Chapitre 55: Prices
'Why are we checking out the catalog if we're not planning on buying anything?'
This was Leon's way of thinking, a train of thought that can be found anywhere. He yearned to venture elsewhere like Mike, yet Mike too succumbed to the allure of Triss's excitement, his gaze ensnared by the myriad creatures in the catalogue.
While they were engrossed in scrutinizing the catalogue, Leon, who had been perusing the animals, resolved to engage in a brief conversation after pondering a matter.
The incumbent of this position wasn't a Vampire. While it wasn't mandatory to be a Vampire to enter this field, it remained an unusual occurrence. After all, this job predominantly fell within the domain of Vampires.
"Sir, are you working with a Vampire family?"
His query also caught the attention of the two youngsters, who were now simultaneously perusing the catalogue and eavesdropping on their conversation.
"No, young master. I handle it on my own. Otherwise, I might have ended up selling at least one or two animals from other planets, wouldn't I?" He concluded with a chuckle.
Believing that he was sincere, "Yes, you are right."
"Those are quite expensive, though, right?" Mike.
"Yes, very expensive indeed. That's why there are only a few of them on Earth."
"But couldn't you go to another planet to find one for yourself?"
Triss's murmur was audible to anyone nearby.
"You need a lot of money for that, young master. I mean, for bringing it here. Plus, you have to have some certificates."
"So, you don't have one?"
"Where are we at right now, young master?"
"Haha, you are right."
"But there are lots of vampires who are doing that. After all, they're just making the beast their familiar and taking off with it. Well, at least that's what I've heard."
"I bet there wouldn't be that many. They must also be quite scarce."
"I'm not sure about that. Like I said, that's just what I've heard."
"Those generally belong to God's Soldiers and Vampires from higher nobility."
"You are quite knowledgeable, young master. Perhaps, could you be a Vampire yourself?"
"I'm not. I just learned a few things."
"I see."
Their conversation came to a close. After a few more minutes of flipping through pages and silently admiring the seller's extensive collection as a one-person operation, she quietly rose from her seat.
While Mike and Triss merely nodded in response, Leon, feeling a pang of embarrassment, decided to speak a few more words. He felt ashamed because his friends continued to browse the catalogue without making any purchases.
"We will be sure to come back in the future."
A smile crept onto his reptilian face, "Yes, I'll be waiting for you, young master," he affirmed warmly.
They continued walking until the seller's face disappeared into the shadows cast by the surrounding buildings.
"It feels nice to be called young master," Mike.
"By the way, what were the prices?"
Slipped a sigh, "Even a cat starts at one thousand. That black panther costs one hundred thousand."
"Sh*t. That's a lot of money."
"Yes, now let's eat up your money."
"I need to buy new shoes first."
Her tattered shoe served as a poignant reminder of her sacrifice. She had discarded it in her relentless pursuit to uncover the secret base for them. Hence, they had no choice but to prioritize her needs first, lest she resort to drastic measures, possibly endangering their lives.
"Let's find you a good one first," Leon's glance at Triss prompted his compliance. Clearly, this wasn't the moment for him to initiate a dispute.
From weapons to garments, garments to familiars, the black market boasted an array of goods to satisfy any desire. However, one mustn't overlook the fact that they are engaging in transactions within the black market, not a conventional one.
As if there were no risks inherent in such clandestine dealings, not merely a shadowy market tucked away in the corners of a city. A black market remained a black market, regardless.
"What the f*ck is this price!?" Mike literally screamed.
"Mike, let's not draw attention to ourselves, alright?"
"I'm not sure if I should buy it..."
"Is that from a famous brand?"
"Why are you asking me?"
"You look like someone who wears those things, bro. You know, blond hair and gray eyes and all."
"Yeah, yeah. I got you."
"It's just an ordinary brand."
"And it costs 1 K here?"
"As you can see."
"Damn."
"Will you buy it, Triss?"
"No, it's okay."
"Alright, then let's go eat."
"It's on Leon."
"I know, I know."
'I still remember how to wash dishes. But, they might make me pay with dissection here…'
Casually meandering through the city, the trio of youngsters. Yet, they were never truly alone, not since they first stepped foot in the city. Despite their modest Level 2 status, they could sense the presence of certain individuals.
