"Mr. Ronald."

"Have you...found what you're looking for?"

Standing at the intersection of Black Pine Street.

Oak, next to Ronald, cautiously asked.

This agent is unaware of Ronald's true purpose for this trip; his question is largely to ascertain if he can finish work on time today.

After all, see the distant sky—

Though the night is still shrouded in darkness, Oak's experience with night work tells him that in about two hours, the first hint of dawn will appear on the horizon.

But if Ronald's matters aren't concluded...

Then Oak fears not only will he be unable to finish on time, he will likely have to follow this powerful Caster into the morning, losing precious sleep!

The thought unsettles Oak.

Yet that's how agent work is; the unpredictability is something no one can anticipate. If these troubles can't be avoided in advance, subsequent headaches will surely follow persistently.

"..."

"Unfortunately, I indeed have not found what I'm looking for this time around."

Ronald responded to Oak's query at this moment.

But the underlying meaning made the agent's emotions uneasy.

Not finding what he sought...

So—is this a retreat, or is he dragging Oak along for more overtime?

With nervousness in his heart, Oak mustered the courage to suggest:

"Mr. Ronald, it's already quite late. Since you've looked thoroughly and haven't found what you wanted, how about we just..."

Oak had a good idea.

But before the agent could finish speaking, Ronald dashed his hopes:

"Oak, I'm sorry for taking up your time."

"But this matter truly cannot be delayed, we must proceed with the utmost caution to obtain the most precise answers."

"..."

Ronald's tone allowed no relaxation.

And as a night agent, Oak found himself quite helpless facing such circumstances—it's not as if he can contradict Ronald, right?

Blocked by reality from his wish to end work, Oak could only suggest:

"In that case, shall we return to investigate Batty's relative for more clues?"

Ronald agreed with Oak's suggestion:

"Using this as a starting point seems our best option."

In the entire commercial street, devoid of any trace, the choice was reduced to two options—seek out the candy store owner related by blood to Batty and continue probing; or wait till morning and observe the street as it resumes normal operation.

The two approaches aren't mutually exclusive.

Therefore, before investigating the street in daylight, they should take the opportunity to question the candy store owner again at night.

Ronald decided immediately and led Oak back the same way.

This time, as they reached that T-junction, Ronald's Reconnaissance Magic had already pinpointed everyone inside the candy store.

—The number of people inside hadn't changed.

—Everyone's psychological state remained within normal range, indicating Ronald's surprise inspection had no effect on the building's residents.

If any here truly were linked to real nuclear entities...

Such mental fortitude would be remarkable indeed.

Knock, knock, knock!

Ronald paused for a few seconds in reflection, while Oak swiftly advanced to knock on the door.

The candy store's night guard, although surprised by their return, knew better than to cross paths with the formidable duo before him, and promptly cleared the way, leading them upstairs.

"Boss, Mr. Ronald has returned!"

"..."

"Mr. Ronald?"

On hearing the commotion, a lady, not yet thirty, descended from upstairs.

Seeing Ronald back again, her face, though weary, showed unmistakable surprise:

"Didn't you just ask about everything earlier?"

"Are you saying something's happened concerning brother Batty that I need to be informed about?"

The lady speaking with Ronald was Zilier, the candy store owner. She is Batty's younger sister and a magic practitioner from the mysterious side.

On the previous visit.

Due to his position, Ronald only hinted at Batty's death, not explicitly stating it.

Now, observing Zilier's somewhat evasive gaze.

Ronald quickly realized the candy store owner misunderstood his intentions.

He promptly denied:

"Miss Zilier, I've returned for the earlier purpose, without any other intentions."

Hearing Ronald's response, Zilier raised an eyebrow.

She felt slight annoyance at Ronald's repeat visit, yet dared not express it openly, suppressing her emotions:

"Another survey—Mr. Ronald's diligent approach, I must respect it indeed."

Ronald forced a reply:

"So late at night, guarding the store, your dedication too is remarkable."

With an awkward exchange, Zilier led Ronald back into the upstairs reception room.

Then, while serving Ronald tea, she said:

"Mr. Ronald, you should have already checked all my store's staff thoroughly and even myself through your spells. Unless you doubt your own magic, in such a situation, there really are no suspicious individuals among my staff."

Ronald heard the dissatisfaction in her tone.

But unfortunately, he came today with a firm attitude.

"I have full confidence in my spells."

"Moreover, I've confirmed everyone's safety, there's absolutely no issue."

Seeing Ronald's inflexible attitude, nearly unreasonable speech.

Zilier got the impression the man before her was deliberately stirring trouble.

Yet the disparity in their power was obvious.

And based on his earlier hints, her brother's situation must be quite dire.

Wanting to continue residing securely in Waterfall City.

Today's dialogue with Ronald was a test of her own ability.

In that instant, Zilier thought over many things.

Excuses and evasive wording were readily prepared in her mind.

But as she was about to speak, recalling his strength, her tone naturally softened:

"Then what exactly needs further investigation..."

"Of course, it's regarding your brother."

Ronald noticed Zilier's concession; he wished not to overly corner this seemingly innocent lady and thus continued bluntly:

"One month ago, starting from the time the southeastern street was destroyed till now, I hope you can recount all instances of Mr. Batty's behavior in as much detail as possible."

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