Chapter 64: A Tour of the Burning Hell
"Reform yourself well in there. I'll come to see you again when I have the chance."
After speaking, Ian focused his consciousness. His superhuman sight and hearing activated imperceptibly, expanding his awareness. In an instant, every floor, every area of the underwater prison—even the most subtle, undetectable sounds—fell under his surveillance.
Whoosh!
A particular sound from somewhere deep within Impel Down, one that sharply stimulated his nerves, made his senses snap to attention.
"Hey, it seems I came at just the right time today!"
The "prisoner baptism" continued. Ian remained in the hall throughout the entire process, refusing Hannyabal's repeated invitations to wait in the reception room.
Procedurally speaking, Ian's mission was complete. But having heard that rare and intriguing sound, it would be a shame to leave now.
However, as a Marine officer, asking the officials of Impel Down to take him down into the prison levels was unreasonable, no matter how you looked at it. Without a perfect, logical reason, he would have to rely on his charm and influence.
"Is it all over?" Ian asked, turning to Hannyabal. "Deputy Warden Hannyabal, where exactly will these pirate prisoners be held?"
It was the first time Ian had correctly used Hannyabal's name and title.
Ahem! Hannyabal immediately straightened up, adopting his officious tone once more. "Let me consult the compiled list. One moment, Major General Ian."
For someone like Hannyabal, whose emotions were written plainly on his face, it was easy to guess what he was thinking.
"According to the list," Hannyabal declared, "most will be imprisoned on Level 1, the Crimson Hell. Among them, the four labeled as cadres and core members... one will be held on Level 2, two on Level 3, and one on Level 4. The centaur accompanying you, Major General Ian, will be escorted to Level 3, the Starvation Hell."
He specifically pointed out Speed's destination.
"Starvation Hell..." Just hearing the name made Speed's legs tremble with fear.
"Major General Ian..." she pleaded, looking pitifully at Ian. She had been so obedient, serving as his mount for the day.
"She isn't a major threat and has a good attitude toward reform," Ian said smoothly. "Could she be placed on the basement level? I believe someone with the authority of the Warden, like Mr. Hannyabal, should be able to arrange that, right?"
Ian was maneuvering, using carefully chosen words.
Hearing the phrase "authority of the Warden," Hannyabal's eyes lit up instantly! Rearranging a prisoner's level, especially one only slated for Level 3, was a trivial matter. As Deputy Warden, Hannyabal had the power to make such allocations at will.
"Oh my, what are you saying, Major General Ian?" Hannyabal chuckled, puffing out his chest. "We're all colleagues here! A small matter like changing levels is no problem at all! Don't be fooled by my title of 'Deputy Warden'—I still possess the real authority to make such decisions, hehehehe!"
He happily demonstrated his power.
"Thank you, Major General Ian! Thank you so much! Waaaah..." Speed excitedly grabbed Ian's clothes, overwhelmed with gratitude.
But Ian's flattery wasn't just for Speed's sake. He had a bigger plan.
"I captured all these men myself," Ian said, his tone shifting to one of somber reflection. "The one being sent to Level 4 must be the lion-man, Holdem. After all the effort it took to capture him... I'd really like to see the moment that fiend is thrown into his cell with my own eyes." He wore a deeply sentimental expression.
Hannyabal was momentarily speechless. "This..."
Level 4... the Burning Hell! It was not only a major detention level, but Warden Magellan's office was also located there. Taking an outsider down there without the Warden's permission... Even if that outsider was a Marine Major General, it was against the rules.
Seeing Hannyabal hesitate, Ian turned up the charm. "If there's no chance to visit today, there's always next time. I believe with Mr. Hannyabal's capabilities, it's only a matter of time before you become Warden Hannyabal. When that day comes, taking me down for a tour won't be difficult at all! I believe in you! I support you, Warden Hannyabal!"
Speed listened in a panic. Ian's sudden shift to a "soft voice" and this "change in temperament" surely meant no good. And Hannyabal, standing beside them, was visibly losing himself in the repeated address of "Warden."
"No problem! It's no problem today!" Hannyabal gritted his teeth and agreed directly. "It's rare to meet a young talent like Major General Ian! Who at Headquarters doesn't know the weight of the title 'Marineking'? We're colleagues from sister facilities! Today, I will be your personal guide and show you around myself!"
Speed: "…"
He fell for it. He actually fell for Ian's trap! This man is terrifying.
Following Ian's small request, Speed continued to carry him for the time being. Once Ian left Impel Down, Speed would go to her designated cell.
Since Hannyabal had even agreed to the tour of Level 4, he naturally had no reason to refuse this smaller request.
The three of them entered the elevator reserved for internal personnel and began their descent. Blood-curdling screams echoed from every level. Occasionally, the distinct sounds of whipping and torture could be heard clearly. According to the rules set by the World Government, anyone imprisoned in Impel Down was permanently deprived of their freedom. There was no such thing as "release after serving a sentence."
When the elevator reached Level 4, the temperature suddenly skyrocketed. The structure of the Burning Hell resembled a giant, covered iron pot. In the center was a circular pool of boiling blood, surrounded by a sea of fire.
"Argh! Let me go back! I won't cause trouble again!"
"My feet are burning! Give me one more chance!"
"It's scorching! My back is on fire!"
"Ahhh!!"
The elevator doors opened, but the entire floor wasn't yet visible. The shrill screams reached their ears first.
"This is Level 4, Major General Ian. You must be careful," Hannyabal warned, stepping out first. "Follow me closely during the tour and avoid the central area. If you accidentally step in... hehe, it's more than just a burn."
Ian patted Speed's back. "You heard the man. Let's go, but watch your step."
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