As Alden walked through the dimly lit streets, the city was alive with energy. People moved about in the night, some enjoying the festival near the river, while others carried out less-than-legal business in the shadows.
Tonight, he wasn't just here for sightseeing.
He had a destination.
And a goal.
---
The Black Market Auction
Alden's mind ran through the details as he walked.
"An auction is happening tonight."
Not just any auction—the underground black market auction.
It was not a legal gathering, and yet, some of the most influential nobles, wealthy merchants, and powerful individuals would attend.
People who had power, influence, and wealth beyond imagination.
And yet, tonight, those same powerful figures would be caught in chaos.
"The Demon Worshipers will attack tonight."
It was a known event in the game, though it wasn't part of the main storyline.
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
The attack was doomed to fail.
Why?
Because the people inside the auction were far stronger than the attackers.
Powerful Awakened individuals. S-Rank mercenaries, assassins, nobles, and even royal agents.
The Demon Worshipers would come for an artifact, something they needed for a summoning ritual.
But they would fail.
And that meant…
There would be a perfect window of opportunity.
A chance to steal something else.
Something far more important.
But way to dangarous. In this auction there are people who can kill him without moving a finger.
So he needs to alert and careful all the time .
---
Why I was going there I had no interest in stopping the Demon Worshipers.
The security of the auction would handle that.
His goal was something else.
An Easter egg from the game.
Something that would be incredibly valuable, something no one else would know the true importance of.
His grip tightened around his katana's hilt as he walked.
"I'm going to take it… and maybe a few other things while I'm at it."
This will be his first robbery and he is already felling excited.
---
"Tch. You're insane," Shiranui huffed, her fluffy tails twitching as she lay comfortably on his shoulder.
Kurenai, his sword, chuckled. "No, he's just opportunistic. I approve."
Alden smirked. "This is a rare chance. It would be a waste not to take advantage of the situation."
Shiranui rolled her eyes. "There are easier ways to get strong, you know?"
Alden tilted his head. "Easier? Yes. Faster? No."
Shiranui grumbled. "Fine. But don't come crying if you get stabbed."
Kurenai hummed in amusement. "He's more likely to do the stabbing."
Alden chuckled. "Exactly."
---
As he approached the river, he found himself stepping into a lively festival.
Colorful lanterns hung from strings, casting a warm glow on the excited crowd.
Street performers, food stalls, and merchants filled the area, adding to the bustling atmosphere.
Among the vendors was a mask stall.
Alden slowed his steps, looking over the collection.
There were all sorts—beast masks, demon masks, and noble masquerade masks.
But his eyes landed on a single mask at the edge of the stall.
A simple white mask.
Perfect.
He reached for it and tossed a few coins to the merchant before putting it on.
---
The Hidden Path
With his new mask in place, Alden continued toward the river's edge.
He glanced around, making sure no one was watching, then slipped into a side alley.
Near the water, an old sewer grate sat half-buried under debris.
Most people would overlook it.
But Alden knew better.
This was a hidden entrance—a detail from the game.
He crouched, gripped the rusted metal, and pulled it open with a quiet grunt.
Darkness loomed beneath.
A cold draft rose from the tunnel, carrying the scent of damp stone and stagnant water.
Alden exhaled.
Then, without hesitation, he stepped inside.
---
To Be Continued…