Genius Warlock

Chapter 156

It was unexpected that the events were simply a coincidence.

Arthur mentioned that Willes had taken refuge in the incinerator and was attempting to regain strength by assembling remnants of the Kell Liberation Army in Landa, potentially endangering the autonomy of Landa City.

The rebels congregated in the autonomous city within the Empire, and the city could not utilize the police or the city's defense forces as any missteps could bring unwanted attention.

In order to resolve this issue, the city employed experienced and reputable veterans-cum-Solvers, like Arthur and his associates, as a solution.

However, in an ironic twist, just as Arthur was planning an attack on Willes, Willes launched a surprise raid on the city prison to rescue his imprisoned associates.

Although it may have seemed like a coincidence, the resulting damage was too substantial to be dismissed as such.

Despite increased security measures, the prison was taken by surprise by the enemy's firepower, and three out of the five prison compartments were breached, causing numerous inmates to escape into the streets.

The city quickly mobilized police and some defense forces to capture the escaped criminals, but many were still able to flee, causing chaos in Landa.

"It’s everywhere...."

Forrest brought a stack of newspapers published in Landa and dropped them on the desk with a thud.

He then flipped through one of the newspapers and began reading from it.

"This newspaper, The Talker, has the latest update on the prison raid. According to the authorities, it was a premeditated act of terrorism carried out by the Anti-development committee in District Z."

"....?"

Oliver was confused, as he had no knowledge of the Anti-development committee or what premeditated terrorism meant.

He asked Forrest,

"I'm sorry, Mr. Forrest, but wasn't it Mr. Willes of the Kell Liberation Army who actually stormed the city prison?"

Forrest replied, "That is correct. I'll read you another article from a newspaper with no credibility. It states that an unnamed source claims that a group of Warlocks were responsible for the prison raid, done to save a member of their organization who had been captured by the police a few days prior, warning of the dangers of the Warlocks. The article may not be credible, but they have a good picture."

Forrest showed Oliver the picture in the newspaper.

The photograph was well-taken, depicting prisoners pouring through the crumbling prison walls and the cracks, with the black and white tones emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

However, Oliver still had doubts.

He asked Forrest, "As you said, the picture was definitely taken well, but the question remains, isn't it Mr. Willes who attacked the prison? You said that through the communication device yesterday, didn't you?"

Forrest replied, "Yes, it was Willes. But the newspaper is talking about something else because the city requested it. It would be a huge embarrassment for the world to know that the Landa city prison was raided by the Kell Liberation Army, who were hiding in the city."

Oliver asked, "Isn't getting the prison raided itself a disgrace?"

Forrest replied, "Don't be naive, it's a fact. I have nothing more to say."

He then handed Oliver a glass of wine and continued,

"To be honest, you are right, it is a shame that the prison was raided, but the damage has been done. Now the city wants to minimize the damage as much as possible. It's not a perfect solution, but it's the best one in this situation."

"I don't quite understand..... If you don't mind, can you explain it?"

Forrest thought for a moment and nodded.

"I think it's best if I explain it to you. You deserve to know. First of all, you know that Landa is a free city, right?"

Oliver nodded, acknowledging that Landa was a city within the United Kingdom, but not ruled by the royal family or the central parliament, and in some ways was considered a separate nation within a country.

Forrest continued, "But freedom comes at a cost. The creation of the city of Landa was a miracle, an unlikely alliance of politicians, capitalists and wizards came together to rebuild the city after a catastrophe. But it's not just a one-time cost, Landa has to pay huge taxes to maintain its status as a free city. But the problem is that people are not satisfied, they want more."

Forrest, who was sitting next to him, was reading a book.

"What don't you understand?" Forrest asked.

"I understand that Landa is in trouble now, and that's why Solvers are being mobilized. Of course, I understand that I need to work too," Oliver replied.

"That's a relief. But?" Forrest prompted.

"Then why am I going to the city's Ministry of Interior when I should be out searching the back alleys like other Solvers?" Oliver asked.

Forrest explained, "It's because a city official asked me to bring you. He wants to request the job after seeing your face in person. Unfortunately, I didn't hear what it was about. He said he would tell us when we got there in person. I apologize for the inconvenience. City officials are not easy to deal with, so it's best to cooperate with them."

"No, I don't mean that. I am just curious about what kind of job it is," Oliver said.

"We'll be there soon, so just wait a little longer," Forrest replied.

Forrest's words proved to be true as they soon entered District B, the center of the city.

It was Oliver's first time in the district and he was impressed by the imposing buildings and the sense of intimidation that was different from other districts.

The streets were full of people in neat suits and uniforms, all of them looked busy and focused on their tasks.

Forrest said, "It's always a breathtaking place. You see, this is where the city's elite are gathered."

Oliver replied, "Everyone looks busy."

Forrest added, "That's right. Although they’re criticized for being tax thieves, everyone is working hard unexpectedly. Maybe it's a place you should get used to in the future."

Al, who was driving, interrupted the conversation,

"I'm sorry to interrupt. Boss, I think we'll be arriving at the Office building soon."

Forrest replied, "I see."

He then took out an ID card from his pocket.

After passing through several large buildings, the car headed towards a dark light gray rectangular building surrounded by a wall-like structure made of bricks and steel.

A security guard came out to stop the car and when he saw Al, the driver, he murmured with a sense of contempt,

"Red skin?"

Forrest called out to the security guard from the backseat,

"He's just a driver, Mr. Security guard."

The guard then turned his attention to Forrest, and the contempt he had for Al disappeared.

"I'm so sorry. What brings you here, sir?"

Forrest showed the ID he had taken out and said,

"I'm here to see Paul Carver from the Interior Ministry."

The guard spoke into his communication device for a moment and then said,

"You have an appointment. Please go inside. Excuse me."

(To be Continued)

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