SUPREME ARCH-MAGUS

After leaving Queen Soya room, Kent strolled through the palace gates, flipping the queen’s medallion in the air with a slight grin. The palace guards who’d obstructed his entry earlier, now, they scrambled to bow respectfully, opening every door and pathway for him without question.

The guards at the entrance exchanged shocked looks, eyes widening as they realized what the medallion in Kent’s hand meant. Kent smirked inwardly at their stunned expressions, not giving them a second glance as he made his way to the royal prison.

The prison guards instantly recognized him. He’d made a name for himself in his short “VIP” stay and now, with the queen’s medallion in hand, no one dared question his motives.

Kent wandered through the prison as if on a leisurely walk, noting the layout, security positions, and the specific locations around the prison. He followed some patterns around the prison for future reference.

Taking his time, he walked several laps around, mentally mapping each detail. Satisfied, he finally left, making his way back to his inn just as the sun began to dip toward the horizon.

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At the inn entrance, a familiar figure stepped in his path. “You came back a little sooner than I expected,” remarked Chelli, the vice leader of Noman Island, falling in step with him.

Kent didn’t even stop a second for her. “Don’t sneak up on me again,” he warned, his tone low and edged with menace. “Next time, I might not recognize you before I strike.”

“I’m just nervous to meet you. Don’t misunderstand my intentions.” Chelli replied while reaching to his side.

They reached his room, and Kent unlocked the door. “Following me blindly is not the smartest move? Who knows what I might do?” Kent muttered as he pushed it open,

“Oh, save your threats,” she smirked, undeterred. “You’ve got two of the finest Frost beauties throwing themselves at you at home, and you haven’t even spared them a glance. I doubt you’ll pay me any more attention than you have them.” She curled an eyebrow as she walked beside him, observing his intense focus.

But her voice trailed off as she took a step in the room. The small space was chaotic, plastered with walls covered in names, pictures, and notes on people. In the middle of the room, five stout beast men were meticulously sorting through piles of parchment and cloth sheets, their faces intent on their work.

She stepped closer, running her finger over one of the names pinned to the wall. “Prisoners… from the royal prison?” She turned to Kent, incredulous.

“Exactly,” he replied coolly, closing the door.

A shocked silence fell over her as she scanned the walls again. Hundreds of names and faces stared back, each one carefully annotated.

“Why are you gathering their information?” Chelli asked in a surprised tone.

“Of Course to grant them freedom.” Kent replied calmly.

Chelli shot Kent a look of disbelief, her voice almost a whisper. “You can’t be serious. Are you really thinking of releasing all these people?”

Kent’s gaze didn’t waver. “Not all of them,” he corrected. “Just the ones who have a score to settle with the royal family. The ones who’d jump at a chance for revenge.”

Chelli’s eyes narrowed, her tone both skeptical and horrified. “Do you realize how insane that sounds? Getting even a single person out of that prison is nearly impossible. And you’re talking about freeing an entire army of resentful, dangerous prisoners? How… how do you think you’re going to pull that off?”

Kent settled himself on the bed, his demeanor calm, even relaxed. “I’ve already taken bigger risks for less,” he replied, dismissing her alarm. “And I have reasons beyond just wanting to save a few people. Your sister, Ria, is one of them, remember?”

The reminder of her imprisoned sister brought a flash of anger to Chelli’s face, but she forced herself to take a calming breath. “Yes, Ria,” she repeated, her tone measured but filled with worry. “But I don’t see how her freedom is connected to all… this.” She gestured at the room full of names. “Are you really telling me you’re putting her release on the line by taking on something this dangerous?”

“Think of it as a one shot, two birds plan,” Kent replied, leaning back. “Your sister’s freedom is my priority. But the other prisoners in there, especially those with nothing left to lose—who’ve suffered at the royal family’s hands—will make powerful allies for the battles ahead.”

She shook her head slowly, her expression a mixture of awe and dismay. “I still don’t understand. It’s impossible. You won’t be able to slip all these people out without setting off alarms. They’re locked up with powerful spells. Some of these people are dangerous, unpredictable.”

Kent smirked, a glint of challenge in his eye. “Unpredictable? Maybe. But I know their type. And they all have one thing in common: vengeance.” His voice dropped, his tone intensifying. “Everyone in that prison has tasted the cruelty of the royal family. They’ve watched everything they loved destroyed and been left with nothing. If I give them a chance to fight back, they’ll be loyal. And if they get out… imagine the chaos they’d unleash on the royals.”

Chelli was silent, her eyes fixed on him as she processed his words. “You really believe you can control them?” she finally asked. “That they’ll fall in line and follow you?”

Kent nodded slowly, his gaze unwavering. “That’s why I’m taking my time. The beast men are gathering detailed information on each prisoner. I need to know who they are, what drives them, and how far they’ll go. I don’t intend to release brainless idiots.”

“I still can’t believe you’d risk so much. Ria’s our leader, yes, but to stake everything on her release…” She looked away, chewing on her lip as her doubts filled her brain comepletly.

“You want her out, don’t you?” Kent’s voice was calm but firm, cutting through her hesitation. “Then help me. If you truly want her free, gather more information, like the beast men are doing. I don’t need skepticism—I need action.”

Chelli stared at him for a long moment, her expression hardening. “Fine. You’re the only one who’s managed to get even this far for Ria’s sake. If gathering intel is what you need, I’ll help.”

Kent’s lips twitched in amusement. “Good girl. If I didn’t want your help, I wouldn’t have bothered telling you any of this.”

The room fell silent, the only sounds coming from the beast men, still diligently compiling data. After a moment, Chelli walked to the nearest wall, studying the faces and names. She turned to one of the beast men. “What’s this one’s story?” she asked, pointing at a grizzled face in one of the sketches.

The beast man glanced up, meeting Kent’s eye before answering. “Exiled knight. Fought for his family against the king’s guards, lost everything. He’s in for life, but he’d do anything for a chance at revenge.”

Chelli gave a slow nod, understanding dawning in her eyes. “So, this really is your plan. Enemy’s enemy is a friend. How Simple!” She glanced at Kent, her expression a mix of admiration and trepidation. “I didn’t know if I should believe you before, but I see it now. You’re really going to go through with this.”

“One step at a time,” Kent replied, his voice steady. “By the time the royals realize it, it’ll be too late. The prison will be an empty shell.”

For the first time, she let a small smile slip. “You’re more dangerous than I gave you credit for, Kent.”

He returned her smile with a glint of steel in his eyes. “Dangerous? You haven’t seen anything yet.”