"Anima, should I go with this outfit or this one?" Ruby asked me back at our home.
It was about an hour until that auction thing Dex and Hex invited us to, and I was still speculating about the guests that would show up. Zeus? Joro? Who else could Dex be connected to?
He seemed nice enough, but the greatest liars are the nicest people.
"Aren't they the same? The color is just different... and they're both red!" I told Ruby.
"Anima, what's the plan with this auction? Why are we even going? Shouldn't you be studying the air element?" Soul asked me. Soon after, she picked the outfit in Ruby's right hand and she instantly went to go change afterward.
"I have some suspicions about this town that haven't gone away. The underground police force, Zeus, and his cult, all have to be connected somehow, and I'm wondering if Dex is in the center of it all. If he's not, I'll find out who is.
I've gotten a bad feeling about this city. Hex was one of few demi-humans I had seen, which was contrasted to Gaia, Zyphilia, and even Dorrendale. She was one of a kind, but why? A slave ring? Human trafficking? There was something here, I knew there was...
"Well, whatever. Ipa, can you use your assassin skills to do some spying for us?" Soul asked him. He nodded, grabbing his black cloak and walking toward the door.
"Keep your distance and don't do anything stupid. Hide your identity as much as possible and if you're caught, just run out of the city and meet up with us at Dorrendale." I explained to Ipa.
"Hmph, I haven't done any assassin work yet, Anima, don't underestimate me," Ipa told me. I scoffed.
"I know, I'm not, but this is a plan in case the world turns its luck on you. I don't want you underprepared and then I have to go out of my way to find you. So, are we clear on what to do? Where's Ken?" I asked, looking around the living room. He was sleeping next to the door with his mouth wide open.
"As long as he's well-rested. Hey, Ruby." I yelled at Ruby, but she was still changing in the room.
"I'm listening! Or, do you want to come in here with me?" Ruby smugly asked. I clicked my tongue and turned back toward everybody.
We're here to find dirt or connections, so do that. Do your best, and treat this like a fun party." I clarified for everybody.
"I didn't think you'd look at a party like this so intensely. I mean, we're friends with Dex and Hex, why do they have to be bad?" Ruby asked as she slid her shirt on.
"This is just in case. Otherwise, I won't be doing anything suspicious. So, are we ready to head over?" I asked. Ipa left the house and immediately climbed upward toward the front door. I heard footsteps on the roof as he broke into a full sprint. He was pretty quiet, at least when he wasn't running.
"We still have an hour, don't be so stressed about it," Soul said, tapping me on the shoulder.
-
"Finally! No more walking!" Ruby declared as she walked toward the front door. At the front door, we spotted Dex inside who looked over at us and then told security to let us through.
The inside was like a medieval castle and all of the decorative components of one. I was simply amazed by the number of gold-plated materials in the castle. It was a rich person's dream, but everybody looked normal.
Nobody was dressed like this was a royal dance party, which was good because we dressed in normal clothing. I had a black shirt with brown pants, so I couldn't be considered anything close to formal.
"So glad you guys could make it! Hex will be so happy to see you guys." Dex told us. Ruby smiled wickedly again and walked off to go find Hex, probably to pet her. That lucky girl... I wanted to feel what Hex felt like as well.
"So, this is an auction? What exactly are you auctioning off?" Soul asked. Good, so they were on board with my plan to investigate.
"Well, Hex and I came to realize there are far too many poor people here, so we're auctioning off properties that have a maximum auction price. That way, no rich person can come in and monopolize properties in New Olympia." Dex explained.
"Hm? But couldn't they come in and just hit the maximum price without any more of a worry?" I asked again, questioning Dex's idea.
"Well, if you noticed, I invited you guys because you're new to town. Hex told me you were amazed at the way she had Soul Anthropomorphism, which means you're fairly new to the continent itself, being that this is the only one with demi-humans. I had that information and the fact you guys didn't have any money and decided to invite you. With a limited amount of money, you may be able to buy a property yourself." Dex patted me on the shoulder after his explanation and walked off.
"Eh? Woah... he thought far ahead." I mumbled.
"Hexy!" Ruby yelled out in amazement.
"Ruby!" Hex followed right behind her.
They were friends now? When did that happen?
I asked those questions but soon realized that the reason they were friends was that Ruby really knew how to pet Hex. Hex seemed embarrassed but loved it. She truly was just like a red panda... or at least how I imagine them to be.
"I'm so glad you could make it! Hey, are you going to participate?!" Hex asked her again. I decided to direct my attention away from the two and looked back at Soul who was staring at me.
"What is it?" I asked her. She broke her empty gaze and looked at the floor.
"I was just remembering when I first met you. From one nice area to another. I never thought I'd be at a party with you after a while, but here I am, I guess. Anyway, I'll be over there." Soul said. She was quick to get away from me...
"Potion Mortal!" I heard a thundering voice from the second floor and was greeted by Zeus's knees as he jumped down to my level.
"Ah, you remember my name? Hi Zeus, enjoying the party?" I asked him. With a large smile, he nodded up and down.
"Giving back to the people what had been stolen from them by the rich is something I love doing! Don't tell anybody, but I plan on buying property and giving them out for free!" He clarified.
I guess he wasn't completely bad... is what he wanted me to think at face value.
I know how a cult works, and I knew that he was running one, but I just had to get more information before I made an accusation like that.