It's been a week since we started walking towards the north. Our food is starting to end and we need to stock up on more. luckily Noemi has that inventory skill. Thanks to it, we can have fresh food without the need to stop in every city.
«I don't like this city... Can we hold it until we arrive at the next one?» (Noemi)
-What's the matter? For her to be like this... What do they do here?-
«Do we have enough food that no one gets hungry until then?» (Me)
«N-no... we'll be without food for a few days...» (Noemi)
«Then let's go in and out quickly just to buy enough food for those few days.» (Me)
Noemi's eyes shine as she smiles and hugs me.
-She was probably misunderstanding my first question.-
I laugh awkwardly as the five of us walk into the city. Noemi tightens around my arm as we walk in. A single think walks into everyone's head. "Smells like death".
The streets were bloody and chained people could be seen everywhere. All of them in rags, their exposed arms and legs were covered by cuts and bruises, their bones could be seen on their skin and the look of misery, desperation and fear could be seen on everyone's face. They had already lost all hope. Among each group would be a wealthy looking man, dressed in luxury clothing among the misery and poverty.
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Apart from the people that were all over the place, the city itself was in ruins. From the looks of it, it used to be a city like any others but now... It's just the perfect slave dealing spot. Pretty much everyone was turned into a slave here. Only merchants and dealers are free.
«Sir, would you like of these beauties to accompany you? I bet...» (Dealer)
«Not interested.» (Me)
I look around and appraise every single slave in the plaza.
«But just in case, can you explain to me how this works?» (Me)
A large grin appears on the dealers face as Noemi's face shows deep concern and shock
«Well of course! From the moment you pay, we will cast a spell to pass the ownership to you. From then on, they can't go against you! And don't think of stealing. If our merchandise is stolen, any "Merchant" can order her until the spell of liberation is cast on the merchandise. This kind of magic is very rare so I doubt you'll ever be able to do it. Which one caught your eye?» (Dealer)
' This is just disgusting... slaves aren't merchandise and you are no merchant... '
(Kit)
' Calm down... let's wait a bit. '
I walk away, leaving the dealer hanging on his own exciting world. We quickly arrive at the market and Noemi finally managed to talk to me.
«What was that?!» (Noemi)
«I'll free everyone. Once night falls, they'll die and the slaves will be free. It's just a few hours away so there'll be no problem.» (Me)
Everyone looks shocked at me.
«Do you have slave magic?» (Laura)
«No...» (Me)
Everyone's shock turns into concern...
«Not yet at least.» (Me)
And shock is back. Now mixes with deep concern.