Chapter 81: Chapter No.81 Showdown (1)
[Samael Ashwood's POV]
I nodded, feeling a surge of resolve. "We'll need to gather evidence and witnesses to support our case. We must show the people the truth behind King Cedric's actions and the circumstances of his death. But first, we need to ensure our safety and secure our allies."
Mother's expression softened slightly as she turned to Mia. "Mia, thank you for bringing this information to us. You should rest and recover from your journey. We will need your skills and knowledge in the coming days."
Mia nodded, her exhaustion evident. "Thank you, Lady Ashwood. I'll rest and be ready to assist however I can."
As Mia left the room, Mother and I exchanged a look of determination. "We'll need to act quickly," she said. "Raven's information about the Cult of the Infernal Eyes and now this new threat from Garrick Rutherford, First we stomp this Rutherford Pig then remind those of the remaining royal fools who they are dealing with. We cannot afford to be complacent."
I nodded, my mind already racing with plans and strategies. "You rally our allies while I pay a visit to Rutherford prison, I have a plan that will most definitely ensure that we have the upper hand."
Mother's eyes narrowed slightly, a look of concern crossing her features. "Be careful, Samael. Lord Garrick is dangerous and cunning. We cannot underestimate him."
"I won't, Mother," I assured her, my voice steady with resolve. "But we need to take bold steps to counter this threat. I'll ensure we come out on top."
Mother nodded her expression a mix of determination and worry. "Very well. I'll start reaching out to our allies and prepare our defenses. We'll need all the support we can get."
With a final nod to my mother, I turned and left the room, my thoughts focused on the task ahead. The Ashwood estate was vast, and I made my way swiftly through the corridors, my mind already formulating the steps I needed to take.
"Space Magic: Instant Wrap!"
The space affinity flowed through me, and the world around me shifted in an instant. The familiar sensation of displacement filled my senses, and in the blink of an eye, I found myself standing at the entrance of Rutherford Prison. The grim, imposing structure loomed before me, a stark reminder of the kingdom's darker undercurrents.
The guards, initially startled by my sudden appearance, quickly recognized me and attacked with their swords and weapons of all types. I had anticipated such a reaction and swiftly countered with my abilities.
"Lightning Strike!"
A bolt of lightning arced from my hand, disarming several guards and sending them sprawling. I moved with the speed of the storm, my enhanced reflexes allowing me to evade and counter their attacks with precision.
"Nature's Embrace!"
Vines erupted from the ground, ensnaring the remaining guards and immobilizing them. Their struggles were futile against the strength of my magic. I stepped forward, my eyes cold and determined.
"Enough," I commanded, my voice echoing through the stone corridors. "I am here on official business. You will stand down and allow me to proceed, otherwise I will cut every single one of you down without hesitation."
The guards, sensing the seriousness in my tone and the power radiating from my presence, reluctantly lowered their weapons and stepped aside. I walked past them, my steps echoing through the cold, dimly lit corridors of Rutherford Prison.
As I ventured deeper into the prison, the oppressive atmosphere grew heavier. The smell of damp stone and unwashed bodies filled the air, a stark reminder of the harsh conditions within these walls.
I turned to the guards following me from behind and asked, "Where is the warden of this prison?"
One of the guards, his face pale with lingering fear, pointed to a door further down the corridor. "The warden's office is at the end of this hall, my lord. You'll find him there."
I thanked him with a curt nod and continued my path, the muffled sounds of prisoners' murmurs and clanking chains growing louder with each step. Reaching the door, I knocked sharply before pushing it open.
The warden, a burly man with a grizzled beard and a stern expression, looked up from his desk, his eyes widening as he took in my presence. "Samael Ashwood," he said, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"
"I want full control of the prison," I demanded with a sweet smile on my face.
The warden's eyes widened further at my bold demand. He was clearly taken aback by my request. "Full control of the prison, my lord? That's… this is a private prison of the Rutherford Family, not some government facility. I don't have the authority to grant such a request without consulting Lord Garrick himself."
I leaned forward slightly, my expression unyielding. "I understand that this is a Rutherford Family facility, but the situation we face is urgent and beyond normal protocols. If you refuse or delay, it will not only obstruct my investigation but could also endanger everyone involved. I'm here to ensure that matters are handled with the utmost efficiency."
The warden's face was a mixture of anxiety and contemplation. "I see the seriousness of your intent, Lord Ashwood. However, without direct orders from Lord Garrick, I cannot simply hand over control."
