A grand show is about to unfold.

After speaking with the woman named Eve and sending her off in a disheartened state, Ronald sensed the brewing emotions within her and was quite certain of it.

It was just like the inference Ronald made about this journey before setting off.

The people gathered on the island each had their own thoughts, fermenting and evolving under the catalyst of reality.

Perhaps tonight, something extraordinary will happen.

...

After handling some trivial matters, Ronald and Costate made their way back to the pier.

The ship belonging to [Grid] was still docked there.

The investigator on guard noticed their approach and naturally greeted them back onto the ship.

"Mr. Ronald, how are you feeling?"

"We'll take action at tonight's gathering," Ronald stated his decision first before mentioning his encounter, "But just on the island, I ran into some unexpected events, which might affect the situation today…"

Ronald relayed his observations to the investigator.

After hearing this, the investigator naturally also felt the corresponding worries and thoughts.

However, after seeing Ronald and Costate back to the cabin, he couldn't help but ask:

"Mr. Ronald, why did only the two of you return? I remember there were three of you who went out together. If there's anything you need from us…"

"No need." Seeing that the investigator wanted to say more, Ronald shook his head directly, "There was someone who couldn't stay due to a personal matter, so there's no need to wait for her."

"Of course, you can also rest assured."

"I'll handle the matter regarding the King of the South Sea properly, the original plan won't change at all."

"Ah…" The investigator paused but quickly spoke again, "In that case, I won't disturb you any further."

After saying their farewells, the investigator left the cabin and returned to the deck.

Ronald then sat on the bed which Catherine had always occupied, pondering over his experiences.

The half-day on the island seemed simple.

It was just Catherine's departure and a minor incident regarding the King of the South Sea, but Ronald felt a sense of alertness.

Ultimately, both events were caused by changes in the global situation.

And Ronald himself, currently one of the most powerful casters on the mystical side, and his impending enemy, the [Nine Commandments Council]. In the face of such changes, what kind of reality would they have to confront?

Engaging in such thoughts now might seem like unnecessary worry.

But Ronald believed that thinking more before unforeseen events arise could never be wrong.

In thought.

Time passed, and the sun gradually set in the west.

Costate quietly kept by Ronald's side, the cabin they occupied was so quiet it seemed empty. But a keen observer would notice Costate often glancing at Ronald.

The seemingly calm space was actually filled with their respective thoughts.

Until the light through the porthole turned to the color of dusk, Costate finally stood before Ronald:

"Sir, I'm going to prepare some food."

With a soft farewell, the maid turned and left. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Not long after, she returned with dinner provided by the ship, serving Ronald while he ate, and then asked:

"Sir, shall we set off immediately after we finish eating?"

Ronald nodded:

"We'll make preparations and leave; there's no need to trouble [Grid] too much. I have a hunch that in the upcoming…"

Ronald prepared to explain his thoughts, as usual.

But halfway through his speech, he noticed Costate's eyes flickering, clearly having something on her mind but unsure of how to articulate it.

Ronald put down the bread in his hand and spoke earnestly:

"Costate, if there's anything troubling you, just let me know directly."

"I'm very worried. Sir, I'm very worried about you!" Hearing this, Costate indeed began to speak, "Miss Catherine's prophetic abilities are very strong; she could accurately predict even something like the [Four Heavens]. So, so now I'm very worried about you!"

It was the prophecy Catherine left for him in the end.

Ronald immediately felt relieved.

He recalled words spoken by a character he liked very much and began to say something similar to Costate:

"The arrival of fate never considers the thoughts of those involved, and that doesn't matter, because it's inherently uncontrollable. But Costate, the power of choice lies in our hands when facing fate. Whether we resist or surrender, that is what's truly important for us."

"..."

After speaking, Ronald resumed eating, while Costate fell silent.

It wasn't until Ronald finished his meal that the maid spoke again:

"Sir, I have seen your memories."

This time, Ronald responded directly:

"I have always been grateful for my second chance at life, so if I face danger, I will surely do what I have to do."

After dinner.

Ronald and Costate tidied up the table and cleaned the room.

They would not use this room on the ship again; it was what needed to be done before leaving.

Afterward, the two of them disembarked from the ship, as night fell gradually.

The island night was much more lively than during the day, almost like two entirely different worlds. Despite the small size of the island, cheerful people could be seen everywhere at night, along with heavy and hurried footsteps passing by.

Ronald and Costate moved forward, undistracted by the crowd thanks to their understanding of the terrain, heading directly to the previous plaza.

To allow more people to hear his words and also to express his stance.

The gathering called by the King of the South Sea was completely open to the public.

Although the tables and chairs were prepared for esteemed guests representing powers, ordinary people could come and listen casually from around.

Throughout the venue.

Security provided by the King of the South Sea's men was visible only at the speaker's platform and the plaza's edge.

This might suggest the King of the South Sea has considerable confidence in his own strength.

But Ronald felt it might also because this former ruler of the seas truly couldn't muster any significant power now.

The two of them stood on the periphery for a few minutes, the crowd was not overwhelming but was certainly noisy. There were even a few hefty men with flushed faces who, bolstered by alcohol, tried sitting at the tables prepared for the representatives of powers.

Unfortunately, this wasn't the unwatched daytime.

As soon as they approached, they were immediately hauled away by several people, drawing loud laughter from the crowd.

But Ronald did not pay attention to this.

Because on the other side of the crowd, he saw the woman, Eve, among them, accompanied by several stern-faced casters.

Evidently, they didn't come with good intentions.

At this moment, a commotion arose from the front.

Turning his head, Ronald saw the King of the South Sea had already reached the side of the speaker's platform and was about to ascend and speak.

The gathering tonight was about to begin.