Bab 51: Black Market
Strolling through desolate streets, Leon seized the moment to engage in conversation.
"Although I might have mentioned it before," captured the attention of both Mike, walking alongside him, and Triss, leading the way, "This prayer stuff sure comes in handy for us."
He momentarily lowered his gaze, "Yeah, it is," his voice maintained its vibrancy without faltering for even a second, "Even though we've lost family members and ended up here because of it. Hahaha, talk about a twist of fate!"
"Yeah, talk about a twist of fate. We're literally praying for the time we wished never to come in the first place to come our way faster."
"Trying to pull off some pun, Guard Destroyer Bro?"
"Hahaha, what's that?"
"Is that a new one?"
"I think it suits you."
"It really does."
"Is it?"
'Sounds cool, though.'
You didn't like it?"
"It sounds cringy."
Pat!
He gave Leon's shoulder a reassuring pat, "I'll find you a better one, bro."
"It's okay. You don't have to bother."
"No, no. I will bother."
"Sure. Do whatever you want."
'He may come up with something even better.'
"You gave up fairly easy," Triss, "You aren't like that with me."
"Let's call it a matter of time and situation."
"Like what?"
"Let's get out of this place already. We're moving at a snail's pace."
"Fine, fine."
Their destination lay to the east of Stone City, towards Taraste City. Unlike their previous journeys to bustling cities, this one would be relatively brief, for their goal wasn't the city itself but the desolate roads leading to it
After all, cities boast their own Goddess Statues, a crucial factor in deterring the establishment of sprawling underground towns closer to the city limits, often referred to as black markets.
"If it's as big as you've said, guards must have noticed it at some point."
"Yes, they know about it."
"Then why are they leaving it there?"
"I thought I explained that already."
"No, you never did."
"Sigh… I think I did," interjected before Leon could utter a word, "As far as I heard from the others, these places are where everyone lives together, knowing who they are. I mean, knowing whether they are a guard or just someone unrelated to them."
"So, it's like a lawless place, similar to what Earth had a hundred years ago here and there?"
"No, it's the opposite. In there, no one commits murder. Even the guards won't bother checking our watches. But they'd scrutinize our faces so intensely that they'd even trail us like thieves."
"Sounds like you're speaking from personal experience."
"No, I've just heard about it. Although, I've been wanting to visit there for a while."
"Same here, same here. We'd get there around Sunday afternoon even if we take our time and sleep at night. It's that close, but I didn't have the adequate power to go there, bro."
"How does power come into play here?"
"Roads can be dangerous, man."
"I see. You are right," added, "It's good to know that it's close, but I still don't get the part about the guards not doing anything."
"It's clans and families, Leon."
Arching an eyebrow momentarily, he responded, "I see," and nodded in the next instant.
Clans and families, rulers in the shadows who emerged into the light for a fleeting moment, only to be vanquished by the Brightest Ones.
As the genuine rulers of Earth, they wielded the power of universal energy arts, referred to as inner energy during that era, yet they had possessed that power even much earlier. The magical arts concealed from others were both the source of fear and the justification for their reign.
Despite their rarity, their numbers were not as scarce as one might anticipate. The multitude of clans and families also brought forth a plethora of perspectives. Within the vast array of thoughts, the endless spectrum naturally encompassed notions of both treason and submission before the fathomless ones.
While certain clans opted to switch allegiances upon witnessing their power or immediately pledged allegiance when the Gods appeared, the majority still chose to stand and fight for their freedom. Brave warriors from resolute clans met their end, steadfastly clutching their weapons in the face of adversity.
Following the First God War, it's safe to assert that only those who bowed down to the Gods remained alive, to a certain extent. In the vast sea of people, it's inevitable that a few would slip away, especially if they are a harmless group that poses no threat.
In an era devoid of an established military or police system capable of standing against criminals wielding magical arts, clans, and families emerged as the vanguards of justice.
They assumed the role of the police force, and when the Gods introduced the new system known as God's Guard and God's Soldier, they transitioned into the role of instructors, having gleaned knowledge from the tome titled Universal Energy Arts.
Surprisingly, there were some disparities between those arts and their own, but they leaned toward the advantageous side.
