Chapter 4: Beneath the Surface
The streets of the lower quarter were alive with activity, but not the kind Riven was accustomed to. The bustling avenues of the capital's central district had given way to narrow, shadowed alleys. The air smelled of damp stone and smoke from makeshift fires, and the sound of whispered deals and hurried footsteps echoed in the gloom. Nyx, perched on Riven's shoulder, growled softly, his fur bristling with unease.
"We're in the right place," Riven muttered, his voice low. The rumor had been whispered to him by a ragged tamer outside the arena the night before—a network trafficking rare and dangerous beasts was operating in the capital's slums. If it were true, it meant exploitation and cruelty far beyond what he'd already witnessed.
He had to see it for himself.
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### **A Cloaked Stranger**
Riven moved cautiously, his eyes scanning for any sign of the clandestine operation. The lower quarter was a labyrinth, and every corner seemed to hide a potential threat. As he turned into another dimly lit alley, a figure stepped into his path.
The man was cloaked in tattered brown fabric, his face obscured by a hood. His posture was tense but not threatening. "You're looking for something," the stranger said, his voice gravelly.
"That depends," Riven replied. "Do you know where I can find it?"
The man chuckled dryly. "You don't belong here, outsider. The market you're after doesn't welcome your kind."
Nyx let out a low growl, his glowing eyes narrowing. Riven stepped forward, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his blade. "I'm not here to cause trouble. I just want to see what's going on."
The stranger tilted his head, considering Riven. "Curiosity is dangerous down here. But if you insist... follow me."
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### **The Underground Market**
The man led Riven through a series of twisting alleys and hidden doors until they reached a large, rusted gate. Beyond it, the air grew heavier, filled with the stench of sweat, fear, and something more primal. As the gate creaked open, Riven stepped into a cavernous space lit by flickering lanterns.
Rows of cages stretched as far as the eye could see, each one housing a beast. Some were massive, their claws scraping against the metal bars, while others were small and trembling, their eyes wide with fear. The air buzzed with the low hum of restrained Vitalis, and the occasional growl or roar punctuated the murmurs of the crowd.
Vendors stood beside their cages, shouting prices and boasting of their wares. Buyers, many of them cloaked or masked, inspected the beasts with a cold detachment that made Riven's stomach churn.
"This is it," the stranger said, his voice tinged with a mix of pride and resignation. "The Black Market of the Lower Quarter."
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### **The Cost of Power**
Riven forced himself to walk through the market, his heart pounding with a mix of anger and helplessness. Nyx pressed closer to him, his body tense. They passed a cage holding a young drake, its wings clipped and its scales dull. Its eyes met Riven's, and a surge of guilt washed over him.
"Rare find," a vendor called out, noticing Riven's interest. "This one's fresh from the eastern mountains. Perfect for combat or labor. Just needs a firm hand."
Riven clenched his fists. "How can you treat them like this?" he demanded, his voice sharper than he intended.
The vendor raised an eyebrow. "Easy, stranger. These beasts are tools, nothing more. If you're not here to buy, move along."
Riven's jaw tightened, but he forced himself to step away. Confrontation here would accomplish nothing. He needed to understand the operation before he could do anything to stop it.
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### **A Familiar Face**
As he moved deeper into the market, Riven spotted a figure he recognized—a tamer from the arena, a man named Jorik. The broad-shouldered tamer was leaning against a cage containing a massive shadow panther, his arms crossed and a smirk on his face.
"What are you doing here?" Riven asked, approaching cautiously.
Jorik's smirk widened. "Should've known you'd show up. Word gets around fast when a new tamer starts asking questions."
"You're involved in this?"
Jorik shrugged. "Involved is a strong word. Let's just say I know how the game works. Beasts like these aren't cheap, and not everyone can afford to play by the rules."
Riven's temper flared. "These creatures aren't commodities. They're living beings."
Jorik laughed. "Spoken like someone who's never had to fight for a contract. Wake up, kid. This is the real world. If you don't use them, someone else will."
Nyx hissed, his tail lashing in anger. Riven stepped closer, lowering his voice. "This isn't over, Jorik."
"We'll see," Jorik said with a dismissive wave, turning his attention back to the shadow panther.
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### **Unveiling the Network**
Determined to learn more, Riven began eavesdropping on conversations and observing the flow of the market. He noticed a pattern—certain vendors seemed to have connections with the city's elite, their transactions conducted with a level of secrecy that set them apart.
One name kept resurfacing: **House Teryn**.
Riven's stomach twisted. If one of the noble houses was involved in the black market, it explained why the operation thrived unchecked. But exposing such a powerful player would be dangerous, especially without evidence.
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### **A Risky Move**
As the market began to wind down, Riven saw his chance. A heavily guarded cage near the back of the market held a beast he didn't recognize—an enormous serpent with scales that shimmered like oil in the dim light. Its eyes glowed with an eerie intelligence, and its presence seemed to command fear and respect.
"That's the prize of the night," a voice said behind him. Riven turned to see the cloaked stranger again.
"What is it?" Riven asked.
"A Nexian Viper," the man replied. "Extremely rare and extremely dangerous. Whoever buys it will have the upper hand in any battle—or negotiation."
Riven's mind raced. If he could free the serpent, it might create enough chaos to disrupt the market and buy him time to gather more information. But the risks were enormous.
Nyx nudged his cheek, his soft chirp grounding Riven's thoughts. He nodded, a plan forming in his mind.
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### **Freedom Amid the Shadows**
Under the guise of inspecting the viper, Riven managed to loosen the lock on its cage. He whispered softly to the beast, projecting calm and trust through his Vitalis. The viper's glowing eyes met his, and for a moment, Riven felt a connection—a flicker of understanding.
When the guard turned his back, Riven released the lock. The cage door swung open, and the viper lunged, its massive body coiling and striking with terrifying speed. Chaos erupted as vendors and buyers scrambled to escape.
Amid the commotion, Riven slipped away, Nyx clinging tightly to his shoulder. He knew the market wouldn't stay disrupted for long, but it was a start.
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### **A New Mission**
Back in the safety of the upper district, Riven leaned against a wall, catching his breath. Nyx nuzzled his neck, a comforting presence.
"We have to stop this," Riven said, his voice firm. "Not just the market, but the system that allows it to exist."
Nyx chirped in agreement, his glowing eyes reflecting Riven's determination.
The shadows of the capital were deeper and darker than Riven had imagined, but he wasn't going to turn back. If the game was rigged, he'd find a way to change the rules—or break them entirely.