Edric looked up, down, left, and right – in all directions in the black market. He initially pictured the market to be a small, secluded place. But it was huge; the black market was situated in a large cave with a height of 20 feet.

  At least he assumed so, they could also be located inside the mountain for all he know.

  Edric was questioning how it fit in the city, but then again, there is magic. From the novels he read, illusion magic or teleportation wasn’t far-fetched to believe.

  The market was more like a small village, there were stalls, residential buildings. Some apartments looked like fancy condos. Edric couldn't completely enjoy the view since Aeris just trotted forward without a care in the world. Like she knew where she wanted go.

  “Wait– slow down,” Edric said as he maneuvered the crowd.

  Aeris didn’t seem to hear or might have just not bothered to look back.

  There were many people in the market, most covered up in robes or masks. Edric checked the prices of the shops and materials.

  That’s it. Edric checked the price of common items- swords, daggers, and potion material. They were at least 50% cheaper. Then the one on top. He wanted to buy items to make mana potions and other items. The book he had only had a few recipes of basic potions, nothing too spectacular. A better book would also be lovely.

  Aeris' pace began to slow down and stopped at a crossroad. She turns towards Edric, who was still huffing about trying to keep pace.

  “I need to take care of something,” she said, finally facing him. “You can look around on your own. There should be more potion material shops down that way.” She gestured toward a narrow street veiled in thick incense smoke. “Meet me back here in an hour. If you’re late, I’m leaving.”

  Edric barely had time to nod before she disappeared into the crowd. He lingered for a moment, watching her vanish into the shadows.

  Sheesh… I was hoping for a proper guide. He sighed but decided it was probably for the best. At least now, he could explore at his own pace.

  As he walked, he tried to learn more about the society. There were no guards, but there haven’t been any fist fights yet. The buildings actually look decent, much better than slums. As he went, he started smelling interesting aromas in the air.

  Edric covered his nose from the almost burning scents. What the hell is that?.

  This must be it, he thought, stepping into the alley. Potion shops lined both sides, their shelves overflowing with glass bottles, dried roots, and glowing powders. Strange figures haggled in hushed tones, exchanging vials and coins under dim lantern light.

  Edric took a deep breath and steeled himself.

  Time to see what this place really has to offer.

  Edric opened his status window , activated the skill to check the potions and materials.

  Let's see , healing potions might be useful. Posions.. Hm no… Attribute potions. Edric eyes fall on an attribute potion.

  [Attribute potion awakens either water, snow or ice magic]

  [Purity:90%]

  Edric read from the books that anything above 80% purity is considered a collectible and can sell for 500-1000 gold. He compared the rest of the potions, it ranged from 50-60% the average amount.

  He looked up at the sign board , “Potions from 30-80 silver”.

  Damn, that’s cheap. So either its fake, which can’t be possible the system hasn’t lied. Or the seller doesn’t know about its purity. Either way it’s a steal even if it’s 80 silver. Hmm. He looked all the people buying stuff from the merchants shop, most paid in cash, others used their magic card along with a piece of metal. They even have card readers!. Well atleast I have enough money.

  Edric approaches the seller, points at the attribute potion. “How much for this one?” Edric said in a hushed tone. The merchant looked at him with an odd expression.

  “This thing, 70 silver. ” The merchant says as he grabs the potion.” It’s a mana restoration potion . you buyin?”

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  Idiot , that's an attribute potion. 70 silver is a steal , but I could haggle. I can get more than one for 1 gold.

  “Maybe, say why don’t you add these two” Edric points at a health potion and a jar with potion ingredients. “I will give you 100 silver”.

  The merchant scoffed, clicked his tongue. Clearly the worst customer that day.“You think I’m running a pawn shop here. Two gold, Final!”

  “1 gold” Edric presses his fist on the table. Leaned forward trying to intimate the old guy.

  “1 gold 20 silver”

  “Deal” Edric said in a hurry, better not waste more time he thought. He takes out the money from his pouch, hands it over.

  The merchant counts the coins, “alright here you go” . He wraps the bottles and hands it to Edric. He took it and goes off on his way, satisfied for successfully battering in another world.

  What to do now…hmm.. Edric continued walking the road not knowing where it lead. He didn’t want to spend more money yet. Maybe some books . He looked at the shops in the area, maybe some sold books.

  “No, no .. no” he muttered to himself as he looked at the contents of other shops. Some speiclized in weapons dedicated to a type like swords, dagger and bows. The other popular option between alleyways were… brothels. A good few he counted, almost tempted.

