The death row inmates roared in unison: "What did you just say?!"
Ash planted his hands on his hips, exuding righteous indignation. "Let me be honest. I'm actually a good person. I'd love nothing more than to toss you scum into the lake to feed the sharks. Why on earth would I let you loose to wreak havoc on society? Be good and stay here for some ideological reform. Work hard toward your death sentence. Farewell and good riddance!"
"You're a cult leader yourself!"
"I am not! I'm innocent."
"Who'd believe that?!"
"How dare you doubt such an honest and upright man as myself? Fine. I'll remember you, and when the Blood Moon Trial comes, I'll make sure to vote for your execution."
"Wait, Demon," a tall, sharp-featured inmate stepped forward to block his path. "I don't know what your escape plan is, but I can be a decoy to distract the Bureau of Criminal Wrongs and increase your odds of success. Whether you trust me or not, the Bureau would undoubtedly prioritize me, Nightingale Jewel, over you. I'm an asset you can't afford to waste."
"Ah, Jewel. I remember you." Ash's smile was equal parts friendly and mocking. "Back when Igula was recruiting teammates, you were his first suggestion. He said you were strong, clever, skilled in healing and escape, and well-connected to the underground networks of Cayman City. An ideal ally."
Jewel's expression brightened. "The Beast speaks highly of me—"
"—and he also insisted I leave you here to rot," Ash interrupted with a cold snort. "When we first approached you, you dodged and refused, acting high and mighty. Now that the plan is in motion, you're suddenly all eager? Too late."
"Igula's pettier than I am. Before we leave, he might just use the Criminal Directory to make you lick the urinals clean. Hey, anyone here diabetic? We could sweeten the experience for him."
Shoving past a furious Jewel, Ash took only a few steps before being confronted by the guards.
"Ash Heath," Nagu growled. "I know reasoning with a stubborn, vile criminal like you is pointless. I won't bother. Kill me or remove my restrictions—this humiliation is unbearable!"
Ash raised an eyebrow. "Humiliation? Isn't your treatment the same as any death row inmate's? This is standard procedure—everyone gets through it just fine—"
"But we're not death row inmates! We shouldn't have to endure this!" Nagu gestured angrily toward the inmates.
"They deserve it, I know," Ash replied lightly. "Consider this a rare chance to walk a mile in their shoes. It might even help you in your future career. After all, how can you be a good warden if you've never been a prisoner?"
"Besides, these so-called restrictions only stop you from attacking, insulting, or relieving yourselves wherever you please. Aren't those rules you're supposed to follow anyway? Why are you so upset?"
"As for your little issue of not being able to pee while people are watching—that's just your nerves. Not my fault."
Nagu was left speechless as Ash stepped closer, lowering his voice.
"Don't dismiss small acts of kindness, and don't trivialize small acts of malice. I'm not asking you to sympathize with this scum—I'm asking you not to become scum yourself."
"Of course, you can see this as my revenge against you guards. Next time you're overseeing a Blood Moon Trial, just go through the motions and send them off quietly. Don't treat prisoners like playthings."
"When you stop seeing people as human, you're not far from becoming them."
With that, Ash turned to leave. Nagu stood frozen, his emotions tangled—
SLAM!
Ash rushed back in, turned on the sink, and washed his hands. "Almost forgot." Then he left again, leaving Nagu staring at his shoulder, where Ash had patted him moments ago, feeling more conflicted than ever.
Central Hall – The Five Villains Unite
Necromancer Harvey reported, "Everyone in the prison except us has had their movement restricted. They're under the same level of control as the death row inmates. No one can interfere with our plan."
Conman Igula added, "From what I've gathered from the Hunters, the transport ship must leave for Cayman Lake Port by 7 p.m. at the latest. The port staff clock out at 7:30 sharp—they won't stay late to clean up our mess."
Chef Ronar chimed in, "The transport ship is cleared and ready."
The Woodpecker, Ronald Goldtongue, flashed a dazzling grin. "I've mastered the ship's controls. The five of us meet the minimum crew requirement!"
"In other words, we're ready to leave at any time," Ash concluded. He looked around. "The only catch is Harvey. If you want to kill Fenanche, you'll need to delay his death until after 6 p.m. Use poison, bleeding, whatever you want, but give us enough time to escape."
"Or…" Ash smirked. "We could go with that wild, harebrained, last-minute plan of ours."
Harvey unwrapped a sky-blue candy, popping it into his mouth. It was a Snow White Moon Candy, advertised on Cayman's top channel as "whiter than snow, sweeter than a princess." In the ad, the actress playing the princess ate one and did a perfect split on the spot.
Ash couldn't help but be intrigued—though he doubted he could ever do the splits.
After savoring the candy, Harvey's deadpan eyes glimmered faintly with life. "I choose the last-minute plan."
"Same here," Igula said, his manic gaze like that of a pervert spotting a beautiful woman. "I can't pass up such a spectacular show."
"I'm against it," Ronar said flatly, filing his nails. "Leaving quietly is the safest option."
"I side with Ronar," Ronald agreed. "Both sentimentally and pragmatically, the last-minute plan is too risky."
The vote stood at 2-2. The deciding vote fell to Ash.
"I lean toward the safer original plan," Ash began. Harvey and Igula scowled, while Ronar and Ronald smirked.
"But…" Ash spread his hands. "This is my first time being arrested, my first time as a death row inmate, my first time in prison, my first Blood Moon Trial… and now my first prison break."
"With so many firsts, why not add one more?"
"Let's host our very own Blood Moon Trial," Ash declared, grinning. "And give this twisted nation a proper greeting."