Chapter 286: A Reliable Relationship of Trust
In the afternoon, Veronica knocked on Aiden's office door to briefly report on the trial usage of the riot squad's new equipment during daily training.
Then, she mentioned seeing Anne Drake gathering with the two inmates from Cell Block Six on the exercise yard today.
"Sir, I believe those people are definitely plotting something again..." Veronica said with a grave expression. "Those two inmates from Cell Block Six are pure scum. They've never behaved properly in prison and are now cozying up to this troublesome new inmate..." Google seaʀᴄh novel[f]ire.net
"Mm, I know." Aiden nodded before Veronica could finish. "After all, Inmate 3677 is someone who escaped from the Empire's Capital Prison. The pirate from Cell Block Six couldn't possibly be unaware of such a legendary case. They must be looking to hitch a ride with her... It's to be expected."
"Should we take any measures then?" Veronica asked.
Aiden thought for a moment. "Not for now."
"Is that alright? What if it escalates into a situation similar to when Inmate 3340 organized the riot..." Veronica said worriedly, the memory of Melusine riot still vivid.
"It won't escalate. Ultimately, Inmate 3677's personal capabilities are nowhere near Inmate 3340's level," Aiden shook his head. "Besides, their escape method is rather unique, destined not to turn into a riot."
Mephilia had once told him that the power of a Unique Authority could only be absorbed and fully utilized after undergoing the corresponding ascension ritual.
These so-called ascension rituals were less a necessary process for absorbing the Unique Authority and more like a trial imposed by the Authority on those seeking it.
For those who hadn't passed this "trial," the Unique Authority was merely an impartial tool. The holder could use the tool according to its rules but couldn't wield it freely.
When rules are simply inscribed onto the Codex Anomos, they unconditionally affect everything within the defined scope, including the inscriber themselves. No one receives special privileges.
"What exactly is Inmate 3677's escape method?" Veronica asked tentatively.
"Inmate 3677's father is Navia Drake, a major pirate active in the Empire's waters. This pirate possesses an ancient artifact that allows the holder to set their own rules. This artifact can directly affect people and objects within its domain, forcibly enacting those rules," Aiden explained to Veronica.
"It can even affect the prison's defense measures?" Veronica's eyes widened.
"Yes. They'll all become useless decorations," Aiden answered firmly.
"Then, the riot squad too..."
"Based on the Capital Prison case, if he uses the artifact to prohibit acts of aggression, anyone who attacks will have their consciousness stripped and pass out instantly. Of course, the specific consequences might depend on the situation. But regardless, no one here can violate the rules set by the artifact," Aiden said slowly.
"Does something that cheat-like really exist?" Veronica was stunned. She didn't know much about black magic, but this "item" was clearly so powerful that even a layman like her found it unreasonable.
"Unfortunately, it's absolutely true. You might not believe it—"
"I believe you! I definitely believe anything you say, Sir," Veronica raised her hand to clarify. "I was just... so surprised, just expressing my shock. But if they have something like that, aren't they... invincible?"
"Not exactly. Rules enacted through the artifact also affect them. In other words, if he decrees that we cannot attack them or restrict their freedom, they can't do the same to us," Aiden spread his hands. "You can probably imagine what would happen."
Veronica pictured it briefly, a scene forming in her mind.
All security measures from the Core Block to the main gate of Rose Iron Prison fail. The gates swing open one by one. Riot squad members and guards can only stand by helplessly, hands at their sides, watching the pirate crew escort Inmate 3677 out of the prison.
No, probably many other inmates would leave with her at that time. If mutual attacks are forbidden, although there wouldn't be casualties, a mass escape from the Core Block would become an extremely serious incident for the prison.
Then, Veronica realized something. "The investigation into the Empire's jailbreak case isn't complete yet. How do you know so much information, Sir... Does this also involve some kind of secret?"
"Mm, you could say that," Aiden affirmed, finding this explanation convenient.
"Then, why tell me specifically?" Veronica asked cautiously.
"I trust you quite a bit. Since you asked, I felt it was fine to tell you," Aiden smiled.
Over the past half-year, he had built a considerably reliable relationship of trust with Veronica. Even highly classified information related to the powers of Gods, if revealed to Veronica, she wouldn't probe too deeply nor leak it to others, simply believing Aiden unconditionally. Naturally, Aiden would reciprocate with the same trust.
"I see..." Veronica quickly controlled her expression, but felt the corners of her mouth lift involuntarily anyway.
"Besides, I also wanted to hear if you had any ideas," Aiden continued. "I've been thinking about countermeasures these past few days. Discussing it might lead to more possibilities."
"Well..." Veronica considered for a moment. "Is there any way to nullify that artifact? Like using the prison's wards to seal magic?"
"Unfortunately, that's almost impossible," Aiden spread his hands open.
"Then, snatch the artifact from the pirates during the jailbreak? If you give the order, Sir, I can try," Veronica thought again, then immediately dismissed her own proposal. "No, wait. If they specify a rule against snatching, we'd be screwed."
"And I suspect something that important is likely carried on the holder's person," Aiden added. "Directly snatching it from the holder might be considered an act of aggression against them, which would probably also be prohibited by the artifact."
"In that case, wouldn't the only option be to steal the artifact from the pirates beforehand?" Veronica mumbled casually.