First Legendary Dragon: Starting With The Limitless System-Chapter 64: Slave Market

The area was noticeably quieter, the bustling sounds of merchants and hagglers fading into silence. Orion glanced curiously at the increasingly isolated surroundings.

Lucan finally stopped the carriage near a discreet building with a shabby appearance. "We’re here," he said, hopping down from his seat.

Orion stepped out, surveying the modest entrance calmly. "Is the slave market hidden here?"

Edgar nodded appreciatively, feeling proud of Orion’s insight. "That is correct, Young Master."

Lucan reached into a hidden compartment under the carriage seat, producing three simple yet intricate masks. "You’ll need to wear these," he said, handing them out. "We don’t want to attract unnecessary attention."

Orion examined the mask carefully. Crafted from a sturdy material, it was adorned with subtle runes designed to obscure one’s identity. He placed the mask over his face, immediately feeling a strange but gentle aura envelop him.

"How do I look?" Orion asked, voice slightly distorted by the mask.

Edgar smiled behind his own mask. "Unrecognizable, Young Master."

Lucan motioned toward the inconspicuous door. "Follow me."

They stepped through the narrow entrance, descending a dimly lit staircase into a subterranean passageway. The air grew cooler, and the murmur of distant voices gradually grew louder, signaling their approach to the hidden underground market.

After navigating several winding corridors, they emerged into a bustling, expansive underground chamber illuminated by flickering mana lamps.

The air buzzed with malevolent energy, merchants and customers moving about discreetly. Various stalls lined the walls, offering everything from exotic potions to prohibited magical artifacts and stolen goods.

"Welcome to the dark side of Stormspire," Edgar whispered softly, amusement evident in his tone.

Orion observed the scene, curiosity heightened. "Why does the kingdom allow this place to exist? Isn’t it risky to tolerate something so clearly illicit?"

Edgar sighed lightly, guiding Orion forward. "It’s a matter of practicality, Young Master. The kingdom allows this underground market as a controlled environment. Better to have illegal activities centralized and closely monitored than scattered and hidden throughout the kingdom."

"In other words, keep your friends close and your enemies closer?" Orion remarked thoughtfully.

"Exactly," Edgar affirmed with a nod. "By allowing this controlled space, the kingdom keeps tabs on criminal activities, reducing the risk of unchecked chaos."

Lucan cheerfully interjected, "And it’s profitable too. The kingdom gets a tidy sum from taxes and bribes."

Edgar chuckled softly. "Well, there is that as well."

Orion shook his head in mild disbelief, but couldn’t deny the logic behind it.

"Cough, Young Master, how will we explain you buying a slave to Master and Lady Selene?" Lucan rubbed the back of his head and asked.

Orion rubbed his forehead. "Haa... we’ll think about it after I’ve found her. Otherwise, all of it will be for naught."

His gaze shifted toward one side of the place—a massive slave market occupying the right side section of the underground space.

Rows of cages lined the wide-open area, each filled with beings from various races. Slave masters shouted advertisements, eager to draw the attention of passing customers. The scene was chaotic, noisy, and unsettlingly lively.

They slowly walked among the cages, observing the diverse array of slaves on display.

Orion saw humans huddled quietly, their faces blank or fearful. ’Human slaves, huh... well, I expected them to be here.’ He inwardly shook his head. He had mentally prepared himself for stuff like this, but it still left a bad taste in his mouth.

[Will you free them, Master?]

He lightly shook his head. ’I’m no righteous warrior. Even if I try to liberate the slaves here, another market will get opened somewhere else. And markets such as this exist in all cities and kingdoms... and probably even empires.’

’And for some reason, I don’t feel as... adverse to this as I had expected?’ he wondered.

[Maybe due to the Inheritance of the True Dragons, Master. It will influence you, even if subtly.]

’That’s why I asked Echo to give me my perfect emotions, but looks like time really is merciless.’

He continued to look ahead, and nearby, sturdy dwarves scowled defiantly from their confinement, eyes burning with pride despite the chains all over their bodies.

Further along were the beastkin—foxkin with sly gazes, lionkin standing tall and defiant, bearkin glaring menacingly, wolvekin pacing restlessly, catkin and tigerkin watching cautiously, and others.

Each displayed unique features, their strength and agility clearly evident despite their captivity.

Orion paused briefly by a cage holding several foxkin. Their eyes were sharp, intelligent, cautiously assessing potential buyers. "These foxkin seem quite composed," Orion commented softly.

"Foxkin are known for their sharp minds and adaptability," Edgar explained quietly. "They make highly sought-after slaves, especially for administrative or diplomatic roles... and some other private reasons."

Orion chuckled and nodded, understanding why their vendor was enthusiastically advertising their intelligence, loyalty, and beauty.

Continuing through the market, they encountered stalls holding gnomes meticulously tinkering with small gadgets, even while confined.

Pixies fluttered restlessly within glass enclosures, their delicate wings glowing faintly.

Minotaurs walked around in their large cages, their muscles on the verge of ripping from aggression. Their eyes held fierce defiance, unbroken despite their captivity. Centaurs stood stoically, their dignity untouched even as customers scrutinized them closely.

A section dedicated to lamia drew considerable attention from the buyers, their serpentine bodies and exotic beauty mesmerizing passersby. Harpies, confined within tall cages, shifted restlessly, feathers ruffled with agitation.

As Orion observed the diverse array, he felt a strange mixture of fascination and discomfort.

The sight was starkly different from the luxurious streets of Stormspire, presenting a darker aspect of the world.

"Why are some of these slaves Awakeners?" Orion asked Edgar, noticing powerful auras emanating from certain individuals.

Edgar nodded gravely. "Many Awakeners end up captured during wars or skirmishes after they are injured, their strength making them particularly valuable as bodyguards, gladiators, or even laborers in harsh environments. Their presence significantly raises the price of any sale."

Orion considered this silently, absorbing the harsh reality.

Moving deeper into the slave market, Orion and Edgar scanned for any sign of the elf described by his system quest.

Orion activated his Eye of Revelation occasionally, carefully evaluating each potential candidate. However, due to his limited rank, the details on stronger or magically concealed individuals remained frustratingly elusive.

At one stall, a gruff-looking vendor enthusiastically promoted a delicate-looking elf with silvery hair and pale skin. Her green eyes flashed briefly toward Orion, holding a fleeting spark of defiance.

"Beautiful, isn’t she?" the vendor boasted, gesturing grandly. "She’s from an elven clan known for their Spirit Art affinity. Perfect for companionship or even as a bodyguard."

Orion’s eyes narrowed slightly, activating his Eye of Revelation.

[Elf Female (Tier ???): Partial Details – Spirit Affinity: High. Current State: Weakened.]

The lack of clear information frustrated Orion. He hesitated, unsure whether she was the elf he sought, because he felt nothing special from her—neither did Lumi jump in to say she was the one.

"Interested?" the vendor pressed eagerly, mistaking Orion’s hesitation for genuine interest. "A real bargain at 3,000 High Grade Mana Crystals."

Orion shook his head slightly, deciding against a hasty purchase without more details. "I’ll keep looking."

"Was she not the one, Young Master?" Edgar asked as they continued moving forward.