Alden moved through the dark tunnel, the scent of damp stone lingering in the air.
His footsteps were light and controlled, his body perfectly balanced as he stepped across the slick ground.
Before long, he saw a faint glow up ahead.
The tunnel widened, leading to a metal door embedded in stone, its surface covered in old, rusted engravings.
A knock wouldn't be necessary.
Alden knew the procedure.
Instead of approaching the door, he reached toward the left wall, feeling along the uneven stone until his fingers pressed against a hidden rune.
A soft click echoed.
Then, with a groan of shifting mechanisms, the door slid open.
Beyond it lay a world hidden beneath the city.
---
The Black Market
Stepping through the door, Alden entered a massive underground district.
This wasn't just some hidden alley or backroom exchange—it was an entire city.
The ceiling stretched high, supported by enormous black stone pillars that glowed faintly with runic symbols.
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.
Dim lanterns hung from the streets, casting eerie shadows over the labyrinthine pathways.
Buildings were stacked atop one another, connected by rickety wooden bridges and stone walkways.
Despite being underground, it was alive with activity.
Merchants and smugglers stood behind makeshift stalls, haggling over rare goods.
Masked figures in noble attire whispered behind raised hoods.
Mercenaries and assassins leaned against walls, their hands always near their weapons.
People from all walks of life gathered here.
Some seeking rare artifacts.
Some seeking illegal enchantments.
And some... simply seeking trouble.
"Damn… I forgot how big this place was," Alden muttered.
---
As he walked, Alden's sharp gaze flickered between the shops, searching for something specific.
His current attire wasn't bad, but for what he was about to do?
He needed to blend in.
Soon, he spotted a stall selling enchanted cloaks.
Behind the counter sat a hunched-over old man, his bony fingers adorned with dozens of silver rings.
"Looking for something, traveler?" the merchant rasped.
Alden gestured to a black cloak lined with dark silver embroidery.
"What's the enchantment?"
"Lightweight, resistant to slashes, and slightly dampens presence," the old man grinned, his yellowed teeth showing. "A perfect cloak for those who prefer... discretion."
Alden tossed a few gold coins onto the counter.
The merchant grinned wider. "Pleasure doing business."
Pulling the cloak over his shoulders, Alden felt the slight weight disappear as the enchantment activated.
Now, he looked just like another anonymous figure in the Black Market.
Perfect.
As Alden continued exploring, Shiranui's tails flicked slightly from her spot on his shoulder.
"You sure you want to go through with this?" she asked.
Kurenai chuckled. "Do you really think he'll back out now?"
Alden smirked. "Exactly."
Shiranui sighed. "Tch. I'm just saying—breaking into a high-security auction isn't the smartest move."
Alden shrugged. "Maybe not… but the rewards are worth the risk."
---
The Auction House –
After some time, Alden reached his true destination.
The Auction House.
It stood at the heart of the Black Market, a massive domed structure made of obsidian stone.
Unlike the surrounding buildings, which were cramped and chaotic, this place radiated power and control.
Guardians clad in enchanted armor stood at every entrance.
People dressed in high-quality silks, robes, and suits arrived in groups, their very presence exuding wealth and power.
Alden's sharp eyes flickered to the security measures.
High-rank mercenaries at the front gate.
Mana-sensitive barriers along the walls.
Invitation checks at every entrance.
Anyone trying to sneak in would fail instantly.
Unless…
They had something special.
Something that could bypass both physical and magical barriers.
Alden took a deep breath.
Then, his voidstep came to life.
A moment later, his body faded into nothingness.
A technique that allowed him to slip between dimensions.
No barrier could stop it.
No detection magic could sense it.
Alden stepped forward… and vanished into the Auction House.
---
To Be Continued…