The Market's Secret

After discussing at The Silver Chalice Inn, Lucas, Finn, and Evelyn decided to investigate the black market located beneath the city of Eldoria. Based on the information obtained by Finn from an informant at the bar, the black market was often used to buy and sell cursed items and dangerous artifacts that might be related to the cult.The three of them walked through the busy alleys of Eldoria. Finn skillfully led the way, while Lucas and Evelyn followed him cautiously."We have to be careful. A place like this must be heavily guarded," Finn explained while checking the road ahead."A place that sells cursed items must have connections to the cult. We might be able to find more information there," Evelyn nodded, her gaze sharp as she watched her surroundings."If they're really involved with the cult, they might already know we're here. Stay alert," Lucas tightened his grip on his sword. He walked calmly, but felt a tension in the air.They reached a narrow alley leading underground. A large, rusty iron door stood at the end of the alley. Finn glanced left and right, making sure no one was watching them, then grinned."Let's go in," Finn said in a low voice, pulling the iron door open carefully. The door creaked loudly, revealing a stone staircase descending into darkness."We don't know what's down there. Be prepared for anything," Evelyn lit a small magic in the palm of her hand to illuminate the path, her gaze serious."Every corner could be a trap or an ambush. We have to stay in formation," Lucas nodded.They descended the stairs one by one, carefully stepping down the slippery and steep steps. The hustle and bustle from the market above them slowly faded, replaced by the echo of their footsteps and the sound of dripping water from the ceiling.After a few minutes, they arrived in a large underground room. Dim light from torches attached to the walls illuminated the area. There, they saw a number of people crowding around stalls selling suspicious items: pieces of broken weapons, frightening-looking ancient scrolls, and various types of strange colored liquids in bottles."Here it is, the black market we're looking for," Finn whispered, grinning. "Looks like we're going to find something interesting here.""We have to split up to find out more. If anything suspicious happens, we'll give a signal," Evelyn stared sharply at the stalls."Finn, you can distract them if you need to. Evelyn and I will check the stalls selling cursed items," Lucas observed the crowd moving slowly around them."Ready, buddy. I'll go around and see what I can find," Finn gave a thumbs up.The three of them then spread out in different directions, remaining vigilant for anything suspicious. Lucas and Evelyn walked towards one of the stalls filled with ancient scrolls and mysterious amulets."Ah, new customers? Are you looking for something specific?" The stallkeeper, an old man with a thick beard and sharp, glittering eyes, watched them carefully."We heard that there are items related to a certain cult or ritual sold here," Lucas replied, remaining cautious. He stared intently at the scrolls, trying to find signs of the cult."You must be brave adventurers, huh? Talking about a cult here? Not many dare to bring up such a topic," the old man chuckled."We're just looking for information. If you know something, maybe we can make a deal," Evelyn stepped forward, a slight smile on her face."I know a few things. But information here is not free, you know," the old man stared at them both, then chuckled.Seeing Lucas and Evelyn engaged in conversation, Finn quickly moved to distract some of the guards who looked wary."Time for a little entertainment," Finn muttered to himself. He jumped onto one of the empty tables and began to mock some of the guards with a silly dance.The guards looked confused and annoyed, and some of them began to approach Finn. Quickly, he jumped down and started running, creating a small commotion in the area."Listen, this might be our chance to act," Lucas whispered to Evelyn. "Take whatever looks suspicious and let's go.""Alright, let's go quickly!" Evelyn nodded and took some scrolls and amulets that looked like they had connections to dark rituals.They both quickly turned and started moving towards the exit, following Finn who had already created a commotion."Finn, come on!" Lucas called out as he ran towards him."Come on, buddy! I think we've done enough shopping for today!" Finn ran while laughing.The three of them managed to get out of the black market and back into the alley where they had first entered. After making sure no one was following them, they stopped to rest."Some of these are ritual guides. Maybe we can find something relevant about the cult from these," Evelyn examined the scrolls she had taken carefully."We have to bring this back to the inn and study it further. If there's anything important, we have to act quickly," Lucas nodded.Finn, still grinning widely, patted Lucas on the shoulder. "Good day for a little chaos, huh?"Lucas chuckled. "Yeah, as long as we get what we need. Let's go back to The Silver Chalice Inn and see what we can find."