Mystic Overlord: Reading Gives Strength

Ronald actually had some thoughts of his own.

Inspired by Sedir, whom he encountered in Entrod, he vaguely developed an idea at this moment—

To leave a certain level of challenge for the people of this world.

Ronald himself did not pursue any long life or limitless power, nor was he obsessed with power. But out of basic moral ideas, he still had a sense of caring for his kind.

And a hundred years of safety.

Is Ronald's help to the compatriots of this world.

As for what happens after a hundred years...

If humans at that time could overcome the challenge brought by the Dust Beast using their own strength, Ronald believed that those who crossed this crisis together would undoubtedly be more independent and self-reliant to create their own future.

"..."

"Oh Earth God above, there's someone here!"

Suddenly, an exclamation emerged from a pile of earth and stones ahead.

Just hearing this sound, Ronald hadn't had time to turn his head when Nicole, who was sticking close behind him, couldn't help but start leaning towards there.

A few steps distance revealed no obstructions ahead.

The two of them saw a cute creature resembling a stuffed doll crying inside the pile of earth and stones.

Ronald recognized its prototype.

This was the cave creature that originally lived here.

But under the power of the "Maze Picture Book," their appearances have become quite adorable, and they could even speak to Ronald and Nicole.

Ronald, in a hurry to escape from here, was naturally not very interested in this creature, as it wasn't like the friendly cats and dogs from Springs that could provide them with assistance.

However, Nicole was different.

The investigator girl was completely controlled by her curiosity at this moment and even started acting coy to Ronald:

"Ronald~~"

"Let's wait a little longer and listen to what else it can say!"

"..."

Ronald was dumbfounded.

But soon after, Nicole's curiosity played a crucial role.

Although this cave creature was still emotionally shouting and screaming, what it shouted out indeed provided Ronald and Nicole with useful information:

"It's hopeless, hopeless! Life just can't go on like this!"

"An earthquake suddenly destroyed my home, and then humans, these dangerous creatures, even came running here... No! I must unite with my companions, and we all have to escape through that tunnel dug through some time ago."

"I've heard it's extremely cold on the surface, but whatever else, it's better than this troublesome, earthquake-ridden place!"

"..."

Ronald glanced at Nicole, and the girl who caused the "earthquake" in the cave creature's mouth turned her head guiltily, avoiding Ronald's gaze.

"Sigh——"

He sighed slightly and began to quickly analyze in his mind.

At present, the situation was that on one side, the Dust Beast Bai Chuan's predation entity was nearing formation; it wouldn't be long before these pursuers would reach above; on the other side was the cave creature's action, which, after sighing, immediately crawled towards the east, evidently preparing to do what it just said.

Choices suddenly presented themselves.

To try to return to the surface according to the location he came down from.

Or take a risk and explore the information this cave creature offered them?

"..."

"Let's go in its direction."

No time for Ronald to hesitate further; he quickly made his decision.

Essentially, Ronald was a person of adventure; if the cave creature before him could offer a quick escape route out of the underground...

Then this choice,

He thought was worth the risk.

"Great! Let's hurry! Hurry up!" The ever-curious Nicole naturally expressed full support for Ronald's choice, "Let's go this way; there's no problem for sure!"

Decision made, Ronald immediately charged into the maze ahead with Nicole.

Due to the violent reshaping of the cave terrain by Nicole's spell earlier, the ground here, which was originally relatively flat, occasionally had pits and gaps blocking the road.

Confronting the structures resembling dried-bread rings, the two of them had to spend quite an effort to finally bypass this road segment, then they saw the pitch-black tunnel nestled against the rock wall.

"It seems to be here."

Ronald stepped forward to assess the situation.

Inside the tunnel, there was a wooden ladder stretching up to a great height, seemingly appearing from nowhere.

If they wanted to advance from this underground world upward, this was the only way.

"Ronald, this time I'll scout ahead!"

As soon as Ronald finished speaking, Nicole leaped forward from behind him, reaching the front of the ladder.

The investigator girl showed no fear.

She soon began climbing the ladder with her cute little hands and feet, clumsily yet steadily.

Advancing in this manner, Nicole even took the time to call out to Ronald below:

"Ronald, come on, catch up!"

"In this spell, there's virtually no stamina loss; we can move as freely as possible!"

"..."

It was clearly her first time entering the world of the "Maze Picture Book."

But somehow, she seemed more adapted to it than himself, who had experienced it once before.

Watching Nicole's rapidly ascending figure,

Ronald couldn't help but think this.

"..."

He gently shook his head at Nicole's energetic nature and said no more, promptly following up the ladder himself.

The tunnel hosting this vertical ladder was astonishingly long.

Stretching over two hundred meters in length.

Even in the real world, this would be quite an ordeal.

Ronald and Nicole climbed the ladder straight up, even crossing the crust, and directly into the depths of the ice layers at the North Pole ice cap.

"..."

"Hey, hey, hey, it's so beautiful here!"

Upon reaching the top of the ladder, Nicole couldn't help but express her admiration.

The end of the ladder was embedded in a crack of ice; transformed by the cartoon-like style of the "Maze Picture Book," the stark and monotonous ice had turned into a crystal-clear ice castle, resembling a dreamy crystal.

A girl of Nicole's age.

Upon seeing such a beautiful sight in the books, would likely be slightly overwhelmed; let alone now being in it personally.

And witnessing the investigator girl's excited and joyful demeanor.

Ronald naturally felt good, too.

However, considering their current situation, he stepped up somewhat offhandedly and patted Nicole on the shoulder:

"Nicole, remember, we're still on the run."

Even though she really liked the environment here, Nicole hadn't lost herself to the extent of ignoring reality.

She immediately nodded towards Ronald.

She soon lifted her cute little foot, took a step forward:

"Oh no, I slipped!"

The cry echoed.

With just that step, the investigator girl began to glide across the ice surface.