Edward didn't know exactly how much time had passed, but according to his calculations, he had been here for about two weeks. Being constantly underground greatly hampered Edward's ability to navigate through time.
All this time, Edward's daily routine was simple. Short sleep, meager food, and exhausting work followed each other in a circle. However, in addition to working in the mine, Edward was also engaged in information mining. He tried to establish contact with many slaves, but unfortunately, almost everyone was extremely wary of him.
This mine was essentially a prison where those who had committed serious crimes were imprisoned. It was difficult to find an approach to such people, since many of them were real psychos, so Edward decided to switch to another group of prisoners.
Besides the criminals, there were also ordinary people who got here for crimes against big shots. Edward himself indirectly belonged to this group of prisoners. The fact is that the mother of the previous owner of the body insulted an influential person, which is why he, with the help of his connections, pinned the murder of a man on her and imprisoned 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. That was what Edward learned from one of the prisoners.
Besides that, Edward managed to find out something else. First, his theory about moving into another body was finally confirmed. Moreover, from the looks of it, he was in another world. Although it sounded like nonsense, the fact that the guards were using some kind of strange abilities completely convinced Edward of his theory. Delving into this issue further, he found out some details.
There were people in this world who could use spiritual energy. Such people were called spiritual masters. They were the real elite and enjoyed many privileges in society. As soon as an ordinary person awakened his spiritual power, his position in society increased many times.
The awakening could happen in several ways. But in any case, it completely changed a person's life. In addition, Edward also found out that spiritual masters are divided into 9 ranks, but he couldn't find out anything else. Those who shared at least some information didn't know much themselves, so Edward considered even such a result 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 washing it down with water, Edward lay down on the ground and closed his eyes to regain some energy. Now he was waiting for most of the overseers to rise to the surface, and control would become weaker. He noticed that most of the guards were leaving at night, and began to go out to investigate.
This night was no exception. When most of the torches were extinguished, Edward opened his eyes and slipped out of the cell unnoticed. Fortunately, the lock was not of the best quality. It had helped him slip away unnoticed countless times.
After getting out, the teenager went deeper into the mine. It would have been more logical to go upstairs, but Edward quickly ruled out this option. Security was much stricter there, so Edward decided that he would only get out this way as a last resort.
Now the boy was hoping to find a way out in another place. Perhaps there was a small crevice in an inconspicuous corner of the mine that might not have been noticed, or someone had already tried to escape and made their tunnel. Edward was trying to find something.
Edward carefully made his way through the narrow tunnel, which had not been inhabited by slaves for a long time. It was dark and humid here, and the air was stale and musty. Alas, it was not possible to ventilate this shaft.
— You're obviously not one of those who came here to work. — Suddenly, a hoarse voice rang out from the darkness. The young man clearly did not expect this.
Edward froze, tensing instinctively. If he was discovered by one of the guards, his chances of survival dropped rapidly. Here, the slaves were treated like cattle, so the overseer could easily kill a couple. He quickly looked around, but he couldn't see the source of the sound.
— Don't be afraid, boy. I'm just a decrepit old man. There's nothing I can do to hurt you.
A tall, thin old man stepped out of the shadows. His long, matted hair, which had already turned completely gray, covered part of his wrinkled face, and his eyes sparkled in the semi-darkness like those of an animal.
— Who are you? — Edward asked, stealthily taking a step back and taking up a more advantageous position. He had already realized from the old man's appearance that he was not a supervisor, but the stranger's intentions were unknown to Edward. Besides, the old man was able to follow him unnoticed, which meant only one thing. The old man was most likely an experienced killer. The young man was ready to grab the old man by the throat at any moment if he noticed that he had bad intentions.
— Just a 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 being carefully preserved. And even if you find a loophole, you won't be able to leave this place.
—And you followed me just to tell me that? — Edward chuckled skeptically, though the old man's words caught his attention. He obviously knew something.
Seeing that Edward was 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 urgently.
— You're careful... Don't worry, I'm not here to ruin your plans. On the contrary, I can help you escape...
— So you have some information about the exit from here? — Edward didn't delay and got straight to the point.
Nodding, the old man continued: — It's pretty simple, you need strength. Real strength. If you want to get out, you have to awaken spiritual power and join the ranks of spiritual masters. That's the only way you'll get a chance. — The old man paused, carefully watching the reaction: — And I can help you.
Edward was wary. He had already considered forcing his way out, as his wanderings through the mine had brought almost no results. However, Edward also understood that it was not possible to deal with spiritual masters as an ordinary person. He saw what spiritual masters were capable of and was sure that this was only a small part of their capabilities.
However, what if Edward also becomes a spiritual master? It is quite possible that then he will have at least a tiny chance to get out. Unfortunately, Edward didn't know much about this world, much less about spiritual masters, so he wasn't sure how much he could trust the old man. It was possible that the old man in front of him might have a good plan, and he seemed willing to help, but Edward wasn't too enthusiastic about it. He grew up in harsh conditions, and he understood that there is no such thing as free in this world.
— Why do you want to help me? — he finally asked, hoping to test the waters.
The old man chuckled, cocking his head to the side. The fish took the bait!
— You're wrong. I want to help myself, and I'm only taking you with me because I need help.
He took a step closer, and it seemed to Edward that there was something cold, almost inhuman about the old man.
— Do you want freedom? Then trust me. Together we can leave this miserable place.
Edward thought about it. His every instinct screamed that this man was dangerous and had ulterior motives. Despite the stranger's convincing tone, Edward understood that this was just a good acting game, and something bad was waiting for him if he contacted this old man. However, along with the feeling of anxiety, the guy also felt a good benefit from this cooperation. When else will he have such a chance?
Watching Edward's thoughtful expression, the old man broke the silence: — I see you're still doubtful... Then let's take our time. Think carefully about my offer, and I'll expect an answer from you tomorrow. I hope he will satisfy me... — The old man said the last part somewhat ominously, as if threatening Edward.
— And what happens if I disappoint you? — Edward didn't seem intimidated by the threat at all, on the contrary, he was provoking the old man, trying to find out how far he was ready to go.
— Believe me, it's better not to check ... — In response, the old man gave Edward a terrifying smile that would make many people feel like prey right in front of a predator.
Realizing that further provocations could lead to unpleasant consequences, Edward nodded: — Okay, in that case, I'll try to give you the answer that satisfies you.
— That's better… We'll meet here tomorrow at the same time. — With these words, the old man turned around and hurried away into the narrow dark passage.
— Oh, yes, I forgot to introduce myself... my name is Walter Grimm. — That was the last thing the old man said before leaving Edward alone with himself.
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Greetings to all! This is my first original work, so I hope you enjoy it. Don't forget to comment and express your thoughts, I'm interested to know what you think about it.
P.S.
I also suggest you read my fanfiction while you wait for new chapters to be released.