Zuxe stood in a large central hall, a series of spiraling staircases snaked up around the room, leading to various levels that branched into hidden corridors.
Zuxe read the text written on the header of the entrance of each staircase in different colors.
"Trade Spiral... Veil Steps... Whisper Ascent... Shade Descent... Phantom Path."
'I will have to reveal my identity... huh?'
Zuxe pondered, coming to the conclusion that he wouldn't be able to get any help from Kairo, considering what he was going to do.
'As far as I remember, the trade system hierarchy went like this...'
Putting his fingers beneath his chin, he recalled a specific memory.
In the Organization, the stage began at Trade Spiral, where ordinary yet rare resources were openly traded, giving the building the appearance of a legitimate marketplace.
Ascending to the Veil Steps, the goods became more exclusive, masking covert dealings behind the pretense of legality.
Moving up to Whisper Ascent, only trusted clients gained access to semi-legal, low-profile trades that went unnoticed by most.
Entering the Shade Descent, the air grew heavier, and so did the goods—cursed books, forbidden spells, and outlawed tools were exchanged.
At the end, Phantom Path, only a chosen few could enter the hidden backrooms, where the rarest and most dangerous, illegal deals—Curse Technique Implantation, Crossbreed Zygote, and many other things were brokered far from the eyes of the public.
At the level of Shade Descent, even the calm authorities found it impossible to uncover what truly took place within its depths.
Their methods were so airtight that even infiltrators sent by the clan couldn't crack their network.
Every transaction was shrouded in layers of deception, with no paper trails, false identities, and coded communication ensuring nothing could be traced.
The clan had long suspected their operations but could never find solid evidence. Every attempt to investigate was met with dead ends, as if the order didn't exist at all.
"I have to enter the 'Shade Descent,'" Zuxe whispered under his breath, as his mind raced to find a way to enter the Shade Descent.
It was almost impossible for him to gain the authority to enter the Shade Descent, which was the very reason he had come here in the first place.
He wasn't even a merchant, let alone a trusted one who could have earned such privileges. In fact, to even think about being granted access to the Shade Descent, a person had to prove their loyalty to the organization for at least ten years.
Initially, Zuxe had thought of using his status as a clan member investigating on official business to gain entry.
But involving the clan's name in something so dangerous was out of the question.
His relationship with them was already strained, not to mention the fact that he was considered weaker than the average child.
If the clan discovered that the one they had forbidden from even stepping outside had ventured into the black market alone, and worse, had used their name to bypass security, it wouldn't just bring punishment. Execution would be certain, regardless of his status.
Even Elysia wouldn't be able to save him then. Or perhaps it was more accurate to say she wouldn't even try. In the end, she was nothing more than the clan's loyal pet.
As for trying to knock out the guards stationed at the entrance, that plan was far too risky.
Zuxe could easily sense the immense Soul Essence radiating from their bodies. They were at least on the same level as Mira, his maid, whose strength was formidable.
Confused, he sat on a nearby sofa, massaging his temples as hundreds of thoughts raced through his mind.
Minutes passed by, and his tension only grew more as he reminded himself of the time limit he had right now, until an idea clicked in his mind.
"It's kind of a loophole... just hope it works," Zuxe muttered under his breath as he stood up from the sofa, making his way toward the reception area with quiet but determined steps.
"Excuse me..." He leaned slightly forward, trying to catch the attention of the receptionist. His height barely allowed him to see over the desk, and he had to stretch to be noticed.
The receptionist, a woman in her thirties with thin-framed spectacles, glanced up from her paperwork. Her eyes locked onto Zuxe, a polite smile quickly spreading across her face.
"How may I assist you, sir?" she asked, her tone friendly and professional.
Zuxe pursed his lips. "Kairo should have already mentioned this to you, but I need your help," he said, trying to remain composed, though there was an unmistakable annoyance in his voice.
Internally, a rising wave of irritation swirled within him, though he couldn't quite figure out why. Perhaps it was something about her demeanor, or maybe it reminded him of someone.
The receptionist blinked, momentarily surprised by the tension in his voice, but quickly recovered, her hands moving to adjust her glasses.
"I'm happy to assist with anything you need. Just let me know what I can do," she replied, her smile still warm though her eyes were now more focused, as if sensing the tension beneath his calm exterior.
"I need to book an appointment with Mr. Hrwateek," Zuxe said, his words coming out more forcefully than he intended.
His eyes briefly flickered away before returning to meet hers, hoping the request would move things along.
The receptionist tilted her head slightly, her expression softening with a hint of concern. "Mr. Hrwateek, you say?" she asked, as if trying to buy herself a little more time. "Is this an urgent matter, sir?"
Zuxe's fingers tapped against the desk lightly, the faintest sign of his growing impatience.
"Yes, it is. That's why I need this done quickly," he replied, holding back the frustration that was bubbling inside.
The polite facade he tried to maintain was beginning to crack.
She nodded, her gaze briefly lowering to her computer screen.
"Let me check his availability for you." Her fingers danced across the keyboard as she continued, "It's just that he's very busy at this time. His schedule is often packed for weeks in advance."
"Isn't that your job?" Zuxe muttered under his breath, almost inaudibly, but the hint of annoyance was clear.
The receptionist's fingers froze for a second, catching the subtle jab, but she pretended not to hear it.
After a few moments, she looked back at him.
"It seems I can book your appointment right now, but the other person who is appointed would have to be compensated with money. Would that work for you, or would you prefer a later date?" she asked, maintaining her composed demeanor.
Zuxe sighed, frustration clawing at his insides. "I am ready to pay. Just tell me how much I have to pay," he said firmly.
"Of course, sir. I'll send the confirmation to your device right now," she promised, giving him a final reassuring smile.
Ding!
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