The deal left Stein satisfied while elating Christopher, who was practically buzzing with anticipation. This was the bargain of a lifetime, and a deal that promised to launch him to greater heights. He of course hid his wild emotions, instead opting to rise and shake the trader's hand, the gesture sealing their agreement. The payment panel materialized shortly after while displaying the agreed-upon sum, which was quickly accepted by the scientist.
"With this finalized, let's transfer them over to you. You two, step forward."
One peculiar thing that Christopher had noticed during their negotiations was that the slaves hadn't reacted, their expressions either stoic or marked by empty smiles. Their lives had just been bargained away, and sold to a stranger no less, but it seemed to barely matter, which was an unfathomable reaction from his perspective.
Following Marco's request, the elf and dwarf then stepped forward, their pace steady and measured. As she moved closer, her features, both alien and entrancing, became even more pronounced, causing Lloyd's heartbeat to stutter. Her beauty truly was out of this world. Even Alexander's hardened face softened, a reaction immediately mirrored by Alejandro.
"Are you familiar with the transfer process?"
"I must admit I'm not. How do you usually proceed?"
"Do you see the bracelets on their arms? They are premium magical devices designed to brand slaves and prevent them from ever hurting their masters. They also grant the ability to give commands, so long as they do not directly threaten their lives."
The bracelets, forged of silver and gold, were elegant, their intricate designs belying their true purpose and instead looking more like finely wrought jewelry than conduits of magical control. At their heart was also an encrusted crimson gem that, when scrutinized, appeared quite ominous.
"This red gem is the control center of the device. To initiate the transfer, you'll have to give it a drop of your blood."
The trader then reached into his waistcoat before producing a petite ritualistic knife, its blade glinting softly under the lamplight. As he handed it to Christopher, the latter couldn't believe how sinister this all seemed, with doubt beginning to set. However, time was of the essence. Without waiting any longer, his left hand then tightly grabbed the blade before his right swiftly pulled it out, causing a small stream of blood to begin spilling on the floor.
"Extend your arms, please."
Both slaves, like well-trained automatons, promptly did and by extension their bracelets, over which Lloyd brought his wounded hand, his blood now seeping into the crimson gems. Once satisfied, the trader handed him a fine handkerchief to staunch his wound.
"Well done. Here comes the next step."
[New Transfer Detected! Slave Trader
"Yes."
With his assent, the gems flared, their light momentarily bathing the room in a harsh glow before instants later resuming their unsettling, subdued pulsing.
[User
This confirmation spurred him to immediately access their profiles, a thrill of anticipation coursing through his body. The moment of revelation was upon him, as their skills were finally about to be unveiled.
[Elisen Glynwraek (283) — Female Elf] <...>
[Thildran Brewthane (93) — Male Dwarf] <...>
His initial disbelief soon gave way to sheer astonishment. These were simply beyond his wildest dreams…
Now unable to further contain his euphoria, he burst out laughing, a reaction so unexpected it left Marco stunned. What the hell was happening?! This sudden shift even made Alexander and Alejandro worry that something had gone horribly wrong. Fortunately, Christopher quickly came back to his senses before turning towards the now bemused trader.
"I'm sorry, I've just been looking for this help for a long time. It feels like a huge weight has left my shoulders."
His explanation sounded genuine, but a bit deranged, making Marco hide his bafflement behind a genial smile.
"Oho… Well, it's been a pleasure."
"Could you also do me a small favor?"
"As long as it's within my power, sure. What is it?"
"Would it be feasible to have them delivered to Gruzia's gate by tomorrow evening?"
This request took Stein by surprise. Typically, buyers were eager to assume immediate possession, since they usually needed the manpower right away. However, given the considerable transaction they had just completed, he saw no reason to decline.
"Thank you very much. It's because we have urgent matters to attend to during the day."
The former King immediately understood why, and he found it prudent. Tomorrow was a highly volatile event involving some of Gruzia's most powerful factions. It was wise to arrive with as little to their names as possible.
"Very well! It has been a pleasure doing business with you, and I hope our paths cross again in the future."
With their business finally concluded, Christopher threw another glance at his party's newest members before giving them a command to obey Marco till tomorrow, which turned into a highly uncomfortable and clumsy exchange. This amused the General greatly, as he barely managed to repress a chuckle. It was painstakingly obvious that he was a complete novice in these matters, but they were necessary steps should he truly be serious in establishing an everlasting empire. From his experience, forging an immovable character was simply essential.
After exiting the premises, the trio again couldn't believe that such an establishment hid under this shabby of an exterior. Marco, who had also escorted them out, then left them with one last suggestion as they were plunging back into the dense crowd.
"If you're still looking around, I recommend going to the center. A stage there hosts daily auctions, and as luck would have it, the next one is set to begin shortly."
"Really? Thanks."
Lloyd slightly bowed before turning to Alejandro and seek directions.
"What an interesting young man…"
⁂
As they made their way through the crowded marketplace, the engineer saw the true nature of this place, as he was confronted with a spectacle of unending horrors...
From exposed, naked women being groped and leered at by depraved lechers, to scrawny, bloodied children being publicly and mercilessly whipped, nothing seemed too far, with every step seemingly thrusting him deeper into an abyss where ethics and morality had all but been forgotten. Through the vile remarks and frequent cries for help, remaining detached, amidst this cesspool of barbarism, became a true test of his fortitude, a feat that was only possible due to his mind constantly reminding him of his goals. With clenched jaws that threatened to reveal his simmering anger and disgust, he also kept telling himself that this was a lawless place where life had no meaning, and where cartels reigned supreme.
After a few more minutes of enduring this cruel and inhumane circus, they finally found themselves in front of a massive circular platform, an amphitheater to the large crowd that thronged its perimeter. The undercurrent of anticipation was palpable, with the spectators, as was becoming familiar, captivated by Alexander's imposing figure, their eyes trailing him in a mix of awe and trepidation. Christopher could just feel the energy crackling in the air, a storm of feverish excitement brewing. It was clear that the auction was about to begin, a welcome distraction from the images that had just been seared into his mind…