Sounds of spoons slamming against the bowls echoed through the prison's corridors. Many inmates, dressed in an orange uniform, kept on staying quiet as they continued to eat. There was an uncomfortable intensity in the air, for everyone was scared of the newcomer.
Nagato didn't look strong, but defeating Drax the Destroyer was an unbelievable achievement. Normally, a powerful rookie would try to get the whole prison under his control. Nagato didn't do that, he just simply proceeded to stare at his table.
'My chakra has almost recovered.' Nagato shot a glance at an officer staring at him. 'The security is pretty tight here, but I should have no problems escaping.'
Honestly, Nagato didn't have any coherent plan since there was no need for one. The officers may be equipped with weapons of technology unknown to him, but they were still inferior to Nagato. Now that his chakra was almost recovered, he could leave with no obstacles.
Nagato glanced at one prison cell, particularly the one resided by the so-called "Drax the Destroyer". Using genjutsu on people with intelligence below average was extremely effective - Drax was out good for a few days.
Still, Nagato couldn't forget those fiery eyes of the robust man, they were filled with immense hatred. Nagato could recognize them easily, for they reminded him of his own.
No... his pain was far greater.
"Is Ronan really trying to destroy Xandar for good now?" Nagato heard a prisoner whispering just on the table beside him. He heard that name before, so he hoisted his ears and listened intently.
"I have been in this prison for a long time already, so I assure you that my information is of the highest quality." The other prisoner, who looked rather handsome with his white hair and eyebrows, reassured before pocketing a bunch of gems into his garment.
"Ronan has indeed decided to attack Xandar with everything he got. Supported by Thanos, his army now comprises thousands of beasts and that's not including the number of resources he has gathered in the past few months." The man continued, his gaze suddenly turning sharp. "There are also rumors of him acquiring an infinity stone, but that's still uncertain."
"An infinity stone!" The prisoner jumped from his chair, not able to keep his shock hidden. He was about to ask yet another question when an unfamiliar hand landed on his shoulder.
"I think it's my turn to ask some questions," Nagato said, his face conveying no emotions. The standing prisoner hid his sentiments deep inside, silently taking a few steps astern. Although he had paid quite a sum for the information, keeping his life was far more important than some knowledge.
No one dealt with Drax the Destroyer, thus, no one dealt with the one who defeated him either.
"I didn't know I was worthy of such presence." The white-haired man gulped visibly, though he extended his hand for a greeting. "My name is Cole. It's nice to meet you."
Nagato inspected his hand with no apparent emotion, then casually took a seat in front of him. Sighing deeply, Cole retreated his hand. That's why doing such business was dangerous in Kyln. Your life was at constant risk, and you truly couldn't do anything to change that.
Cole didn't even dare to ask for payment.
"Tell me everything about those infinity stones," Nagato asked, going straight to the point.
'Hmm... it's quite rare for people to not know about infinity stones. Is he an immigrant?' Cole inspected Nagato closely, noting those purple eyes. Perhaps it was a heritage of some unknown race, but Cole didn't care so much as to ask. He just didn't want to die.
"It's just a theory, but my master has always told me that this is the truth about the infinity stones." Cole took out a strange device from underneath his clothes, then placed it on the table. Instantly, six diminutive stones lingered in the air, shining with their unordinary brilliance. "It is said that they are the remnants of six irregularities that existed before the Big Bang, which were compressed into stones later on."
"All of them hold unimaginable power that may destroy the world with just a thought." Cole continued, growing unsettled by Nagato's stoic expression. "It is even stated that the one who holds all the stones can alter the universe itself."
Nagato nodded, confirming his assumptions. However, he frowned a moment later. The stones were dispersed all around the universe, and there was no guarantee to see even one of them in your lifetime. Perhaps Nagato finding the Tesseract was just pure luck.
"Do you know the location of these stones?"
"I am afraid this is beyond my knowledge." Cole shrugged at the question. "However, I feel obliged to tell you that an Infinity Stone isn't something to be wielded by simple humans. Unbelievable mental and physical power is mandatory."
Nagato paid his warning no heed. "Then, does your master know where they are?"
Cole immediately frowned at the question, a few goosebumps forming on his skin. Master had clearly stated to never disclose his personal information to anyone and now he did just that! "No, my master doesn't know either."
"Really?" Nagato's body got enveloped in killing intent as Cole suddenly trembled uncontrollably. Fear filled his heart as he focused his gaze on the ground, too scared to look up.
"He...truly doesn-" Cole still wasn't planning on breaking so easily. His master was a dangerous man; Cole feared him more than anything in this world. A hand landed on his forehead. What?
"Then, die." Nagato activated his power and Cole's eyes immediately turned blank. Memories flooded Nagato's mind like a wave crashing against the gravy stones. A moment later, a lifeless body lurched against the floor.
Everyone in the room stopped eating, their eyes falling on the unfolding scene. Some prisoners shivered visibly. Usually, all the dirty work was done during midnight, yet Nagato killed him so thoughtlessly.
'A planet called Knowhere.' Nagato noted, taking a deep breath. Soldiers already started gathering to investigate the disturbance. Little did they know they were going straight into the pledges of death.
Nagato prepared to fight.