CHAPTER 693: CHAPTER 688: INSIDE THE CAMP

Magic Power’s actual identity.

He was a common Caster for Banica.

His regular duties involved patrolling around the Banica base to promptly discover new changes in the forest and report to the higher-ups at Banica for corresponding actions.

So, at this moment, returning to the camp, Magic Power felt relaxed.

While continuing to lead Ronald and the others forward, he did not forget to introduce the actual situation of Banica.

The construction here was just as Ronald had imagined.

A few months ago, this area was simply an ordinary woodland within Yizi Forest, but as the situation gradually developed, the Casters in the forest and these evolving creatures encountered quite a few issues.

During such circumstances,

several Casters, hoping to coexist harmoniously with nature, stood out.

They selected a spot in the northern part of Yizi Forest with a group of like-minded individuals and established this new camp, willing to accept anyone who shared their ideals.

Thus, the organization began to grow.

A few months later, Banica had reached its current scale.

The early Casters who came here adopted a very nature-oriented method of building; they adjusted the growth trends of trees directly to turn them into natural houses for living.

Just, later arrivals...

Among them, several lacked optimism in their Spell capabilities, and gradually, alternative styles of buildings started appearing in the camp—like the stone houses that Ronald and his team saw.

From the behavior of the people at the Banica camp towards Ronald and his companions, differences could be seen. The Casters residing in stone houses maintained a high degree of vigilance against outsiders; however, those in the plant houses showed friendly smiles, nodding slightly to gesture goodwill.

Walking and introducing along the way,

under Magic Power’s guidance, Ronald and his companions finally approached the central area of the camp.

The architectural style here

was different again from the other buildings set up according to individual preferences on the outer edges.

Plants that grew directly from the ground naturally formed several houses. Also, the functional zoning for residences and practice was very rationally planned.

This feeling...

It was as if these plants growing from the ground were naturally meant to become facilities for living.

Seeing Ronald and the others drawn to the plants,

Magic Power immediately started to explain:

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the original camp I was telling you about."

"They represent the initial ideas of Banica, inheriting the core ideology of peaceful coexistence with nature."

Ronald nodded in agreement,

"That’s a wonderful idea."

"I believe that one day, many people will support you."

He praised verbally.

But Ronald’s wariness had not diminished at all.

The biodiversity of Yizi Forest had reached quite an exaggerated state. Who could guarantee that these buildings, seemingly forged from plants, were truly manipulated by Spells?

Perhaps under certain special circumstances,

the early founders of Banica had already reached an agreement with some unique creatures in Yizi Forest. Thus, while developing smoothly, they ended up in this current situation?

Continuing deeper into Banica camp.

A few more minutes passed, and Ronald, led by Magic Power, finally arrived at their destination.

This was the true core location of Banica camp,

and also the residence of the leadership.

Yet, unlike conventional mystic buildings, Banica’s core zone wasn’t a facility like an altar or preaching venue; rather, it was an office building akin to an administrative hall!

And the Banica leader Ronald and his companions were about to meet...

was seated in a very modern-style office, resembling more a corporate manager than the leader of a mystic power.

Just then, Magic Power stepped forward and began introducing:

"Leader, this is Mr. Ronald, this is Ms. Costate. They came to investigate the recent changes in Yizi Forest and are truly mighty with a righteous heart..."

While Magic Power was making the introductions,

Ronald took the opportunity to carefully examine Banica’s leader.

He appeared to be a middle-aged man in his thirties.

A heavy yet gentle aura of Magic Fluctuation emanated from him.

When Ronald and his team entered the office, the individual first showed a kind smile, listened quietly to Magic Power’s introduction while leaning over to manage organizational issues at his desk.

On both sides of his desk, there were numerous paper reports.

From Ronald’s height and angle, he could clearly see that most papers described the changes in Yizi Forest and the recent issues needing resolution within the Banica camp.

Once Magic Power had briefly recounted his and Ronald’s experiences, the leader neatly organized the report he had just finished, put it aside, and then finally looked up with a serious and kind expression and said:

"Mr. Ronald, you are very welcome to our camp."

"I’m Orland, currently the temporary decision-maker of Banica."

Ronald nodded in response,

"Thank you for your welcome,"

"But as you know, the issues in Yizi Forest are quite severe, so I would prefer not to waste time on courtesies..."

Hearing Ronald’s straightforward statement,

Orland did not show any signs of displeasure.

He simply adopted a very serious gaze, waiting for Ronald to continue presenting his thoughts.

Facing this attitude from Banica’s leader,

Ronald naturally started describing his earlier experiences in the forest:

"It was like this—sometime back in the southern parts of the forest, we encountered a creature similar to a tree spirit. It was spreading a Spell that induced changes in creatures, and it mentioned having a ’great mother’ guiding its actions..."

Ronald methodically stated the key clues of the incident.

As he spoke, Orland slightly furrowed his brows, rhythmically tapping his index finger on his desk.

Clang-clang-clang—

The man thought for a considerable time

and then turned to Magic Power and said:

"Magic Power, step outside for a moment, and remember to close the door."

"I have important matters to discuss with this gentleman."

Magic Power naturally complied with his leader’s instructions and promptly left the area.

Waiting until the sound of footsteps outside had gradually faded,

Orland finally spoke:

"Mr. Ronald, regarding this tree spirit and its mother, we at Banica indeed have some information collected."

"However, since you require this information, what are you willing to offer in return?"