After the incident the elites of the imperial guard maintained a strong presence in the prison as they conducted an investigation. It only took about a day before they realized there was no trace of what killed those people or where it had gone. Then the remaining prisoners went back to work while the imperial guard watched in case another massacre happened.  

Qian found it bothersome to have so many people around. It meant that the prison had to be much stricter with everything. He had no time to train or relax. So, he was ecstatic when he received an order to meet with the warden and the investigation captain.  

The warden’s office was full of fine silk and mahogany furnishings. Elaborate portraits lined the walls. A huge desk covered with fresh fruit sat in the center. Behind it sat the warden and across from him stood a muscular man in red imperial robes with silver trim.  

“Welcome Qian I figured as the top imperial guard stationed in this prison you should hear the conclusion of mister Luashi’s investigation,” the warden gleefully welcomed Qian as he stuffed his face with diced mango. 

“Greeting to tier 3 commander Luashi,” Qian recited with a small bow. 

“I will keep this brief as very little of this concerns the both of you,” Luashi started with a serious tone, “After finding a discarded dagger that was not part of the prison guard standard equipment, we have determined that this was an attack carried out by foreign powers. We believe that they repelled down into the pit at night broke into the mines killed everyone and then climbed out before morning. We have patched the wall and are currently searching for any lingering enemies, but we believe they have already escaped. The empire accepts full responsibility and will be offering restitutions of one month salary to each of the deceased’s families. Of course, since you lost valuable workforce, you will be paid one silver for each prisoner lost. Also, the emperor in his infinite wisdom commands that you begin expanding to meet the coming need of qi stones. In the coming months we will begin receiving extra prisoners from the surrounding cities as well as allowing any from the slums to work in the mines. The quota for the next year shall be tripled and the penalty for failing to meet this quota will be increased in kind.” He took a leather pouch out of his pocket and threw it onto the desk with the sound of metal coins clinking together. The warden gleefully opened the pouch and began counting the silver, too busy to bother asking any questions about the report.  

“If you don’t mind me asking commander,” Qian questioned,” What is the coming need of qi stones.” 

As Luashi turned to walk out he replied, “An attack without a retaliation is a sign of weakness and our emperor is by no means weak.” With that only Qian and the warden were left in the office.  

“Qian begin preparations. Send some guards to go post notices on every street looking for guards,” the warden commanded before going back to counting coins.  

With a bow Qian walked out of the finely decorated office and back into the plain stone prison hall. He went to the courtyard and called for the guards on duty. After relaying the warden’s command, Qian began to head to the storeroom to make sure they had enough tools for more prisoners. It would be a long month for him as the transition occurred.  

He was both excited for the imperial tournament coming up and terrified of the coming war. If a few warriors from the enemy nation could kill hundreds unnoticed then what were the chances of winning. Qian took a slow full breath to calm himself as his mind wandered. What had really happened down in the mines? Afterall, no matter how good the investigators were there’s no way for them to be completely sure with no witnesses. No matter what had happened, Qian was sure of one thing; his peaceful life had ended.