Black Market (4)

"Nameless Squad, are any of you inside?"

Repeating my query after a few moments of silence, I received no immediate response.

"Nameless Squad, are any of you inside?" I called out once more, the echoes of my words seemingly absorbed by the silence that pervaded the space.

As I knocked on the door, I hesitated as the creaking door swung open, revealing the seemingly deserted interior of the house. It appeared that no one was present, leaving me in an uncertain position... Should I wait here for their return?

Contemplating my options, I took a few cautious steps inside, scanning the area for any sign of life. "Nameless Squad, is anyone here?" I questioned again, my voice carrying through the quiet surroundings. As my eyes roamed the room, I noted a few well-maintained flower pots adorning the windowsill and a small, flickering campfire in the center of the living space.

The emptiness of the place was in stark contrast to the evidence that this was indeed their dwelling, highlighting the transitory nature of their presence.

"A photograph...?"

As I moved closer to inspect the photograph on the table, I failed to notice a hidden trap lying in wait.

In an instant, my foot triggered the trap, and before I knew it, I was ensnared and lifted off the ground. My world turned topsy-turvy as I dangled upside down, my head colliding with the floor with a painful thud.

"Ugh... I'm losing consciousness."

The impact had left me dazed and disoriented, struggling to remain awake.

Am I really going to die like this...?

...

..

.

"Solis, Solis! He's about to wake up..."

Groggily, I managed to open my eyes, my vision blurry and my head throbbing.

"...?"

I noticed the shadow towering over me. It was struggling but I managed to look up towards them.... Why do they seem familiar?

Before me crouched two individuals. One of them was a girl who appeared to be around sixteen, her hair a mix of brown with a reddish strand. Her attire included a jacket with a unique silver ornament hanging over her heart, and she sported the uniform of the Central Academy along with a scarf around her neck.

Beside her stood a woman wearing a gray witch hat that seemed to echo the hue of her hair, blending with the hint of orange at the ends. Her eyes also matched this shade of orange. She wore a tattered dress paired with a ribbon and black gloves.

"You're right, Odium... Look at him, Leader, Reaper. The guy from earlier is waking up," the woman with the witch hat said, shifting her gaze to her right.

While I was busy looking at her, a new girl entered the room.

She donned a crimson cloak adorned with an ornate red collar and an intricate red ornament. The fabric of her cloak bore an unusual pattern, and her attire was embellished with various accessories. In her grasp, she held a double-headed scythe, casually resting it upon her shoulder—an oversized, peculiar weapon resembling a colossal pickaxe.

"Yo, leader! The man's about to wake up," she hollered, crouching before me with an air of boisterousness.

In response to her announcement, the individual her companions had addressed as "leader" emerged from an adjoining room. As she pivoted her gaze toward me, I couldn't help but notice a sense of recognition in her eyes. A fleeting moment passed as our eyes met—those silvery tresses, pallid complexion, and deep crimson irises unmistakably identifying her as the same woman from our earlier encounter.

I narrowed my eyes, offering a subtle nod of acknowledgment.

The leader, with her characteristic silver hair, alabaster skin, and vivid scarlet eyes, seemed unfazed by our silent exchange. Her countenance resumed its customary impassivity as she sighed heavily.

"Didn't I warn you to exercise greater caution in the future?" Her tone carried an undercurrent of exasperation. However, my attention wasn't truly focused on her currently.

Ahh... How the heck is it even possible for them to maintain such an impeccable appearance and smell despite living in such conditions!?

I opted to remain silent, taking in her words while her companions turned their attention toward her expectantly.

"You know him?" inquired the girl identified as Reaper, her curiosity evident.

Rather than addressing Reaper's inquiry, the leader averted her gaze and spoke with an air of detachment. "Release him and allow him to depart."

Reaper, seemingly unsatisfied, persisted, "Is that all? What if he's a spy or an assassin sent to eliminate us?"

Reclining casually upon a decrepit couch, the leader adopted an air of nonchalance. "Had he been a spy or an assassin, he wouldn't have fallen for such an obvious, dumb and amateurish trap. It's more likely he's simply lost or misguided."

Waow... Are you referring that I'm dumb to have fallen in this "obvious" trap you guys set up?

...I can't deny that.

"I'm not lost..."

"...."

My declaration prompted their collective focus to snap back onto me.

"...S-so you're just a dumb spy or assassin?"

"Hey!"

In response to my statement, the girl Solis referred to as "Odium" sought refuge behind Solis' back, emitting an alarmed "Eek!".

Coughing lightly to regain my composure, I regarded the trio before me, finally directing my gaze toward their leader.

"I wish to propose a contract."

***

A Contract...

Within this world, a contract stands as a potent mechanism, seamlessly bringing together two individuals within the confines of a binding agreement. This contract takes shape through the skillful manipulation of each party's mana, a manifestation of their magical essence.

The terms and clauses of the agreement are meticulously woven between the two parties, resulting in a tapestry of obligations and responsibilities. With the signing of the contract, both parties become enmeshed in its web, committing themselves to unwaveringly uphold its terms.

However, the consequences that await a breach of this contract are not to be taken lightly. The stipulations outlined within could potentially lead to grave outcomes, with the severity of the repercussions directly proportional to the significance of the agreement. In certain cases, the consequences could even extend to the unthinkable—the loss of a life.

It's important to note that the contract's hold is not perpetual. Upon the successful fulfillment of the agreement, the binds of the contract will naturally dissipate, allowing both individuals to part ways, their obligations fulfilled, and their paths unburdened.

"You want to sign a contract..." The leader's words hung in the air, laden with curiosity and caution. She rose from the couch gracefully, her steps purposeful as she closed the distance between us.

Standing before me, the leader lowered herself into a crouch, her eyes locking onto mine in a gaze that felt both assessing and penetrating.

"Are you fully cognizant of the potential consequences that might befall either party should the terms be violated?" Her words bore the weight of gravity, demanding earnest consideration.

"Yeah," I responded, my voice carrying a certainty that matched the seriousness of the situation.

In the wake of my response, a profound silence descended upon the room, stretching out for a few heartbeats, as if time itself held its breath.

Eventually, breaking the stillness, the leader released a weighted sigh, signaling a decision reached. Slowly straightening, she returned to a standing position. "Very well then," she conceded, a mixture of resignation and resolve in her tone. She retraced her steps to the couch, where her sword awaited.

Gently drawing her blade from its scabbard, she inspected the steel with a discerning eye, ensuring its readiness for the task ahead.

Click-!

With a fluid motion, the leader returned the sword to its sheath, securing it at her waist as she turned her attention back to me.

"Uh... Actually, I'm not here to order you guys to kill someone. Instead, I've come seeking your protection," I revealed, breaking the silence that had enveloped the room.

"...huh?" Their collective surprise was palpable as their attention swiftly refocused on me.

"You heard me correctly. I am requesting your protection," I affirmed, my tone steady despite the weight of my request.

My words seemed to reverberate through the room, and in response, Odium finally emerged from her refuge behind Solis, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Protection... This is an entirely new kind of undertaking for us... Leader, do you think we're up to the task?" Odium's uncertainty was evident as she turned her gaze toward their leader, seeking reassurance.

However, their leader remained silent, her gaze unflinchingly fixed on me. It was clear that she was contemplating the gravity of my proposal.

"Protection from whom?" she inquired, her piercing gaze unwavering.

"Not 'WHO,' but 'WHAT'...." I clarified, my posture relaxed as I leaned against the wall.

"I intend for you all to join my party."