Chapter -6 Black market [1]

Next stop, Station 54 Plankton ridge

Waking me up from my deep thoughts, was a robotic voice from the speaker.

Taking a glimpse outside the window, I could see enormous mountains in the distance.

As the tectonic plates shifted, they caused continents to clash against each other resulting in huge mountains and ridges suddenly appearing across the world.

The plankton ridge was the result and aftermath of two continents clashing with each other causing the ground to be elevated and creating a chain of mountains.

Some mountains created due to the clash were so huge that the previous highest mountain peak was nothing against them.

Standing below the enormous mountains and admiring the sight, I couldn't help but sigh.

With renewed vigour, I start my climb up the mountain.

"Huff…Huff…"

Climbing a mountain was more difficult than I expected, making it hard for me to collect my breath as I move up the mountain. I had to stop a couple of times to check my bearing, as there was no path for me to directly follow.

Right now I was making my way towards the third highest peak, where a small cave could be spotted.

Inserting my feet into a narrow gap, I pause and looked up towards the third peak.

Although it was dark I could still see a couple of meters ahead of me. Squinting my eyes, I saw a small protruding rock coming from the top left.

My eyes lit up as I forced my body to climb up near the rock.

Placing my hand on top of the rock and applying some pressure, I was able to confirm that this was the right place as a small gap appeared behind the rock.

Applying all my strength and focussing all my mana, I moved the rock further to the side allowing me to see what was right behind the rock.

"Bingo!"

Smiling from ear to ear, I used all my strength and pushed the rock outwards causing it to fall, opening a small gap for which a single person could enter.

-Bang!

Turning my attention back to the cave, I slowly pushed my body inside the gap created by me. I crawled my way forward for a couple of meters until a wide opening appeared before me.

Increasing my pace, I enter the cave.

As soon as I entered the cave my eyes paused on the red circle on the floor of the mountain.

My smile grew even wide.

I poured a liquid into the red circle which made it shine. Soon my body turned into light particles which disappeared without leaving a trace.

***

The black market.

If this had not been the only method I could have used to gain access to dungeons, I would've never come here.

But alas I couldn't do anything about it.

What were dungeons? Well, the answer was deeply related to the descent of the tower and the creatures that evaded the earth.

portals led the creatures such as demons and orcs etc to our planet. Soon we learnt that their planet was destroyed. These creatures found many planets on which they could live but for them, the earth was the most suitable (Except for demons). They are still concurring planets but the kings are still living on earth (Except for demons).

Leaving that matter aside, dungeons appeared after one hundred years of the descent of the tower.

Dungeons were very mysterious. There was always a dungeon boss and many monsters roaming in it.

No matter how many monsters were killed they seemed to be appearing every time.

And if the dungeon was left untouched then it would break causing the monsters to run havoc.

No matter how many times you killed the dungeon boss you will find another when you enter the next time.

But one thing was for sure. It had to do something with the tower because the tower had similar features.

I sighed and walked forward. I made sure that my mask was tight and was hiddind my facial features.

Just as things have their disadvantages they also had their advantages.

Being the central hub for both Hunters and demon slaves, vital information could be gathered from information brokers which could, in turn, help union agents pry into some of the demon slaves' plans.

Information brokers were essentially individuals or an organization which specialized in sharing information for a price.

Depending on the type of information, the higher the price for the information.

well, that was not the reason I came here anyway. I will go to the dungeon but before that, I need to buy some equipment.

Going from stall to stall I looked at the weapons and items. Although they all looked exquisite none of them piqued my interest.

My eyes paused on an artefact.

[Name: Necklace of speed]

[Effect: Increases reflex by 20%]

[Level: 1]

With the aid of the status window, I could see the detail of each artefact I touched, making it easier for me to look for what I wanted.

Looking at the necklace in my hand, I thought

'This could indeed be useful."

Artefacts were also divided into levels with

level -1 being the lowest and level -5 being the highest.

Their harsh environment means that only monsters or strong individuals could survive inside of them.

With its harsh conditions, one needs, alongside good equipment, to be in the best possible shape.

Increased reflexes would be very useful in a dungeon. not to mention it was 20% which was quite good for level -1.

It was as if we both are made for each other.

"Excuse me."

"Yea."

I went to the owner of the stall who was wearing a black hoodie.

"Sure just pay." He said while showing his device.

I had a smug look on my face. Why shouldn't I after all I was rich. I had 10,000 points in my bank account and this artefact was probably 500 points or something like that.

I would give him a 1,000 and probably say some dialogue like "Keep the change." or something like that but the owner's next word shook me.

"Sure just pay 11,000 points."

I opened and closed my mouth several times but no words came out.

Placing the necklace down I went to the next stall.

Increased reflex due to the help of some artefact. That was for weak. and I am definitely not that.

Like hell, I would pay 11,000 points for such artefacts that only weak people used

11,000?

My word.

Talk about daylight robbery.

Although the effect was good, there's no way a level -1 artefact was worth that much!

Trying my best to forget about this accident, I ventured deeper into the market.