Beside him were Helena and Tony, both of whom were once children of notable nobles in the Kingdom.
A few months ago, on their way here, the trio were still in high spirits, boastfully discussing how they would showcase their talents in the Black Mist Jungle.
Now, however, they were in tattered clothes, faces haggard, eyes sunken, with the marks of sleepless struggle etched on their faces.
"Your Highness, please have mercy..." Helena rushed in front of Andre, suddenly kneeling on the ground, her cries mixed with sobbing:
"We know you are close to the newly-acclaimed Alchemist, please introduce us!"
Andre said nothing, slightly furrowing his eyebrows, instinctively stepping back half a step, not wanting his sleeve to be grabbed by them.
"Your Highness, please, please..."
Byron also knelt at Andre’s feet, crying so hard he could barely breathe:
"Today is the last day of the assessment period, the Law Enforcement Team has already begun clearing the dormitories! We must either be chosen by the Advanced Apprentices or be expelled from the Black Mist Jungle, you know what it’s like outside!"
What is it like outside? The golden-haired youth felt a bitterness rise in his heart, for he knew all too well.
Although he and Ron had ventured out to visit the black market days ago, they only dared to act within the safe zone around the School.
Even in the relatively safe Sunset Tavern, they tread carefully.
Outside, the wilderness was teeming with various Alien Races extremely hostile to humans, and terrifying Magical Beasts capable of easily slaughtering groups of knights.
An Ordinary Person without any Extraordinary Power could not survive more than three days in that environment, let alone trek back to human territory for months without any means of transportation.
"Your Highness, please..." Tony also joined the plea, his voice trembling with desperation:
"We don’t want any reward, we’re willing to do anything, even if... even if it’s just as lowly Servants!"
Helena was almost clinging to Andre’s leg, her eyes soaked in tears:
"We know Lord Ron likes to live alone, but if you’re willing to introduce us..."
"Listen, although my relationship with Ron is fairly good."
Hearing this, Andre hurriedly corrected himself, trying to clarify the boundary: "But I have no authority to decide anything for him..."
"The Law Enforcement Team is here!" Tony suddenly screamed, pointing afar.
Andre followed his finger and saw a team of Apprentices in uniform gray uniforms checking the dormitories one by one.
"Look at this batch of defects, weak as always."
One Law Enforcement Officer sneered, his tone filled with contempt.
They drove the panic-stricken Candidate Apprentices out, gathering them in the central courtyard.
Some struggled trying to resist, only to be ruthlessly knocked down;
Most just hung their heads low, like walking corpses, resigned to being moved around, their faces full of resignation.
"Please, Your Highness..." Helena’s voice was almost hoarse from crying:
"Introduce us to the Alchemist, even if we’re reduced to the lowest laborers, it’s better than being expelled outside..."
Andre looked at the humble pleading of the three, a complex emotion rising in his heart.
Aside from a slight pure pity for the plight of their kind, it was mostly a feeling of helplessness against such a ruthless system.
As he fell into internal conflict, a somewhat familiar voice came from behind: "Prince Andre, what’s happening?"
Andre turned abruptly to see Norris standing there.
The squad leader of the Law Enforcement Team, his face slightly sardonic, yet his gaze was unusually vigilant.