I did everything I could to gather information about my sister's whereabouts.
Of course, I wasn't expecting to find her exact location right away, but at the very least, I could form some theories based on what I uncovered in the city's slums.
I wasn't particularly surprised by the state of this area.
Every major city had its light and dark sides.
Well, whatever.
The important thing was that I had finally gotten some useful information—thanks to the kind assistance of a certain individual.
That person was trembling and had wet himself by the time I pressed my sword against his throat.
"So, you're not lying, right? There really is an underground auction?" I asked in a flat tone.
"I-It's true! I'm not lying!" The man stammered, his entire body shaking violently. "Y-You're looking for slaves, right!? They sell them there, like auctioning off goods! Please… take that sword away from my neck!!"
I stared at him without expression, then glanced around.
In this narrow alley, twelve people lay sprawled across the ground, their bodies riddled with wounds.
They were still alive, but some of them would never walk again.
I let out a slow sigh.
"Hmm, that doesn't make sense," I muttered. "Weren't you guys the ones who tried to rob me first?"
I was certain I hadn't misheard.
The moment I stepped into this alley, they immediately surrounded me, thinking I was just some clueless country kid they could take advantage of.
Unfortunately for them…
They had picked the wrong target.
"Please, spare us! Have mercy!" One of them started sobbing, his voice shaking with desperation. "We're just struggling to survive! We had no choice but to do this! Please, don't make our lives any harder!"
I stared at them blankly.
Oh, so now they were playing the victim?
A while ago, they were ready to rob me—probably kill me if I was weak. But now, after their plan failed miserably, they suddenly wanted to act like the real victims here?
I let out another sigh.
I wasn't someone who killed indiscriminately, but that didn't mean I was going to justify their crimes just because they had hard lives.
My voice dropped to a cold, sharp tone.
"This is your own fault… because you're weak."
The group stiffened, none of them daring to meet my gaze.
"Instead of blaming the world, why don't you reflect on yourselves?" I continued. "Don't act like the world is cruel to you—because, in the end, you're just not strong enough to face it."
I watched as they trembled even more. Some of them even looked like they were about to cry.
I exhaled softly, then added in a neutral tone, "Be grateful I didn't kill you… though I did make sure some of you won't walk properly again."
After saying that, I reached into my pocket, pulled out two gold coins, and tossed them into the hands of the most desperate-looking man.
"That's your compensation."
The man stared at the coins in his hand—confused, scared, and unsure what to do.
I turned away and started walking off, but before leaving, I glanced back one last time.
"And don't ever show up in front of me again."
My cold gaze cut through them like a blade.
"If you do… I promise, it won't end as kindly as this."
Without waiting for a reply, I walked away, leaving them trembling amidst the bodies lying in the filthy alley.
After dealing with those people in the slums, I was ready to attend the auction—to confirm whether my sister was there or not.
To do that, I had to prepare—especially my appearance. If I wanted to infiltrate, I needed to look like I belonged there—like someone who deserved to be at such an event.
Without wasting time, I made my way to the commercial district and began searching for appropriate attire.
The clothing stores in this district were far more luxurious than I had expected. The moment I stepped inside, the subtle scent of fine perfume greeted me, blending with the fragrance of expensive fabrics neatly displayed around the room.
Tall racks held tailored suits, lavishly embroidered cloaks, and high-crowned hats that looked like something only elite nobles would wear.
I examined several outfits with a critical eye. If I wanted to sneak into the underground auction, I couldn't wear anything plain or ragged—I had to look like someone with power and wealth.
After carefully selecting my attire, I finally found the perfect outfit.
I wore a cream-colored dress shirt with delicate lace detailing at the chest, layered with a dark gray vest embroidered with fine silver thread. The sleeves were long and fitted, emphasizing my lean but well-trained physique.
Over that, I added a midnight-black long coat with a high collar—reminiscent of the elegant yet imposing Victorian-era noble designs. The coat had small clasped chains across the chest, adding both refinement and authority to my appearance.
To complete the look, I wore black leather gloves, sleek leather boots, and a simple silver ring on my middle finger—an understated accessory that subtly enhanced my presence.
I turned to the full-length mirror in the shop and observed my reflection.
The result… was flawless.
I looked every bit like a young noble who had come to the city to waste his wealth on an exclusive auction.
"Alright… time to go."
This underground auction wasn't something just anyone could attend.
According to the information I gathered, it was hidden behind a specific district, tucked away inside a nameless building that only those with the entry code could access.
When I arrived at the designated location, I found myself standing before a massive wooden door with no windows. On either side, two towering guards stood in black suits and leather gloves, resembling the private bodyguards of high-ranking nobles.
One of them eyed me sharply.
"What's your business here?" he asked in a deep, gruff voice.
I met their gazes with an air of confidence, keeping my demeanor relaxed.
"I'm here to attend the auction," I replied.
The guards exchanged glances before looking back at me.
"The entry code?"
I paused for a moment.
"Code…? Shit. I didn't know they used a system like this."
Seeing my delayed response, their expressions turned suspicious.
"You don't know the code?" The guard on the right started to sound more hostile.
I maintained my composed expression, but internally, I was searching for a way out of this situation.
If I said the wrong thing, I'd probably get kicked out… or worse, arrested. Fighting my way through would cause unnecessary trouble.
I needed to think of a way to—
Before I could say anything—
"Hoho… My friend! You've finally arrived!"
A cheerful voice suddenly called out from behind me.
I frowned. Who the hell is acting all buddy-buddy with me?
Turning around, I saw a plump man with a thick mustache, dressed in extravagant noble attire.
"Lord Bereto!"
The two guards immediately straightened up, their expressions shifting to one of tension.
"Hoho… You two," the rotund man chuckled before slapping my shoulder like we were old acquaintances. "This is my new friend, interested in the auction. Let him in."
The guards exchanged hesitant glances.
"B-But, Lord Bereto! The auction house has strict rules—"
Bereto narrowed his eyes, his expression still friendly, but his aura suddenly carried an unspoken weight.
"Hoho, am I, as a primary sponsor, not allowed some privileges?"
The guards immediately fell silent, looking conflicted—as if they didn't want to argue with someone of Bereto's influence.
But what really surprised me… was the fact that I had no idea who this man was.
Yet, he was suddenly acting like we were close friends.
As I stared at him suspiciously, Bereto seemed to notice.
With a mysterious, unsettling smile, he gave me a quick wink.
"What the hell is this guy up to…?"
A chill ran down my spine.
While I was still processing the situation, one of the guards whispered to his partner, likely discussing their next move.
I couldn't hear them clearly, but I already knew the outcome.
Moments later, one of them cleared his throat and spoke in a more formal tone.
"Ahem, if Lord Bereto is vouching for him, we have no objections. Apologies for the inconvenience, gentlemen."
The massive doors swung open.
I shot Bereto a glance, still wary.
'Who is this man… and why is he helping me?'