After their quick victory over the dark elf guards, Kaizen and Andrew found themselves alone in the room, with the echoing sounds of the fight slowly dissipating. Kaizen held the more confident guard's unarmed spear while Andrew watched with a mixed expression of admiration and disbelief.
"But seriously, man, you're a lot faster. I couldn't tell before, because in the village we didn't fight those elves, but I don't think I've ever seen you move so fast and with such precision." said Andrew, still processing what he had just witnessed.
Kaizen let out a short laugh and shook his head. "It was no big deal. Just battle experience and my attributes boosted by evolution."
Andrew looked at the defeated guards, who were slowly regaining consciousness. "What now? What do we do with them?"
Kaizen pondered for a moment, looking at the fallen elves. "We need information. They might know where they're keeping our friends. Let's question them."
Andrew nodded, but seemed a little apprehensive about the idea. "Do you think they'll cooperate after what happened?"
Kaizen shrugged. "We'll find out."
He approached the more confident guard, who was starting to get up, still dizzy from the blow he had suffered. Kaizen grabbed him by the collar of his armor and lifted him up, looking directly into the elf's eyes.
"Where are our friends? And where are we?" Kaizen demanded, his voice firm and authoritative.
The guard tried to pull Kaizen's hand away, but Kaizen's strength was overwhelming. He swallowed and reluctantly replied:
"You are in the Iron Fortress under the control of the Mist Emperor. As for your friends, they have been taken to the elite prisoners' wing, where they are kept in individual cells. They fought and resisted arrest, but you didn't, which is why we've locked you up here."
Andrew frowned. "And what did the Emperor of the Mist intend to do with us and our friends?"
However, before the elf could answer, a sharp pain shot through him and he collapsed, his body falling heavily to the stone floor.
The guard considered the question for a moment. "There's a secret path that leads to the B2 wing. I can guide you there, but please don't cause any more trouble. We're all just following our orders to keep our families safe."
Kaizen agreed with a nod. "Understood. We'll follow you and act discreetly."
The guard stood up carefully, still a little sore, but determined to do his part. He led Kaizen and Andrew down a side corridor, away from the main prison routes where they could easily be spotted by other guards.
The corridor was narrow and dark, with little lighting, which contributed to its discreet nature, and it was a type of passageway only used for emergency situations such as moving guards during possible riots.
As they walked along, Kaizen took the opportunity to talk more to the guard. "What's your name?"
The guard hesitated for a moment before answering. "My name is Eldrin. And you?"
"I'm Kaizen, and this is Andrew." Kaizen introduced himself briefly, keeping the conversation light, because this seemed like a good man.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'd ask more about you, but I think the less I know, the better."
Kaizen smiled and agreed. "That's an inevitable truth."
After a few minutes of silent walking, Eldrin stopped in front of a seemingly solid wall. He touched a specific point and muttered a few words in an ancient language. To Kaizen and Andrew's surprise, the wall opened to reveal a hidden corridor.
"This is the way that leads directly to the B2 wing, but be careful. There are guards stationed along the main corridor." Eldrin warned them, concerned for their safety. "I would go with you, but they would know that I was the one who helped you get here, so I will return to the place where you defeated me."
Kaizen thanked Eldrin for his help and promised to act with caution. "We'll keep an eye out and avoid unnecessary confrontations as you asked."
"I thank you and... good luck."