Chapter 32: Caution

From Ronik's shop, Zaos made his way to the armorer's store. He left the dark and desolate areas of the market and arrived at the lively sections.

He scanned his surroundings, and after recognizing the wooden shore building, he went inside.

The armorer was currently interacting with another customer so Zaos was forced to wait on the side. The other customer took just a few minutes and left the store with a leather breastplate.

"Your outfit is done, lad." The burly armorer spoke first. He reached for a box on the counter and retrieved a black leather outfit.

Zaos received the assassin outfit. He scrutinized it, checking all the areas that were once damaged.

It didn't take him long to realize that the outfit had been completely fixed. It even seemed to be slightly better.

"That's all, right?" Zaos inquired as he shoved the outfit into the large sack he hoisted.

"Of course! What do you take me for?" The earth elf armorer snorted.

"Alright," Zaos nodded and left the store. He made his way out of the market and headed to the southern end of the settlement. His destination was the hut that led to the Red Lotus' black market.

The farther south of the mercenary city was referred to as the thieves quarters. It was a dirtier, darker, and generally unsafe part of the settlement. The elves that lived here were either poor or trying to stay low for various reasons.

On the way to the hut, Zaos felt the gazes of many individuals land on him. The large sack in his hand attracted much attention.

Yet, even with all that attention. No one stopped him, the elves of the slums were not stupid. An individual who dared to log such eye-catching luggage usually wasn't simple. So they opted to wait and observe, hoping to see Zaos expose a weakness they could exploit.

[Heh! How fun~ I might get a workout before returning.] Zaos smiled as he walked through the dark and eerie streets. He moved leisurely and eventually arrived before the hut.

Immediately he arrived at the hut, he felt the gazes on him disappear which caused him to sigh.

[I guess this hut is quite infamous… ] Zaos was just about to enter when his advanced senses picked up a sound.

He frowned and listened closely. The sound of a passionate couple drifted into his ears causing him to snort in annoyance.

He forcefully made his way into the dark and moldy hut before scanning the surroundings. This time, the fire elf attendant wasn't alone. He had a companion with him, a female wind elf.

Zaos' arrival spooked the attendant and his companion. The attendant was just about to scream at him when he recognized Zaos.

"B-boss…" he stuttered as he quickly fixed his clothes. His female companion followed suit with an ashen expression as she heard the way the fire elf addressed Zaos.

Zaos directly walked past them, not sparing them a glance. He opened the trap door on the ground and proceeded down the staircase.

The fire elf attendant's face became pale. The thieves quarters lacked entertainment so he opted to have some fun since the black market didn't have much business in the morning. He hadn't expected his leader to return so soon and catch him in the act.

"I'm screwed… " He muttered in despair.

Meanwhile, Zaos had already entered the Long tunnel leading to the market. He had already buried the previous scene at the back of his head and was strategizing his next move.

[Hmm, I can't be sure Marvid has a treasure stash. For all I know, she could be deceiving me into a trap…

[Should I send someone to get it instead?] Zaos pondered as he approached the metal door.

[I'll do that,] He nodded to himself as he arrived at the door.

After making his way through the tunnels that led outside the market, Zaos returned to the mansion.

He smoothly made his way inside and was greeted by the green-haired maid who stood waiting for him at the door.

"Welcome back, my lord," She greeted in her usual smile.

"Did anyone come to see me?" Zaos asked as he walked towards the living room.

"Yes. The leader of the Venom Order came over to the market in search of you. But he didn't stay long. He said he would visit next time and wished to have a chat with you," the maid informed with a smile still plastered on her face. She silently observed Zaos waiting for his response.

"I see, I will meet him later then," Zaos replied without much change to his stoic expression. Yet, his mind raced inwardly.

[The Venom Order is almost as powerful as the Red Lotus gang. In a one-on-one battle, I should be able to kill their leader after a while… ] Zaos walked up to the large cushioned chair and took a seat.

He shifted his attention to the maid and ordered.

"Get Rendov to bring the woman locked in the prison cell," Zaos instructed as he placed his head on his hand.

"Yes, my lord," the wind elf maid bowed before leaving the room.

A few minutes later, she returned with Rendov and a chained female elf.

"Leader, I have brought her," Rendov bowed his head as he addressed Zaos. The earlier events of the morning were still fresh in his memories.

Zaos simply nodded before turning his attention to the chained wind elf.

"You said you know where Marvid's treasure is? Tell me the general location." Zaos ordered in a deep voice. Even though his body was young, the authority he commanded could not be defied by even these present adult elves. They all subconsciously lower their heads.

The female wind elf had a bitter expression. She looked like she wanted to retort but no words came out of her mouth. After a few minutes, she reluctantly announced.

"It's in a forest next to the Kikimill settlement," She stated slowly.

Zaos nodded and gazed at Rendov.

"Take some people with you, head over then, and confirm the situation. In the meantime, lock her back up in the cell." Zaos instructed.

"Yes, leader," Rendov acknowledged before dragging the wind elf out of the living room.

"You may leave," Zaos also dismissed the green-haired maid.

She bowed and left the scene. Left alone in the living room, Zaos began contemplating.

[I should rest for now, if the treasure does exist, I might as well make the trip today.] He got up from his chair and headed to his room on the upper floor.