Chapter 26: Black Market

Whenever someone asks about the definition of a black market, most [stupid] people will give a simple answer that it is a market that only opens at night.

However, this is not entirely accurate as not all night markets are considered black markets. There are also underground black markets that operate 24/7.

In reality, a black market refers to an economic activity that operates outside of government-sanctioned channels. It is a market where illegal goods and services can be found and transactions occur "under the table."

These markets are not subject to government control and regulation, which is why they are often referred to as shadow or underground markets.

Like every world of fantasy novels Black market also exists in this world. Here Black markets exist in every city. Although they are not officially sanctioned, they are open to anyone willing to take the risk of participating in them.

You can enter by hiding your identity if you can. Rain wore a mask and covered his face and entered the black market.

After all, he might get into some trouble if someone recognized him here. Moreover, this black market is authorization of Karoon City.

There are no passcodes to enter the black market. You only need to know the way to reach there. To enter the Black market he had to go through sewerage and find the hidden passage. It was a very bad experience for him.

The scene was dark and murky, with the sounds of hushed whispers and shuffling feet filling the air. Rain found himself in the midst of a black market, an underground economy that operated outside the boundaries of government regulation.

The black market was a bustling hub of activity, with numerous stalls and shops offering a wide range of goods and services.

These products varied from illegal substances and stolen items to legal items such as potions, artifacts, skill manuals, elixirs, and rare ingredients or materials. The trade that took place here was unregulated and without any control, leading to a wild market where anything could be traded.

The black market was not limited to legal items; illegal items such as drugs and even slaves could also be found among the products on offer. It was a place where anything could be bought or sold, with little regard for the ethical implications of such transactions.

However, the slave selling was just a one-time Easter egg of some other fantasy. There is no slavery in this world.

It's just one man got the ability to make slaves, but he will be killed by the Protagonist in the future. Rain didn't care about anything. He was there to get some artifacts and potions, not to do social services.

As he made his way through the throngs of shady characters, Rain kept a watchful eye out for any sign of danger. He knew that the risks were high in a place like this, with the potential for violence and betrayal lurking around every corner.

Despite the risks involved, there are many reasons why individuals might choose to participate in a black market. Some might be seeking to avoid government restrictions or taxes, while others may be looking for a product or service that is not available through official channels. Sometimes, you can even see other races visiting the black market.

Looking around, the black market had the same appearance as the night markets of Rain's previous life. However, Rain knew he shouldn't trust the appearance; everything was different here.

In this type of market, there is no oversight and no accountability. Instead, participants rely on trust and reputation to make deals and conduct business. Because of the lack of regulation, the prices of goods and services in a black market can be significantly higher or lower than their official market value, depending on supply and demand.

The Black Market operates under its own set of rules and regulations, distinct from those found in legitimate markets. Each Black Market is overseen by a moderator who manages its operations and takes a commission from both vendors and buyers.

However, participating in the Black Market comes with significant risks and consequences. The moderator must often share their profits with powerful families and government officials, operating in the shadows of legality.

Despite these risks, the Black Market does provide some benefits to society. For instance, it can offer employment opportunities for individuals who might struggle to find work in traditional markets.

Additionally, the Black Market provides access to goods and services that are otherwise unavailable to certain individuals, such as high-quality elixirs.

***

Upon entering the Black Market, Rain began to search for a hidden item while hoping to come across some unexpected treasures.

Despite only having beginner-level appraisal skills, which were not as advanced as those of MC and heroines, Rain believed they might still be able to identify valuable items.

However, he was also aware of the risks of being scammed and remained cautious while browsing through the various stalls and small shops.

The Black Market was not a place known for its trustworthy individuals.

Violence, counterfeit goods, and even death were all possible outcomes of getting involved in the shady dealings that took place there.

As he navigated the crowded stalls and vendors, he remained alert and cautious, carefully negotiating prices and watching his back.

As Rain made his way through the crowded market, the sounds of haggling and bargaining filled the air. The vendors were all vying for his attention, shouting out their wares and promising the best deals.

But he was not easily swayed by their words, and he kept a sharp eye out for any signs of deception. He could see - most things were fake and counterfeit with appraisal skill.

As he wandered deeper into the market, the crowds began to thin out, and the stalls became more spread out. He was now in the heart of the Black Market, where the true treasures lay hidden. It was a place where only the bravest and most cunning could survive, and Rain was ready to test his mettle.

***

After spending three hours at the Black Market, Rain had completed his tasks and left the bustling marketplace. He decided to rent a room for the night at a nearby inn to rest and reflect on his first experience there.

As he lay on the bed, his mind wandered back to the day's events. He had managed to gather most of the hidden pieces, as well as some elixirs, potions, and artifacts from the list. Remarkably, he had encountered no troubles during their time at the Black Market.

'After all, I am not some Protagonist of the novel. I am just a mere extra (former villain).'

The cliche of getting into troubles doesn't apply on Rain.

It's because with shadow walk and Hawkeye, he just walked past like a breeze, and he also turned his back on troublesome characters from a far distance. Still, he got some good things.

►[Marlin's ring: Rare low-tier

Effects:

- Can increase the mana control and sensitivity of its wearer.

- Can absorb and store excess mana from the environment, allowing the wearer to temporarily increase their mana reserves

- Increase resistance against magic attacks ]

►[Guardian's Belt - Rare mid-tier

Effects:

-Can create a protective shield around the wearer, capable of blocking attacks below the C rank level. This shield can be activated up to three times per day.

-Emits a bright, steady light from its buckle, illuminating the wearer's surroundings like a torch.]

►[Panther Boots - Rare low-tier

Effects:

-20% increase in speed

-Dampen the sound of the wearer's footsteps, making them quieter and less likely to be detected]

He also acquired some elixirs and potions, like Troll's blood and Giant's strength.

Rain quickly consumed them, feeling a surge of power coursing through his veins. Though the increase in his stats was not immediately noticeable, he knew that the full effects would be revealed once he fully absorbed them through training.

This hidden piece wasn't mentioned in the storyline; Rain had simply picked up some good items with the help of appraisal and luck.

Most of the items in the black market were random, and with Rain's luck, he could only acquire these seemingly insignificant items. From the beginning, Rain had no expectations of finding anything valuable here. He was merely testing the waters, considering the black market was nearby.

'And now I'm going to take that last hidden piece of my plan.'

[Uncleared new F-class gate nameless grave.]