In a situation where even the true leader of the cult magicians, Xiesita, chose to give up.

What kind of madman.

Would still insist on maintaining this ritual array at this time?

Ronald quickly pondered this question.

Is it an extremely religious fanatic; or someone obsessed with power, pinning all hopes of getting stronger on this ceremony; or perhaps simply a hopelessly insane person?

With these doubts, Ronald plunged into the core of the ritual, into the thick magic fluctuations.

The cult magicians' technique is undoubtedly remarkable.

With these people fully investing manpower and resources, the magic concentrated at the core of the ritual had reached a level Ronald had never seen in his life. The powerful magic fluctuations filled every space, even attaching to the floating particles in the air, forming a unique texture that increased the air density.

Ronald moved forward continuously within, his exposed skin even feeling a slight, cotton-like sensation.

Yet in such an environment, Ronald felt somewhat regretful.

[Sunlight Power] is very effective in restraining ominous magic.

If the concentration of material in the air increased by about thirty percent more, his [Sunlight Power] could directly ignite the air here, then instantly destroy the core of this ritual array!

In that case, it would indeed save quite a bit of trouble.

"..."

With these complex thoughts in his heart, Ronald soon crossed the last stretch of distance.

Just less than fifty meters from the center of the ritual, his vision finally could normally penetrate the sticky air, seeing the three casters who insistently remained at the core of the ritual.

Yet at this glance, Ronald's mood instantly became incredibly complex.

Before entering here, he had already decided to completely destroy everything here, to utterly sever the cult magicians' plan.

But never did he expect—

The three who remained were not cult magicians at all!

The thick and oversized brown-black robes, wide-brimmed hats covering their faces, and the Entrode official office's badges on their chests…

The two among the three casters left here were clearly dressed in the most common attire for Entrode agents!

And within such a distance.

Ronald could already sense the magic on them.

These two casters with very concentrated magic fluctuations carried no cult magician's ominous aura, their identities openly displayed there.

Yet even so, what made Ronald's mood most complex was not them, but the one sandwiched between these two casters:

"Kangdingrant…"

"Why are you here?"

Ronald slowly uttered the other's name.

He never expected that in a situation where the cult magicians chose to withdraw from this ceremony, the one who lingered here until the end was Kangdingrant, whom he'd only met tonight!

Even the other two Entrode casters.

Seemed to remain here to protect Kangdingrant.

"..."

"Ronald?"

At this time, Kangdingrant at the center of the ritual slowly looked up.

Because Ronald showed no sign of concealing his arrival, this exceptionally weakened original holder could immediately see Ronald's figure on the opposite side.

Immediately, Kangdingrant's eyes showed some relief:

"I see… you intend to halt this ceremony."

Ronald then asked in a notably low tone:

"Kangdingrant, I want to know why you are here!"

Although the two didn't know each other much.

Ronald had some admiration for this earnest and responsible Entrode high-level official. Now, seeing him appear at the center of the cult magicians' ceremony made Ronald feel unwell.

Yet facing Ronald's inquiries.

Kangdingrant didn't retort at all, merely nodded gently in his weakened posture:

"Cooperating with these cult magicians is indeed a poor choice…"

Ronald emphasized his words heavily:

"Cult magicians' ceremony will surely bring disaster!"

"..."

At this moment, Kangdingrant's expression seemed somewhat helpless.

But his tone conveyed absolute certainty when responding to Ronald:

"This I understand, but with the rebels sieging the city, I have no other options."

"..."

So that's how it is?

Kangdingrant candidly revealed his reasons for all this, leaving Ronald in silence.

Meanwhile, the weakened original holder continued speaking:

"Ronald, with your capabilities, I believe you've seen it in the city."

"Although our confrontations with the rebels have been intense, if the war continues, Waterfall City will inevitably be captured by the rebels sooner or later."

"My identity, my responsibility, my duty, my everything… none of these allow me to sit by idly at this moment! So even knowing that entrusting these cult magicians entails danger, it's still a choice that had to be made."

Considering the other's situation.

Ronald could fully understand Kangdingrant's thinking.

Reality was exactly as this original holder stated—the power of Waterfall City's originally four top casters had diminished to just one, Loulayer. With only the King of Agents leading the official resistance, defeat in battle was almost a given.

Facing such irreparable loss.

Even if it meant drinking poison to quench thirst, Kangdingrant still made this risky choice.

"Sigh…"

Thinking about this, Ronald let out a long sigh.

Then he withdrew the [Sunlight Power] entwined in the Sword of Saint Catherine, then with a subtle dissuading tone, spoke to Kangdingrant in an irrefutable manner:

"Kangdingrant, I'll say this just one last time."

"Leave now, and I can pretend I never saw you here."

Kangdingrant recognized Ronald's goodwill, but only showed a helpless bitter smile at the corner of his mouth:

"Ronald, do you know why even Xiesita chose to flee, but I stayed here?"

"..."

Ronald remained silent without answering.

Kangdingrant observed Ronald's state and then continued:

"I didn't leave because everything is wagered on this ceremony."

"After the cult magicians fled, this summoning ritual lacked a host for its continuation, I must stay here!"

Facing Kangdingrant's response, Ronald was practically ready to wield his sword.

But upon hearing the word 'summoning' related to summoning ritual, Ronald's expression changed drastically—he realized the significance of this term in mysterious side ceremonies.

Spiritual bodies descending, there must be a vessel.

And as the host of the spiritual body, ultimately, one would inevitably perish.

"Kangdingrant, you intend to become the vessel for what descends!"

"Do you not wish to live?"

Kangdingrant weakly but firmly nodded:

"I certainly wish to live."

"But only thus can I guarantee that what descends will stand beside Entrode!"

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