I was an apprentice in Ferren

Chapter 215 Riot
"Who let Robert out!" White, the head of the inspection department, slammed his fist on the table in anger as he looked at the captains in front of him with their heads bowed. "A wanted criminal who was already in our hands managed to escape! The young lady directly berated us in the inspection department for being good-for-nothings. Do you think you deserve your monthly salary of one thousand gold coins?!"

Several captains looked grim. One captain gritted his teeth and stepped forward: "Sir, my men arrested him. According to their report, he was almost brought back to the gate when people from the council arrived with their councilor tokens and took him away, saying they were going to interrogate the fathers. But who knew that this guy would suddenly rejoin the parade? This is definitely someone setting us up, Chief."

Upon hearing this news, White broke out in a cold sweat and quickly asked, "Who brought that person? Whose token is he carrying?"

"...These two have absolutely no idea, they've even forgotten what the other person looks like." The captain said with a mournful face, "This is definitely a case of being under a spell. Sir, we secret agents all have immunity cloaks, this is definitely someone targeting us."

White took out the communication gem, nodding repeatedly with a flattering expression. After the communication ended, he turned angry and said, "Damn it, those ordinary spies are mediocre. Why don't you go yourself? We are now the ones primarily responsible for this potential riot. If something goes wrong and turns into bloodshed, how many of you will still be wearing these imposing leather armors and receiving high allowances? You've really gotten used to the good life!"

The captains knew that their leader had probably been severely scolded by the young lady, the Storm Daughter, so they all lowered their heads and dared not speak. White's eyes were now bloodshot. He had originally thought that this might just be a student's discontented riot, but the Storm Daughter's words plunged him into despair.

Even if he grits his teeth and takes the blame, there will be no place for him in Harua. Perhaps the best outcome will be for him to leave with his family and the infamy.

This fueled his hatred.

This is truly an undeserved disaster.

Yes, spies have a bad reputation, and many people here are used to being dishonest.

But for such internal disciplinary issues, whether it's an apology, a fine, or dismissal, these are all solutions. Why should he be blamed for the riot?

The real reason these students are causing trouble isn't because you so-called mages suddenly decided to impose extra taxes. We secret agents are only assisting in this kind of work and have even added a lot of extra workload. Now we have no credit and are being trampled on instead.
What the hell kind of logic is this?!

Before White could finish venting his anger, a secret agent knocked on the door. After receiving permission, he entered and, seeing the scene, knew things were going badly. He quickly relayed the news: "Sir, the security bureau has sent someone to say they are short-handed. The crowd that was parading through the streets has begun to march towards the council. They hope we can send more men so that these people don't offend the dignity of our fathers."

"Can't you see I'm in a meeting discussing the plan? Besides, when did it become anyone's business whether we get involved or not?" White sneered. He was already becoming the person primarily responsible by not showing up, so how could he possibly benefit from getting involved in such trivial matters?

At that point, they might not even have the chance to apologize to parliament; they could just find a crooked tree to swing on to ensure their family's safety.

“Tell him we’re busy with the inspection department’s affairs, and that maintaining stability in this city has never been the inspection department’s job. If I do this, someone might report me for overstepping my authority, and then who will be held responsible?”

Those who heard the report understood and turned to leave, but before White could even take a sip of coffee and sort out his thoughts, there was another knock on his office door.

"Come in." White's face was gloomy. He was about to teach this ignorant liaison officer a lesson when he was surprised to find that the person who came in was actually a boy wearing an apprentice's robe.

“Hello, Director White, I am Irene Dupont, the special envoy for this incident.” The young man was dressed very plainly, with only an earring as an accessory, apart from his large gray robe. “These are my identification and token. Please cooperate with my orders.”

"Oh?" Upon hearing this, everyone in the office turned their gaze to the young man, their eyes filled with surprise. White, however, immediately understood when he saw the token.

This is definitely not a fake.

Even if someone did dare to impersonate a parliamentary envoy, who would dare to do such a thing to the investigation department?

Unless he's willing to risk his life.

However, White hesitated, wondering how he should cooperate with this special envoy. Should he simply follow orders or just go through the motions?
"Excuse me, Special Envoy." White decided to rely on his past experience: "This matter is of great importance, and I need to consult my superiors. Please be patient."

"Whatever." DuPont picked up the coffee pot on the table as if they were old friends, sat down at the guest seat and poured himself a cup: "It's important and it's not wrong to ask for instructions. After all, even if there's a noose around your neck, the ladder under your feet hasn't fallen yet, which means there's still hope."

