When one thought about the fact that the fine the Interrogator gave him at the end of the day was a 1900% increase of what his fine was actually meant to be, one would realize that Simon would be justified if he had raged and gotten angry.
A fine that was just meant to be fifty merits became a thousand merits, if that was not robbery, then what was?
Simon knew what the end goal of Radan was.
By calling such an outrageous fine, the true end goal of Radan was to ensure that he remained in debt throughout his three years in the academy and even after the academy.
If he was an average slave who did not know the academy rules, he would be angry, terrified, and at the end of the day, he would beg without knowing that he was being exploited by a heartless demon.
’If I was an average slave, there’s no way I’d be able to repay all the three thousand merits with my pitiful weekly stipend of fifteen merits... unless I’m extremely lucky.’
’Before the apocalypse on Earth, those in power gave out ridiculous loans to students who could not pay their school fees and other expenses. At the end of the day, some live majority of their lives paying this loan without being able to enjoy they work for. Some are not even able to pay for it.’
’This is something similar. Only that it’s not a loan, but a ridiculous fine for a minor matter. I guess getting suppressed as a slave on the first day should not be so surprising.’
Meanwhile, Radan said nothing and was seemingly exhibiting a calm demeanor. However, Simon knew that the demon was furious inside.
Some seconds later, the Interrogator exhaled deeply and finally spoke.
"So, because you read the rules and regulations of the academy, do you actually believe those rules apply to you? You-"
Simon did not wait for him to continue his words. He cut him while nodding his head.
"Yes, I do. Although I’m a slave, I’m an Initiate of the Shadowgrave Academy first and foremost. There are many rules that apply to me because I’m an Initiate first, then a slave."
The expression of Radan became dark behind his mask, and Simon’s next words made his heart skip a beat and nearly jump.
"I may be a slave, but increasing my fine by 1900% is absurd and exceedingly high. I’m sure the Inner Council would love to hear this once I leave this place. Giving me such absurd fine for my first offense and for attacking a weak and pathetic senior who has no value."
"I wonder what they’ll say about you after they make their personal investigations."
With every word Simon said after the words-Inner Council- Radan’s heart was beating like a horse on steroids.
No.
Like a horse on three dosages of steroids.
The Inner Council was a group that nearly every official of the academy feared.
They were like a leash that made sure that nearly every official was restrained.
If there was a case of an Instructor abusing his authority, an instructor giving out illegal and absurd punishments, corruption from any official of the academy, hidden killings by any official of the academy, forbidden experimentation, manipulation of rankings, and misconducts of enforcers... One can make a report to the Inner Council, and the Inner Council would make their own investigations.
Radan exploiting him and wanting to ruin his life would seem like a terrible thing in the eyes of others and even Simon definitely thought so, but there was another reason why he brought out the Inner Council.
A more dangerous reason that truly made Radan fearful.
’Even if the Inner Council makes their investigation, the punishment he would receive would be little because I’m a slave. If I was not, then he would definitely be stripped of his position as a Shadow Enforcer.’
’But the true reason he’s so terrified is because there’s a high chance that the Inner Council would find his other dirty deeds, and these dirty deeds could make the Inner Council to give him a much harsher punishment.’
Why did Simon believe that Radan had other dirty deeds?
Well, it’s because Radan was heartless and cruel enough to increase his fine by 1900%.
Increasing his fine by 100% or maybe even 200% might be okay considering he was a slave and nearly every clan member looked down on him, but for Radan to increase his fine by 1900%?
It meant that this was not the first time Radan was doing such a thing, and it also meant that Radan was heartless enough to commit other crimes.
’And even if I’m wrong, it doesn’t matter. Being inspected by the Inner Council is not a good record to have, and it would make all his colleagues to be subconsciously wary of him.’
Simon’s eyes flashed with a cold and indifferent light as he stared at Radan who had been silent for over a minute.
Simon did not mind. He was patient, and he was not in a hurry.
Eventually, Radan spoke.
"Alright. You win. You’re only required to pay a fine of just one hundred and fifty merits."
Simon nodded. "Alright."
He then raised his cuffed hands.
"Can you remove this now? It’s very uncomfortable to constantly have my demonic energy sucked through it."
Radan did not reply, his gaze still remaining on Simon’s face.
"Don’t think this is over, Broken Halo. The next time you come here, things would not go your way."
Simon nonchalantly shrugged. "As long as I don’t break the rules, then I’m good."
A spark of anger flashed in Radan’s eyes, but Simon did not care.
He suddenly had a thought, and he decided to ask.
"Hey, can I ask you something?"
Radan frowned. "What?"
"Who are the Iron Fangs? How many members are part of that group? How strong are they? And who is the strongest person in the group? Do they have any powerful backing?"