  . While looking he made sure to keep his ears open, there were alot of small groups around the shops. Most gossiping , he figured he might learn something useful.

  While searching he stumbled upon a standing restaurant, there were no chairs, just multiple long tables where people ate and gossiped. It was packed, and the price was only 10 copper.

  It was almost time for lunch , plus I could learn something. Edric thought of an excuse to spend money as he walked through.

  He found a free spot at a table, the menu only had 5 items and the menu was written on the table with magic ruins. It reminded him of digital menus from earth, he pressed the one which were appetizing. Nothing happened.

  Did I do something wrong? Should I go to the counter? . Various thoughts surfaced in Edric’s mind–

  A waiter drops a plate on his table and went off, Oh so that's how it worked.

  He starts munching his meal, as he takes each bite he looks around the place. He hears a group talking loudly next to him. He drew closer to hear them.

  “I can’t handle it!” Says one of them as he slams his mug on the table . “People are disappearing left and right. I bet it’s those government fuckers”.

  W- what? Disappearing…

  “Would you pipe down?” Another man at the same table spoke, “Only a few , we don’t even know if there true or just a rumor spread to not leave this city. Besides almost every city has some kidnapping and trafficking”

  “But that only happens in the slums. It never happened to mercenaries nor a noble , even though the lowborn still a noble.”

  “You got a point, but we can’t do shit except sit tight and wait till the lockdowns over”

  “What if they never do it” his voice trembled and intoxicated.

  “They can’t keep the city shut forever, they lose money on the daily and a doubt any of them in rich district like this”

  The new men went on and on about various rumors- one of them had a theory the mayor used this lockdown to kidnap some people , the other told that there is a serial killer in the rich district, another rumor was that the city is preparing a coup. Though only the kidnapping theory had some proof to back. Edric stood at his table eating, silently chalking up theories in his head.

  God, when will this lockdown end… Hope I don’t get kidnapped or worse be used in an experiment. Also isn’t there some sort of teleportaiton scroll or spell thing somewhere. They would be selling for a fortune as a ticket out of here.

  Edric finished his meal, but didn't know how to pay for it. Should I go to the counter- , he looks at the other tables. They leave the coins next to the plates and leave.

  That's it , why are people in black market more honest even though there are no guards.

  Edric put 10 copper coins next to the plate and leaves. He continued his path, checking the time with only 20 minutes left. He could explore at least for another 10 minutes before returning. He followed the road, trusted his gut whenever there was a crossroad.

  He got into another alleyway with shops and inns. He noticed a small bookstore, looked interesting and since there was no time, he entered. The shop was small with only a single corridor with two aisles of books shelves to the sides, though despite its size it felt warm. The walls were made of wood and reminded him of British libraries. An old man sat at the desk to the side, probably the owner.

  He searched through the bookshelves for anything useful– novels, self help, accounting, he read the spin of each books, most were everyday stuff. He goes to the second aisle.

  “Martial arts 101, Tiger style, Survival medicine…. Hmm… Any of this could be useful. Edric glances at all the books as quick as he could. Potion making and recipes. Edric picks up the book and flips through. It contained recipes for all kinds of potions, as well recipes for pills etc.

  He decided this was the one and went to the desk, he hands it to he old man who was preoccupied reading a book.

  “3 copper coins” the old man says in a tried tone.

  “Here” Edric hands the coins “Hey, do you know anything about the rumors about kidnaping and stuff”. He doesn’t know why he asked but felt like it.

  “Kidnapping, hmm… nothing much but be careful kid. Especially at night and dont wander to new places.” the old man hesitated “ I hear the governor is involved for this entire fiasco “

  Edric grabbed the book and left. What the man said brought even more questions than answers, as he traced his path back.

  The governor ? Why would he kidnap people? Ahhh there’s actualy alot of reason , this reminds me of all those fantasy novels I read. Well nothing I can do but get stronger or find a way to get the hell out of here.

  After a while, Edric reached his meeting point. He thought he was early but to his surprise Aeris was already standing there, Tapping her feet impatiently. She glances at Edric.

  “5 more minutes and I would have left” Aeris starts waking without looking at Edric.

  Edric blinked “S-sorry”

  Sheesh, impatient much. Ahh, I hope this job goes well.

  Edric follows Aeris, the hunting job should commence at night. Edric hoped it goes well as his other missions not knowing what will happen….