White's face turned somewhat grim. He knew the other person was scolding him for doing these things when he was about to die, but how could he do such a thing without asking for permission?

Taking the blame for one's superior is a difficult task. It's true that some people get promoted quickly after things are settled, but sometimes even if they plead guilty and accept punishment, they commit suicide as soon as they enter the prison after receiving a steel bracelet. This undercover agent has seen far too many cases like this.

To White's alarm, the young lady did not answer his communication rune this time. The voice on the other end was clearly that of her head maid: "I'm sorry, Director White, Miss Soraka has been called to a meeting. She seems to have forgotten about the rune. Is there anything you need to report?"

Upon hearing this, White seemed to have lost his soul, and awkwardly laughed, "No, no, I just accidentally pressed the wrong button. Please give my regards to Miss."

You can get by without a communication talisman, but once you have one, who can resist the power of a tool that allows you to contact friends, family, superiors, and subordinates at any time?
It seems he's already been abandoned.
Thinking of this, White plopped down on the comfortable leather sofa behind him, breathing heavily like a fish out of water, but still felt like he couldn't catch his breath.

Harua has never lacked capable people; among his captains, there are quite a few whose rank is higher than his.

If he were truly skinned alive, how difficult would it be to rise again? He's already lost count of how many cold shoulders he's endured and how many dirty jobs he's done for others over the years. If he were truly skinned alive, he might lose his life.
How can we save ourselves?
"Director White?" DuPont turned his head, his smile as warm as a gentle breeze: "Have you been notified?"

"Huh?" White took out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat that had appeared on his forehead, and quickly walked up to DuPont with a big smile, as if he had grasped a lifeline. He changed to a new handkerchief and helped the boy wipe the crystal glass on the table.

"Haha, how could we trouble our superiors with such a small matter? As subordinates, we should share the burdens of our superiors and always shoulder our responsibilities."

“Very good.” DuPont nodded in satisfaction: “Harua is lacking people with a sense of responsibility like you. If everyone at all levels were as sincere as the director, I think a lot of trouble could be avoided.”

"Sir, you flatter me. This is simply our duty." White seemed a little overwhelmed by the praise. This man in his forties was as humble as a chubby schoolboy in front of DuPont: "May I ask what we will be doing later...?"

"The initial plan has been designed. Of course, how far it can be achieved and whether it can be expanded depends on how well you all execute it." DuPont stood up and sighed, "I still have to ask you all for help."

Upon hearing this, White immediately stood up straight and gave a sergeant's salute: "Please rest assured, Special Envoy, I guarantee the mission will be completed!"

Seeing their director make such a statement, the team leaders also stood up straight and raised their right hands: "Loyal to the Parliament, loyal to Harua!"

These bastards actually put the parliament first.
DuPont lowered his eyes, picked up his cup of fragrant coffee, and drank it all in one gulp.
-
The intense sunlight gradually softened, and the shadows cast by Yarrach's silvery-white spires stretched like giant beasts across the streets.

On the 30-yard-wide road, the crystal lampposts were fully charged. These magical devices, set up beforehand, automatically lit up due to the overwhelming crowd, casting a cool glow over the parade.

Hours of protest had left their voices hoarse, but the hesitant guards had given them the courage to move forward. As the crowd grew, their simple wooden signs were replaced with arcane rune plaques with magical patterns, and their voices, amplified, could now be heard over a dozen streets away.

Many shops had already closed, and many people on the second and third floors opened their windows to marvel at this scene, which was probably unprecedented in a century.

It's truly astonishing that the apprentice mages of the Land of Mages would stage a protest.

"Hey, look at those skeleton minions." One person looked at the dozens of skeletons at the front of the group, with signs around their necks that read, "These are mage apprentices who have been working non-stop all night." "Are these apprentices really that hard-working?"

Another burly man holding a wine glass scoffed at this: "Worry about them? The profit they make from copying two scrolls is equivalent to your monthly salary."

"Stop here." A guard with a buzz cut, two silver stars on his shoulders symbolizing his position as company commander, and the nameplate of Iida on his chest stepped forward to the front of the protesters.

He had a stern expression and was fully armed, with more than two hundred guards in chainmail behind him.

They were covered in protective magic, their bodies shimmering with arcane light. Their weapons were dark yet flexible, and their magic-resistant shields gleamed with a blinding silver light.

"Apprentices, the councilors have heard your cries and are discussing solutions. You should return to the academy and study hard!" The burly man's voice was already booming, but after being amplified, it was like a tiger's roar: "You all have glorious futures ahead of you, so don't do anything foolish!"

