https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-394-Sybrian-s-First-Day-on-the-Job/12584570/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-396-Lanchi-s-Visit-and-the-Unspoken-Rules/12584572/
Chapter 395: Hubertian's Perplexing Predicament
Chapter 395: Hubertian's Perplexing Predicament
Within the confines of the Chief Warden's office, a tense atmosphere enveloped the five Protoss Royal Magic Academy intern prison guards as they quietly examined the tasks assigned to them on their bracelets. They swiftly glanced at each other's bracelets, comparing the tasks at hand.
The lowest level of the prison, known as Level Negative One, housed prisoners of varying strengths, from the relatively weak to those serving sentences ranging from one to ten years. While this level typically didn't accommodate the most heinous criminals, it didn't diminish the potential life-threatening dangers that awaited the intern prison guards during their duty.
On their way here, they had witnessed several straightforward tasks, such as supervising prisoners' daily labor activities, including cleaning and other physical tasks, as well as maintaining order and ensuring the smooth progress of work.
There were also less physically demanding tasks, such as organizing and categorizing the records of repeat offenders, which involved more clerical work. These tasks required updating information on a batch of inmates, encompassing personal histories, criminal records, and behavioral assessment reports.
Even the most leisurely task was simply a routine security patrol, which entailed periodic inspections of designated areas and reporting or addressing any identified safety hazards accordingly.
However, the tasks assigned to this group of five stood out as particularly challenging. They were tasked with repairing dangerous zones, mediating disputes among high-ranking prisoners, and even monitoring isolation zones for special prisoners. These inmates were kept in solitary confinement due to their extremely violent tendencies and unpredictable behavior patterns. The prison guards were required to closely observe their every move during routine checks and ensure they didn't incite any form of riot or attempt to escape their cells.
Logically, these tasks should have been welcomed by the interns, who were eager to earn more duty points.
But the problem lay in the surprisingly low number of duty points offered for these evidently more challenging tasks—averaging less than 50 points.
Moreover, one had to consider the duration, the high risk of failure, and the penalty for non-completion.
Given the salary structure for prison guards at Herlom Prison, it became apparent that even with successful completion of these tasks, the duty points earned would barely translate to a wage slightly above the average prison guard's salary.
Clearly, these were a bunch of unappealing, thankless tasks that no one relished.
At this moment, Hubertian almost understood the implication. At this level, there was a significant disparity between the quality of tasks, which directly impacted the efficiency of duty point accumulation.
Based on their current pace, even if these five individuals worked tirelessly, it was doubtful they could accumulate enough duty points to reach the minimum requirement for descending to Level Negative Two within a day.
"Are you going to stand around here all day? What use is there in lingering in my office?" The Chief Warden's voice interrupted their thoughts, emanating from behind his desk.
The unexpected interjection startled them, but the interns didn't immediately depart.
"Chief Warden, we are truly grateful for the tasks you've assigned us. However, if possible, we would like to request more challenging tasks that offer higher duty points," Hubertian stepped forward, her voice a blend of respect and sincerity.
"..."
Chief Warden Kolendan shot Hubertian a scrutinizing look, his face hardening.
"You newcomers already want to be choosy? Here, task assignments are based on experience and seniority. Do you think allocating tasks is a simple matter?"
"
His voice, steady and resolute, firmly rejected Hubertian's request. "Young people need time to understand and adapt to the intricate workings of the Protoss Empire. It is better to proceed sequentially than to rush headlong."
Chief Warden Kolendan laid down the rules of this level, his tone carrying a sense of lecturing these interns as if they were his students.
Hubertian fell silent for a moment. "I am the eldest daughter of the Milford Earl. I wonder if you could do me a favor."
She lowered her voice slightly as she made her request.
Although she didn't want to cause trouble for the Milford family, if it could help with the task, she would use this connection.
Chief Warden Kolendan glanced at her after hearing her plea. "I've already given you the best tasks. How do you think that makes the other senior prison guards feel?"
Kolendan's fingers tapped lightly on the desk, his voice deep and steady, hinting at his displeasure with Hubertian's proposal.
He had perused the detailed files of the intern prison guards who had arrived today, and this Miss Milford was not as she claimed to be the eldest daughter, but rather a niece of the Earl.
For this niece who might compete for the inheritance, the Earl would be content just to leave her be and certainly wouldn't want to owe anyone any favors because of her.
"That's not what I meant..."
Hubertian looked at Chief Warden Kolendan, who was putting on an air of impartiality, but she understood his meaning clearly.
He had no interest in this empty check from a remote northern noble family. He, as the chief warden of the Imperial Capital Herlom, had no need for such things.
"Showing some actual ability and proving yourself is far more useful than idle talk here."
Chief Warden Kolendan set down his cup and sat up straight again, turning his attention back to the work in front of him as if he no longer intended to pay them any mind.
"..."
Hubertian remained, her eyes fixed on the documents on Chief Warden Kolendan's desk.
She finally understood how things worked on Level Negative One.
Although they were not allowed to bring possessions into Herlom Prison, they could keep magic cards stored in their soul space as they were considered part of the intern prison guards' strength and could be safely carried with them.
On this level, before they could acquire other resources, the rare purple cards that they could unbind in a non-combat state might hold some value. Perhaps offering a gift to the chief warden and humbling herself to curry favor with him would result in him assigning better tasks; otherwise, he would teach the newcomers a hard lesson with the most arduous tasks.
Then, even if the team accumulated 1,000 duty points, the chief warden could still hinder them if he was in a bad mood or give them a poor evaluation.
As long as they didn't completely offend the chief warden, he wouldn't keep the students from descending to the next level. Otherwise, the warden captain would punish the chief warden if he found out that he was deliberately making things difficult for the interns from the Protoss Royal Magic Academy.
As Hubertian contemplated how to further negotiate with Chief Warden Kolendan, the three people behind her were already getting antsy, their knuckles cracking with pent-up energy.
This was the first time they had encountered someone daring to treat them so difficultly.
Sensing the murderous intent from her companions, Hubertian turned back and gave them a warning glance.
She was frightened by their reaction, knowing that they must not resort to the problem-solving methods of the Resurrection Church here, or the Resoluters of the Fate Goddess Church who were watching would vote against her!
(End of Chapter)
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