Revelation

"Alejandro, would you be okay with me asking you questions in regard to whom I should purchase? There are quite a few races I don't know about, including their capabilities"

Ji-ho's voice was cold and emotionless, as if he had 'disconnected' himself from reality.

Alejandro wasn't sure if it was a defensive mechanism to accept what he was seeing, but considering the fact he had assured him they'd be treated well, it made little difference.

His interest in having the proper 'staff' also made his promise seem genuine.

"Of course"

"Thank you. Now let's have a look around. Also, Mundeok, should you find anyone of interest, don't hesitate to say it. Today's budget is 500 gold coins"

The general grinned, and Alejandro's ears perked up when he heard the absurd amount. This was a lot, especially considering their fairly small investment in magic crystals.

His surprise also told the engineer that the general's exploits hadn't left the United Inn's walls, which might be because of the humiliation of a lot of nobles. He assumed they weren't exactly eager to say they had lost a lot of money to an outsider…

For Ji-ho, committing this much capital was also because this was the most important place of this trip, even more so than the magic crystals' revelation.

Without enough personnel, his empire wouldn't begin with a solid foundation, especially since he had established it as one of the two primordial pillars.

This was also why he now sounded like a corporate businessman. No emotions could be allowed to interfere with plans of this scale, regardless of what injustice he was surely bound to witness.

They then made their way through the crowd before finally arriving at their first interesting stall, which was in good condition and appeared fairly normal.

It was composed of a small hut that had its entrance blocked with a counter manned by a middle-aged man in his fifties.

He looked average by all metrics and was smoking what appeared to be a cigar while looking at the passersby with little interest. His attire looked clean, but shabby, and it didn't indicate whether he was successful or not. When taking all of this into account, it was impossible for Ji-ho to get a read on the man.

It was only when the trio approached his establishment that his eyes seemed to change.

"Well well! I haven't seen you around before. Is it your first time visiting the market?"

His voice was raspy, a sure side effect of being a frequent smoker, while being mellow. It was honestly quite pleasing to hear.

He also looked quite candid, a trait the engineer appreciated in a place like this.

"Yes, and we were wondering about your offerings"

Park was also straightforward, which seemed to please the vendor.

His stall, compared to the myriad of others, was quite different in the fact that no 'products' were showcased for the public to see. It was one of the characteristics that attracted Ji-ho over.

"I have elves, dwarves and humans. They're all healthy and haven't been mistreated whilst in my care. As you can see, my business is conducted differently from a lot of traders, and I take pride into vetting any potential buyers"

His eyes then darted around the trio before settling back on Ji-ho, who remained calm and collected.

"I think you're qualified to enter"

The old man then lifted a part of his counter before welcoming them inside.

Park didn't wait and proceeded forward, only to be met with another sight that shook him.

The hut, while looking small from the exterior, had an incredibly large interior that looked, for all intents and purposes, like an actual boutique you'd find on a well-frequented street.

The decor was simple, but tasteful, with the amenities all up to standards.

What was much different, however, was the space's layout.

It was divided in a lot of rooms, which he assumed were the slaves' living areas.

Mundeok and Alejandro were also shocked by the unexpected transformation, with the gatekeeper even muttering a few words.

"Isn't this super expensive? Why is he looking so…"

Unfortunately for him, that last part was picked up by the seller, who laughed in response.

"You're right, this did cost me quite a bit, but it's well worth it. It allows me to avoid the upper class and a lot of unsavory characters. I prefer to remain low profile, you see"

Alejandro was ashamed of his intrusive thought spilling out in the open, but he appreciated hearing the reasoning.

After letting them wonder for a few more moments, the seller finally got to business.

"I forgot to present myself. I'm Marco Stein. And you all are?"

"I'm Merchant Park, and this is my bodyguard"

"As for me, it's Alejandro, gatekeeper of the Gruzian armed forces"

"What an interesting trio! Very well, I assume you're the buyer, correct?"

"Yes"

"What are you looking for?"

"To be honest with you, we're looking for everything, and our budget won't be an issue"

A small smile formed at the corner of Marco's mouth.

"Very well. Follow me"

He then led the group into what looked like a presentation stage before inviting them to sit in luxurious and comfortable chairs.

"First, let's go over the rules : You may not touch the slaves, you may not use magic on the slaves, and you may not command the slaves. If you have a question or concern, I'll do my best to answer or alleviate it. Breaking these rules will result in your immediate removal. Are we clear?"

Marco's delivery left no room for misunderstandings, and considering his now known wealth, he definitely wasn't a character to be trifled with.

"I understand"

"Perfect! Let's begin"

The trader then clapped three times, which was quickly followed by the sound of doors opening.

Mere seconds and there they were, all lined up and standing behind Marco, who also made sure they were grouped by races.

For Ji-ho, it was a mesmerizing scene.

Elves!

After briefly seeing them earlier, it was finally time to see them up close, and he had to say their looks didn't disappoint.

Their group, which was to Marco's left, consisted of 2 males and 3 females, with all of them possessing beauty that far surpassed their human counterparts. Their looks were refined, and they carried a dignity that made them feel 'superior' to all who crossed their paths.

They were, simply put, a mesmerizing existence.

However, he had to say that one particularly caught his eye, to the point where his gaze was riveted on her.

She was a stunning beauty in all senses of the word : long, purplish hair that barely hid her delicate and pointy ears, smooth and flawless skin that warmly reflected the light, a small but delicate nose accompanied by blue hooded eyes and thin, tender red lips. Finally, a voluptuous chest and slender frame that gave her an aura of royalty.

Her ensemble, which consisted of a provocative two piece barely covering her chest and lower body, was clearly a decision made with her physique in mind.

To Park, she was more beautiful than any model he had ever seen on Earth…

His intense attention, however, triggered something he never would have thought to be possible.

[The <Transcendent Eyes> skill is activating…]