We decided to take public transit to the location designated by the black token. I wasn’t sure if all four of us could fit on my motorcycle comfortably and kept it stored inside my ring. The image of our bodies crammed together on a military-issued bike wasn't the attention that we needed, especially for where we were heading. It took thirty minutes and several subway stops to reach the nearest entrance to the underground.
A random alleyway deep between several buildings was the spot. There was nothing but side entrances used for depositing trash and as an extra emergency exit. Avalon didn’t seem to have any homeless and the abundant number of slave trading may be the reason none could be found here. They most likely get taken in with the guarantee of food and shelter but that was a kind way of looking at it. Most were probably forced into slavery with no hopes of ever getting control of their lives back.
“Here you go, master. To conceal your identity.” Jade handed over a full-cover mask and spoke again once I accepted it. “The magic imbued in it will secure it to your face.”
“Thanks.” The front face of the mask was entirely black with red markings. It was solid to touch and felt like a lighter and more durable version of porcelain.
Jade handed out varying masks to Eris and Selka, each seeming to match their preference. They all ended up in a darker shade of their favorite colors with Eris’s red and Selka’s a more grayish-black compared to mine. Jade retrieved the final mask from her ring and placed it onto her face. The darker-colored jade mask stuck to her face as she informed me it would as the rest of us did the same.
Selka stepped forward with the token in hand and channeled a string of mana to activate it. The concrete wall in front of us shimmered into a wide passageway. Reminding me of the magic camouflaging the mountain entrance to the Beast’s den.
The opened wall gave way to a set of black stairs that went down to a spacious metallic platform with railings going around its hexagonal perimeter. Selka and Jade led the way to an interface device that jutted out from the center of the platform. Selka placed the token into a slot that matched its exact shape as a beep and chinking of gears came into action.
The entire platform unhinged from its stationary position, lowering us at an accelerating speed until we bottomed out at a fast fall. Barely above the threshold of comfort for a normal person. There were dirt and ground walls around with the only source of light illuminating our area coming from the patterned designs spread across the platform floor.
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It wasn’t long until we arrived at the bottom, facing a large vault-like door. The doors automatically opened as the light beyond nearly blinded me from the abrupt shift of low light darkness. Neon signs of every possible color spectrum lit up the massive underground metropolis in front of us. The additional light posts felt unnecessary and the sight of people roaming around made me forget about the wasteful energy practices.
There were hordes of people, no less busy compared to topside and all wearing masks to conceal their identities.
“Master, I’ll lead the way to our acquaintance.” Jade took the lead as we followed behind.
“I didn’t expect this many people.” I did my best to stop swiveling my head like a tourist.
“It is actually pretty slow compared to usual.” Jade countered and waved her hand out into the air.
“What are you wa-” The words got caught in my throat as a stone decoration that came from a building's ledge broke free and started to transform as it approached us. It looked like a replication of a bird-type beast though its transformation was too quick to tell as it turned into the shape of a carriage.
“This is the best means of transportation available for anyone that needs to get around quickly. We would be wasting quite a lot of time if we had to travel on foot.” The carriage landed in front of us as the door opened and stairs lowered for passengers to get on.
“After you, master.” Jade continued and it all felt very natural to her like this was a normal day, roaming around the city for her.
The stairs creaked from the weight of my steps and what was stone had turned into wood. There was no driver or connecting apparatus to drive the carriage, only the simple enclosure able to fit up to six people comfortably.
Eris took a seat next to me with the other two facing us from the other side. The interior was the exact opposite compared to the outside's dull and aged wooden appearance. The red cushy seats and elegantly carved motifs added a sense of nobility.
“Is this a normal means of commuting for anyone down here?” It felt rather extravagant to be readily available for use.
“Sorry, please bear with it for now, master. I will be sure to get us an upgraded carriage next time.” Jade apologized before stating our destination. “To the Flower Garden.” The carriage levitated from her command and flew at a steady pace.
“This is economy class? Also, there's no need to be so formal.” I hoped my genuine amazement would alter the way she maintained formalities with me.
“As you wish, master.” Jade bowed her head and we couldn’t see each other’s faces but it sounded like Selka let out a giggle, looking away in an attempt to hold in any further laughter.
“Isn’t a flower garden, a strange place to meet someone, and who is this person anyway?”
“The Flower Garden is the name of the club within the underground's red-light district. The person we are meeting is in charge of operations there and has been our informant on several matters.” Selka’s giggling turned into bursts of laughter the moment Jade replied to my question.
“Oh...” I was glad they couldn’t see the embarrassment underneath my mask and looked at Eris the moment she could no longer hold back a giggle, joining in with Selka.