Era of Magic and Martial Arts-Chapter 201 - 185: Iconic Figure, Dark Glory

Working in the cremation chamber was second nature to Feng Mu. What he hadn't anticipated was that the incinerator within the prison would be more advanced and professional than any external crematorium.

The bodies fed into the furnace didn't require any manual intervention, as everything was fully automated — even the furnace door would lock and close automatically. This professionalism quelled Feng Mu's initial desire to utilize his [culinary skill].

Feng Mu's gaze lingered for a moment on the closed furnace door as a sliver of doubt crept into his mind: "The color of the flames seems more vibrant, yet strangely, the temperature feels not as high as that of crematoriums outside?"

For most people, the air in this room was suffocatingly hot, with each breath carrying a hint of scorching heat, making the atmosphere unbearably oppressive.

However, Feng Mu's unique career background, combined with his mastery of [culinary skills] and the [iron bone]'s tolerance to high temperatures, heightened his sensitivity to fire and heat, particularly when it came to the temperature needed for cremation.

"It's indeed hot, but not to the extent of being scorching. The flames within, though fierce and roaring, haven't reached their rightful temperature."

Squinting, Feng Mu glanced again at the two prisoners drenched in sweat. Thoughts raced through his mind before he turned to escort them from the cremation room, leading them back to their cells.

He patrolled the cells, chatted with the prisoners in various cells he was guarding, took them to work on the sewing machines in the afternoon, brought them back to their cells afterward, and finally delivered a bucket of porridge-like meal to the cells he managed. He roughly familiarized himself with his daily work routine.

Feng Mu's notebook was already densely filled halfway through.

After a busy day, Feng Mu's stomach rumbled with hunger, having eaten nothing from the canteen at noon.

He might have been able to enjoy the simple meals in the past, but now, just catching a whiff of the artificial aroma of the food made every pore in his body itch, as if a sticky rot were oozing out from within.

Feng Mu returned to his room to take off his prison uniform and clock out.

"Hey, newcomer, the captain wants you to stay for the night shift with me tonight."

Prison Guard Wang Cong entered, his uniform overly loose, more like an ill-fitting shell draped over him.

His unwashed hair for days was greasy and disheveled, clinging to his forehead, highlighting his face which appeared somewhat sullen from exhaustion.

"Night shift?" Feng Mu's fingers paused briefly in unbuttoning his shirt, then he buttoned up again, carefully adjusting his collar.

Wang Cong's eyes fell on Feng Mu, the sight of him meticulously arranging his attire inexplicably irked him.

He ran a hand through his own oily hair, a cold smirk on his lips, his tone laced with mockery:

"That's right, I've conveyed the captain's order. If you don't want the night shift, you can go speak directly to the captain, but I bet it won't change anything."

With a gentle smile, Feng Mu replied, "Since it's the captain's arrangement, I'll naturally comply. By the way, nice to meet you, I'm Feng Mu."

Wang Cong sneered, coldly said, "I hope you can maintain this demeanor tomorrow or the day after. Humph—, I'm Wang Cong, I joined less than half a year before you."

Feng Mu internally stiffened, realizing that like him, Wang Cong was another newcomer marginalized and suppressed by the prison system.

Indeed, every workplace seems to inevitably feature someone as a target for bullying, as if the existence of such a character is crucial for the workplace to function properly.

Feng Mu couldn't tolerate such situations. Kind-hearted as he was, he couldn't turn a blind eye to bullying. He was always willing to be the benevolent figure who aids others in their self-redemption and fierce turnaround.

In a soft voice, Feng Mu asked while gently picking up a new clean towel from the washbasin, offering it kindly to Wang Cong.

Wang Cong took the towel, a hint of surprise flickering in his eyes as if it had been too long since he felt such warmth. For a moment, his expression seemed slightly dazed.

Feng Mu smiled and said, "Wipe your face, it might make your eyes feel a bit better."

Wang Cong lightly dabbed his forehead, the white towel instantly smudged with grease. He smiled awkwardly, saying, "I'll wash this towel and return it to you."

Feng Mu softly nodded, responding, "No need to be so polite." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Wang Cong took a couple of deep breaths, a dejected look on his face, and said, "You're right, our captain did assign me three consecutive night shifts."

Feng Mu furrowed his brow, asking with concern, "So you haven't rested properly for three days, how can your body handle it?"

Wang Cong irritably plucked a hair, Feng Mu's concern seemingly stirring an anger within him, and he muttered in complaint:

"What can I do? The schedule is set by the captain. Everyone else does night shifts spread out across the month, but mine is always consecutive each month."

Wang Cong paused, adding, "Now it seems you'll be joining me. I just checked the schedule; you'll be on night shifts with me for the next days."

Upon hearing this, a dark resolve flared in Feng Mu's eyes. He could bear the night shifts, as he was adept at staying up, but not eating for days was untenable, risking possible collapse.

This wasn't just about night shifts; it was a setup to force him to endure the intolerable. While he could ask his older brother to bring him meals daily, it wasn't convenient since they weren't in the same district.

Wang Cong gritted his teeth, telling Feng Mu, "If you have connections, now's the time to talk to the captain, or else if you accept this once, it'll become a precedent that's hard to change."

Feng Mu squinted slightly, smiling at Wang Cong gently, saying, "If I flee, I'd leave you to suffer alone. Forget it, I'll stick with you."

Then, Feng Mu revealed a bright, sincere smile with a row of neat, gleaming teeth, genuinely saying:

"During the night shift, I'll take on more of the work so you might find an opportunity to catch some rest."

Wang Cong clutched the towel in his hand tightly, his gaze a mix of gratitude and complex emotions. He lowered his head, softly speaking to Feng Mu, "Thank you."

Feng Mu chuckled lightly, shaking his head calmly, saying:

"It's no big deal, colleagues should support one another. You help me, I help you, and we all move forward together towards a bright future, haha—"