However, the developments took Newton by surprise, as Diroth returned without contacting anyone and simply locked himself in his room.
"What... is that guy thinking?" Newton asked Ginger, who was beside him.
"People are inherently ambitious. It seems that he also wants to do something, or perhaps Diroth has already done something but faced suppression. That's why he's fearful, yet his ambition hasn't vanished," Ginger analyzed based on the current situation.
"Sigh, I initially thought those guys would come directly, but they only sent a spokesperson. The Underworld Gate didn't even send a representative. It appears that neither side is particularly invested in this Alliance. But that's fine; it makes it easier for us to control the Dark Guild," Newton said as he stretched and turned to look at Ginger.
"How's the exam at Wolf Island going?"
"They just arrived at Wolf Island, but it seems the competition has already begun," Ginger replied, displaying a screen that showed a perspective likely from beside Reby. At that moment, the surroundings looked like an expanse of ocean with no one else in sight.
"What's going on?" Newton asked curiously.
"Why are they out at sea? Did someone throw Reby off the ship?"
"No, it seems that Jia used a spell to seal the ship, so only Sister Reby can unlock it. However, Reby still managed to get off the ship ten minutes early."
"Hahaha, those guys probably never expected to fall behind Reby."
Newton laughed heartily. After all, Reby had never been known for her combat skills; she was more adept in knowledge and support. Now, she had taken second place, which would likely annoy many people.
"Alright, let's leave it at that. It seems there will be some time before their exam. If any issues arise, let me know."
"Understood, sir."
"Have we finished exploring this area?"
Right now, it wasn't about who could pass the exam; it was about figuring out how to escape if something went wrong here.
"Yes, I've completed the three-dimensional model."
The scene changed under Jiang's manipulation, revealing a three-dimensional map of a forest in front of Newton.
"Very good."
Newton pointed at the map, and several red dots immediately appeared on it.
"Set traps all over this area and mark the traps originally set by the Dark Guild."
Immediately, in addition to the red dots on the map, blue lights appeared. Newton studied the map for a moment, then transformed several of the blue light points into green.
"Adjust these traps a bit, so that they are under our control."
As for whether Jiang could accomplish this, it was a joke. An artificial intelligence that combined knowledge from two worlds was at least as knowledgeable in magic as Newton, and in terms of precise operations, it was even stronger.
"Alright, sir. After I leave here, please be careful. I think those guys might try to take action against you."
"Don't worry. I'm not someone who can't defend myself. Besides, this will intimidate some of them, won't it? And if Diroth really has any plans, we can show off our strength."
Jiang nodded.
"I understand. I'll make sure some people see me leaving."
Soon, countless individuals witnessed Puppeteer leaving the camp, trailing blue flames behind.
"My lord, what is Lord Puppeteer going to do?"
Mu was quite anxious. He didn't believe in Chou's combat ability; while he thought Chou was excellent at manipulation, he felt that in battle, Chou fell short. Sending Puppeteer out at this time seemed like a death wish.
"Just a little matter."
However, Chou had no intention of explaining further.
"By the way, what are we having for dinner tonight?"
"I..."
Mu suddenly deflated like a punctured ball, feeling a bit despondent. But soon, hope reignited within him. What if the other party had some tricks up their sleeve? What if the Puppeteer was just hiding and hadn't actually left?
"For dinner..."
Mu adjusted quickly, prompting Newton to nod in approval of this spokesperson.
Although only a portion of the people saw the Puppeteer leave, word spread rapidly throughout the camp. Everyone began to think that with the strongest fighter, the Puppeteer, gone, they should be able to handle the remaining weaklings—especially the Bare Bandage Man and that ugly figure who only relied on intimidation. If they could wipe out these individuals, even if the Puppeteer returned, what could they do? By then, they would have successfully risen to power and could simply flee if necessary. Moreover, every time the Circus operated, it involved two people, so their numbers wouldn't be too overwhelming. This ugly figure appeared every time as well, indicating a significant position within the Circus. If they could capture him alive... it might even lead to a nice profit. As for what came next, given that they were a group of individuals with no future and whose brains seemed to be stuck in their belts, they couldn't think that far ahead. Many were already preparing to take action.
"My lord, it seems the people outside are getting restless."
One of Diroth's subordinates reported the situation.
"We..."
"No need to get involved in this matter. I want to see what this ugly figure is truly capable of. Have the servants hide; otherwise, they'll bear the consequences if they die."
Diroth wasn't planning to participate in this affair; he wanted to observe what made this ugly figure so audacious.
Meanwhile, those outside were indeed worried about an attack from Demon Heart's members. However, it seemed they had reached the threshold without being assaulted yet. Just as everyone was preparing to push the door open, it swung open by itself.
"What are you doing standing at the door?"
The Ugly One feigned surprise before putting on a smile.
"Have you eaten?"
The others were taken aback, feeling a bit awkward, unsure whether to put down their weapons or swing them.
"Mu, distribute what I've prepared for everyone."
Mu, looking helpless, pushed a cart forward that was laden with various items.
Immediately, everyone wrinkled their noses; it must be some food, but they were not interested in that. They were ready to draw their weapons instead.
However, when the cloth covering the cart was lifted, everyone's breath became heavy. The cart was filled with gold, gleaming brightly. Even Diroth, watching from the second floor, couldn't help but tremble slightly.
"Alright, this is a welcome gift from our Circus for all of you. It's all yours... feel free to take what you want."
With that, the Ugly One didn't linger and led Mu and the others away. The heavy door slammed shut behind them, leaving the crowd outside with eyes already turning red with desire.
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