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Chapter 390: Lanchi's Multi-tasking
Chapter 390: Lanchi's Multi-tasking
Lanchi pondered for a moment. It seemed that Duke Morotian wanted this meeting to be relatively discreet, which was why he hadn't made any grand arrangements or gone through the usual channels of the academy. Instead, he had asked the warden to deliver his message privately.
"Who asked you to be so elusive, always appearing and disappearing like a dragon among the clouds?" Warden Bakas joked, observing Lanchi's expression to gauge his response to the invitation.
If Lanchi agreed, it would be a convenient opportunity to put Duke Morotian Bernhard in his debt. But even if he refused, Warden Bakas was confident he wouldn't offend Lochi McKasy.
All along the way, Warden Bakas had been trying to discern the thoughts of the man beside him. Lanchi exuded an air of mystery befitting his high status, and his thoughtful gaze revealed nothing of his contemplations.
Finally, Lanchi paused and joined Warden Bakas in front of a set of deep red, double doors near the end of the corridor.
"No problem, Warden Bakas. Since you've taken the time to come and see me, I'll make time for you, no matter how busy I am. After we conclude our discussion on our collaboration project today, I'll wait in my office for Mr. Bernhard. How does that sound?" Lanchi assured, his gaze warm as he assured Warden Bakas that he would agree to the meeting.
"I'm truly honored and grateful. Shall I give Duke Morotian Bernhard your response first, and then we can begin our chat?" Warden Bakas asked, a smile spreading across his face.
He found his conversation with Governor Lochi McKasy most agreeable and comfortable. Compared to the high and mighty Duke Morotian Bernhard, Lochi McKasy showed him more respect and placed their discussion as a higher priority than the duke.
"Of course, Mr. Bakas. Right this way, please." Lanchi smiled and gestured for Warden Bakas to enter the guest room, pushing open the heavy door.
Although Lanchi's expression remained calm, he was curious about the purpose of Duke Morotian Bernhard's visit. He had always felt that something was amiss—either Chloris and Sid had deceived him, or the duke was still up to something.
He would find out the truth soon enough when they met later. For now, his attention was mostly focused on another location—the western outskirts of the imperial capital, Helrom. His silence was not intended to make Warden Bakas feel intimidated; it was a result of the challenge of controlling two bodies at once.
...
Helrom, the Imperial Capital, West Side.
On the outskirts of Helrom stood a massive square building, surrounded by the formidable forces of the Protoss Empire. Despite the unique charm of the surrounding Helrom-style architecture, they all paled in comparison to this prison complex.
The walls of Helrom Prison were a deep gray, as sturdy as cold iron, etched with ancient magical seals. A chilly glow surrounded the structure, and the magical fluctuations emanating from it caused visitors' skin to prickle. It was a formidable barrier, impervious to attack.
But what lay above ground was merely the tip of the iceberg of this prison, which extended deep into the earth.
Helrom Prison had seven levels in total. Aside from the ground level, the first three underground levels were considered the outer layers, while the fourth to sixth levels were the inner layers.
Just the sight of this prison was enough to fill most third-year students of the Protoss Royal Magic Academy with a sense of oppression and terror.
As a result, the majority of students opted for other courses for their capstone project instead of the 'Helrom Prison Guard Assessment.'
Only those with valid identification and proper procedures from the Protoss Empire could enter the base level of Helrom Prison after passing through multiple security checks.
Beyond the perimeter of the building, numerous figures clad in distinctive imperial military uniforms patrolled the area. They were not ordinary soldiers but non-commissioned officers from the Magic Special Forces, and their sharp eyes and investigative magic would pinpoint anyone with the slightest hint of suspicious behavior or discrepancies.
This vigilant security was warranted, as within the Helrom Prison walls were incarcerated numerous highly dangerous criminals of the Empire.
Previously, these security measures were heightened to prevent the Resurrected Church or lawless elements from targeting the prisoners within. Now that the Resurrected Church had become a legal organization, all its branches had to maintain a law-abiding image, especially during this critical period, and actively assist the Imperial military to prove their willingness to cooperate.
With this group of former professional terrorists helping to combat other criminals, the Empire witnessed a sharp decline in violent and criminal activities in the short term.
Early in the morning, outside the fortress-like Helrom Prison, Hiberlian and four other figures had made their way through the multiple security checks of the building. In the morning sun, their shadows stretched long on the wide road, until they moved deeper inside, where the shadows seemed to be wiped away, entering a completely enclosed space.
The five interns wore prison guard uniforms with the emblem of the Protoss Royal Magic Academy, a collaboration between the academy and the prison service. Anyone who chose the 'Helrom Prison Guard Assessment' as their capstone project would receive one of these uniforms as a memento, regardless of whether they passed or failed, or even survived.
"..."
Hiberlian turned to look at the black-haired, green-eyed girl who seemed a little distracted.
At this moment, Dai Aishiren had taken on human form, her body controlled by Lanchi.
However, as Lanchi was managing two bodies in different situations, Dai Aishiren occasionally seemed a bit absent-minded. She stumbled as she walked, nearly falling or colliding with the security gates, and only Hiberlian's grip on her arm kept her steady.
After nearly half an hour of security checks and registrations, the group of students finally entered the labyrinthine base level of Helrom Prison.
In the interplay of light and shadow, the base level of Helrom Prison slowly unveiled its ancient and heavy curtain. This forgotten space was steeped in the architectural and barrier styles of the Demon Realm, every corner steeped in its influence.
Stepping into the spacious hall, intricate crystal pipelines and magical machinery crisscrossed the towering walls, and occasionally, the low rumble of distant magic operations could be heard. These legacies of the Demon Realm civilization emanated a profound and everlasting glow, as if narrating a tale of power and destruction.
Beneath the dangerous mechanical constructs was the final security checkpoint, beyond which lay the core area of the base level that Hiberlian had now reached – a huge deep purple mirror surface.
Having frequently challenged the Shadow World and artificial Shadow Worlds in the Southern Continent, Hiberlian was familiar with the structure of such things.
The demons had employed a type of magic similar to the void gates of artificial shadow worlds, connecting the base level of the prison to the underground levels through this unique interface. To descend to each subsequent level, one had to comply with the prison's rules and regulations; otherwise, there was no other way to break through.
For interns undergoing the assessment, the base level served as a preparation area, where they could withdraw from the prison at any time. The police work at this level tended to be more clerical, without any interaction with prisoners.
From the first underground level downward, the truly dangerous assessment began. Each level downward increased the danger significantly, and there was no turning back to the previous level. One could only go deeper, with the option to end the assessment and return to the base level from the third or sixth underground level.
There will also be three more chapters tonight.
(End of Chapter)
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