Chapter – Into the Black Market
Alden moved through the dark tunnel, the scent of damp stone lingering in the air.
His footsteps were light and controlled, his body perfectly balanced as he stepped across the slick ground.
Before long, he saw a faint glow up ahead.
The tunnel widened, leading to a tal door embedded in stone, its surface covered in old, rusted engravings.
A knock wouldn't be necessary.
Alden knew the procedure.
Instead of approaching the door, he reached toward the left wall, feeling along the uneven stone until his fingers pressed against a hidden rune.
A soft click echoed.
Then, with a groan of shifting chanisms, the door slid open.
Beyond it lay a world hidden beneath the city.
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The Black Market
Stepping through the door, Alden entered a massive underground district.
This wasn't just so hidden alley or backroom exchange—it was an entire city.
The ceiling stretched high, supported by enormous black stone pillars that glowed faintly with runic symbols.
Dim lanterns hung from the streets, casting eerie shadows over the labyrinthine pathways.
Buildings were stacked atop one another, connected by rickety wooden bridges and stone walkways.
Despite being underground, it was alive with activity.
rchants and smugglers stood behind makeshift stalls, haggling over rare goods.
Masked figures in noble attire whispered behind raised hoods.
rcenaries and assassins leaned against walls, their hands always near their weapons.
People from all walks of life gathered here.
So seeking rare artifacts.
So seeking illegal enchantnts.
And so... simply seeking trouble.
"Damn... I forgot how big this place was," Alden muttered.
---
As he walked, Alden's sharp gaze flickered between the shops, searching for sothing specific.
His current attire wasn't bad, but for what he was about to do?
He needed to blend in.
Soon, he spotted a stall selling enchanted cloaks.
Behind the counter sat a hunched-over old man, his bony fingers adorned with dozens of silver rings.
"Looking for sothing, traveler?" the rchant rasped.
Alden gestured to a black cloak lined with dark silver embroidery.
"What's the enchantnt?"
"Lightweight, resistant to slashes, and slightly dampens presence," the old man grinned, his yellowed teeth showing. "A perfect cloak for those who prefer... discretion."
Alden tossed a few gold coins onto the counter.
The rchant grinned wider. "Pleasure doing business."
Pulling the cloak over his shoulders, Alden felt the slight weight disappear as the enchantnt activated.
Now, he looked just like another anonymous figure in the Black Market.
Perfect.
As Alden continued exploring, Shiranui's tails flicked slightly from her spot on his shoulder.
"You sure you want to go through with this?" she asked.
Kurenai chuckled. "Do you really think he'll back out now?"
Alden smirked. "Exactly."
Shiranui sighed. "Tch. I'm just saying—breaking into a high-security auction isn't the smartest move."
Alden shrugged. "Maybe not... but the rewards are worth the risk."
---
The Auction House –
After so ti, Alden reached his true destination.
The Auction House.
It stood at the heart of the Black Market, a massive dod structure made of obsidian stone.
Unlike the surrounding buildings, which were cramped and chaotic, this place radiated power and control.
Guardians clad in enchanted armor stood at every entrance.
People dressed in high-quality silks, robes, and suits arrived in groups, their very presence exuding wealth and power.
Alden's sharp eyes flickered to the security asures.
High-rank rcenaries at the front gate.
Mana-sensitive barriers along the walls.
Invitation checks at every entrance.
Anyone trying to sneak in would fail instantly.
Unless...
They had sothing special.
Sothing that could bypass both physical and magical barriers.
Alden took a deep breath.
Then, his Sharingan spun to life.
A mont later, his body faded into nothingness.
Kamui.
A technique that allowed him to slip between dinsions.
No barrier could stop it.
No detection magic could sense it.
Alden stepped forward... and vanished into the Auction House.
---
To Be Continued...
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