I had some time to waste before the bestowment ceremony, so I decided to stroll through the city. Inspecting the fruit I bought recently, I took a bite. I immediately spat it out. ‘The fruit in this city tastes like ass,’ I thought while scanning the alleys. Perhaps I’ve been too used to the high-quality fruit of the southern region.

Back when I was just a fledgling adventurer, I frequented the black market for essentials. Over time, I learned to identify illusion magic through the smallest details. One of my old enemies employed heavy use of this branch of magic by utilizing clones and feints. Whenever she felt like she was about to lose, she would create a multitude of clones, scattering in every direction. I didn’t really have to kill her, but her ability was extremely useful when on the run.

Needless to say, the illusions created to hide the black market is child's play for me at this point. What was the saying again? “I pay back kindness half-fold and revenge a hundred-fold?” Well whatever.

“Hey brat, where do you think you’re going?” demanded a mercenary with a scowl. “Go home, this isn’t a place for a child like you.”

I looked him in the eye. “I know what I’m doing, thanks for the warning. I’m a… Customer.”

He stared me down, confused. “When ogres fly,” he began, waiting for a response. Unfortunately, I don’t know this week’s password. I locked eyes with him for an uncomfortably long period of time.

“Move aside, I don’t have time for these games,” I said, knocking him out. “Kids these days.”

Without a second glance, I stepped over the body, my newly-acquired shoes clacked down the hall at a leisurely pace. Soon, I spotted the concierge behind the booth. Before he started his annoying spiel about where I want to go, I cut him off. “Where is the exchange and the fight club?”

“Oooooverrr thereeeee,” he drawled, pointing down two tunnels.

“Thanks,” I said, walking down the second tunnel. “Keep doing that and I’ll rip out your tongue.

The black market is connected through a series of winding tunnels, remnants of a past rebellion. Each tunnel leads to a separate warehouse in the lower district, containing different illegal goods and services. In case of a raid, the tunnels are collapsable and they all connect to a secret safehouse that changes weekly. While the authorities largely turn a blind eye due to the tax revenue it generates, the black market remains under the scrutiny of the pope, who openly condemns its existence.

Traversing the cramped tunnels dimly lit by flickering torches, I soon reached the end. Donning a ski mask, I pushed open the trap door. It reveals a sprawling, bustling marketplace, filled with all sorts of illicit goods—endangered monsters, forbidden tomes and weapons, and most importantly—slaves. Whenever a major conflict erupts, slavers would kidnap refugee stragglers to sell.

I despise slavers—they prey on the weak for profit. Unfortunately, this is an ancient trade that seemed impossible to stamp out. I approached one of the brokers, while scrutinizing one of the cages.

“I’m looking for an attendant for my master. Preferably female, skilled in support magic,” I said.

The conditions were better than I expected. Slaves have to be properly cared for; otherwise nobody would purchase them. They were chained with cuffs that seal magic and aura, preventing them from escaping.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

The broker shook his head. “Unfortunately, we don’t have anyone fitting your specifications.” He hesitated, then pointed to a boy in the back. “We do have someone who specializes in support magic, however, he is… Mute. He can’t cast any magic…”

I tossed him a pouch of silver coins. “I’ll take him, keep the change.” In this trade, slaves with major disfigurements are rarely healed; it requires the intervention of a priest, which is impossible due to their fierce opposition.

The door clanked open. He slowly shuffled out, as the cuffs clattered to the floor. “What is your name?” the broker inquired. “I must engrave a rune of obedience.”

“That won’t be necessary. Come boy, follow me,” I commanded.

He reluctantly trailed behind me as we navigated the tunnels, arriving at the fight club. “You stay here,” I ordered. “I just need your help for a bit, then you can do whatever you want.”

He nodded silently, his eyes fixed on the ground despondently.

“Yeah kill him, Suse!” the spectators cheered.

It’s just the same as I’ve remembered it. A cesspool of gambling and violence. I squinted, then paused, thinking, ‘how can I make a cool entrance? Befitting an attention seeker…’ A flash of inspiration suddenly came to me. That’s right, how could I have forgotten?

I jumped into the stadium. “Introducing the new challenger—Me!” I declared with a flourish. Before anyone could react, I punched the other competitor in the throat, causing him to collapse on the floor. I grabbed Suse by the scruff of his neck.

“[Azure Dragon Shunpo].”

Grabbing my attendant, aura surged around us as we crashed through the arena wall.

“Somebody stop him! Suse is getting kidnapped—give us a refund!!” the angry spectators roared in outrage.

“... Thank you,” Suse muttered, glancing behind him.

I blinked at him behind my mask. “Of course, of course—you’re welcome!”

As we fled, he explained how he’d been planning his escape for a long time but never found the right moment to make a break for it. I escorted him to the forests outside Wesclim and bid him farewell. ‘Another good deed done,’ I thought, patting myself on the back.

In my last life, he died in vain after the inquisitors raided the black market. He never knew how much he helped me. The [Mana Drain] ability was particularly invaluable, allowing me to fight for hours without rest.

Sighing, I leaped over the wall onto a rooftop, carrying my attendant on my back. Once we landed, I pulled off my ski mask and broke my sandwich in half, offering him a piece. He reluctantly accepted and took a bite.

“[Divine Restoration],” I casted, watching as his tongue healed. “What is your name?” I asked curiously, running my fingers through my ruffled hair.

He swallowed hard before responding. “Ajay. My village was destroyed during the conflict between us and the elves. I am the only survivor—I was captured by slavers.”

I nodded, glancing down at the chaos of the black market raid unfolding below. “Okayyyy, nice to meet you Ajay! You will be my attendant for a party I’m attending next week, then I will set you free. Sounds like a deal?”

He nodded quickly. “I- thank you. I never thought I would see the light of day again. I’ll do whatever you ask of me.”

“Stay close to me. I will buy new clothes for you, something befitting for my attendant.”

After he ate, I led him to a river. He washed himself off, and soon enough, a suit was tailored for him. He looked… Handsome.

“Are you not going to buy clothes for yourself?” he asked. “You are attending a formal event… Aren’t you?”

I nodded. “Just these bathrobes will suffice. As the last disciple of my late master, I will honor his legacy. I’ll show up as I am, with my honor intact.” He raised an eyebrow, then nodded. I didn’t feel like telling him the actual reason, that I simply despise wearing formal attire. They are a nightmare to fight in, and besides, the performance of the [Ascetic’s Robes] are amazing. In the meantime, I tried my best to teach him how to be a proper attendant.

However, this proves to be an arduous task. Facepalming, I asked him to demonstrate his support magic. ‘What the fuck? I got scammed!’ I thought to myself, cursing. Unsheathing my sword, I made a small cut on my finger.

“Here, heal this.”

He looked at me and began chanting. “[Heal]!”

‘This guy is actually fucking useless, he can’t even heal a fucking papercut?’

We stared at each other in silence, then I coughed and spoke up. “Ummm, well done..? During the party, just follow my lead and keep your mouth shut.”

“Yes, your highness,” he said, bowing at a 90 degree angle.

‘His face looks so punchable right now,’ I thought, my fist clenched up and shaking. “Cut it out. I’ll introduce you to my friends at the adventurers guild,” I ordered, starting to walk away.