'Fang Yuan, I'll contact you in a bit, just wait a moment,' I said to Fang Yuan before reaching out to Madara. I was far more interested in what Madara had to say.
[Understood, master. I'll wait for you.]
Then, I contacted Madara.
The only task I gave him was to find a place to sell my items. I had given the same task to both him and Fang Yuan. However, Fang Yuan hadn't found any place and claimed he wouldn't be able to.
He said there was no place to sell things besides the guild. I'm starting to think his search wasn't all that thorough.
'So, Madara? Did you find a place to sell my items?'
[You finally answered. Yes, I found a place that fits your request. However, it's not exactly trustworthy.]
'What do you mean?'
[The building is in terrible shape. It doesn't inspire confidence.]
'I see. Did you talk to the people working there?'
[Of course. I asked around this residential area until I found the place. Honestly, master, this area is a mess.]
'What's the name of the place you're at now?'
A possibility started to cross my mind.
[I asked around, and apparently, this place is called Daedalus. There are lots of buildings here. Many of them look like they could collapse at any moment.]
'You found a place to sell magic stones and items in Daedalus Street? Seriously?'
I didn't expect a place like that to exist there.
Is Madara being deceived?
"I guess I'll only know for sure if I go there myself."
'Madara, are you near the place right now?'
[Yes, master. It's right in the center Daedalus.]
"Alright."
Before taking control of Madara's body, I reached out to Fang Yuan again.
'Madara found a place to sell magic stones and items. I'll contact you in a few minutes.'
Fang Yuan didn't respond, and I took control of Madara's body.
As soon as I did, I was greeted by a towering wall of buildings in front of me.
They looked like they were stacked on top of each other.
I glanced around and noticed there were countless alleyways between the buildings. Everything seemed randomly built, creating a giant maze.
'I should've asked for more precise directions.'
When I take control of Madara's body, his consciousness disappears, so I can't ask him anything.
That's when someone approached me from behind.
"Hey, I can't wait any longer. You said you needed to talk to your master, but it looks like he's not showing up. Let's go—my boss is waiting for you."
How convenient.
"Sure," I replied, looking seriously at the man.
The chubby guy with a mean face smiled and turned around. "Follow me."
He walked toward one of the thousands of alleys in this place.
####
I followed him into a narrow alley. We walked for a few minutes and arrived at a heavy-looking iron door.
'How did Madara even find this place? Was he approached by this guy?'
I didn't trust this man at all.
He knocked a few times, and the door slowly creaked open.
Another shady-looking man answered.
I followed them inside without hesitation, since I wasn't in any real danger. We walked through a corridor that felt like a maze—so many paths, so many doors.
I heard voices coming from behind several doors, and I passed by many shady-looking men and women.
It felt like walking through the streets of Los Angeles. In specific areas, of course.
These people looked like drug addicts.
'Are there drugs in this world? I don't remember.'
After another minute of walking, we arrived at a larger, more decorated door. The man accompanying me nodded and opened it.
"Boss is waiting for you inside."
I nodded and stepped in.
The moment I entered, I came face to face with the man he called "boss."
'What an ugly guy.' That was the only thing that came to mind when I saw him.
He was bald, old, and wrinkled. Tattoos covered his body, and he wore strange clothes—almost punk-like. As soon as he saw me, he smiled.
"So you're the one looking for my services. Your eyes are strange."
"I'm here to make sales. I'm not here to hire your services."
"But that is my service. I buy items and magic stones."
"That makes things easier." I sighed and pulled out a chair, sitting down in front of him and placing my hand on the table.
"So, what's the price? How much do you pay for magic stones and items?"
"..." The man glared at me, and his lips curled into a smile. "You've got guts. I like that. Not many people act like that in front of me."
I didn't understand.
Is he from an important Familia? Is he strong? Does this guy have any real influence in this world?
I didn't ask. I just stayed silent and waited for his answer.
"Depends on the magic stone and the item. Of course, I can't pay the same prices the guild offers, but I pay a fair amount. So, where'd you steal them from?"
"What makes you think I stole them?"
"You're not an adventurer, are you? That's why you're looking for an alternative way to sell stones and items. You can't sell to the guild without being an adventurer."
"All I'll say is I didn't steal anything."
"Hahahaha!" The man laughed. "Fine, fine. I don't really care where it all comes from anyway. So, where is it? Did you bring it?"
The man began staring at me like a child about to get candy.
I smiled at him, then opened my arms.
In front of me, the inventory window appeared.
"Here it is." My inventory was filled with magic stones and items. There was so much that, when I pulled out just a portion, the floor was completely covered.
The man, seeing all those magic stones and items appear out of nowhere and scatter across the ground, was speechless. He froze, his jaw dropping, eyes wide as he started to sweat cold.
"Who the hell are you?"
"Someone who doesn't like being bothered and just wants a bit of money. So, are you in, or not?"
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