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Chapter 135  The Black Market and the dark elf child!(1)

Eren\'s group had made thorough preparations for their upcoming trip and had finally reached the capital of the Mauryan Empire. Their plan was to stay the night and set out at dawn the next morning. Initially, Eren had suggested finding accommodation at a tavern, but Selena\'s uncle was residing in the capital, so they opted to spend the night at his place.

However, there was still some time left before nightfall, and the group decided to use it for various activities. Elric was the first to depart, reminding the group not to delay. He had plans to meet an old friend who lived in the capital.

Ezio, too, departed without much ado, leaving Selena to head promptly to her uncle\'s residence. Left alone, Eren pondered his options.

"Hmm... should I go there?" Eren contemplated, his mind quickly alighting on a particular place in the capital. Since they had already agreed on a morning meeting point, he decided to visit that place: the hidden side of the capital, the Black Market.

****

The capital of the Mauryan Empire stood as the most densely populated and vibrant locale on the entire eastern continent. It was a lively hub where merchants from every corner sought to carve out their livelihoods through sales, and citizens and visitors alike flocked to purchase goods of all kinds. Even as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its golden glow across the city, the buzz of activity in the capital did not wane. Instead, enthusiasts of entertainment gathered in groups, eager to explore their favorite haunts.

Within this bustling metropolis, the options were abundant. Pleasure halls, entertainment districts, taverns filled with lively patrons, theaters for music and drama enthusiasts — the capital offered a place for every inclination. Yet, it was also within this vibrant mosaic that illicit activities thrived in the shadows.

After scanning the streets for a while, Eren\'s curiosity led him to a peculiar establishment named "Midnight Tavern." From its exterior, it appeared to be a local tavern where mercenaries and weary adventurers sought respite after their long and arduous missions. However, only a select few in the capital were privy to the true nature of the "Midnight Tavern."

As Eren stepped inside, he instantly became the center of attention. It was a rare sight for a noble, especially a young one, to grace the tavern with their presence. Numerous pairs of eyes turned towards him, but he paid them no mind and made his way to the bartender. The bartender was an amiable old man with neatly combed white hair and a black suit.

"What brings such a dignified young man to this den?" the bartender inquired with a kind smile.

Eren replied casually, "I heard that the drinks in this place are exquisite."

"Oh, oh! Did the reputation of our tavern reach the ears of your nobleness! It is an honor. What shall I bring you, young master?"

The old man asked with a smile which seemed overly kind for some reason, nevertheless Eren replied back.

"For starters, how about \'the elixir of shadows that flows freely\'."

The old man\'s eyes widened slightly, as if he hadn\'t expected such a request. Some of the patrons at nearby tables also reacted to Eren\'s words. However, the bartender quickly regained his composure.

"Oh! I didn\'t know that the young master was a VIP customer. Allow me to guide you, sir," he said, leading Eren with obedient deference.

Their entire conversation had been a covert exchange, a secret code to gain entry to the Black Market. The Black Market didn\'t permit just anyone to enter; one needed to know the correct passphrase. Fortunately for Eren, he had frequented the Black Market many times in his past life, thanks to an old acquaintance, and the passphrase remained the same.

While the old man was leading him, Eren seized the opportunity and asked the old man who was guiding him, "Could I perhaps obtain a mask?" Nôv(el)B\\\\jnn

"Of course, young master!" the old man replied, taking out a mask shaped like a wolf, as if he had been anticipating such a request, and not long after the old man led Eren through a door which looked obnoxiously normal.

Eren couldn\'t see to the other side of the room even when the old man opened the door, as if it was purposefully made as such. "Then, young master. I hope you enjoy your time," the old man remarked, gesturing for Eren to proceed through the door.

Eren nodded in acknowledgment and stepped forward, vanishing into the inky darkness of the room beyond.

***

"Ah... it never fails to surprise me," Eren murmured to himself as he disembarked from what appeared to be a magical portal. The space around him was infused with magic, and numerous figures, all adorned with masks, were either descending from the portal or casually stepping into it as if it were a mundane occurrence.

Despite the unusual sight, Eren\'s attention was fixed on the place before him, a location he had visited many times in his past life.

A clandestine enterprise that operated away from the prying eyes of the public, the Black Market, was a stark contrast to the city\'s vibrancy. Different varieties of shops sprawled on either side of the path, and each one emanated an equally eerie aura as the next.

There were pet shops that sold monstrous creatures, slave shops dealing in war prisoners and beings from diverse races, alchemy stores peddling perilous concoctions, and weapon vendors hawking stolen or rare arms from times gone by.

While each of these establishments possessed its unique allure, none could quite compare to the imposing, towering structure at the heart of the Black Market—the auction house. This grand edifice served as the ultimate destination where the most precious and significant commodities found their way, making it a pivotal hub within this shadowy realm.

Eren, concealed behind a mask he had acquired from the old man at the tavern, navigated the eerie labyrinthine corridors of the Black Market. He had harbored the desire to visit this clandestine world during his initial sojourn in the capital, but circumstances had prevented him from doing so. However, curiosity had finally led him to this place.

The whereabouts of the Black Market remained a well-guarded secret, shrouded in mystery. However, in every major city, there existed a tavern similar to the one Eren had visited. These establishments served as gateways to the clandestine world of the Black Market, with the very space magic they employed guiding customers to this hidden realm.

Eren\'s arrival bore no specific purpose, but curiosity was a driving force. The Black Market was notorious for being a marketplace where virtually anything could be bought if one possessed the means, even individuals, so the rumors said. Every valuable item prohibited from public sale or banned by the kingdom found its way here.

The authorities were not oblivious to the existence of the Black Market; instead, they inexplicably chose to turn a blind eye to its presence. This complicity was conspicuous through the frequent presence of nobles within the Black Market, their true identities shielded behind ornate masks. Even now, Eren could notice some who looked like nobles. While he couldn\'t discern their identities, their demeanor behind the mask suggested they were indeed of noble birth.

Nevertheless, Eren\'s purpose, at least for now, was to explore and perhaps make some unconventional purchases. The wealth from the Pendragon Barony which was sent monthly to him and the rewards bestowed by the emperor weighed heavily in his possession, waiting to be spent.

As Eren perused the eclectic stalls, he encountered a mix of genuinely valuable items and peddlers attempting to foist overpriced, subpar goods onto unsuspecting buyers. He scrutinized his surroundings with a discerning eye, searching for anything that might prove useful.

There was a saying that within the Black Market, everything one desired could be found, if one were diligent enough in their search. Eren, though not on a specific quest, was on a shopping expedition of sorts. He continued to explore, driven by the allure of hidden treasures.

The night was still young, and there was much to uncover in this shadowy realm. However, as Eren roamed the market, he soon stumbled upon something entirely unexpected.

---***---