Subsequently, time continued its relentless march. As everything settled with the establishment of a proper police system, the Gods introduced portals and space transportation to Earth. With this innovation, their own races—those not native to Earth—began to make their way to this realm.
Tourists transformed into immigrants, and within this influx were people from clans and families originating from the upper echelons of their respective races.
These families also exhibited the same tightly-knit bonds, akin to a clan. Although not identical, the cohabitation over time allowed both sides to learn from one another, culminating in the creation of the most effective systems possible.
The initial concept adopted from Earth's clans was the clan tier system, which also applied to families. Notably, the distinctions between clans and families were minimal, primarily differing in nomenclature. The rationale behind this distinction lies in their historical upbringing and methods of accepting members.
Four distinct levels delineate the hierarchy of clans: Low, Mid, High, and Top Tiers, corresponding to Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Tiers, respectively.
A clan's tier serves as a tangible representation of their strength, the minimum number of formidable people they possess, becoming a symbol evoking fear, respect, and admiration among the populace.
From the perspective of the Gods, everyone living under their dominion was considered equal. However, this viewpoint did not necessarily align with the sentiments of the people.
While clans and families might not have held the title of planetary rulers, they undeniably wielded substantial influence and power over it. Not akin to kings, but rather akin to great inspectors with the authority to intervene in matters according to their own discretion.
Unfortunately, the majority tended to be corrupt to a considerable extent.
Just as Mike had predicted, they reached the verdant expanse between Stone City and Taraste precisely within a day. Lush greenery swayed vibrantly on either side, the multitude of grasses teetering on the brink of dwindling to near insignificance with the changing of the season.
"Since the place is called an underground city, we'll have to do the usual secret passage opening stuff, right?"
"Exactly."
"So, where is it, Triss?"
Two boys turned their heads toward the assertive girl who was leading the way. Given that she had proposed the idea, it was evident that she must be aware of the entrance. Their minds were working as they should, processing the situation with a sense of anticipation.
"It should be here."
"No sh*t."
"I mean, around here."
She commenced walking in various directions, and the boys dutifully trailed behind her, akin to ducklings following their mother with an air of aimlessness. When Triss walked back, they mirrored the retreat; when she advanced, they followed suit.
Meanwhile, Leon assumed the role of the second seater, adopting a Karen-esque persona, ceaselessly voicing his grievances.
"It's been an hour since you mentioned 'around here'."
After some time, Mike, too, found his voice echoing in a manner similar to Leon's.
"Enough! I found it, alright!?"
"Then, why don't you let us in?"
"I hate to break it to you, but I have to agree with Leon, bro."
"Shut the f*ck up, both of you!"
"Yeah, yeah."
"You don't have to yell, though. I just stated the fact."
"I'll state a fact to you so hard that you won't even be able to live anymore!"
In a hushed tone, "Mike, just say 'yes, yes' and let her be."
"Alright," then in a loud way, "Yes, yes."
"Do you guys… want to die?"
"Look, she calmed down."
"Why do I feel like she didn't, though?"
"It's natural, man. Volcanoes also have their sleeping time."
"I don't think that's called sleeping time, bro."
"Whatever. You know what I'm talking about."
"Yes, yes."
"Get in right this instant!! I've even ruined my shoes because of you!!"
"I don't think it's because of us, though..."
"Leon…"
"Let's get in, Mike."
The spot concealed amid the bushes was nondescript, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. It lacked any distinguishing features that would make it stand out from the rest, making it quite challenging to locate.
Hence, Triss persistently slid her foot through the terrain, searching for a specific type of grass—a small cluster of sturdy blades that seemed almost metallic. This marked the entrance to the underground passageway.
Having located the correct cluster, the next step was to pull them in a specific order to activate the mechanism. A precise combination of force was required; one had to exert just the right amount, avoiding both excessive strength and too gentle of a touch.
Subsequently, the location akin to William's underground passageway revealed itself, unfolding before them.
In contrast to the previous location, this one featured only a single elevator. A simple additional combination initiated its descent, gradually replacing the metallic door scenery with the vibrant lights of an underground city as it descended.
""Wow!""
Hadiah
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