NOVPUBAs the five interns from the Protoss Royal Magic Academy quietly scrolled through their assigned tasks on their bracelets in the warden’s office, an air of tension discreetly hung over them.
In a short period, they quickly glanced at the tasks displayed on each other’s bracelets.
The first basement level, being the shallowest part of this prison, housed a variety of prisoners, from the weak to the strong, all of whom were serving sentences of 1 to 10 years. Generally, there were no supremely wicked individuals, but that didn’t mean the work of enforcing the tasks was devoid of life-threatening danger for the prison guards.
On their way over, they saw many simple tasks such as supervising the prisoners’ daily labor activities, cleaning or other physical labor, ensuring the prisoners maintained order, and the smooth running of work.
And of course, there was the task of sorting and classifying the files of serious offenders, more of a clerical task, requiring the updating and sorting of information about a bunch of serious offenders, including prisoners’ personal histories, criminal records, behavioral assessment reports, etc.
Even the most laid-back one, a routine security patrol, was enough to just complete regular inspections of specific areas. Once a safety hazard is identified, appropriate reports and responses can be made according to the situation.
However, the tasks they have been assigned to were almost all about making repairs in dangerous areas, handling disputes among high-ranking prisoners, and even monitoring special isolation areas for prisoners. These prisoners were kept in isolation because of their extremely violent tendencies and unpredictable behavior patterns. The guards needed to closely monitor every move during regular checks on the prisoners and ensure that the prisoners did not cause any disturbances or escape from their cells.
Technically speaking for them who want to earn more service points, this should be a good thing.
But the problem is, these obviously more difficult tasks do not earn as many service points as expected, averaging less than 50 service points.
They also had to account for the time, high risk of failure, and penalties for deductions.
According to the pay scale for guards at Herram Prison, after calculating, they found that even if they completed all these tasks successfully, the service points converted into wages would only be slightly higher than the average prison guard’s wage.
Obviously, these were thankless tasks that nobody wanted to do.
At this moment, Hyperion more or less understood, that on this level, the quality of tasks varied greatly and directly impacted the efficiency of gaining service points.
Based on their current efficiency, even if the five of them work hard day and night, attempting to reach the minimum number of service points to move on to the second basement level. It’s unlikely they may achieve that by working all day.
"Aren’t you going to work yet? What use is it for you to stay here?"
As they prepared to discuss the matter, the warden’s voice came from behind his desk.
This sudden voice disrupted their thoughts.
Although the warden’s voice carried an obvious intent to drive them away, these intern guards did not leave immediately.
"Lord Warden, we’re very grateful for the tasks you’ve assigned to us, but if possible, we hope to get some more challenging tasks that yield higher service points."
Hyperion stepped forward, her voice carrying respect and sincerity.
"..."
Warden Corentin just looked at Hyperion with a scrutinizing, doubtful gaze.
His face became even more stern.
"You are only newbies and you are already being picky about tasks? Here, tasks are assigned based on experience and seniority. Do you think assigning tasks is a simple thing?"
His voice was slow but firm, righteously refusing Hyperion’s request,
"Young people need time to understand and adapt to the complicated operation system of the Protoss Empire. They should proceed in order, not rush for success."
Warden Corentin explained the rules of this level. His tone carried a hint of teaching these students how to behave and act.
Hyperion was silent for a while.
"I am the eldest daughter of the Milford Count’s family. I wonder if you could accord us some convenience."
She lowered her voice slightly as she asked. 𝓃𝓸𝓋𝓅𝓊𝒷.𝓬𝓸𝓂
Although she didn’t want to cause trouble for the Milford family, if it could help with the task, she was willing to use her connections.
Upon hearing this, Warden Corentin glanced at her.
"If I give all the good tasks to you, what will other veteran guards think?"
Corentin tapped his fingers gently on the desk, his tone deep and steady, seemingly slightly displeased at Hyperion’s proposal.
He’d reviewed the detailed files of the intern guards who arrived today. This Miss Milford, contrary to what she said was not the eldest daughter, but a niece of the count.
As for this niece who might deprive him of his inheritance, the fact that the count hadn’t disposed of her yet was impressive enough, let alone owing someone a favor for her.
"...That’s not exactly what I meant."
Hyperion looked at Warden Corentin, who looked impartial, but in reality, his intentions were clear.
This counter-check from a remote northern nobleman didn’t interest him at all. He looked down on it as the Warden of the imperial capital, Herram.
"Take some actual actions to prove yourself. It’s more useful than arguing here."
Warden Corentin put down the cup in his hand, sat up straight again, and focused on the work in front of him, apparently no longer planning to pay attention to them.
"..."
Hyperion didn’t leave, but watched the documents on Warden Corentin’s desk.
Now, she finally understood what the rules of this first basement level were.
Although one cannot bring valuables into Herram Prison, Magic Cards stored in one’s Soul Space are considered part of an intern guard’s own strength and can be retained with the individual.
In this first basement level, before any other resources can be obtained, the rare purple cards that one can unbind in a non-combat state, might have some value. Perhaps giving the warden some gifts, lowering their attitude towards him to the utmost, and pleasing him, he would give them better tasks. Otherwise, he would use the toughest jobs to teach these newbies a lesson.
By then, even if the team has reached 1000 service points, if the warden is in a bad mood, he might still hold them back or give them the lowest evaluation.
As long as he doesn’t offend the warden completely, the warden on each level won’t prevent the students from proceeding indefinitely. Otherwise, if the warden of the prison found out that a warden was deliberately making life difficult for students from the Protoss Royal Magic Academy, he would also punish the warden.
Just as Hyperion was considering how to further negotiate with Warden Corentin, the three behind her already had a hint of wanting to take action, their knuckles cracking.
They, from the Rebirth Church, were experiencing for the first time someone who dared to be so difficult with them.
Noticing the murderous aura from the Demon Race behind her, Hyperion quickly turned her head to look at the three of them.
She was quite scared, they absolutely couldn’t use the Rebirth Church’s method of problem-solving here, else the few judicators from the Church of the Goddess of Destiny who were observing would give her a bad rating!
