Mystic Overlord: Reading Gives Strength-Chapter 1208 - 1202: Night Street

[3/10] — [4/10]

The notes in my hand are tools provided by the maze picture book. It's almost impossible to deceive Ronald.

The situation is very straightforward.

With Ronald and Patricia acting together and having found nothing at the moment.

The only possibility is that Heloise, who is acting alone in the city, found someone on the target list, which caused the notes Ronald holds to change.

Although the literal record shows [4/10].

For Ronald, he only needs to find six targets. Heloise has undoubtedly provided very important help!

At this moment, Patricia also noticed Ronald's change.

She stopped and took a look, immediately understanding everything through the contents of the notes.

"She really lived up to her reputation..."

Patricia spoke with a trace of admiration.

She didn't have much interaction with Heloise, the closest period being when Ronald was trapped in the [Infinite Negative Field] and she was looking after him in [Springs].

Back then, Patricia vaguely noticed something about Heloise, but only now, being in the same environment and working towards the same goal, did she truly sense Heloise's abilities.

In response to Patricia's admiration, Ronald quickly encouraged them:

"Since Heloise is working hard, we can't afford to waste any more time either!"

"The next target is Night Street. Let's head out at once!"

The location of Night Street conveniently aligns with the position of Dian in the [Work Notes].

Although there is only one clear target, it is enough to be utilized for action.

The two left the office, casually getting rid of the middle-aged man guarding outside. Then, once they departed, they entered the night of [Joluno] City.

As the maze strategy and actions unfolded.

Daytime finally ended at this moment, and night completely took over the city's sky.

Yet, due to the modifications of the maze picture book, [Joluno] City's night did not quiet down as usual; instead, a considerable number of active citizens could be seen on the streets.

Even in relatively remote corners, cute ghost and spectral illustrations floated through the city, giving the whole environment a dreamlike and surreal feel.

As for Ronald and Patricia advancing forward, the situation was unexpectedly favorable.

Ronald thought entering the night would severely hinder his actions due to the darkness, but under this fantastical painting style, there was no actual nighttime encumbrance.

What he had to deal with.

Was the citywide maze constructed by citizens now transformed into a haunted city. Sometimes hitting a dead-end meant not being trapped by the maze, but rather obstructed by the changing environment.

Encountering such issues often requires effort to find the origin before solving and moving forward.

Frankly speaking, Ronald's previous decision was quite correct.

Because he had Patricia by his side, what would have been daunting problems when alone turned manageable with their teamwork.

A rough calculation.

This saved him at least a third of his time!

More than an hour later, Ronald and Patricia traversed through the city, finally arriving in front of Night Street.

— [Night Street].

As the name implies, it's a street that only comes alive at night.

Most industries involved are related to the dark side of society, with the exception of the prominent slave industry controlled by the slave market, occupying nearly ninety percent of [Joluno] City's gray industry.

Of course, gray industries are defined as such by Ronald.

In an era and nation severely underdeveloped in every aspect, most things like gambling and gladiating aren't illegal industries.

Even though the maze picture book altered its appearance.

Just standing at the entrance of Night Street, the corrupt and decadent atmosphere was right there in plain sight through the state of the streets and pedestrians.

"It's truly chaotic..."

Faced with this scene, Patricia felt more uneasy.

Her face showed evident disdain and she even placed her hand on the hilt of her longsword.

"Ronald, if you can persuade Bapulor, you should give him some advice. Even though these guys are cult magicians..."

"Since he's managing a country now, regardless of his unique position, responsibility should still be well undertaken."

Patricia's emotions were very much a natural reaction.

In this world, [Grad] is considered a symbol of an advanced world. Thus, people from a more 'civilized' world would naturally feel compassionate towards underdeveloped human societies.

But Ronald had a different view. He shook his head with a sigh:

"Although Bapulor and the others strive to develop the city, the fundamental rules still rely on the system of casters prioritizing strength."

"A country built on all of this may appear civilized, but at its core, it won't achieve the effect you envision."

"..."

Patricia's hand tightened around the sword hilt.

Ronald's evaluation really summarized them, as casters, as well. Even though Patricia's identity and status have changed from past noble traditions of [Grad], she understands he is correct.

Patricia was still straightforward by nature.

Despite feeling a bit uncomfortable inside, after a few seconds of silence, she nodded decisively:

"Ronald, you are right."

"Talking about such things suddenly was too arrogant of me."

Ronald perceived the swordswoman's mindset and rapidly shook his head:

"Patricia, that's not how you should see it."

"My view is just a matter of different perspectives on things."

"Besides, we have more urgent issues ahead that need resolving."

After comforting Patricia a bit, Ronald opened up the [Work Notes], and followed the arrows guiding him deeper into the street.

— Things were looking quite good.

Ronald only needed to move perpendicularly to the direction pointed by the arrow to notice a slight change in its trajectory. In simple geometry issues, this occurs only when nearing the target.

Yet, Ronald's exploration of Night Street wasn't limited to this.

He learned from previous actions, and while advancing, he approached a young lady by the roadside soliciting patrons, who was evidently transformed from a living person.

"Hello?"

Under the girl's curious and tense gaze.

Ronald proactively handed over some money before posing his question:

"Miss, I have a question I'd like to ask."

Despite the altered appearance, the girl promptly took the money and gave Ronald a smile:

"Sir, please go ahead and ask."

"As long as it's something I know, I'll tell you everything!"