The ck Market Auction...I don''t know where it''s happening!


    I mean, I had a general idea where the auction would be held but I don''t know the exact location.


    At that time I just wrote ''Healberry first appears in the ck market'' with the time and date.


    I didn''t write specific locations and details of the ck market.


    Unlike the Silva City ck market, I don''t know the location of this ck market.


    But there is no need to fear because I know someone who can help me.


    That''s why I''m standing in front of this pub.


    Creak–


    I pushed aside the sliding door with rusted tracks and entered the shabby pub. I took in at a nce the interior of this establishment which was illuminated bynterns and a firece. The various voices of the customers who hade before us ovepped one another.


    "Just m down! You''re dead if you lose, hear me!"


    "Hoho! And then?"


    "A ss of beer for one here! No, make that two!"


    The noisy cries from the fellows who were making bets on arm wrestling, the coquettishughter of youngdies seducing men, the bard ying the guitar in the corner, the female worker quickly serving sses of alcohol…


    Very slowly, I stepped inside of the pub. Wary nces were thrown at me from all sides. Although the atmosphere didn''t grow cold at my appearance, it was without a doubt that something in the air had changed — because I was a neer and a ''noble''.


    ''The ''Noble'' part because I changed my dress code. The ce I''m right now is the outskirts of the Irion hold region. In this ce, many thieves, bullies, and mercenaries like to make trouble for neers whoe here.


    But they won''t do anything against the noble, because they know that they would deep trouble we they tried to do anything to the noble.


    That''s why I changed my dress code. It''s not that I fear them it''s just that I don''t want any problems right now.


    After all, today is a very important day for me...


    I paid it no mind the stairs I was receiving and walked up to the bartender.


    The bartender who had been wiping a ss spoke to me first.


    "This lowly one''s eyes are delighted that Your Lordship hase to this shabby pub together with an amazing beauty. What will you order?"


    His manner of speech was as smooth as flowing water. Although his eyes were shaped like a rattlesnake''s and gave off a sharp impression, his amiable smile, well-groomed moustache and immactely white suit made up for this.


    Leon, that was the name of the old man in front of me. He is the one I was searching for.


    Leon is an inner member of the ck market and he has ess to information about all the marketsket in the human continent.


    He also already knew which items would be on the ck market auction house going to be.


    "Leon."


    "… Does Your Lordship know of me?"


    "Quite well," I said with a smirk on my face.


    I spoke in the ''code words'' that were only used in the ck market.


    "Leon. Has some stock of good liquor arrived today?"


    "I will amodate you a little if you give me a price you would like."


    Different ck markets have different code words, Silva City''s ck market code word was a poem while this one is different.


    Leon''s eyes gleamed with recognition as he caught on to my use of the code words. He discreetly nodded and motioned for me to follow him to a quieter corner of the pub.


    As we walked, the atmosphere around us shifted. Whispers and hushed conversations followed our every step, acknowledging the presence of someone who held a significant position in the shadows.


    Once we reached a secluded corner, Leon leaned in, his voice low and confidential. "Your Lordship, I assume you''re not here for the usual spirits. What brings you to my humble establishment?"


    I cut to the chase. "The ck Market Auction. I need the details, location, and everything you know."


    Leon''s eyes narrowed, assessing the gravity of my request. "You''re treading into dangerous waters, Your Lordship. Such information doesn''te cheap. What''s in it for me?"


    I reached into my pocket and slid a small pouch towards him. The clinking of coins within emphasized my sincerity. "Consider it a token of appreciation for your continuous cooperation, Leon."


    He weighed the pouch in his hand, a calcting expression on his face. "Very well, Your Lordship. The auction is set to take ce beneath the Abandoned Cathedral at midnight. It''s a discreet location."


    I nodded, satisfied with the information. "And the items up for auction?"


    Leon grinned, revealing a hint of his rattlesnake-like eyes. "Ah, now that''s where it gets interesting. We have a rare collection tonight, including artefacts, enchanted weapons, and a few peculiar items that would catch any collector''s eye."


    "Perfect. I appreciate your assistance, Leon."


    "As always, Your Lordship, a pleasure doing business with you," he said, pocketing the pouch of coins.


    I left the pub, my mind focused on the uing auction. The Abandoned Cathedral at midnight—the stage for a ndestine exchange of wealth, power, and secrets. It was time to prepare for the shadows that would unfold in the heart of the ck Market.


    ***


    As the clock ticked towards midnight, I found myself standing before the imposing silhouette of the Abandoned Cathedral. Its towering spires, long bereft of divine grace, cast eerie shadows in the moonlight. A chill ran down my spine as the whispers of a forgotten era seemed to echo within its crumbling walls.


    I adjusted the cor of my attire, a mask concealing my identity secured in ce. Tonight, within the hidden chambers beneath this deste sanctuary, fortunes would change hands, alliances would be forged, and the elusive items of desire would find new owners.


    Approaching the concealed entrance, I could sense the air thickening with anticipation. The guards stationed at the door scrutinized every guest, ensuring the exclusivity of this gathering. I presented the invitation I had acquired through Leon''s connections, and the heavy door creaked open, granting me ess to the ndestine world that awaited below.