Blackpool - IV

The first light of dawn had just skimmed over the horizon, bathing Blackpool in golden nodes that danced over the horizon like mini stars of fireflies, bringing this magnificent city to life. I cruised the blistering streets of cobblestone that seemed already packed with beings of various types. From what I had heard and seen, I figured that Blackpool had a population of seven million. Having existed for over a few thousand years, it only made sense that Blackpool must have expanded greatly throughout the years to be such a massive trading hub.

Being so close to the Serpents Strout, one of the largest oceans in Arcadia that connects to the Dead Sea, Blackpool held a rich scent of Seabreeze that fluttered about, merging with the various smells that made my stomach burn with hunger. Ogling the street foods that lay just a few meters away, I clenched my wounded stomach, crying out for a meal.

The currency Blackpool used was called Crowns used throughout Arcadia. They were small hexagonal golden coins with a hollow center mirroring the outside shape, broken up into five groups bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and Crystal.

[DING]

[ Mission: Street Rat]

Objective: Steal Ten Copper Crowns

-Reward: Twenty Silver Crowns

-No Time Limit

"Think we can find a sexy cat outfit? I'm sure you'll feel better stealing stuff as Catwoman." Lily proposed.

"Please. I look way more like Black Cat." I corrected, skimming my gaze for an easy mark. We were still in the Southern Ward, so security was lax, and I dared not head to the docks or the Crimson Ward, where I was sure guards remained on constant vigilance.

If there was ever one vice I held, it was towards stealing, I didn't know what it was, but I loved it. I had never actually taken anything away, but simply walking into a room, taking another person's belonging, and putting them right back was downright enjoyable, especially when you frame another just to see what would happen. I'd done this to Crowe several times during school, which earned him quite the bad boy reputation, despite not doing anything.

An anticipative smile tugged at my lips as my heart began to hammer against my chest. Following the narrow roads sprawling with vendors and traders screaming back and forth, I mingled into the crowd, joining the flow.

If there was a rule to stealing, then it was simple. Always keep moving, even if you are unsuccessful. My mask and outfit hid my appearance, but it made me a tinge a bit suspicious, not that I had anything to worry about here. I hadn't been the only one to be cloaked or masked. Hundreds of locals and travelers were doing the same.

Snapping into action, I dashed ahead, matching the flow of the crowd. There was no need to make a distraction as the very crowd acted as my distraction. Holding and releasing my breath gently, I slipped my hands through robes and cloaks, my fingers dancing like little serpents striking when least expected—taking whatever caught their eye.

A sensation of thrill swept through my ribs as I weaved through the crowd with a soft hum when suddenly, I quickly broke away from the blistering streets into a narrow road with a lighter flow of pedestrians. Twisting around various corners till I felt lost, and a few notifications sprang into my eyes, I stopped.

[Ding]

[New Skill Acquired: Novice Thief Lv 7]

-Rank: [F]

[+7 Dexterity]

[Ding]

[ Mission: Street Rat] [Complete]

-Reward shall be placed in storage until the host wishes to withdraw—one Ether Point or Abyssal Qi per withdrawal.

A broad smile slipped over my cheek, darting upwards till they reached my eyes. By the Gods, I loved stealing. The thrill of being caught, the wondering eyes of panic darting back and forth, the string of curses that soon followed.

I loved it all.

Listening to the pounding of my heart against my breast, I couldn't help but chuckle. Before checking the many pouches and wallets, I gathered. Counting seven, with about thirty copper coins added together. I tossed away six of the pouches strapping a simple leather one to my waist hidden beneath my cloak, and took off once again.

I wasn't sure how much thirty copper was, but I was sure the ten silver could at least feed me for a few days, possibly even find me a decent lodging, not that I had an issue in sleeping outside.

Heading north towards the central market, I slowly but surely began to notice the shifting of garments. Actual wares were gradually replacing rags. At the same time, I saw crowds of men and women lost in trades.

It was madness here, in this bazaar. Shouts and murmurs appeared to be the norm, as many would gather alongside small vendors trading meat, diamonds, woman, men, and weapons.

I shuttered as I stared at the chained bodies of the various slaves, bound to one another by chains that clung to their necks. Agonizing bruising skimmed over the rim of the chains digging into flesh, which showed skin peeling, festering with rot. My stomach bubbled. I'd never seen a broken man or woman, but within this bazaar, as if being paraded, I saw dozens of slaves, the youngest being around the age of three, to full-grown men. Their expressions were blank, and their eyes hollow.

By the Gods.

I covered my mouth, tearing my gaze away, unable to watch as a poor child, bounded by the neck, stood half-clothed in rags, staring blankly out at the crowd.

"Ten Copper, Ten Copper!" A local slaver called, slapping his cane against the iron bars. "Never a deal like this. Find yourself a seeker! Find yourself a diamond! We got Humans, Nymphs, Dryads, Elves, and more. Have your pick. "

My fingers clenched into fists, finding blood that trickled from the tips of my fingers over the ground. I sucked in a breath, trying to stiffen the rage building, and pushed off my feet, continuing my tour.

There…there was nothing I could do. I didn't even have a home, much less know where to find my next meal. How could I save them? I was sure I hadn't been the first to have such thoughts. To look on with utter disgust for these poor men and women. Even if I saved them, then what? Do they have the skills to make it on their own? Do they know how to read or write?

I pressed my lips together and walked, or maybe fled, from those broken stares. Moving forward, till the shouts for attention faded, leaving only calm murmurs of bystanders, I found myself before a large building situated a little way outside the central district.

"You're in my way,"

Startled by the smooth, silky voice, I turned to stare at the hidden figure, standing only a few steps from me; his hood was bent over his face, blocking his features, but I could tell it was a male based on the depth. Although, I have heard a few women with surprisingly deep voices.

"You are free to step around," I responded, noting the spacious area.

The man seemed to stiffen for a moment, and he lifted his hood for a second, not enough for me to see his features but enough for him to see mine, not like there was much to see, as I stood both cloaked and masked.

"So it would seem."

"That's why I said it."

He stared for a moment, probably trying to find the words, as I stood still, feeling a little defiant. There was no reason for me to step aside. I wasn't blocking the entrance or obstructing traffic.

"You're—" He paused again, his voice carrying a tinge of amusement," Your either a fool or a genius." He stepped around me, taking his leave, entering the building that held a large welcoming sign that read,

"Adventures Guild"