The elevator humd softly as it descended, the silence inside growing heavier with each passing second. There were no buttons, no floor numbers—just a single smirking face glowing on the screen above, accompanied by the words
"Enjoy your shopping."
A twisted way to welco soone.
I stood with my hands stuffed into my pockets, staring at the glowing words like they were an inside joke I wasn’t in on. Beside , Hina shifted uncomfortably, her arms crossed, her eyes flicking toward the screen as if waiting for sothing worse to appear. Serina, on the other hand, remained rigid, her sharp gaze locked onto the closed elevator doors, almost like she was preparing for battle.
None of us spoke. We were too curious to see the unknown?
A dull ding echoed as the elevator slowed to a stop. The doors slid open and we stepped out into a world hidden beneath the surface.
Hina’s eyes widened instantly. "What... is this place?"
Her voice wavered as she took a step forward, scanning the massive underground hall before us.
Serina’s expression hardened. "What’s going on here?"
I sighed, exhaling through my nose as I took in the sight before us.
A grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a dim, golden glow over everything. The room was nothing short of extravagant—polished marble floors, deep crimson carpets, and towering pillars wrapped in gold trimmings. A hauntingly slow classical tune played in the background, the kind of music you’d expect at a high-class gala, not an underground slave market.
In the center of the hall, a giant screen lood over the guests, currently blank, waiting for its grand reveal. Around it, clusters of n and won dressed in luxurious suits and flowing gowns sipped from their wine glasses as they spoke in hushed voices.
They weren’t discussing stocks, politics, or art auctions. No. Their conversations revolved around sothing far more grotesque.
"—last month’s trade was exceptional. The boy I got was obedient from day one."
"—I do hope there are more demi-humans today. They’re worth every coin."
"—the auctions get more exciting each year."
Hina clenched her fists.
"This is disgusting," she muttered, barely able to contain her revulsion.
Serina inhaled sharply through her nose. "I knew things like this happened in dark corners of the world, but seeing it firsthand..."
I remained silent, glancing around.
The atmosphere was refined but tainted. No matter how much gold they wrapped around the walls, this place reeked of filth.
Guards in silver-plated armor lined the periter, their hands resting on their weapons. Their job wasn’t just to protect the venue—it was to keep the rchandise in check.
The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfu, alcohol, and sothing sickeningly sweet, like rotting fruit masked by flowers.
Then, the lights dimd slightly. The music softened.
A man in a crisp black suit strode onto the elevated stage at the front, adjusting his tie before speaking into a microphone.
"Ladies and gentlen," he announced, his voice smooth, practiced. "I trust you’re all enjoying your evening?"
Polite chuckles rippled through the crowd.
"Excellent," the announcer continued, flashing a rehearsed smile. "Because tonight, we have fresh trades—so of the finest selections we’ve ever had."
A murmur of excitent spread through the guests.
"Are you guys ready?" the announcer asked raising his hand in the air.
"YES!!" The crowd said altogether.
The enthusiasm in their voices made my stomach twist.
The announcer gestured toward the giant screen behind him. "Then, feast your eyes upon tonight’s collection!"
The stage lights shimred, casting a silvery glow over the woman as she stepped forward. Dressed in a sleek bunny outfit, its fabric hugging her curves and leaving her back bare, she moved with effortless grace. In her hands, she carried a shining silver-white plate, a single remote control resting at its center.
She approached the announcer’s table, her heels clicking softly against the floor. With a polite bow, she placed the plate in front of him before straightening, her expression unreadable. Then, turning on her heel, she made her way toward the backstage, her hips swaying in a rhythm. A knowing smile played on her lips as she disappeared behind the curtain
The announcer took the remote control and pressed the button that displayed the slaves.
One by one, images appeared—n, won, children, demi-humans, even rare creatures. So looked terrified. Others had blank, resigned expressions. So were shackled, while others were forced into elegant outfits to make them appear more ’desirable.’
Hina turned away, disgusted. "How can they enjoy this?"
Serina’s fists curled at her sides. "We should—"
I exhaled slowly. This was nothing new. The world had always been like this. It was just a matter of who was willing to see it.
Hina looked like she was about to explode, her whole body tense, her hands shaking slightly as she glared at the rich bastards sipping wine like they weren’t literal demons.
"Relax," I muttered, nudging her arm lightly.
Her head snapped toward , eyes blazing. "Relax?! Are you seriously telling to relax?"
I shrugged. "You look like you’re about to rip soone’s throat out."
"Because I am!" she hissed. "This whole place is a nightmare! How are you so calm right now?"
"Because getting worked up won’t change anything."
Hina scoffed. "Wow, that’s just... so comforting. I feel much better now. Thanks."
"Glad I could help." She gave a deadpan stare.
Serina, still fuming, took a step forward. "We should stop them..."
"We will...but not now. We don’t know where they have kept Nox and other slaved." I said.
The room’s energy had shifted. The audience was eager. Anticipation buzzed in the air like a celebration.
The screen continued displaying more "rchandise." Humans, demi-humans, even so exotic creatures—beings that shouldn’t be up for sale, yet here they were, treated like objects.
Hina’s fists clenched again. "I swear to god, if I stay here any longer—"
I sighed. "Yeah. I get it."
Serina’s expression was unreadable, but I could tell she was thinking the sa thing.
The announcer smiled broadly as the last images were shown. "Well then, ladies and gentlen, shall we begin the bidding?"
The crowd erupted into cheers. Hina looked like she was going to throw up.
I shoved my hands back into my pockets, my face casual as I analyze all the guards and people around and looked back at the screen.
This was just another day for these people. But for the ones in those images...we need to find Nox.
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