Chapter 26: Strolling Around

In the meantime, he took his gloves from his dimensional storage and placed them on his hands.

'Did he find an item from his first match? It must have been given to him by someone who felt sorry for him. ' After some thinking, the woman decided to go with Raydon.

''I'll come with you, and at least I'll help you stay out of trouble. ''

As it was on the second floor of the apartment, Raydon left his home through the door and descended the side stairs outside the structure.

When he eventually made it downstairs, he was met with a very wide street covered in mud and filth, and all the nearby walls were painted and defaced with graffiti.

Raydon didn't find what he saw particularly strange because he had seen similar places in his previous world. In his previous world, such locations existed, where those unable to fit into society generally resided.

He could see women wearing skimpy clothing and men who appeared to be hooligans conversing on the sidewalk everywhere as he continued down the street. Two people were even kicking someone on the ground a little bit further away, but nobody seemed to care.

Raydon surveyed his surroundings before turning to address the woman behind him. ''Belicia, where can I eat something around here? ''

''You remember my name huh? '' She responded, seeming a little taken aback. ''There's a buffet selling sandwiches down the street. ''

''All right, let's go there. '' Raydon made his decision and took off.

His stomach was growling as if he hadn't eaten anything for a long time. While walking, he kept looking around.

Raydon noticed that as they passed people on the street, they were all turning their heads away from them. He turned to look at Belicia and the outfit she was wearing and said.

''I didn't realize my family could be so scary. ''

''Not only does the Demugen family inspire fear and respect in the general public, but all other families do as well. After all, these large families account for more than 80% of all item holders. ''

Belicia appeared to be accustomed to the situation. Even the maid costume she was wearing alone indicated that she was serving a family, and no sane person would mess with her even if they didn't know which family she belonged to.

Raydon understood the situation. After all, the weak were expected to fear the strong in his world as well.

''By the way, is there a place where we can sell or buy the items we won in the system matches?'' Raydon posed the query that had been on his mind while he was observing all the shady and lawless alleys they were passing.

''Oh? Did you win your first match? Congratulations, the teammates you came across must be pretty good. '' She said so delightedly. Raydon's question did not surprise her, and she began to explain.

''There are a few locations. One of them is the academy. The academy is fully affiliated with the federation, and anyone from a large family is welcome to join. '' She paused to look at Raydon, and when she didn't get a response, she continued.

''Another is the central city. In all the cities connected to the Federation, you are only permitted to buy and sell goods in the central city. If you are found engaging in illegal trade in another city, the punishment could still be harsh even if you are an item holder. ''

Belicia paused again and spoke with a serious expression. '' Last but not least, there are secure locations where you can shop illegally. Although it may sound strange, there are some influential organizations that are not connected to any particular family. You can go to some of the illegal markets where they operate and do your trading there.

Naturally, it is your responsibility to ensure your safety. They take no responsibility if you are captured by the Federation outside of their territory or attacked and forced to hand over your goods and gold by another party. ''

Raydon nodded while paying close attention. He couldn't currently do the first thing Belicia suggested. He didn't want any ties with his so-called family right now because he needed their help to get into the academy. Raydon's past seemed to cause him problems down the road because it seemed that all the power in this world was held by big families.

The center city was the second possibility. Inquiring further about the central city, Raydon evidently concluded that at the time, it didn't seem like the best choice.

He had to have the item holder ID in order to shop in the central city, and regrettably, he should have obtained it from the academy.

He was left with the last option.

Raydon smiled and said, ''Since you've given so much information about the last option, you know I have no other choice. ''

''Regrettably, yes. I even have a hunch as to what you'll ask next, and yes, I do know of a place.'' Belicia shrugged in response and spoke casually.

''Will all of this cause you any problems? Consequently, you assist me and keep my secret. Will there be any issues if my family finds out?'' Raydon questioned.

"Don't worry, as I've already said, I'm not even the one who should normally be looking after you. I'm here outside of all surveillance. '' Belicia said, waving her hand.

''May I ask why? The reason for your help. '' Raydon asked. In his previous life, he had to learn the hard way that no one could be trusted.

''Are you asking this as the Demugen family's young master or simply as Raydon? '' Belicia asked mockingly.

''Does it make a difference? Either way, I'm an outcast, so just take it as a question from a curious person. ''

''Haha, true. Then I don't want to answer.'' Belicia replied with a grin.

''You are not like the maids I know. ''

''Yes, the maids you know were generally treating you like garbage. ''

As memories suddenly resurfaced, Raydon got annoyed, and his eyes twitched. Even if you are the young master of a large family, you cannot expect anything more from their staff, when even your family dismisses you because you are an idiot.