The targets of Costate and Catherine's disguises.

In terms of appearance and posture, they are not the kind of beauties that make heads turn frequently.

But even so, they still encountered a lot of harassment.

Ever since they left the dock, Ronald and the two others frequently encountered people trying to chat them up along the island's roads, and some unruly fellows even attempted to get handsy.

These people mostly had distinctive features, clearly sailors accustomed to life at sea, and harassing women after disembarking was second nature to them, with onlookers amused by the spectacle.

No need to say more, most of these were likely pirates, and also subordinates of the King of the South Sea.

When Ronald and his companions faced such situations, they would often teach those people a lesson.

After being severely beaten up, these men could only curse loudly, as their companions would not come to their aid, but rather laugh at those beaten to the ground.

In contrast, there were other types of people on the island as well, some dressed tidily and paid attention to their appearance. They would feel displeased and cast down their eyes upon witnessing similar scenes but never stepped in to stop it.

Clearly, most were emissaries from other places, here to attend the gathering called by the King of the South Sea.

Such a morning passed, and harassment from sailors and pirates almost vanished.

Word spread quickly in the taverns, earning Catherine and Costate some notoriety as formidable flowers not to be trifled with.

As they continued on, Ronald carefully observed the island's situation.

Although not famous before, many people had settled on the island, running their businesses, mostly related to maritime activities, making the island sustained by the sea and its sailors.

At noon, Ronald and his companions bought some local snacks to serve as lunch.

With their meticulous observations, they finally arrived at the gathering place held every day.

This place was unlike the square Ronald had seen before; it resembled a stage for propaganda or performances. Many tables and chairs were arranged in a fan shape on one side, facing a conspicuous high platform.

Of course, there was no proper management here.

In broad daylight, with no one using the venue, bored sailors would bring their liquor and set up to gamble passionately in this comfortable spot.

"Ronald, do you see any need for further reconnaissance here?"

Upon seeing this scene, Catherine held back her laughter and said:

"Perhaps you could study what they like, then claim a spot and have a seat ready for the evening."

Ronald scratched his head.

Such a 'bold' meeting square really didn't need studying. He had to accept Catherine's teasing, then turned and walked towards the hillside on the island's other side.

This is where the King of the South Sea's current base is located.

People called it a castle, but in reality, it was just a stone-built manor. Starting over alone, the King of the South Sea couldn't regain his past glory in just a few days.

He merely used the information he had to occupy this once-vacant 'castle' and continued with his plans.

Although the hardware was lacking, the software was decent.

As Ronald and the other two followed the island's path, it wasn't long before they discovered Casters standing guard around the castle, providing protection to the dejected King of the South Sea with a serious attitude.

Ronald had no intention of directly killing this King of the South Sea.

So, with Catherine's help, the three of them were protected by a Spell of Confusion, and they swaggered into the King of the South Sea's base.

Through the outer gate, without even entering the main building,

Ronald heard a dispute.

It originated from a room on the second floor of the building, the argument about different choices for the future.

"I'll jump up and take a look."

Informing his companions, Ronald jumped directly over.

Through a window carved in the rocks, he saw the scene inside.

A man with sun-tanned brown skin, lean but with sharp eyes, was questioning another well-dressed man:

"Porta, do you really think I have no chance anymore?"

"I'm telling you, I achieved such success with just myself and a ship, and I can do it again. A true sea king won't sink forever like those trash just because of a temporary setback!"

The questioned man's eyebrows furrowed, replying calmly:

"Phil, please don't take your anger out on me. I'm here as your friend, to remind you."

"..."

Phil, the King of the South Sea, was silent for a few seconds.

He waved his hand dismissively at Porta, who called himself a friend, turning his gaze in the opposite direction, not looking at him again.

"Yes, I know you're well-intentioned."

"But Porta, I really can't tolerate being insulted by that trash."

In the span of two sentences, the King of the South Sea walked to the window, and just happened to meet Ronald's eyes.

But he couldn't see through Catherine's powerful Confusion Magic, so his eyes passed right through Ronald, looking at the scenery on the island behind him.

Ronald, however, saw clearly.

The man in front of him, called the King of the South Sea, had eyes filled with struggle and pain, as well as unabashed ambition and desire.

At this point, the South Sea King Phil spoke again, pointing his finger to the outside world:

"And look outside, see how many people are on the island now!"

"I simply issued a few calls, and these guys had to come to this remote, pirate-occupied island because of my reputation. Anyone witnessing this scene could never say I've failed!"

"That's just an illusion!" The man advising the South Sea King became anxious, stepping forward quickly and almost shouting, "Don't forget what you used to do here on this ocean?" 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

The South Sea King's eyes turned dangerous in an instant:

"Oh? What did I do?"

Porta, undeterred, responded:

"Slaughter, plunder, destruction. That's what you, that's what I once brought to people. In the past, we controlled fleets, and of course, we could maintain such rule through fear."

"But now?"

At this point, Porta's tone softened, his persuasion laced with palpable sincerity:

"These words may not sound pleasant, but Phil, you're alone now. Without the advantage of sudden changes in the world, everything is different!"

Porta intended to continue persuading his friend to retreat.

At least it would ensure survival.

But...

"But I am not the same, either!"

The King of the South Sea shouted loudly, directly interrupting his friend's advice, as a significant Magic Fluctuation surged from his body.

"I am now a Wizard with mastered Spells!"

"If these traitors and those with delusions dare challenge me, I'll wipe them out and show everyone who the true king here is!"