Edward was sitting in the corner of his cell, staring blankly at one point. Coughing, whispers, and the clang of chains could be heard all around—the usual sounds of this cursed place. But he didn't pay any attention to it. All his thoughts were focused on Walter's words.
Everything he said sounded extremely tempting. The temptation was too great to give up so easily.
Edward is used to analyzing every situation before acting. This quality has saved his life many times. Right now, it was also keeping him from making rash decisions.
«If he has a way to escape, why is he still here?»
«Why did he choose me?»
«What is he hiding?»
There were many options. Perhaps the old man really found a loophole, but he needs an assistant. Or he's just lying to use Edward for his own purposes, and then leave him to his fate.
And yet…
«I can't afford to die in this hole.»
Whatever this person is, he has information. And in this hell, any clue, any opportunity could be decisive.
Edward sighed and slowly got to his feet.
«The best way to find out your motives is to ask directly.» — He made a decision. It's time to meet Walter again.
After waiting for the moment when the supervision was relaxed, Edward once again got out of the cage. Once again making his way through the narrow passages of the mine, which stank of damp, he cautiously approached the agreed meeting place.
When Edward got to the right place, he saw the hunched old man again. Walter immediately noticed the young man, and a creepy grin appeared on his face, which made Edward feel uncomfortable, but outwardly he did not show it in any way.
— So you decided to accept my helping hand after all? — The old man said with some excitement in a nasty raspy voice.
— Not yet, I have a couple of questions...
Hearing this, Walter's enthusiasm subsided a bit, but he still remained composed, carefully controlling his emotions.
Well, ask away, young man. This old man will try to dispel your doubts...
— You better try... — Closing his lips, Edward said in a barely audible voice, after which he continued: — First of all, I wonder why you decided to choose me? I'm sure there are stronger and more capable people in this place. Secondly, I want to hear your plan. If it is too dangerous or impossible, I will refuse. And finally, I'm wondering why you're still here, if you have a way to get out.
The old man listened attentively to Edward, without showing any emotions on his face. When the young man finally voiced all his questions, Walter, leaning on his arm, chuckled softly.
— There is one answer to all your questions... Trust. In this place, even the stones underfoot are not trustworthy, let alone the people. You already know that the real dregs of humanity are gathered here. However, you are a little different from them.
— What's so special about me? — Edward raised an eyebrow. It all sounded like nonsense, capable of deceiving only the most naive person.
— You were born here. I've been watching you for a long time. A timid young man who was not spoiled by the local inhabitants. I was even a little hesitant at first about contacting you, however... You've become a little bolder lately, and you've even started looking for a way out. I'm not interested in why your character has changed so much, but I'm glad it did.
«Hmm... It makes sense... It sounds crazy, but he's right, the previous owner of the body was really born here. Although this whole trust thing is clearly a complete hoax, the chance that I will be able to get out is increasing... It only remains to find out the old man's motives.» — Edward almost did not believe in Walter's words, but he understood that there was some truth in this, so he decided to listen to the end.
— Okay, let's say I believe you, but... What's your plan? — After a short thought, Edward continued again, approaching the final stage of negotiations.
Seeing that Edward was finally ready to agree, the old man couldn't help but smile.
— The plan is quite simple, but it requires some preparations. You won't be able to force your way through the guards, so you'll have to go to the exit secretly. You probably thought that I could handle it myself, but that's not the case...
— And what's the problem? — Edward asked, raising an eyebrow. His experience as an assassin confirmed that it was much easier to sneak somewhere unnoticed alone.
— As I thought, you really don't know much... This is a problem... — Walter sighed, disappointed by Edward's ignorance.
— There are two seals placed on every prisoner who is a spiritual master. The first one blocks the spiritual force, and the second one acts as a sensor. Once you cross a certain line, intense pain will shoot through your entire body and paralyze you. In addition, all the guards will immediately find out about this and immediately prevent an escape attempt.
Edward thought about it. If what the old man said is true, then escape is almost impossible. But then the old man would have accepted his fate too. So he still has a way to get around this limitation.
— Then how do you remove the restriction of seals?
— That's what I need you for. The seals themselves are not particularly strong, but they are beyond the control of a spiritual warrior without a demonic spirit. That's where I need your help.
Hearing this, Edward concentrated, not wanting to miss a single word from Walter.
— Since you were born here and are not a spiritual master, you have a seal placed on you that simply prevents you from escaping. I'm strong enough to take it off and help you become your spiritual master.
— In return, do you want me to help you remove the seal? But how can I do it?
Walter chuckled: — All you have to do is become an additional source of spiritual energy for me. With enough of it, I will be able to create the necessary momentum to destroy my seal. Then you and I will run away, and nothing will bind us, we will go our separate ways.
— But isn't your spiritual power blocked? How will you remove the seal from me and help me become a spiritual master? — Edward felt that the old man was not telling him something.
— Heh, heh... Noticed it, then... In that case, there's no point in hiding it. — With these words, the old man stood up and straightened his back. A faint blood-red glow enveloped him. Under Edward's surprised gaze, a murky figure appeared behind the old man, emitting a monstrous thirst for blood.
— What is it? — It was the only thing Edward could manage. His body felt like it was frozen. Such a dense thirst for blood even affected him, even though he was an assassin in his previous life.
— That's the reason I'm confident in my plan. My demonic spirit, the bloody shadow. — The old man said with a hint of arrogance in his voice. He seemed pleased with Edward's reaction.
— Usually, when a person is imprisoned in this place, they are deprived of their demonic spirit. Fortunately, I managed to use a couple of tricks and save the bloody shadow. — The old man continued to explain, without stopping exerting pressure on Edward with bloodlust.
— Alas, my demonic spirit's abilities are extremely limited due to the blocking of my spiritual power, so removing my seal is impossible. However, it's quite enough to kill a couple of insects... well, so, kid, don't you agree?
After a few seconds of thought, Edward managed an affirmative answer: — I agree...
He was a little annoyed that he had fallen into this old man's trap so easily. However, Edward now understood what Walter's confidence was. Although he was left with no choice, after a bit of thought, Edward came to the conclusion that the old man's plan might well be feasible. After quickly calculating the possible results, the young man decided to help Walter. Although there was a certain risk, Edward understood that it was better to take advantage of the opportunity that appeared in front of his nose than to rot in this place. Besides, something told Edward that the old man would not let him live if he dared to refuse.
— I'm glad that we found a common language. In that case, we'll meet in a few days at the same place, I need to prepare something. I'll let you know when the time comes. In the meantime, try to keep a low profile.
Okay, then I'll go. Edward got to his feet and strode back into the cage. He had no desire to communicate with Walter more than the situation required. However, before Edward could get far enough away, the old man's voice reached his ears.
— And don't you dare tell anyone about what you just saw. If word gets out about my demonic spirit, believe me, you'll be the one I'll destroy first.…