The Warden of The Witches #Chapter 292: - Read The Warden of The Witches Chapter 292: Online - All Page

Chapter 292:

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Chapter 292: Suitable for Hanging from a Lamppost</ms-cmark-node>

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<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Although he said that, the real reason Aiden didn't act was that now wasn't the right time.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Melissa had given him a crucial piece of intelligence: an ordinary person using the <ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Codex Anomos</ms-cmark-node> could only establish a total of three rules per day.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">For Navia Drake to successfully execute the jailbreak, he would generally need to inscribe two rules onto the <ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Codex Anomos</ms-cmark-node>: "Attacking and harming are forbidden" and "Restriction of personal liberty is forbidden." With these two rules in place, they could easily leave the prison.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">However, escaping the Autonomous Prefecture and returning to the sea afterward might involve continuous pursuit. If their escape route was discovered early, the Autonomous Prefecture and the Empire could still hinder the pirates' departure from land by destroying roads, bridges, and ships—as long as it was done outside the <ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Codex</ms-cmark-node>'s area of influence, it wouldn't fall under the "restriction of personal liberty" category.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Therefore, he would likely need to add rules like "Tracking is forbidden" or even "Approaching with hostile intent is forbidden" as insurance. This would essentially guarantee a foolproof jailbreak and escape process.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">But if he didn't plan to break anyone out today, he could inscribe even more rules.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">If he used the <ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Codex Anomos</ms-cmark-node>'s power to implement corresponding security measures for the <ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Codex</ms-cmark-node> itself, hidden on his person, stealing it from him would be virtually impossible. Acting at this time would not only fail but might also expose the plan Aiden had devised.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Hearing Aiden's words, the expression on Navia's face stiffened for an instant but quickly returned to composure. "Young man, confidence is good, but you should still be somewhat cautious. Haven't you heard of my past deeds?"</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"I have. You broke into the Capital Prison, taking not only inmates but also a load of supplies," Aiden nodded. "With that precedent, we will naturally take appropriate measures. I accept your challenge. Besides your daughter and a bunch of dangerous inmates, the vault in the Core Block's west wing holds enough money for you to buy another ship. If you dare, come and take it... but I fear you won't live to see it."</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Aiden resisted the urge to reveal everything he knew about the other party's methods right here. He understood clearly that acting tough at this moment offered no benefit. Letting the opponent believe they were ignorant of his techniques would make them lower their guard, increasing the prison's chances of winning.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Hahaha... A newborn calf isn't afraid of the tiger," Navia laughed heartily. "Young man, we don't need to be so confrontational. Actually, I came this time prepared to give you another chance."<br _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256=""><ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256=""></ms-cmark-node><ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">(TN: 初生牛犊不怕虎 (Chūshēng niúdú bùpà hǔ) - Lit. 'a newborn calf isn't afraid of the tiger'. Idiom for youthful fearlessness or recklessness.)</ms-cmark-node>

</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"A chance?"</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Release my daughter immediately and send her to the landing. I can overlook yesterday's incident," Navia said seriously. "When your prison is looted clean, you won't be able to bear that responsibility."</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Releasing your daughter is a responsibility I similarly cannot bear," Aiden shook his head. "And you expect me, a law officer, to bow down to a mere bandit?"</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"A mere bandit? Young fellow, I am the master of the Coral Sea!" Navia's eyes turned somewhat stern.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"What's the difference? Pirates, in the end, are just bandits of the sea."</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Young man, you don't understand the rules. The northern seas are almost entirely occupied by the Empire. How much tax fishing boats and merchant ships pay is decided solely by them," Navia said in a condescending, lecturing tone. "If it weren't for us pirates competing for territory with them, the Empire would completely dominate these waters. The existence of pirates is a commonly acknowledged underlying rule. Without us, these seas, these maritime trade routes, would be utterly monopolized by the Empire, and then—"</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Alright, stop right there. I've met plenty of people like you in prison," Aiden directly cut off Navia's self-aggrandizement. "Trying to whitewash your filthy deeds with a bunch of twisted logic, quite something. Do you burn, kill, and plunder at sea to fight the Empire? Isn't it just to satisfy your own selfish desires? If you're so noble, why not attack the Imperial Navy directly and start a revolution, instead of just bullying merchant ships and fishing boats?"</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">This world would never lack people who used bizarre logic to justify criminal behavior. Aiden had no interest in listening to their lengthy diatribes.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Navia remained silent for a long time, his face subtly darkening. "Having some guts is good, but being so ignorant of your own limitations, you'll eventually crash and burn."</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Enough pointless talk. You're so confident. Why not set a time? When are you planning the jailbreak? So I can properly entertain you," Aiden proactively threw down the gauntlet. "Though, actually, now isn't impossible either."</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Since this pirate dared to show up and provoke him like this today, perhaps he really would accept the challenge.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">If he could confirm the time of their arrival, it would naturally be more advantageous for Aiden.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Navia stared at him for a long while. "Is this... reverse psychology?"</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Of course not, just a little joke," Aiden smiled. "I imagine even the Red Shark Pirates, who once dealt with the Capital Prison, wouldn't dare attempt such a reckless, suicidal move..."</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Tomorrow then," Navia suddenly interrupted before Aiden could finish. "I have more pressing matters to attend to right now. I don't have time to waste too much energy on a place like this."</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Navia had previously captured and interrogated other pirates who escaped from the <ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Roc Eagle</ms-cmark-node>, learning that his daughter Anne's ship was destroyed by three Vampires.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">He still hadn't figured out where he had offended a major power connected to Vampires, but he hadn't imagined it could be linked to this prison in the Autonomous Prefecture.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">For him, investigating the mysterious force targeting him was the priority; spending too much time on such a small prison was unnecessary.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"As expected of the so-called Pirate King. You do have courage," Aiden chuckled. "Then I shall await you here."</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Farewell," Navia tipped his hat slightly and rose from his chair.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Just then, Aiden suddenly added, "May I ask, your mustache... is it grown, or glued on?"</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"It's fake. Thank you for the disguise inspiration," Navia smiled. "Walking on the street, no one recognized me as a wanted man."</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"After all, your wanted poster isn't common in the Autonomous Prefecture. This disguise is indeed excellent. Like a phantom thief, or a capitalist—the kind perfectly suited for hanging from a lamppost," Aiden finished his assessment and waved his hand. "Next time you come, I hope you'll be叼ing (diaoing - holding in mouth) that fish. Until we meet again."<br _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256=""><ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256=""></ms-cmark-node><ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">(TN: 叼 (diāo) - This verb specifically means to hold something loosely in the mouth, like a cigarette or, in this case, the doodled fish. Kept the pinyin with explanation as there isn't a perfect single English verb.)</ms-cmark-node>

</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Navia didn't reply, leaving the meeting room with a dark face.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Sir..." Veronica spoke softly from behind.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"No need to follow him, it would likely be useless anyway," Aiden waved his hand dismissively. "Now, all we need to do is wait for tomorrow."</ms-cmark-node>

</ms-cmark-node></ms-text-chunk>

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