110 C109 Slums Blackmarke

The light was fading from the world. It was clear that the residents of the slums had begun to tuck themselves into the beds for the rest of the evening. Few still up giving prayers to the Goddess of the Dusk as this was her prime time of worship.

Azo moved through the slums as he knew one of the two black markets existed in this area. One constructed using earth magic to dig tunnels under the slums with the other one being in the central city as it was contractured in the old sewer system.

Heading past the main street Azo turned into the back alleys. It was clear the location of the black market as no one tried to stop them when this area was already so lawless. If they complied and did not kick up a fuss, then the black market had no reason to cause a problem for the residence.

Coming up to the main door in the back ally, the guard turned to look at the man approaching. The mixed-race ogre similar to Bull except for distinctly less intelligence as he let out a grunt.

"Azo? Hmph. Another visit to the seer?"

The bouncer was standing just to the side of the door as his massive fist reached back to slam against the metal a few times. The sound of many bolts, chains and other items being moved before the door slowly creaked open.

"Let's just say I'm always hungry for more knowledge."

Finishing his line, Azo let out a small laugh as he passed through the door frame, making sure to keep a distance with the bouncer as he knew the man could strangle something in a heartbeat.

"You sound just like a typical wizard!"

Continuing down the poorly lit corridor as the door behind him slammed shut behind him as the bolts became locked magically behind. Azo was proceeding down the steps as it was his magic that had provided those spells. He had spent to much time in these places.

The corridor soon became a staircase heading down into the depths. The few lights were providing illumination down the path as the scaled red man continued to proceed down into the depths. The walls cut clean with magic as the rock showed the many different substances locked within its surface.

After ten minutes of descending the floor became level as the stairs finished. The corridor was leading onwards till it came to another large door with two silent guards watching.

Both guards wore black robes with hoods that seemed to have pure darkness inside which did not any light escape. Both seemed to look slightly towards Azo as he walked down the pathway but quickly looked back down with disinterest as the door opened.

Passing through the door quickly as it sealed behind him. The amount of light was increasing by vast amounts as he felt his vision turn white for a brief second. Eventually fading as he looked around the room as he blinked to try and help.

The underground room had enough volume to store several full-size dragons with ease, and the underground held many people who chatted, bartered and laughed as this place seemed more popular than the actual streets above.

The second floor above holding even more items as this entire place was packed full to the brim with things that attracted almost all customers.

"Oh welcome! Please let me help you out!"

Coming forward to Azo was one of the few introduction guides for the area. The Half Elf male was seeming to be very pleased about the new guest. It was clear he was new to this job as well.

"Let me give you a brief tour."

The man held out his hand as he gestured to the many beautiful things on sale. Happy to see this man people enjoying the situation.

"The first floor has the cheapest items with the third floor having the most exotic and expensive items. If you know an items price, then you can sort yourself out."

Walking forward as Azo let out a brief sigh, unable to interrupt the man who continued to speak on and on.

"The first floor holds the usual items. Weapons and armour with magical properties that are without the regular licence or papers. We also have food items that have no stamps of authority or are banned by the church. This floor also holds artwork and other nice trinkets."

Taking a look around, Azo saw many people standing around the food stand as a man had trouble keeping up as he sold the meat from such an area. Azo felt a twinge of guilt hit him as he knew this was possibly the source. He just had to hope Nathan could figure it out.

"The second floor holds more interesting items. Slaves mostly as they do take up much space. They also hold the Mana Stones you do enjoy. While Death is certainly the cheapest right now due to the high amount, All the stones have gone up in price due to the dungeon filled with undead closed down. I heard the church said the undead has stopped reanimating."

Taking a few moments to process that information. It was after they left that this process happened. Azo felt relief but also a sense of guilt to his fellow adventurers who were out of pocket now.

"Lastly the third floor holds the most interesting items and services. Most people go to look at the golden ticket item. Fifty thousand gold for the pass to the outside world."

Not many people trusted the church to do good on the end of the deal, which was one of the reasons why this item was purchasable. A few people even did smuggling runs with the pass to get people in and out of the vortex but the price was still steep.

"I'm looking for the Seer."

His words caused the man to stop as he turned to him with a grin coming to his face.

"Good luck then."