"Only a fool wouldn't fight for what they rightfully deserve!" Tyrannosaurus Rex was riding on a small mare that had appeared out of nowhere, but even so, you could only hear his voice and not see him: "We're fighting for what we deserve, so why are you calling us fools!"

"Exactly! With your thick hair, you obviously don't use your brain much, yet you dare to criticize our behavior!"

An apprentice with thinning hair raised an arcane sign: "We just want the councilors to treat us as living people, not as emotionless, merciless copying golems!"

“Exactly! We attend classes during the day and copy papers at night, staying up so late that we’re losing hair. I have severe tinnitus and often have to use a sleep spell on myself to fall asleep. And I’m only 19 years old!” Another apprentice angrily raised a sign that read, “Sleep and rest are basic human rights.” “This should be our holiday, our time to go home and visit our families, but we’re being told we have to pay extra. What kind of logic is this!”

“What other way do we make money besides copying scrolls? But this time the academy didn’t even provide free parchment. Many people are so tired that they have to buy anti-fatigue drugs at their own expense!” Robert’s eyes were full of anger: “We accept the inequality between instructors and students, and we are trying our best to pay the fees required by the council, but how can we expect the horse to run without feeding it!”

"We must fight for our rights!" a red-haired female Tiflin shouted. "Even those bad-tempered Northern mages only let their apprentices try some dangerous experiments, or at least a few disgusting gropings, but they never think about how to extort money from their apprentices all the time!"

"This isn't about taking our money, it's about taking our lives!"

"Exactly! If you think we're spreading rumors, you can have paladins detect our lies and tell us everything we say is true!"

"Yes, let the paladins come. We are not afraid of any fair interrogation! We don't need you blindly obedient guards. Who among you is the best spy and who is the worst?"

"The lawmakers are already trying to figure something out, but it will take time. You should go back and wait; there will definitely be good news tomorrow!"

Looking at the surging crowd and listening to these sincere appeals, Ida could only awkwardly utter the words his superiors had instructed him to say: "This kind of irregular activity has crossed the line into the law. Please trust the wisdom of the archmages. If this continues, it will only affect your future!"

“We’ve already crossed the line of the law. Does that mean that Parliament’s arbitrary tax increases and forced payments aren’t illegal?” Robert’s eyes flashed with anger. “Why is no one doing anything about Parliament’s reckless actions? What if we work ourselves to the bone and get sick during the new semester?”

"If we get fired, they'll just say we're incompetent. The council won't care about us at all. Who will take responsibility for such a terrifying future? Can you?"

After speaking, the apprentices continued walking forward. Ida looked at the surging crowd, which was less than 20 meters away from her, and felt her breathing become heavy.

If this group manages to break through, his career will be completely over.
"Don't take another step!" Ida pulled out the black rubber stick from his waist.

This is a new weapon that I got from another world a few years ago. It hurts when it hits people but doesn't kill them. It's much better than the old disciplinary baton and is highly praised by the guards and lesbians.

"Guards, do not retreat an inch! No one is allowed to storm the parliament building! If anyone tries to force their way through, force may be used as appropriate!"

At Date's command, the guards behind him immediately raised their shields and formed an anti-impact formation.

Although their faces showed hesitation, they knew the importance of this mission before they came: to protect the safety of their fathers and to ensure that no suspicious persons were allowed to reach the council gates.

Although these people look young and don't seem suspicious, you should know that the Magic Lady's nemesis, Shar, loves to engage in these kinds of schemes and tricks. If some people with ulterior motives were to infiltrate the crowd and threaten the safety of the fathers, wouldn't the whole country become a laughing stock?
In addition, each person was given a bounty of 50 gold coins before setting off, and another 50 gold coins could be obtained if the mission was successfully completed.

Although Yarakh's salary is relatively high, it is enough for them to earn nearly five months' salary. For the sake of morality, law, and money, they must persevere.

Seeing the guards obey orders, take out their weapons, and put down their riot helmets, Date breathed a sigh of relief. His eyes were sharp as he looked at the group of apprentices, and his voice carried an unyielding chill.

"This is the Harua Guard Bureau's final warning to you. If you do not peacefully disband and return to the academy, we may take coercive measures and arrest some potential troublemakers. For the rest of their lives, all they will have to do is stand by the cold iron gate and keep turning the sewing machine!"

Seeing the captain's violent gaze and hearing his murderous words, many apprentices' eyes were filled with fear and hesitation.

If I really get caught and thrown in jail, what about my future?
At this crucial moment, Robert stepped forward once again.

"I am a mage apprentice in Harua, I have a registered mage certificate from the Mage Association, and I am also an exemplary citizen who never evades taxes!"

