The man knelt on the cold stone floor, his forehead pressed against the ground, his voice trembling. "Please punish me, Cult Leader."
The torches cast wavering shadows, making the Cult Leader's figure appear especially tall in the firelight. He slowly spoke in a commanding voice. "Set the matter of punishment aside for now. Tell me, what is Treasure Island like now?"
The man straightened slightly and recalled, "Treasure Island is exceptionally prosperous. Wealthy merchants and nobles can be seen everywhere on the streets. It truly deserves its title as the 'Pearl of the Emerald Sea.'"
The Cult Leader continued, "If our Sacred Cult were to confront Treasure Island head-on, what are our chances of winning?"
The man's Adam's apple bobbed, his gaze drifting. After hesitating for quite a while, he answered, "Naturally, the Sacred Cult will win."
"How many heroes are on the island?"
"I saw two: the Necromancer Wu Heng and the witch Viola. But I heard that the vampire Lilith is also on the island," the man replied in a deep voice.
"Oh?" The Cult Leader's voice carried a dangerous edge. "Three heroes are stationed on the island, and you still think the Sacred Cult can win?"
"Viola is merely a newly advanced hero, nothing to worry about." The man hurriedly explained, "The only ones who truly require attention are Wu Heng and Lilith. With the strength of you and the Cult Saint, victory will surely come easily."
"The Cult Saint?" The Cult Leader paused abruptly, then quickly revealed a smile. "You are quite clever. Though you failed this time, the intelligence you brought back is indeed valuable."
With a wave of his hand, paper and pen appeared out of thin air and floated before the man. "Draw out the route you took to Treasure Island in detail.