First Legendary Dragon: Starting With The Limitless System novel Chapter 64

Chapter 64: Slave Market

The area was noticeably quieter, the bustling sounds of merchants and hagglers fading into silence. Orion glanced curiously at the increasingly isolated surroundings.

Lucan finally stopped the carriage near a discreet building with a shabby appearance. "We’re here," he said, hopping down from his seat.

Orion stepped out, surveying the modest entrance calmly. "Is the slave market hidden here?"

Edgar nodded appreciatively, feeling proud of Orion’s insight. "That is correct, Young Master."

Lucan reached into a hidden compartment under the carriage seat, producing three simple yet intricate masks. "You’ll need to wear these," he said, handing them out. "We don’t want to attract unnecessary attention."

Orion examined the mask carefully. Crafted from a sturdy material, it was adorned with subtle runes designed to obscure one’s identity. He placed the mask over his face, immediately feeling a strange but gentle aura envelop him.

"How do I look?" Orion asked, voice slightly distorted by the mask.

Edgar smiled behind his own mask. "Unrecognizable, Young Master."

Lucan motioned toward the inconspicuous door. "Follow me."

They stepped through the narrow entrance, descending a dimly lit staircase into a subterranean passageway. The air grew cooler, and the murmur of distant voices gradually grew louder, signaling their approach to the hidden underground market.

After navigating several winding corridors, they emerged into a bustling, expansive underground chamber illuminated by flickering mana lamps.

The air buzzed with malevolent energy, merchants and customers moving about discreetly. Various stalls lined the walls, offering everything from exotic potions to prohibited magical artifacts and stolen goods.

"Welcome to the dark side of Stormspire," Edgar whispered softly, amusement evident in his tone.

Orion observed the scene, curiosity heightened. "Why does the kingdom allow this place to exist? Isn’t it risky to tolerate something so clearly illicit?"

Edgar sighed lightly, guiding Orion forward. "It’s a matter of practicality, Young Master. The kingdom allows this underground market as a controlled environment. Better to have illegal activities centralized and closely monitored than scattered and hidden throughout the kingdom."

"In other words, keep your friends close and your enemies closer?" Orion remarked thoughtfully.

"Exactly," Edgar affirmed with a nod. "By allowing this controlled space, the kingdom keeps tabs on criminal activities, reducing the risk of unchecked chaos."

Lucan cheerfully interjected, "And it’s profitable too. The kingdom gets a tidy sum from taxes and bribes."

Edgar chuckled softly. "Well, there is that as well."

Orion shook his head in mild disbelief, but couldn’t deny the logic behind it.

"Cough, Young Master, how will we explain you buying a slave to Master and Lady Selene?" Lucan rubbed the back of his head and asked.

Orion rubbed his forehead. "Haa... we’ll think about it after I’ve found her. Otherwise, all of it will be for naught."

His gaze shifted toward one side of the place—a massive slave market occupying the right side section of the underground space.

Rows of cages lined the wide-open area, each filled with beings from various races. Slave masters shouted advertisements, eager to draw the attention of passing customers. The scene was chaotic, noisy, and unsettlingly lively.

They slowly walked among the cages, observing the diverse array of slaves on display.

Orion saw humans huddled quietly, their faces blank or fearful. ’Human slaves, huh... well, I expected them to be here.’ He inwardly shook his head. He had mentally prepared himself for stuff like this, but it still left a bad taste in his mouth.

[Will you free them, Master?]

The sight was starkly different from the luxurious streets of Stormspire, presenting a darker aspect of the world.

"Why are some of these slaves Awakeners?" Orion asked Edgar, noticing powerful auras emanating from certain individuals.

Edgar nodded gravely. "Many Awakeners end up captured during wars or skirmishes after they are injured, their strength making them particularly valuable as bodyguards, gladiators, or even laborers in harsh environments. Their presence significantly raises the price of any sale."

Orion considered this silently, absorbing the harsh reality.

Moving deeper into the slave market, Orion and Edgar scanned for any sign of the elf described by his system quest.

Orion activated his Eye of Revelation occasionally, carefully evaluating each potential candidate. However, due to his limited rank, the details on stronger or magically concealed individuals remained frustratingly elusive.

At one stall, a gruff-looking vendor enthusiastically promoted a delicate-looking elf with silvery hair and pale skin. Her green eyes flashed briefly toward Orion, holding a fleeting spark of defiance.

"Beautiful, isn’t she?" the vendor boasted, gesturing grandly. "She’s from an elven clan known for their Spirit Art affinity. Perfect for companionship or even as a bodyguard."

Orion’s eyes narrowed slightly, activating his Eye of Revelation.

[Elf Female (Tier ???): Partial Details – Spirit Affinity: High. Current State: Weakened.]

The lack of clear information frustrated Orion. He hesitated, unsure whether she was the elf he sought, because he felt nothing special from her—neither did Lumi jump in to say she was the one.

"Interested?" the vendor pressed eagerly, mistaking Orion’s hesitation for genuine interest. "A real bargain at 3,000 High Grade Mana Crystals."

Orion shook his head slightly, deciding against a hasty purchase without more details. "I’ll keep looking."

"Was she not the one, Young Master?" Edgar asked as they continued moving forward.