Mystic Overlord: Reading Gives Strength

In an instant.

The ground collapsed, earth and rocks cracked open.

A massive tremor resembling a real earthquake in nature was directly triggered by Nicole's spell at this moment.

Even though it occurred beneath the ice cap on this buried continent, the terrifying change did not diminish due to its location.

From Ronald's main viewpoint standing nearby.

This level of earthquake could be called a terrifying disaster that changes terrain.

Compared to her previous performance at Belenwitch, Nicole's power increased by more than one level after embracing this Nordic-style magic reinforcement.

Even compared to some powerful original holders that Ronald has directly encountered.

This young investigator's abilities certainly do not fall behind!

Of course, this commotion comes quickly and goes quickly as well.

Before long, this exaggerated spell capable of changing terrain ended in sync with the fading rune power.

But simultaneously.

The rune written by Nicole fully achieved her intended goal.

Originally, only a few tunnels led to other caverns in the underground world, but within a matter of seconds, a massive fissure opened vertically downward, reaching the abyss.

Ronald leaned over and cast a glance downward.

Beneath the almost frighteningly exaggerated cliff, he faintly saw some white things shining in the distance.

Crack—

Just as Ronald was about to examine the situation below closely, Nicole, who moments ago was boldly writing runes, suddenly collapsed sideways.

"Nicole, are you okay?"

Ronald stepped forward without hesitation and caught her before the young girl hit the ground:

"Actually, I could open the way down gradually myself, you didn't need to create such an overwhelming commotion."

With a mixed smile on his face, Ronald looked at the girl in his arms.

At this moment, Ronald almost instinctively remembered his own experiences at Belenwitch.

If not for needing to protect her companions, Nicole's combat style has always been bright and direct.

Whenever she encounters an enemy, and if the opponent's strength is threatening enough,

The investigator girl basically uses the most exaggerated and powerful spell in her hands, greeting the enemy directly, striving to subdue them with a single blow.

This dramatic combat approach, naturally, often leaves Nicole in a very weakened state.

Looking back now, her physical collapse due to excessive spellcasting indeed has its causes.

"..."

Ronald was somewhat contemplative at this moment.

But Nicole was apparently long accustomed to her combat strategy.

Facing Ronald's advice, the investigator girl showed no emotion, maintaining her usual smiling demeanor:

"Alright, alright, didn't I act quickly because you mentioned urgency before?"

"Since those dust giant beasts pose such a huge threat to the whole world, there's no problem with us trying to speed up our actions, right?"

"..."

"I really gotta hand it to you."

Ronald decisively abandoned his attempt to persuade Nicole.

After all, from a practical standpoint, although her combat style is quite extreme, it's undeniable – it is indeed an effective tactic in practice.

Since Nicole could progress to this day in such a manner.

If Ronald, based solely on his own thoughts, demanded her to change her habits, it indeed would be quite arrogant.

...

Thus, the discussion about their styles came to an end.

Ronald then pursed his lips towards the fissure beside him and asked the investigator girl:

"Nicole, I'm going down next."

"Will you stay here, or are we going down together?"

While posing this question, Ronald was also considering the creatures originally inhabiting the cave.

But due to Nicole's overly loud spell earlier.

The creatures that were barely visible just moments ago had already fled in this frightening momentum.

So even if he left Nicole alone in the cave.

Her safety would be assured.

"Take me down with you."

Faced with this choice, Nicole answered without a thought:

"Don't be fooled by me lying in your arms now, a little rest and I'll quickly recover my strength."

That's quite honest and straightforward as well.

Though she's currently a burden lying in Ronald's arms, even lifting her head to peek at the fissure she created requires considerable effort.

But simultaneously, Nicole clearly felt one thing –

Her stamina was regenerating at an inhuman speed.

With this constitution entirely different from before, the investigator girl was confident she could fully recover her strength and immediately engage in battle within five minutes.

Ronald's carefully selected gene modification project from "The Origin of Species" has strengthened the investigator girl's constitution to an extent where she's almost a monster beyond common sense.

"Alright, but keep careful yourself."

Ronald also did not hesitate further.

Confirming Nicole's choice, he adjusted his position appropriately, cradling the girl in one arm, then jumped vertically towards the abyss before them.

Swoosh—

Body descending.

The sound of the air tearing rapidly past was whistling by his ears.

Ronald allowed gravity to fully control his and Nicole's bodies, soon reaching a considerable descent speed.

Within mere seconds.

The white light, previously only faintly visible, became increasingly clear before their eyes.

When they were about tens of meters away from the bottom of the fissure, Ronald reactivated his spell, slowing their descent until they hung just several meters above the ground.

The scene below was completely exposed.

The white light actually originated from a liquid.

Its texture possessed a faint luminescence while also exhibiting some self-flowing characteristics.

Ronald previously sensed magic power, which indeed came from this white substance itself.

As for further details…

Based on Ronald's star chart locating.

The hidden underground space below the cave structure is essentially a larger exaggerated void.

And these white liquids beneath Ronald and Nicole had nearly filled two-thirds of this vast, seemingly unending exaggerated space!

"..."

Faced with such a situation, Ronald's expression naturally darkened.

This could be considered very bad news.

Also gazing at the scene below, Nicole, still held in his arms, questioned:

"Ronald, this strange magic power seems to come from this liquid, right?"

"Are these white things the dust giant beasts you mentioned?"

"Can they actually grow like this?"