Severino, the "Storm Lord," was a legend who had lived for over four hundred years, and a Chosen One of Talos, the "Great Destroyer."
So the Sea of a Thousand Islands had a king that powerful. No wonder even mighty organizations like the Harpers and the Zhentarim could not extend their influence here.
The morning investigation soon ended. Captain De Leon still had to coordinate the Hispaniola's repairs with the harbor staff, so he was the first to take his leave of the abandoned courtyard.
Andreia, who had endured a lecture from Lectus, was bored as well. Since she had never liked the lingering fish stench in the Dock District, she returned to the Hispaniola with De Leon to rest.
After confirming that the array patterns showed no signs of activating for the time being, the old Paladin himself walked away down the alley with his Cross Longsword on his back, presumably to see whether anyone in the Slums near the docks needed help.
Before leaving, Lectus specifically cautioned them against tampering with the magic circle for now.
According to the old Paladin, many devil worshippers placed a magic circle somewhere conspicuous as bait. Once its array patterns were damaged, however, it would act like a switch, triggering a chain reaction that activated the entire ritual.
That way, the culprits could escape in advance while ensuring that the ritual took place precisely when the enforcers arrived, injuring or killing their opponents.
At noon, Renato ate a salt-baked cod, four roasted potatoes, and a large bowl of lobster bisque in the High Tide's dining room.
The cod's flesh was firm, its surface coated in coarse salt and baked until lightly browned. A gentle nudge of his fork exposed the snowy white flesh beneath.
The lobster bisque was rich and thick, carrying