The trader's stall was a fortress disguised as chaos. Crates were stacked high, and armed guards roamed the perimeter with their eyes scanning the crowd.
The trader himself— a large man with a scowl carved into his face—stood near the entrance, barking orders to his men.
August slipped into the shadows, activating Stealth. He moved like water, weaving through the maze of crates and barrels until he reached the stall's rear. There, amidst a pile of documents, sat the ledger with its cover bound in cracked leather.
As he reached for it, a sudden click echoed beneath his fingers. His eyes darted to the source—a pressure plate concealed beneath the ledger.
"Clever," he muttered, yanking his hand back just as an alarm rang out.
"Someone's in the back!" the trader shouted with a booming voice. "Find them!"
Guards rushed toward the area, drawing their weapons. August cursed under his breath, activating Phantom Splice.