The fearless apprentice mage pulled out his mage certificate from his chest. Holding the thin document, he continued forward, his loud and clear voice filling the hesitant apprentices with renewed courage: "You, a guard, have no right to use force against me without any evidence that I am a criminal!"

"Yes, this is an abuse of power. If you have such thoughts, you should be dismissed immediately and await investigation by your superiors. We, Harua, are a civilized country, and we do not have such barbarians who abuse force!"

Tyrannosaurus Rex leaped up on his horse: "Yes, no one with a conscience would abuse force against their own citizens. Only vicious and unreasonable thugs would do that. Are you just vicious dogs that obey your master's orders? Don't you have your own stance and the ability to think independently?!"

As the apprentices spoke, they all took out their mage certificates and continued forward, holding up their certificates. Ida looked at the surging crowd, clenched her hands tightly, and stared blankly.

Although before coming, the deputy director had secretly told him that if things couldn't be done, he could use necessary means to subdue the crowd to prevent some evil people from taking advantage of the chaos.

But what awaits them if the order is actually given?

"What a bunch of useless idiots. We've already paid them, and they still can't handle this little thing." Just as Ida hesitated, the mage advisor who had been specially sent by the bureau for this unexpected situation muttered a curse under his breath.

Just as Ida was puzzled, he heard the sorcerer utter a spell he couldn't understand. Then, a group of guards suddenly turned red in the eyes and rushed forward with batons in hand.

Old-system third-circle control spell: Berserk
This spell is similar to the Barbarian's signature ability, Berserk, which enhances a person's strength and physique and makes them attack recklessly. However, the buff effect is only half that of the Barbarian's Berserk, but it does not cause the recipient to suffer from weakness when the spell ends.

The merciless rubber batons pounded on the apprentices. Even though many of them released their mage armor when they saw the situation was bad, they could not escape the pain of being struck by these blunt weapons, which made their bones tremble.

Hearing the apprentices' originally arrogant voices turn into wailing and crying, the unfamiliar mage advisor's face flashed with excitement. However, as if he wasn't satisfied, he continued to cast spells on the guards. A gust of wind swept past the guards' bodies, making the batons they swung even faster, almost leaving afterimages.

Old system third-circle alteration spell: Haste
Anyone within a 10-meter radius of the speed-up spell's effect can benefit from it.

However, this mage's spells were clearly extraordinary, doubling the casting range. In just a few breaths, all the guards rushed forward with screams.

The sudden turn of events stunned the apprentices. Some of the more timid ones fled in terror, while some of the older apprentices noticed something amiss and cast dispelling spells on the guards.

"Damn it, who told you to do this!" Ida felt a chill run down his spine at the sight that resembled a living hell. Even though he didn't know much about politics, he knew that he had become the embodiment of a thug and would definitely be heavily criticized in the newspapers tomorrow.

He glared at the unfamiliar legal advisor with hatred: "Answer me!"

"You think you're worthy of knowing so much?" The man sneered, then directly used the command on Ida, before grabbing his rubber baton and charging forward.

The scene was extremely chaotic, with apprentices running away and crying everywhere, and some even using magic to fight back.

Although Robert had always been at the front, his experiences over the past few days had taught him that the guards were incredibly ruthless. He was prepared and managed to evade the largest group of people who were trying to capture him. As he cast a sleep spell, he took the amplification ring that the kind person had given him and shouted.

“These guards are under the influence of magic. Let them fall into a slumber. We are simply appealing for our rightful rights, not lawbreakers beating up the guards!”

As the initiator and commander of today's parade, Robert's prestige was beyond question. Upon hearing his words, many apprentices calmed down and stopped casting offensive spells on the guards. Instead, they used control magic to put them to sleep or disarm them.

Only those stubborn guards who refused to fall asleep were given a good beating and finally thrown into the alley.

The number of apprentices was ultimately large, and even if one spell failed to take effect, the combined effect of the others' spellcasting was far beyond what 200 guards could withstand.

Even Ida was stripped naked, her face swollen, and left on the roadside, unconscious.

Seeing that the guards who had taken the initiative had been almost completely defeated, the onlookers cheered and shouted encouragement. Many enthusiastic young men and women even brought out garlands and light beer and handed them to the apprentices who were already quite thirsty.

This treatment, akin to that of a victorious hero, brought genuine smiles to the faces of many apprentices. They boasted to those around them about their valor, earning repeated praise.

However, Robert knew this was probably only the first hurdle, and he urged his apprentices to stay calm and continue onward.

(End of this chapter)