HideLand

🟠 Chapter 15 :

Takero's POV:

What do you expect from a place that feels like it's stuck in the Middle Ages? Of course, they'd have such backwards ideas about justice. Their fear of the chaos caused by counterfeit money led them to create a harsh, unjust law—one that sends people to prison without trial, just to avoid the headache of dealing with such crimes properly. But that only made things worse. It turned into a legal loophole that was absurdly easy to exploit. Every time a corrupt system tries to fix chaos too quickly, it ends up creating a slower, deeper kind of chaos.

After Simon finished talking, we followed the guards to the officer's house. It wasn't very far. When we arrived, the guard opened the door to look for the officer—only to find him right behind it, with a slightly bleeding nose. But there was something else.

Raynar, Zeek, and Rick were all there too.

Why? Didn't they escape using the path from Raynar's tattooed map?

Thinking about it now, that tattoo was from twenty years ago. Of course some things had changed since then. He really should've gotten an updated version.

Wait—if we had taken the same path as them, we would've ended up right here too! We literally dodged a bullet.

Still, I can't help but feel a little sorry for him. Maybe the best thing for him now is to just be a decent guy, serve his time quietly, and start a better life once he gets out.

The officer looked at us suspiciously. Things had clearly gotten messy.

The man beside him—probably his deputy—spoke up:

"What's going on here, guard? Why are there so many prisoners and guards? And who are these two tied up?"

The guard stepped forward and explained everything to the officer and his deputy. He handed them all the documents.

Raynar, Rick, and Zeek were taken back to their cells.

Simon was given a small compensation as an apology for his wrongful imprisonment and was allowed to leave.

As for Ren and me, we were told to spend the night at the officer's house so we could speak with him the next morning. After that, we'd be released.

When morning came, we were taken to the officer's office. He sat at his desk while we sat on the couch. Then he introduced himself:

"First of all, allow me to introduce myself. I am Rinvald Crain Arstan. You may call me Gomez for short."

What nonsense is that? There's not a single letter from "Gomez" in that long name. How is that even a short version?

"We've gone over everything last night. Grot and Boral will soon face trial for their role in the counterfeit currency scheme. The good thing in all of this is that Simon turned out to be the first prisoner they tried to sell to the nobles, so there aren't any other victims to worry about. They exploited the city's strict counterfeit law, but that law will now undergo major reform.

Boral had been working at the city's reception center, also taking night shifts as a guard. He kept all the forged documents in his private desk. Someone else will be appointed in his place.

As for the other prisoners who were exploited—they'll be released as well.

Now, that takes care of that issue. As for you two—you helped uncover this entire mess, but in doing so, you sedated our guards, caused damage to both the prison and the reception office, and potentially enabled the escape of actual criminals. So, no, you won't be receiving any compensation. However, because I'm such a generous man, I've decided to assign you both to work on the construction of the city's new bank. We're short on labor, so this works out nicely. Once the bank is finished, you'll be free to go about your lives."

"What?! That's not fair! We didn't have a choice—can't we at least get a few coins?"

"Your payment will be the wages you earn from working on the bank. Now go on—step outside and breathe in the fresh air."

Damn it. Nothing ever ends smoothly in this city.

Still, maybe this isn't so bad. It might even help me improve my skills a bit.

I'm still nothing compared to Ren. Speaking of him, he seemed calm. He looked at me and said:

"Takero-dono, I think there's someone we should see one last time before we leave this prison."

He said it with a look of gratitude in his eyes—clear as day, he wanted to visit Raynar. If it weren't for him, we wouldn't have made it out.

We requested a final visit to Raynar. When we reached his cell, disappointment was written all over his face—yet another failed escape.

He had hoped to become the first in his family to pull off a prison break. I wonder what will happen to him now... Maybe he won't be their cook anymore.

I felt a little guilty, but back then, I didn't have a choice.

When he saw us, he walked up with a bittersweet smile.

"I heard the news. Congratulations on getting out of here."

Ren looked at him gratefully and said:

"Thank you, man. I owe you. Without you, I wouldn't have made it."

Raynar smiled back:

"Don't mention it. Honestly, it was your strength and Takero's mind that made the difference. You two make a great team.

As for me, I actually enjoyed this escape attempt. It was the best one I've ever done—even if it didn't work out."

That last part made Ren's face drop a little.

I guess I should say something too.

"Still, it doesn't change the fact that you helped us, Raynar. I really appreciate it.

By the way... you thinking of trying again?"

Raynar looked down and said:

"Honestly, I think I'm done.

Breaking out of prison runs in my blood—my father, my grandfather...

but it always ended in failure.

Maybe escaping isn't the right path after all. I'm over forty now, and to be honest, I just want a peaceful life.

I'll serve my time, get out, and live a life that's actually worth something."

So that's it. He's really changed.

This experience left a mark on him.

And honestly, it's a good thing he finally chose peace.

"So, you're ready to try life above ground this time?"

"Exactly. Above ground—not in those disgusting tunnels.

Takero, Ren—it was great meeting you both. Let's meet again someday."

"Of course! Who knows, maybe we'll find you working as a professional chef."

"Hahaha, I think you might be right."

And just like that, our meeting with Raynar came to an end.

So did our time in this prison.

Now, a new chapter begins in this crazy world.