As if someone's gaze was fixated on them, that lingering sensation persisted endlessly. And following Leon's short fight, they could feel it intensifying even more.
Nevertheless, they opted to disregard the presence of those people. Recalling a brief conversation prior to their arrival and Triss's cautionary words regarding guards, their resolve remained steadfast.
They were undoubtedly guards. Yet, even if they weren't, even if they were to be mere psychopaths, they retained the freedom to roam at will. After all, this locale stood as a neutral ground, accommodating individuals from diverse backgrounds. Here, none could hold sway over their actions.
"Mike, you choose."
"Yeah, bro, you choose. I'm paying after all."
"Thanks, man. Then," turned to his right, "Let's eat in here."
"Are you sure? It's Leon's money."
"Yeah, I am sure. I felt like eating this."
"Sure, whatever you want. It's Leon's money, anyway."
"…"
Mike's choice of venue stood in stark contrast to the extravagant restaurants gleaming above the street. The meal he selected was a staple, one that nearly everyone had indulged in at least once in their lifetime: a classic, no-frills hamburger.
"Anything else you guys want to do here?"
"Not—"
"Hello, young masters."
Simultaneously, they narrowed their eyes in unison at the audacious actions of the uninvited stranger—the children. A jovial, human-like young man approached with a broad smile and casually took a seat at the vacant chair, scarcely bothering to seek their permission.
"Do we know you?" Triss.
"I bet you don't."
"Then what are you doing here?"
"I just wanted to ask something," his gaze honed in on Leon, "May I ask where are you coming from?" Immediately appended, "If you don't mind, of course."
"Why are you asking, sir?" Leon retorted this time.
"I'm just curious about your clan, young master."
"It's none—"
"Stone City."
Mike's unexpected response elicited two brazen glares of anger.
"I see. A place with crowded shades."
""?""
"It's alright. Have a good day," he uttered before departing in such a manner.
"What did he mean?"
"Before that, Mike," Leon, "Why did you answer him?"
"Yo, bro. Don't you watch any movies?"
"What do you mean?"
"I felt like he's a psycho who might follow us all the way to the back. So, I just told him. It's a city, anyway. He can't easily find us."
His peculiar line of reasoning resonated with the children, prompting nods of understanding. In their eyes, everyone in this place was potentially dangerous, necessitating utmost caution. While the city itself may be deemed safe, the outskirts remained fraught with uncertainty.
"Okay, let's head out," Leon announced as he rose from his seat and made his way to settle the bill.
'I hope they wouldn't f*ck me up too hard.'
"Table 6, right, young master?"
"Yes, sir."
"Here you go."
'F*ck you!'
Beeep!
"Thank you, young master. Have a great day."
"Hahaha, yeah…"
He hurriedly exited the establishment, moving with a haste that seemed as if he was fleeing from the wrath of the gods themselves.
"How much was it, bro?"
"You sh*theads didn't check the prices?"
"How much could it be?"
"I've just paid 600!"
"F*ck!"
"No way!"
"And this is just some random burger joint! We're leaving right now!"
Since they hadn't lingered too long in the area, they could depart the city before sunset. Triss, however, harbored a desire to make a purchase, albeit thwarted by the exorbitant price tags on weaponry, which exceeded the balance of her entire credit card.
The black market truly lives up to its name, was the only remark they could muster as they departed from its shadowy confines.
They trod the same roads until night descended upon them. Beneath the glow of the moon, they continued to march relentlessly, without pause. Just before the darkest hour of the night, they halted to set up their sleeping bags and rest.
Chirp, chirp, chirp!
This slumber was fleeting, interrupted not by the gently warming sun but by the melodious chirping of birds. The days grew colder as winter approached.
Unbeknownst to them, the chill in the air spurred their pace. An innate urge, driven by the primal desire to shake off the cold, emerged within their subconscious.
"Now we have to wait," Leon quietly stated.
It was Monday, but there remained a window of time before the prayer. They waited patiently until the guards departed. However, their wait was extended further. Then, the very sight they had hoped to not see unfolded before their eyes.
Several guards were escorting people in suits, hurriedly ushering them in the same direction.
"That's how my grandpa died…"
Sadness and anger welled up in Mike's eyes.
"This is the price to pay if you don't pray."
Cadeaux
-- Cadeau
reçu État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone