Today wasn't as sunny as yesterday. Thick clouds had covered the sky and cold winds were blowing. Winter was here already. It might snow in a few more weeks.
Walking through the infamous Louis Street in a brown coat, Jake was with Ragan and Jasmine. Fiona was looking after the slaves.
Jake had only brought the slave girl to show off his powers as she always undermined him. As for Fiona, he didn't bring her. Though that girl was powerful, he was afraid she might go overboard. Also, it wasn't wise to show such an important card so soon.
No matter how Jake dealt with Xenan, the news would spread all over the city. If two 4th Circle beings suddenly appeared, it would attract too much attention.
Jake didn't particularly like the notion of laying low, but there were a lot of powerful humans in this place. Instead of recklessly fighting all of them, he would rather deal with them step by step, one after another.
''Huh? Isn't that Ragan?''
''He dares come here?!''
''Who are those two beside him?''
As Jake, Ragan, and Jasmine descended down the stairs to reach the underground tunnel, some slave traders began talking.
Not everyone knew a random nobody like Ragan a few weeks ago. But after he offended Xenan, his portraits were passed all over the docks area.
Now most men and women who dealt with shady business knew about him.
''Yo, master, they're giving those disgusting looks.'' The slave girl pulled Jake's hand and tightly held it.
''Who told you to wear shorts in winter?'' He wrapped a hand around her waist and clutched her plump ass.
As they left the staircase and approached the tunnel gates, Jasmine looked back. She noticed the men on streets checking out her buttocks which Jake was squeezing.
''Aren't I your precious slave? You should kill them for having indecent thoughts about me!''
''Indecent?'' Jake chuckled hearing her. ''Where did you learn this fancy word, huh?''
''Ah~'' Jasmine whimpered as he slapped her other buttock. She trotted a few steps ahead, and her curvy hips swung naturally.
Jake followed her and Ragan increased his pace to catch up to them. But just as he reached behind his master, an arrow swept past his cheek.
''They're attacking!''
Jake pulled Jasmine through the crowd while talking with Ragan who had turned into a fox. The slave trader now sat on Jake's shoulders while looking around.
''All three of them have houses in the Upper District, but they keep all their slaves here. So, they'll mostly be here to guard the slaves with hired mercenaries. Robb and Xenan have strong connections with local gangs here, so they are more protected.''
''Do you think there is anyone powerful enough to threaten me?''
''I don't know, master... But someone of your caliber wouldn't stay here. 4th Circle beings are beyond a lowly beastkin such as me.''
Ragan waved his paw to give directions while speaking. As they entered through a dark alley, some dim yellow lanterns appeared in their view.
Two well-built men were standing guard in front of what seemed to be a gate. They each had drawn swords in their hands. 2nd Circle Swordsmen. An average visitor of this black market wouldn't dare mess with them.
Seeing a tall man in a brown coat walk closer, one of them put his hand forward.
''Show your pass.''
Jake didn't speak and looked at the fox on his shoulder. The other guard noticed Jasmine at this moment and saw a collar on her neck.
''Are you here to sell her? I can tell you a good-'' The man suddenly stopped speaking as Jake threw a mid-grade mana crystal.
As soon as they both made eye contact with him, he used Malefic Enchantment on them. Mere 2nd Circle humans were nothing to him.
''Please enter,'' they absentmindedly replied and gave the mana crystal back.
''Aha!''
The slave girl quickly caught it before Ragan could. As he sighed and looked at his master, the fox suddenly noticed Jake's face and body morphing in real time.
''Look ahead and lead me to 'my' secret base. Be quick, I don't want to waste the whole day here.'' Jake said after he finished his Body Transformation. He had the voice, face and the body of Ragan's previous superior, Xenan.
'Even with just the memories I copied from Ragan, I can replicate so much of him,' Jake thought.
[Ding! You have committed a greedy sin. You gain 450 Evil Points!]
'Huh?' He was confused for a few seconds before realization hit him.
This was identity theft.