn't keep them waiting long.

Only a few minutes passed before two figures in robes slowly emerged from the dark cave, naturally fixing their gaze on Ronald and Costate.

"Ronald Adler!"

They instantly recognized Ronald's identity, their solemn expressions shifting to surprise and confusion.

They couldn't understand why this man was here.

Yet as Original Doctrine holders of [Nine Rings Conclave], they clearly knew one point — this is an enemy.

The conflict was irreconcilable; today could only result in life or death!

Under immense pressure, the original task of examining coastal ships had been cast aside. One rushed forward towards Ronald and Costate, while the other quickly retreated, yelling:

"Hold him off, I need time!"

Boom——

The next moment, a fierce impact exploded on the island's ground.

Confronted by the [Nine Rings Conclave] Caster's assault, Costate immediately engaged, facing off as they each struck a punch.

The first exchange was swift and urgent.

Neither side had any special spells to rely on, so this clash was purely the simplest and most direct contest of physical strength.

This strike was evenly matched.

The [Nine Rings Conclave] Caster coming to buy time had substantial prowess.

Even facing off against Costate, he showed no signs of yielding.

Only the ground beneath their feet couldn't bear the force of this impact, tearing open straight, frightening cracks in both directions.

"..."

Costate and the enemy each retreated a significant distance.

The Caster from [Nine Rings Conclave] looked surprised, evidently not expecting to not gain the upper hand in a strength duel. Then his expression changed, continuing forward unafraid.

The powerful physical force tore through the air.

Accompanied by the intense tremor of steps landing on the ground, even though the person was slender, their charging momentum was like that of an armored tank barreling straight down.

In contrast, the maid's choice was entirely different.

Costate turned to look at Ronald immediately, cautioning:

"Sir, this guy's physical prowess is strong; please be careful!"

With this reminder, Costate again advanced head-on.

A fearful clash erupted once more between the two, supported by powerful physical abilities, exchanging blows with lightning speed, clashing with immense force.

This [Nine Rings Conclave] Caster was indeed formidable.

In his domain of bodily enhancement, he was even on equal footing with Costate, trading blows effectively.

However, after watching the battle for a few seconds, Ronald no longer paid attention here.

He locked onto the enemy who had retreated earlier, pursuing directly across the ground!

Ronald's reason for acting this way was simple — Costate was sure to win!

Although he only briefly observed, the frequency of encounters between the maid and the enemy was high. In these battles unfolding, both sides fully demonstrated the sound impact of physical might.

—But this was merely confining power to this aspect.

The fierce and rapid-paced combat had completely pushed away any space for spell casting that should have taken place.

Even if the [Nine Rings Conclave] Caster had trump cards left, they found it hard to execute.

But Costate was different.

Now the maid, due to the increased ability, could dismiss the need for spell casting at will, opening her mouth or not didn't affect her combat choices.

As long as she holds her ground, using spells to aid in battle, Costate's victory is just a matter of time.

Ronald not interfering or reminding was entirely hoping for Costate to become familiar with such combat herself. For the maid whose capability increased not long ago, encountering such an opponent was also a good opportunity for training.

"Costate, I'll leave this to you."

With simple instruction, Ronald was about to disappear from the view of both sides engaged in battle.

"Coward, don't think about leaving!"

The [Nine Rings Conclave] Caster saw this and immediately charged at Ronald, trying to prevent him from pursuing his companion.

But after just two steps in pursuit, he heard an unstoppable impact behind him, the wind even pressed his clothes tightly to his skin!

The Caster quickly halted and turned, dodging from the direction the sound came.

Boom——!

The young lady sped past, then slammed a deep pit between the [Nine Rings Conclave] Caster and Ronald.

Clatter——

Debris fell from the fabric's edge, as Costate slowly stood up in front of the enemy.

Though the maid said nothing.

Her gaze at the [Nine Rings Conclave] Caster was unmistakable — don't even think of passing.