"Lost dwarven technology?"
That was relatively new.
The Mirage Mask was given information in the tome—or rather, the novel he had read.
It dated back centuries ago.
If it was lost dwarven technology, then how was it present on earth?
Not even Brandon Locke had information on this question.
However, several theories flooded his thoughts.
"How long have you been here, Ironaxe?"
"Aye?
"On this planet."
"Human years?"
"Yeah."
"400."
"...."
However, he remained calm.
"I see."
This was what the professor meant back then about the world's lost history.
It seemed like dwarves have been omitted from the records. And most likely, they went into hiding.
"How did you come to be?"
"Too many questions, lad. I ain't here to teach ye history."
"No biggie."
He could find out on his own. However, this was perhaps interesting. If dwarves have been here for so long, then what about Aurelia?
Was she also a lost part of history?
An elven race that had long disappeared?
Or were they in hiding as well.
Interesting.
Truly, interesting.
This progression.
It was way too different.
"Anyway this ring. I can buy it off you, right?"
"Eh, whatever. Do what ye want. I've warned ye anyway."
"On a discount."
"Aye, aye."
Then, Ironaxe walked towards a desk. Seemingly retrieving something from the drawer. It was the same device that Matthew had.
He neared Brandon and said.
"Put yer card here."
Brandon did just that.
Beep—
A beeping sound rang out.
Then, on the screen of the device displayed:
[Transaction completed!
Client: Moriaty
Total Credits: 10,000,000]
"Moriarty, aye? Shit name for a shit lad."
"...."
"Now give me that mask of yers."
"How long will it take?"
"Maybe a day."
"....I need that mask."
"Aye, aye. Give me an hour then. In exchange, I'll give ye permission to take one of the masks I have stored over there."
Ironaxed pointed on the side without looking at Brandon, his eyes glued on the Mirage Mask.
"Anything?"
"Aye, aye. Yer my VIP customer now."
"Eh. Suit yourselves."
Brandon shrugged and walked away.
Walking ahead, he could hear the ruckus behind him.
"Sir Ironaxe! Are you there?"
"Sir Ironaxe! Please, we've been waiting for a long time."
Clank—!
The door abruptly opened, revealing the robust midget with a long beard, wrinkles all over his face.
"Didn't that boy tell all of ye that shop is closed fer today?!"
Ironaxe exclaimed. Experience adventures on m _v _lempy _r.
"If ye don't leave in ten seconds, yer all permanently banned from this establishment. Ye hear me you fuckers?"
Everyone looked stunned, eyes wide open. And in that instant, they all dispersed like flies.
"Haha."
Brandon couldn't hold back his laugh.
"Guess that midget really is popular."
Continuing to walk, there, the familiar figure of Matthew registered in his peripheral vision.
"How'd it... go?"
"Pretty good mask, right?"
"Uh."
"Let's go, Zero."
The two walked ahead.
Then, Brandon halted, turning his head slightly to look at Matthew.
He pursed his lips.
"Also, do you have any spare credit?"
"...."
*
For this day, he had only planned to sightsee. To peer out on the changes of the current blackmarket, in comparison to the previous blackmarket throughout every progression.
And in his conclusion, this version of the blackmarket was the most different of all.
'Especially because I met a dwarf that easily.'
But that made him ponder.
Was the dwarf on the Milis Continent side?
Or was he just... there?
Strictly for business?
"Eh."
He shrugged his shoulders.
"I'll find out eventually."
Once they take control of the blackmarket, interrogating Ironaxe would be easy.
And so, wandering around with Matthew, Brandon stopped by the drug section.
"Are you interested, Sir?"
"...."
The pills had caught his attention.
These pills....
He knew.
These strictly government confidential pills.
Pills that would help someone break through the S- Ranks. It was popular a decade ago.
But after the side–effects were known, it was quickly recalled by the government, and was banned.
Yet for some reason, they were still surfacing in the blackmarket.
'Interesting...'
He had never seen these in Brandon Locke's memories. Because Brandon Locke didn't go to the blackmarket to buy these pills.
What he went there for was to plead pathetically.
One of the progressions where he had gotten way too desperate, he walked into enemy territory, and prostrated himself in front of the enemy.
He was truly pathetic.
Brandon leaned close, scanning the pill.
"How much?"