"Lord Garrick is the reason I am here," I said, my voice taking on a steely edge. "He has been a thorn in our side, and his machinations threaten the stability of the entire kingdom. I assure you, that I have the full backing of the Ashwood Family and the support of influential allies. If you want to avoid complications, you will cooperate."
The warden seemed to weigh his options, clearly nervous but also acutely aware of the potential fallout from defying me. After a tense moment, he finally shook his hand," If I hand over the control of the prison to you then I would be considered a traitor to the family, So you can kill me but I would never betray my family."
I regarded the warden with a steely gaze, weighing his defiance against the potential benefits of compliance. The situation was precarious, and I needed a way to move forward without further escalating tensions.
"You misunderstand me," I said calmly, my voice cutting through the tension. "I'm not here to make enemies unnecessarily. What I require is access to the prison's resources and information, not your life. Betrayal is not my intention—efficiency and results are."
The warden's expression shifted from defiance to contemplation. I could see the conflict in his eyes as he wrestled with the choice before him. The atmosphere was thick with the weight of our confrontation.
"Lord Ashwood," he began hesitantly, "if I allow you access, I risk everything. Yet, if Garrick's plans are truly as dire as you say, perhaps it is worth the risk. I need assurances for my family and myself."
I nodded, understanding his predicament. "I can offer you a guarantee of protection and a safe passage if you cooperate. Your loyalty to your family will be respected, and I will ensure that your position and safety are secured. You have my word."
The warden seemed to mull over my offer, his eyes reflecting the burden of his decision. Finally, with a resigned sigh, he relented. "Very well. I'll give you access to the necessary resources and information. But I will need a moment to prepare the required documents and notify my staff."
I nodded in acknowledgment. "Take the time you need. I appreciate your cooperation."
The warden stood up, visibly relieved yet still cautious. "Follow me, then. I'll take you to the secure area where the sensitive documents are stored. I trust you'll handle this matter with the utmost discretion."
As we walked through the winding corridors of the prison, the warden guided me with a mix of anxiety and cautious respect. We reached a heavily guarded section of the prison, where the walls were reinforced and the air seemed even colder.
The warden spoke to the guards stationed there, explaining the situation and instructing them to grant me access. With a final nod of approval, he led me into a small, dimly lit room. Inside were several locked cabinets and a large desk piled with documents.
"This is where we keep the most sensitive information," the warden said, unlocking one of the cabinets. "You'll find records and documents related to various prisoners and operations."
I began examining the contents, carefully sifting through files and papers. Among the documents were detailed reports on prisoners, including their affiliations, recent activities, and any potential connections to Garrick Rutherford's schemes.
"Oh right! Are there any prisoners whose names are Marcus and Flint?" I asked the warden as my eyes scanned the documents.
The warden's expression shifted to one of concern. "Marcus and Flint? Yes, I believe we have records on them. They were transferred here recently under somewhat unusual circumstances. Let me check the records."
He pulled out a folder labeled "Recent Transfers" and began flipping through it. After a few moments, he located the relevant files and handed them to me.
"Marcus and Flint are here," he said. "Both were... caught stealing the artifacts from Rutherford family's exclusive dungeon, But there was one another fellow caught with them named... Atom, But he ran away with another prisoner some time ago. What about them?"
I glanced through the files the warden had provided, noting the details about Marcus, Flint, and the missing me... Now I feel embarrassed to pick such a silly fake name.
"Free both of them, They are innocent and were caught wrongly due to Alexander Rutherford's wrongly accused declaration," I instructed firmly, trying to hide the trace of embarrassment in my voice. "I need them released immediately. Their information is crucial to understanding Garrick Rutherford's schemes and securing our position."
The warden's brows furrowed in confusion. "But… if they were caught stealing from the Rutherford dungeon, they are considered dangerous and their release could lead to severe repercussions."
I met his gaze with unwavering determination. "Trust me. The situation is more complicated than it appears. Their release is imperative for our plans and for ensuring justice is served. I will take full responsibility for their safety and the consequences of their release."
The warden hesitated but eventually nodded, recognizing the seriousness in my tone. "Very well. I will start the process of their release. It may take some time to complete all the formalities."
"Good," I said, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "While that is being arranged, I will continue to review the documents. If there's anything else you can assist with, please let me know."
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[To Be Continued]
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The Vol.1 is going to end soon enough...
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