CHAPTER 955: CHAPTER 949: TRANSFER

Il eventually obeyed.

In the two days following their departure from the port.

Although she often ran to the cabin alone and frequently interacted with Casters from various factions,

overall, she hadn’t brought any trouble to Ronald.

All interactions were kept at a notably restrained level.

Thus, after two days, when the clear horn sounded on the deck, notifying everyone to prepare for the steamship transition,

Ronald, with Costate and Il, was the first to step out of the cabin, and the gazes they endured along the way were much softer and friendlier than before.

Not everyone had the ability to see through Il’s non-human nature.

Therefore, facing a beautiful girl, people naturally began to have a more positive attitude after approaching her with curiosity and goodwill.

Just like that, the three of them walked onto the deck.

As sunlight entered their eyes, a steamship several times larger than their wooden sailboat silently slid into the calm sea beside them.

"Boss! It’s a steamship, a steamship!"

Facing the enormous vessel they had been contemplating for several days and which suddenly appeared before them, Il couldn’t help but clutch Ronald’s arm, both her tone and actions as excited as a human’s.

"Il, calm down," Ronald immediately tried to soothe her, "We’ll be taking this one soon, and you’ll have plenty of time to experience it."

"..."

After calming the excited Il, Ronald surveyed the surroundings.

It was early morning.

Due to the need to maintain boarding order, the number of people on the deck was quite limited.

The first group standing on the deck

were either powerful Casters like Ronald or individuals with distinguished status. Moreover, to his surprise, Ronald saw Detective Swift, someone he knew from Berenwich.

Although they merely exchanged greetings with their eyes,

seeing a familiar face in such an environment naturally lifted his spirits.

In a more distant position on the sea, two other wooden sailboats could also be seen sailing alongside two similarly massive steamships. Although the frequency of previous plan changes was unsettling, in the actual execution, Grid indeed ensured meticulous and flawless operation.

"..."

"Mr. Ronald, this way, please."

At this moment, an investigator responsible for guiding guests on the steamship approached.

Even among the first group to board the cruise, Ronald had the highest priority.

During the process of changing vessels,

Ronald finally witnessed the spell methods of the investigation bureau.

Normally, transferring ships at sea would face obstacles from various aspects. The stability of the bridge, the sailing speed of the vessel, various marine interferences—these factors need constant consideration.

However, within the convenient environment provided by spells, such problems can be directly ignored.

Ronald and his group crossed the sea as if walking on flat ground, stepping on a white floating bridge with excellent stretchability and a rather soft texture.

On the opposite steamship,

another unexpected friend was already waiting there.

"Mr. Ronald, long time no see."

Smiling, an old man stood in front of him—it was Oppenheim.

This old man from the [Scroll Research Society] was on board, and not far behind, Ronald could see the figure of Mou Li.

"Mr. Oppenheim, I didn’t expect to see you here."

"With a wise elder like you joining us, I believe this expedition will definitely be a great success."

Ronald naturally stepped forward to greet him.

The appearance of Oppenheim and others is quite understandable, as the [Scroll Research Society] of Wis University is originally one of Grid’s official forces.

Involved in such a significant action,

it’s natural for the [Scroll Research Society] to send experts to participate.

Facing Ronald’s greeting,

Oppenheim returned a friendly smile:

"Mr. Ronald, you’re too modest."

"This expedition fleet will likely rely on your astonishing spells."

Oppenheim and Ronald exchanged a few polite words.

The two didn’t say much before Oppenheim called toward the deck behind:

"Mou Li, Mr. Ronald is here too!"

"You two are on good terms, so you take him to the cabin side."

"..."

"Ronald?"

The young woman who had been talking with someone turned around immediately upon hearing Oppenheim’s call.

When she saw Ronald standing on the deck,

Mou Li could hardly conceal her excitement and happiness, running over in small steps:

"Ronald, I didn’t expect you to join this expedition too!"

"By the way, did you bring any luggage..."

Initially, Mou Li’s mood was quite good.

But just as she was about to inquire about the luggage Ronald brought, her gaze moved from him and saw Costate and Il standing behind him.

In the next second, Mou Li’s expression turned silent.

She was undoubtedly a beauty, but compared to the non-human presences of Costate or Il, she indeed fell short by a level.

Thus, seeing these two individuals behind Ronald,

her initial joy vanished completely:

"Mou Li, this is Costate, and this is Il, they are both loyal companions of mine."

Although Mou Li wasn’t in a good mood,

Ronald introduced them with a straightforward attitude.

In his heart, Ronald regarded Mou Li merely as a close colleague. Perhaps they might become good friends in the future, but any further development was nearly impossible.

So rather than letting something arise later, it was better to clearly express his attitude now.

On Mou Li’s side,

despite being in a bad mood, the young woman was very keen on understanding others’ words.

Upon realizing the attitude Ronald expressed,

Mou Li lowered her head and sighed lightly, then adjusted her posture, taking on the appropriate stance:

"Alright, I understand."

"Let’s head to the back of the deck first, and I’ll show you the rooms you’ll be staying in during this journey."

Upon finishing her words, Mou Li led Ronald and his companions to the back of the deck.

It didn’t take long, however, for Ronald to notice a change in the demeanor of the girl leading the way. She shifted from a youthful and vibrant aura to that of a powerful and experienced Caster.

Unfortunately, her attitude differed from previous meetings.

It seemed that because Ronald had previously declined Mou Li’s insinuations, her expression now was utterly distant.

If not for Ronald’s current strength,

she might have already taken some dangerous actions.

"..."

Perhaps this is the price to pay...

Facing such a reality, Ronald could only accept it with a wry smile.