Mystic Overlord: Reading Gives Strength-Chapter 1143 - 1137: The Center of the Square

In the town center of [Anluo Island].

In the square here, a three-meter-high wooden gallows stands, surrounded by the marketplace where locals live and do business.

The clamor of the marketplace does not change just because this is the territory of cult magicians, so when Ronald was led here by the cult magician, it was hard for him to maintain his composure.

At the same time, the cult magician leading the way pointed at the wooden gallows with one hand and enthusiastically introduced to Ronald:

"Mr. Ronald, this is our gathering place, and also where we deal with prisoners."

"..."

"You really have such straightforward customs here."

Ronald followed the direction the other pointed.

Since the surrounding area was a market for residents to conduct activities, the bodies of executed prisoners obviously wouldn't hang there for long. But judging from the wear and tear on the gallows, it was clear that it frequently served its purpose.

Before the cult magician could respond to Ronald's remark, Gwendolin cheerfully interjected:

"Ronald, executions here are a rare form of entertainment."

"Placing the gathering podium and gallows together is quite interesting, isn't it?"

As Gwendolin's words fell, the cult magician confidently added:

"Of course, this is an idea we're proud of."

"The presence of the gallows showcases our authority as rulers, and setting the assembly center here also expresses our management philosophy of being close to the people. The combination of the two is simply an excellent arrangement!"

"..."

Ronald didn't even have the energy to retort.

Following the content previously discussed, he slowly walked up the platform of the gallows, and the cult magician beside him immediately stepped forward to ring his bell, then began to announce.

Ding ding ding—

"Ladies and gentlemen, the City Hall has an announcement!"

"Tonight at seven, Mr. Ronald, the intimate friend of Mr. Bapulor, the beloved of Miss Xiesita, and also the world's strongest caster, will conduct a trial for the prisoners on [Anluo Island]!"

"Please make sure to attend. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

"..."

The cult magician shouted vigorously, and after a while, the bell he rang was diligently sounded.

It's just a pity that the residents around the market weren't very interested.

Besides a few curious children gathering around, most adults were busy with their own tasks, only glancing over before ignoring him.

"..."

Standing in this noisy indifference, Ronald experienced an awkward feeling of being there yet not quite. In this soul-out-of-body-like silence, standing on the gallows, he couldn't help but ponder a question—

Though the cult magician clearly had a bell that would ring when shaken, why did he insist on hitting it with an iron rod?

At this moment.

Gwendolin next to Ronald whispered:

After a brief negotiation at the government center, something unexplainable changed in the relationship between the two of them. Within this new dynamic, Gwendolin proactively provided Ronald with information:

"These cult magicians seized control here by force, but the truth is—except for a few elites, most can't manage a city."

"Especially [Anluo Island], as a crucial bridgehead for external contact, doesn't allow the usual methods of cult magicians for control, so their interference here ended up like this."

"..."

Ronald stayed silent for a few seconds, then quickly inquired about the details he was concerned with:

"You mentioned this is because it's an 'important bridgehead for external contact'?"

"Just as you're thinking," Gwendolin was delighted with Ronald's astuteness, even leaning on his shoulder, "Compared to [Anluo Island], [Runny Kingdom] is the real 'paradise.' When you get there, it will definitely be an eye-opener for you."

"..."

Hearing this, an inexplicable bad feeling emerged in Ronald's heart.

If the place here on [Anluo Island] is not bad, then as the stronghold of the cult magicians, exactly what kind of demonic lair had the entire nation of [Runny Kingdom] become?

While Ronald was lost in thought, the cult magician who had been tirelessly shouting finally finished his task.

He then carefully put away the bell and tucked the iron rod back at his waist.

Only then did he respectfully speak to Ronald:

"Mr. Ronald, my work here is done."

"Next, we can go back first, and you just need to come back in the evening to handle the prisoners of the month with the mayor."

Ronald did not nod but asked a question:

"The time is confirmed to be at seven in the evening, with no other changes, right?"

"Of course! Of course, there won't be any changes," the cult magician nodded earnestly and vigorously, "Mr. Ronald, do you still have something to do?"

Ronald replied directly:

"I plan to look at the situation on [Anluo Island] myself."

"You can go back and report, while Gwendolin and I take a stroll here."

"In any case, I'll be at the square on time tonight."

"..."

The cult magician's expression clearly showed reluctance.

But because they had just made an agreement and he was well aware of the vast difference in their abilities, he couldn't say a word of refusal and obediently returned to the government center by himself.

Once the cult magician's figure disappeared, Gwendolin asked:

"Ronald, what do you want to look at by yourself?"

"Since we're here, I can't just listen to you or those cult magicians," Ronald openly revealed his plan, "So in the few hours before nightfall, of course, I will observe [Anluo Island] with my own eyes."

As his words fell, Ronald began to cast his Perception Magic.

The population of [Anluo Island] isn't too large; under the relatively backward production structure, counting residents not living in the town, the total population is just several tens of thousands.

And the actual situation of the residents...

Is quite good indeed!

There are no inexplicable rituals involving sacrifices to casters, nor is there excessive slaughter or targeting.

Judging by ordinary life as the basic requirement, [Anluo Island] is actually quite qualified.

Ronald couldn't help but softly reflect:

"Looking at it this way, there's really no need to take action..."

...

Until the sun set and the scheduled announcement time approached.

As Ronald walked toward the town center, his gaze also turned toward the sea.

Unlike when he set out, Ronald was now moving swiftly.

Almost half a day's time later, the fleet from [Greed] finally sent people over at this moment.