Judging from the magic fluctuation when he's furious...

If evaluated by the system of the Grid Investigative Bureau, he might score a top investigator mark?

Of course, it'd just barely be a passing standard.

Standing outside the window, Ronald assessed the King of the South Sea, who was in a fit of rage.

Analyzing from his background as a pirate, it's indeed no simple feat for him to have such capabilities. Against an ordinary caster, he'd absolutely have overwhelming force.

But when it comes to true upper-class individuals of the mystical side...

Ronald slightly shook his head at this thought.

It's not that he himself is an exceptional existence, but even against any other Original Wielder adept at combat, this King of the South Sea might still not be a match.

Previously, during the global spatial chaos, he managed to expand his influence.

But now, as everything moves towards stability, encountering an untouchable foe and eventually meeting his defeat and death is easily foreseeable.

"Phil, have you seriously thought this through?"

While Ronald pondered these matters, the mood inside the room also escalated between the two individuals.

Porta, who initially came to persuade the King of the South Sea, began rebuking:

"Among the people you've gathered here, it's very likely there's someone who came to kill you! You'd better give up those unrealistic dreams and prioritize saving your life!"

As soon as this reminder was spoken, the air in the room chilled by a few degrees.

The agitation vanished from the King of the South Sea's face instantly, replaced by suspicion, his gaze as poisonous as a viper's as he looked at his friend who issued the warning:

"So, Porta, do you count among those who want to kill me?"

Once the words were spoken, Porta was as if struck by lightning, retreating a few steps backward.

He never imagined that risking himself to warn his friend would result in such doubt from the other party.

Disappointment, sadness, distress... these emotions surged in his heart.

But the most uncontrollable was that boiling anger, like a volcano on the verge of eruption.

Porta's body trembled, his gaze lowered, fists clenched:

"Phil, what do you mean by that?"

The King of the South Sea, however, thought the other party was truly guilty, a hint of mockery on his face:

"Do you think just because I'm here for a few days, I'm unaware of your doings?"

"Look at you, Porta! All noble and well-dressed! Isn't this the reward for selling out your own people? And now that there's no one else for you to betray, you act as a lackey for those damned folks, coming to me as a lobbyist."

"You think I'll fall for it!"

"You damned scoundrel!" Porta punched the King of the South Sea in the face.

He couldn't endure it any longer, risking himself to warn and persuade, only to be met with such suspicion.

That punch shattered the last of the King of the South Sea's restraint, too.

The magical power within him erupted instantly, using spell-infused strength to fling Porta, who was straddled on him, away.

"Finally couldn't hold back, could you?"

"No one will stop me from reclaiming what's mine, least of all a traitor like you!"

Simultaneously, the King of the South Sea lunged at Porta.

The man who was just flung away was now burning with rage as well, saying nothing while drawing a dagger from his side and rushing at the King of the South Sea. Porta was also a skilled caster, untouched by months of lavish living.

Yet the dagger missed its mark.

The King of the South Sea, with spell-enhanced agility, spun away then kicked Porta's wrist holding the knife:

"I allowed you to meet me with a weapon, and you're using it to kill me!"

Bang—

His toe struck the fragile joint, and Porta's dagger naturally flew off.

But the realization that followed snapped the man from his fury, awakening him to the perilous situation.

He glanced at Phil in front of him.

So-called King of the South Sea, his eyes now filled with madness and violence.

From his years as a pirate, Porta had learned one truth — reasoning with someone in this state is impossible!

He decisively abandoned the fight, choosing not to explain anything.

He tore off his coat, flinging it over the head of the King of the South Sea, then dashed towards the window without hesitation.

"..."

Standing outside the window, Ronald quietly observed the events unfolding within.

When Porta rushed in his direction, he had no intention of intervening, merely stepping aside so the man could leap out without obstruction.

Yet Porta ultimately didn't escape.

As he charged this way, the King of the South Sea tore away the obscuring garment; as Porta leaped, the King picked up the discarded dagger; when Porta was about to exit, the knife was thrown and precisely pierced his back.

"Ah! Guh... guh..."

His heart pierced, all strength drained from Porta's body in an instant.

He slumped powerlessly against the window, his vision rapidly blurring, the chilling sensation inside replacing the hope once held for his friend.

Only at the end of his life.

At the window, Porta seemed to see a man standing outside.

Outside the window, Ronald watched as the man's life ebbed away.

Through the dialogue between these two, he confirmed this was not someone worth saving. Though this scenario of friends turning on each other out of anger wasn't pleasant.

Within the room remained only the King of the South Sea's breathing.

After personally ending his friend's life, the man reacted quickly, immediately pulling Porta's body from the window and using a blanket to contain the corpse, preventing too much blood from spreading on the floor.

With these actions, the King of the South Sea's emotions cooled from his rage.

He gazed complexly at the body on the floor, feeling both self-doubt's regret and suspicion towards his deceased friend.

Soon the regret faded away.

The King of the South Sea kept telling himself he merely killed a traitor with designs on him, rather than murdering a truly concerned friend in an irrational fit.

He gradually believed this.

Then, without calling in his subordinates, the King of the South Sea hoisted the body himself, exiting the room to handle it.

The door shut with a 'click' sound.

The room where a drama had just played out returned to silence.

"..."

Outside the window, Ronald stood observing the final scene, now lacking the mood for further investigation.

He turned, jumped to the ground directly.

Signalling to Catherine and Costate with a wave, he made his final decision:

"Nothing more to see, let's go."

Catherine immediately approached with a smile:

"Looks like you've made up your mind?"

Ronald simply uttered one word:

"Tonight, we act."