Chapter 103: The Pit (2)

Although the additional rescuee will cause another round of complications, for the sake of a partnership, the toad-like man agreed to the extra work without asking for more in return. He said to take it as an apology for his badly trained guards earlier ill actions, which the group accepted.

With their business finished the group of four was heading towards the center area of this muddy city section. According to the information provided by the toad-like man, the local branch manager of Vyklade, the entrance to the underground Pit was at the center, in a similar-looking run-down shack with dilapidated walls, just like theirs. 

There should be a red eagle painted on the walls of their buildings, serving as a marker for the territory they govern. Due to the fact that most of their business is handled under the ground, only a handful of buildings, serving as entrances are marked in the Slums with their logo. 

Nevertheless, as the strongest and most influential entertainment facility, the Gladiator pit served a large number of customers every day. To keep order and to handle a large number of slaves and warriors the group had an astonishing amount of hired forces serving under the crudely painted red eagle banner.

They were told that there are two entrances. The one that has no guards, is the service entrance. While the one with two large muscle heads protecting it, is the front entrance.

As part of the plan, they need to keep a low profile and use their passes to enter as VIPs. They will be escorted to a separate balcony. From there they will be able to launch their planned operation without any unwanted eyes on them.

Going through the empty alleyways and hard rock serving as crudely placed streets, Aiden was focusing most of his attention to empowering his [Dark Sense], trying to map as much of the area above and underground as possible. As they got deeper and deeper into this dubious area of the city, he found traces of the underground tunnel system that he was told about. 

He didn't know if the tunnel he is currently mapping out is part of the larger system they are looking for, or if it is a separate dungeon owned and maintained by another group. Still, mapping out as much as he could, could only prove beneficial to them in the future.

As they made their way towards the center, Aiden suddenly felt a familiar pulse coming from under the ground. It was faint, but he could still feel it! It carried a lot of distress and a great deal of pain.

Stopping in his tracks, Aiden clenched his fists in anger. As the emotion started bubbling inside him, the golden luster coming from his eyes shined through the white faceless mask hiding his identity.

The particles of the air around his figure started to visibly vibrate in trepidation. As if they could feel the surge of emotion being transmitted by the youth, they reacted to it. 

Seeing the boy's reaction, the others also stopped. The mature feminine figure who was wearing eastern-style clothing with a black faceless mask covering his face walked to the youth and silently hugged him.

Startled by the sudden show of familial love, Aiden froze on the spot. With his focus interrupted, his bubbling sea of rage calmed down, and slowly the golden luster faded from his eyes. 

"I know, Aiden. I can sense her too. I also understand that you want to make those that hurt her suffer, but you have to calm down. We will save her, and we will make sure such a thing can never happen ever again. I promise you that, okay?" Number 3 whispered into his ears.

Buried in her Master's embrace, Aiden finally relaxed, and after an audible sigh, he nodded.

"Yes. I know…. Thank you… Master" he said as he finally calmed his emotions. 

Looking up to catch his master's eyesight, Aiden remarked.

"Also, I think I managed to inform her about my presence. I can't be sure, but I think she noticed my presence…"

"I know, I know." Number 3 continued to caress Aiden's back for a bit longer before she eventually let go, and looked at the boy with her right hand invitingly raised at him.

"Come, let's go, we shouldn't waste time here! After all, we have a very packed evening ahead of us!" 

Grabbing the offered hand, Aiden walked hand-in-hand with his master.

"Yes, let's continue."

Drake was watching the events as they played out in stunned silence. The power that this young man radiated almost toppled him to the ground. The golden light that shone through the tiny holes of his mask also terrified him to his core. It was as if he was looking into the eyes of something incredibly ancient.

'I should try to remain on his good side… He really is not an ordinary boy… I'm not even sure if he is human anymore…'

---

Not too long later, the group finally spotted the first shack, with walls so aged that it was a wonder in itself that it was still standing. The crudely painted red eagle emblem on its side was the only positive thing about it. 

This one had no guards in front of it, and its door was a simple wooden door that was already worn-out by the years of long exposure to the unruly weather.

Looking at the worn-out wooden door, Aiden had to forcefully look away lest he would charge in headlessly and start a murder-spree ruining all their carefully laid out plans.

"Let's go. We can't use this one." He said with forced calmness and continued on his treks, causing minor surprise to the rest of his group.

Granny had her trademark gentle smile on her wrinkled aged face. Although covered by the tattered cloth hoodie, it was still noticed by Number 3 who pinched her sides in response.

"He is growing up, isn't he?" Number 3 whispered. The pride was visible in her tone.

"Yeah, he does. I was sure he wouldn't be able to restrain himself, especially after his outburst earlier. Heck, even I have a hard time not going in…" Granny responded as a sigh escaped her lips.

As they continued their journey, the empty muddy streets were gradually filled with more and more people. They all seemed to be heading the same direction, a sign that they were on the right track.

Not long after, as they followed amongst the increasing crowd, they spotted another run-down shack that had the very same red eagle painted on its sides.

This one, however, had a black thick door guarding its secrets against the curious outsiders. In front of it, there was a line of queued up people waiting for the two robust armored guards to inspect them and validate their passes so they could head inside.

Silently, they took their spot at the end of the line, while Aiden continued to use his skills to their maximum efficiency, and map out all the nooks and crannies he could, even before they entered. Interestingly, as he gradually explored the convoluted tunnel system, he found a series of rooms not too deep underground where his sense couldn't penetrate the massive energy barrier that surrounded it.

Even with him actively feeding his own energy and empowering the skill, he was unable to take the tiniest peak.

"There's a carefully guarded area not too deep below us. It looks like a large room that is close to the back entrance we left earlier. Do any of you know what it could be? I can't scan it, no matter how hard I try." He whispered.

Neither of them responded initially, but Aiden could tell they both were focusing on trying to find the area he was speaking about. 

Sure enough, a short while later, Number 3 responded in a low hushed tone.

"Interesting. Neither can I enter that spot. Regardless I don't think that place has any importance to our plans currently. The cells should be much deeper underground."

"Yes, that place is probably a secured meeting room where the owners of this place would meet with high-profile clients. At least that's my guess. Still, it has no importance to us." Granny seconded.

Aiden hummed in response and continued to explore the underground system as they waited to gain entrance. 

---

Under the ground, in a separate area made for the fighter slaves, a young blonde-haired bruised girl was sitting in the dark corner. She was no longer in her underwear, but in a similar leather bikini that was supposed to serve as protection in her upcoming match. 

The guards told her that soon, she is supposed to be having her first match against a famous opponent, but she was no longer scared, she was no longer distressed. She was actually smiling! Hope and happiness filled her heart, rapidly healing the cracks her suffering made appear.

Just a moment ago when she called out for her brother, he responded! She didn't know how this was possible, but she was certain that she felt his presence above her. Her brother is awake and he has come! She felt his anger, his rising rage, and she knew that he would make sure the bad guys that made her suffer would have to pay the highest price.

No longer afraid of the future, she was actually looking forward to the upcoming match. It seems it is going to be one that this city will not forget anytime soon!