CHAPTER 416: UNDERGROUND MARKET

"You’ll need to buy one. There are plenty of black markets in this city. I’ll give you the address of one—go there, tell them you came from me, and tell them what you want." The receptionist smiled again, pulled out a piece of paper and a pen, and began writing down some details and the address.

"When you get there, give this paper to the man inside. But let me warn you—be careful. Make sure you enter one of the private rooms, and don’t show off your wealth in front of others."

"Thank you." Daniel took the paper and thanked him. He was about to turn and leave, but the receptionist stopped him.

"There are a few things you should know. The invitation only works for a few hours, after that they’ll realize it’s fake, and the guards will come for you. If you don’t leave before then, you’ll be arrested—and you might even be executed."

"As for that man who’s your target, don’t even think about assassinating him. I know you’ve got other plans, but I wanted to warn you."

Daniel nodded and left the inn. Just like before, he didn’t exactly know where the address was, so he had to ask around.

This time, unlike in the morning, no one showed any strange reactions. They easily pointed him in the right direction.

According to the instructions, it was about a twenty-minute walk. He could have rented a carriage, but he chose to walk.

That way, more time would pass as well. After about twenty minutes of walking, he finally reached his destination.

It looked like a simple shop, made out of clay, with a sign hanging above it. The architecture wasn’t special at all—completely plain.

"A shoe store, huh?" Daniel muttered to himself. He never expected that a shoe store would actually be a black market.

But this was Bloodmere City. Anything was possible, and it wasn’t wise to limit his imagination. Without hesitation, he stepped inside.

When he opened the door, the sound of life and activity echoed inside. He quietly closed the door behind him and looked around.

"Welcome, young man," an old man came out from another room, went behind the counter, and greeted him.

"Hello, sir." Daniel smiled and then pulled the paper out of his inventory, handing it to the old man.

The old man read the contents, and a spark flashed in his eyes. He glanced outside through the door, and when he saw it wasn’t crowded, his gaze returned to the young man in front of him.

"Follow me." He then walked back into the room he had come from.

Daniel nodded and followed without saying a word. As soon as he entered the room, he noticed it was actually a long hallway with multiple doors.

The old man went to the third door on the left, opened it, and stepped inside. Daniel followed and realized it was actually a hidden elevator.

The moment they both stepped inside, the old man pulled down an iron lever, and suddenly it started descending just like an elevator.

’An elevator... looks like it’s powered by arrays.’ Daniel’s interest in arrays grew even stronger. He had always wanted to learn more about them, but now his curiosity was burning even more.

The problem was, he didn’t know anyone or anywhere to study them. Still, there was no need for regret—once he had more free time, he would definitely pursue it.

After several dozen seconds, they finally reached the bottom. It was impossible to tell how far down they had gone, but it was definitely deep.

Both of them stepped out of the elevator, and the sight before Daniel shocked him so much that for a moment he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

It was a market—a real market, just like any other. But this one was built underground! Looking above, he could see the dirt ceiling, proof they were beneath the city.

"Everyone who comes here for the first time is just as shocked as you," the old man laughed when he saw Daniel’s expression.

"Each of those tents you see is a different shop. They sell treasures, items, and even arrays that are illegal or nearly impossible to find elsewhere.

You can even find different kinds of poisons and deadly substances here, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg of the services they offer. As long as you can pay, even assassination requests are possible. There are even booths where you can buy information."

"How does the lord of the city allow this place to exist?" Daniel asked after hearing his explanation.

He was sure the city lord had to know about this place—it was impossible for him not to. But the question was, why allow it?

"The city lord founded this place himself. Of course, this isn’t a well-known secret. Don’t forget, this is Bloodmere City—the paradise of criminals. Naturally, businesses like these thrive here, and the entire foundation of this city is built on such trades.

But these kinds of deals can’t be done openly in public, otherwise the consequences for the city and the city lord would be huge. That’s why it was built underground," the old man explained.

"I see." Daniel nodded. It didn’t take long before they reached their destination: a black tent.

"Go inside. What you’re looking for can be bought there." The old man pointed at the black tent.

"Thank you for your help and guidance." Daniel thanked him and handed over a thousand gold coins as a tip. The old man smiled and accepted it.

"I’ll be waiting here to show you the way out later."

Daniel nodded, didn’t waste any more time, and went inside.

The moment he entered, it felt less like a tent and more like a library.

Rows of bookshelves stood in order, but the atmosphere was ominous and terrifying. Each book radiated a bloody aura.

’Demonic and forbidden books... skills and techniques that are banned.’ Daniel glanced at the books and thought to himself.

But suddenly, a rough voice pulled him out of his thoughts.

"How can I help you, dear customer?"