Chapter 35
The black market is an unofficial and illegal trading place that operates outside the knowledge of the government. Goods traded in the market are often unfit for use or too dangerous, or they are sourced improperly. Despite its illicit nature, Ray found it hard to believe that the government was unaware of this kind of place. It was estimated that at least those in higher positions were aware of the black market's existence. The government likely turned a blind eye due to the many benefits involved. Ray even suspected that this place thrived with support from influential figures behind the scenes; otherwise, the black market would have ceased to exist long ago, whether due to the greed of corrupt civilians or officials or the intervention of justice-seeking heroes who would not tolerate such illicit activities nearby.
As Ray observed, the black market resembled a typical night market on Earth, albeit with fewer people. The items being sold in this place were incredibly diverse, much like an antique market Ray had visited before. What made the black market distinctive was the absence of vibrant, colorful lights; instead, the place was dimly lit. The stalls in the black market did not openly display their wares, yet there was a steady stream of people passing through. It was evident that the black market conducted a thriving business.
Observing the crowd, Ray briefly entertained the idea of opening his stall. However, he quickly dismissed the thought, realizing that he had no idea what items he could sell. With that in mind, Ray explored the black market cautiously. It wasn't that he wasn't afraid of the dangers lurking in this place, but he knew that appearing timid would make him an easy target. Moreover, wearing a human skin mask boosted his confidence significantly.
As he wandered around, Ray stumbled upon a dealer selling monster corpses. Ever since he arrived, Ray had been in search of a more efficient method of acquiring the activation source for his talent. However, finding suitable passive talents proved challenging, and the monster materials sold in the market often came with exorbitant prices. As a mere second-year high school student, Ray could not afford them.
The disparity between level 0 and level 1 monsters was vast, akin to the difference between heaven and earth. The ratio could be as high as one to ten or one to twenty. Initially, Ray held the hope of finding a desirable passive talent. Yet, after touching a few corpses, he couldn't help but feel disappointed. It may seem coincidental that Ray had encountered and utilized every passive talent he had come across so far. However, in reality, Ray forced himself to make use of the talents available to him. He would also feel overwhelmed when faced with the freedom to choose from multiple passive talents. Just like how cattle can be made to run faster when led by their noses, sometimes we need a push to make progress. Although it may not be the most suitable talent, coercion is sometimes what drives us forward.
While there might be better and more fitting talents out there, the "source" of these talents remained out of Ray's reach for now. After completing his rounds, Ray decided to forgo searching for monster corpses. Instead, he contemplated finding a martial manual that would suit his pursuit.
Ray didn't bother looking for breathing manuals or other advanced manuals because he knew he wouldn't find them at such a low price in this place. Approaching a thin and malnourished-looking man, Ray asked in a composed voice, "How much can I sell these books for?"
"It depends on the content inside. The cheapest is ten unit values, while the most expensive is one thousand unit values," the man replied.
Upon hearing this, Ray felt uncertain. "Are they really that cheap? Is something wrong?" He examined the book in front of him with doubt. After reading its contents, Ray believed that the martial manual was genuine, although it seemed to be a handwritten copy. However, outside of the world, there were probably thousands of copies of similar manuals, rendering them almost worthless. Despite this realization, Ray still agreed and bought nearly a hundred copies. Although the books were not of high value, as a beginner in this field, Ray understood that he had to start from the basics and progress step by step. He was not in a rush either.
After purchasing the books, Ray didn't immediately head home. He circled the market a few more times, searching for other items to buy. Additionally, he wanted to wait for his talent cooldown, ensuring that he wouldn't act recklessly in the future. As time passed, Ray began feeling increasingly confused. He had a sense of déjà vu as if he had been to this place before. Strangely, he couldn't recall ever visiting this place in his current memories or the memories of his predecessor. However, assuming it was just a fleeting feeling, Ray chose to ignore it and prepared to leave the black market.
Once outside the black market, Ray sensed eyes staring at him from the depths of the forest. "Ugh, why does this cliché always happen to me?" Ray groaned helplessly. Immediately, he activated both of his talent corridors and used the [B-rank Air Jump] and [F-rank Tortoise Breath] talents.
Swoosh! Ray vanished into the darkness of the night.
In a nearby bush, a thin man looked confused and doubtful. "Monkey, where did that person go? Why can't we see him?"
"Oh... um," the figure called Monkey also appeared bewildered. He was the one who had sold Ray a hundred books. They had been monitoring Ray for some time, intending to capture him like livestock. According to their calculations, Ray was a prime target. As they traveled, their certainty about him grew. However, now that person seems to have disappeared.
Hesitant, Monkey approached the spot where Ray had stood moments ago. There were footprints there, but they abruptly stopped, as if the person they had been observing had turned into a ghost.
After pondering for a while, Monkey could only shake his head in resignation. "Pig, it seems like we won't have a feast this time. The livestock has escaped," Monkey said sadly.
"..." Pig remained silent.
"Pig! Are you deaf?" the monkey called again, but there was still no response. Concern began to fill the monkey's mind. "Something isn't right," he complained silently.
"Pigs!"
"..."
Since there was no answer, the monkey quickly turned back to his previous position.
"Pigs!"
"Pig, where are you? This is not the time for games!" the monkey exclaimed anxiously.
"Hehehe, but I want to play..."
A sudden sound startled the monkey, causing his heart to race. He reflexively turned toward the source of the sound.
To the monkey's astonishment, he saw a man standing in the air as if the air itself was a solid surface to stand on.
"Ah, you--" The monkey's eyes widened as he recognized the figure.
Before the monkey could finish his words, the man swiftly covered his mouth tightly and then tore his neck apart.
The lifeless body vanished instantly into thin air. The area fell silent, with no trace of the struggle remaining.
Ray had become proficient in killing after his previous battle. He quickly scanned the surroundings and, finding nothing amiss, swiftly ascended into the sky. He wanted to avoid any trouble that could lead to his mother scolding him again when he returned home. Ray hurriedly made his way toward the city walls.
That night, Ray found a hotel on the outskirts of town and spent the night there.
...
At the location of the earlier confrontation, a group of people arrived and exchanged perplexed glances.
"It seems we need to be more cautious in the future," a middle-aged man spoke up.
"Well, I never expected someone who appeared to be a high school student to be so strict and ruthless," an older woman added.
"Hey, hey, it seems my eyes are still sharp!" an old man with a long white beard chimed in.
Hearing his words, the group turned their attention to him.
"What do you mean, old man?" the woman asked.
"Didn't you notice how skilled he was? I could tell with just one glance. After all, he was wearing a mask made from human skin. If someone so young could possess such a rare mask, it's clear that he's not an ordinary person."
"Ah, I didn't notice that at all!" the middle-aged man exclaimed, surprised.
"How could you have missed it? Don't compare your eyes to mine. Don't judge me based on my age now. In my youth, I was known as the King of see-through Invisibility!" the old man proudly boasted.
Hearing this, the group of people frowned. The nickname sounded more lewd than formidable.
With that, the group dispersed, leaving nothing but silence behind.