This brief voyage was far from smooth sailing.

On just the first morning after departure, the ship found itself amidst a battle. Two small fleets were chasing each other on the sea, and the air was thick with the scent of bloodshed.

There was the [Grid] vessel suddenly appearing on the sea.

It was inexplicably suspected by both sides, deemed as reinforcements brought by the enemy.

The battle was about to erupt, and Casters immediately began to engage.

However, the investigator from [Grid] completely overpowered both warring parties. So before things required Ronald and the others to step in, the enemy's ships were destroyed.

Afterwards, the [Grid] ship sailed away.

Leaving only the people from the destroyed ships floating in the sea, with nothing to accompany them but the wreckage of their own vessels.

This brief interlude vividly showcased the state of this sea area to Ronald and his companions, confirming the information gathered earlier.

Until two days later.

An island appeared on the horizon.

Looking at the peaceful appearance surrounding the island, Ronald felt a moment of déjà vu, unsure if it was calm before the storm or the crater before an eruption.

As Ronald was lost in thought, the distance between the ship and the island gradually closed.

But contrary to expectation, before the ship entered the port, a small boat carrying only three people appeared and steered towards them.

"We are guides sent by the King of the South Sea!"

"By the looks of your sails, you should be envoys from Peace Port, right?"

Peace Port is the name of the port in the city where [Grid] is stationed. Those making a living at sea prefer referring to ports by people's origins rather than actual city names.

The investigator on the ship replied:

"Exactly!"

"What's your plan for guiding the ship, is everything arranged?"

The people on the small boat apparently had been doing similar work these days—their tasks included one observing the surroundings, one steering the boat near, and finally one grasping a long rope and climbing up between the two boats once they were close.

The climber was an agile, athletic adult male.

There's no emphasis on social etiquette here, and after tying the rope to the side of the ship, he immediately continued:

"Our boat will guide from below, just follow along."

The islanders were quite familiar with this routine.

The man who climbed aboard chatted briefly with the investigator but didn't disembark, staying on the deck until the ship docked smoothly under their guidance, then went ashore, securing the other end of the rope at the wharf.

"You folks, you can stay on the ship until the end of the month or choose to dwell on the island and explore. Just remember one thing: don't approach the castle on the eastern hill!"

With that, the man left rather dashingly.

The situation left the investigator's expression somewhat unpleasant.

Was that it?

Where's the follow-up handover? What are the specific arrangements? And any precautions?

Investigators know that in some places, business is conducted with 'no regard for minor details'.

But having worked long-term at [Grid], encountering such treatment was inevitably a bit bewildering.

At this moment, the investigator heard footsteps approaching from behind.

Turning to see, initially puzzled, he quickly realized and proactively approached.

Because the owner of the footsteps was Ronald and the others, who had already disguised their appearances.

They reached the deck, with Ronald leading and directly saying to the investigator:

"No need to hurry, people are coming, probably for the follow-up handover."

The investigator had no doubt about Ronald's words.

He knows how powerful the man's reconnaissance spell is—the task is merely casual, effortlessly grasped.

Calming his slightly anxious emotions.

The investigator looked around, ensuring no one was spying, before whispering near Ronald's ear:

"Mr. Ronald, according to what we've heard, the so-called King of the South Sea resides in the castle on the eastern hill. Beyond that, he holds banquets every night with guests as a reason on the island's plaza. When do you plan to act, do you need our cooperation?"

With the investigator looking tense, Ronald harboring no intention of endangered acts responded evenly:

"Rest assured, we will handle this matter ourselves."

The investigator clearly understood what Ronald's response implied.

Realizing the man before him intended to manage the task alone, he instinctively grew anxious; yet recalling the man's formidable caster skills, any dissuasion was naturally unexpressed.

Eyeing the somewhat bewildered investigator, Ronald added:

"Before making a move, let's meet at tonight's banquet, and then I'll tell you everything."

The investigator, somewhat tongue-tied, could only offer a blessing:

"I wish you a safe journey!"

"..."

Ronald and his companions left the ship, stepping onto the island's wharf.

Scanning around, there were already quite a few ships moored—varied pattern sails crisscrossing, akin to showcasing their representing cities or powers in an expo.

Although it was just morning, chatter and interaction noises echoed continually from ships and below, with scantily clad girls leaving ships, each with a hefty purse in hand.

Ronald remained indifferent to the scene, focusing solely on completing his task.

However, someone beside him seemed to have a different view.

"Hey, Ronald! I've only seen this in books before."

Catherine immediately approached, starting to babble:

"You still have money, don't you? Hire a girl for me so I can have a proper chat."

Ronald rolled his eyes.

If not for avoiding attention, he felt the urge to pin Catherine to the ground for a good brawl!

"At least until we've taken down our target, please calm down?"

"Is indulging curiosity really wise right now?"

Hearing Ronald's reply, Catherine, rather carefree, shrugged:

"Since I can't indulge, why not share your thoughts?" The young girl shrugged, revealing her true query, "From your demeanor, you don't plan to recklessly kill your way in and eliminate the target?"

Ronald, unfaltering, continued forward:

"Think about why we assumed these identities?"

"Having yet to glimpse 'Nine Commandments Meeting' territory, revealing overly sensational power is naturally inadvisable. Thus, figuring out the island's status and deriving the best plan is our priority."

Catherine admitted Ronald was right, albeit begrudgingly compromising:

"Okay, okay, I'll go along with you!"