Edward didn't know how much time had passed, but based on his calculations, he estimated that he had been in the mine for about two weeks. Being constantly underground and working tirelessly made it difficult for Edward to keep track of time.
During this time, Edward's daily routine was simple. Short sleeps, meager meals, and exhausting work were repeated in a cycle. However, in addition to his work in the mine, Edward was also gathering information. He tried to make contact with many of the slaves, but unfortunately, almost all of them were extremely wary and even hostile towards him.
This mine was essentially a prison for those who had committed serious crimes. It was difficult to approach such individuals, as many of them were mentally unstable, so Edward decided to focus on a different group of prisoners.
In addition to criminals, there were also ordinary people who had been imprisoned for offenses against high-ranking officials. Edward himself was indirectly part of this group of prisoners. The fact is that the previous owner's mother had insulted an influential person, and as a result, the person used his connections to frame her for murder and imprison her here. It turned out that the woman was pregnant, and unfortunately, she had to give birth in the mine, condemning her child to a life of slavery. This was what Edward learned from one of the prisoners.
In addition to this, Edward managed to find out some other things. Firstly, his theory about being in another body was finally confirmed. Moreover, it seemed that he was in a different world. Although it sounded crazy, the fact that the guards had incredible physical abilities and used some strange powers completely convinced Edward of his theory. As he delved deeper into the subject, he discovered some details.
In this world, there were people who could use a strange energy called raise. Such people were called star masters. They were a real elite and enjoyed many privileges in society. Once a common person awakened their ability to control raze, their social status increased significantly, which is not surprising, as not everyone can control this energy. Only one person in a hundred had this ability.
In addition, Edward also learned that the star masters were divided into nine ranks, but he was unable to find out anything else. Those who shared any information did not know much themselves, so Edward considered this a success.
– I'm finally done… – Edward said as he returned to his cell with a crowd of other prisoners.
After eating a stale flatbread and drinking some water, Edward lay down on the ground and closed his eyes to regain some of his energy. He was waiting for most of the guards to go up to the surface, where the control would be weaker. He had noticed that most of the guards left during the night, and he began to explore the area.
This night was no exception. When most of the torches were extinguished, Edward opened his eyes and quietly escaped from his cell. Fortunately, the lock was of poor quality. This helped him slip away countless times.
After getting out, the teenager went deeper into the mine. It would be logical to go to the exit to the top, however Edward quickly ruled out this option. The security there was much stricter, so Edward decided that he would only get out this way in a last resort.
Now the boy hoped to find an exit in another place. Perhaps in an inconspicuous corner of the mine there was a small crevice that could not be noticed, or someone had already tried to escape and made his own tunnel. Edward tried to find at least something.
Edward carefully made his way through the narrow tunnel, which had not been used by slaves for a long time. It was dark and damp, and the air was stale and musty. Unfortunately, there was no way to ventilate the mine.
– You don't look like someone who came here to work. – Suddenly, a raspy voice came from the darkness, surprising Edward, who had learned to be cautious as a hired assassin.
Edward froze, instinctively tensing. If one of the guards had discovered him, his chances of survival were rapidly diminishing. Slaves were treated like cattle here, and a guard could easily kill a couple. He quickly looked around, but could not see the source of the sound.
– Don't be afraid, boy. I'm just an old man. I can't hurt you.
A tall, thin old man stepped out of the shadows. His long, tangled hair, completely gray, covered part of his wrinkled face, and his black eyes glowed in the dim light like those of an animal.
– Who are you? – Edward asked, subtly taking a step back and gaining a better position. He had already deduced from the old man's appearance that he was not a warden, but Edward was uncertain about the stranger's intentions. Additionally, the old man had been able to follow him without detection, which meant one thing. The old man was likely an experienced assassin. Edward was prepared to pounce on the old man at any moment if he detected any ill intentions.
– A simple prisoner. Just like you. Relax, youngster. – The stranger chuckled.
Edward said nothing, studying the stranger carefully. There was something in his voice that made me listen, but at the same time it made me feel uneasy. During the few days he spent in the mine, Edward became convinced that most of the slaves were scum of society who did terrible things. Torture, murder, rape... There were no boundaries for them, it was not surprising that such people were here.
– You're looking for a way out, aren't you? – The old man continued.
– It's useless; there's only one way out of this place, and it's heavily guarded. Even if you find a loophole, you won't be able to leave.
– And you chased me just to tell me that? – Edward chuckled skeptically, though the old man's words caught his attention. He clearly knew something.
Seeing Edward looking at him with interest, the old man continued: – No, of course not. This old man doesn't have that much to do.
– Then why were you following me? – The young man asked persistently.
– You're cautious... Don't worry, I'm not here to disrupt your plans. On the contrary, I can help you escape...
– So you have some information about how to get out of here? – Edward didn't waste any time and got straight to the point.
Nodding, the old man continued: – It's quite simple, strength. Real strength. If you want to get out, you must join the ranks of the star masters. That's the only way you'll have a chance. – The old man paused, observing his reaction carefully.
– And I can help you.
Edward was on his guard. He had already considered the possibility of forcing his way out, as his wanderings through the mine had yielded little results, and his hope of finding another exit was gradually fading. However, Edward also realized that it was impossible for an ordinary human to confront the Star Masters. He had witnessed their capabilities, and he was certain that this was only a fraction of their potential.
However, what if Edward also became a star master? It was possible that he would have at least a small chance of getting out. Unfortunately, Edward didn't know much about this world or star masters, so he wasn't sure how much he could trust the old man. It was possible that the old man had a good plan and seemed willing to help, but Edward wasn't particularly enthusiastic about it. He grew up in harsh conditions and understood that nothing in this world comes for free.
– Why do you want to help me? – He finally asked, hoping to test the waters.
The old man chuckled, tilting his head to the side. The fish had taken the bait!
– You're wrong. I want to help myself, and I'm only taking you with me because I need your help.
He took a step closer, and Edward felt a cold, almost inhuman presence from the old man.
–Do you want freedom? Then trust me. Together, we can leave this wretched place.
Edward was thinking. Every instinct he had was screaming that this man was dangerous and had ulterior motives. Despite the stranger's persuasive tone, Edward knew it was just a good act, and something bad would happen if he got involved with this old man. However, along with his anxiety, he also felt a sense of opportunity from this collaboration. When would he ever get a chance like this?
Watching Edward's pensive expression, the old man broke the silence. "I see you're still hesitant... Let's not rush things. Take some time to consider my offer, and I'll expect an answer from you tomorrow. I hope it satisfies me..." The old man's last sentence was delivered with a hint of menace, as if he were threatening Edward.
– And what will happen if I disappoint you? – Edward didn't seem afraid of the threat, instead he was provoking the old man, trying to see how far he was willing to go.
– Trust me, it's better not to check... – In response, the old man gave Edward a terrifying smile that made many people feel like prey in front of a predator.
Realizing that further provocations could lead to unpleasant consequences, Edward nodded: – Very well, then I will try to give you an answer that will satisfy you.
– That's better... We'll meet here at the same time tomorrow. – With that, the old man turned around and hurried off down the narrow, dark passageway.
– Ah yes, I forgot to introduce myself... My name is Walter Grimm. – This was the last thing the old man said before leaving Edward alone with his thoughts.