CHAPTER 43: The Bandit Town

“Whoa, the hell," I whisper as I see a spiral staircase delving deeper in the ground.

"Awesome right? Come on let's go." The bandit says as he walks down the stairs.

"What do these adventurers looks like? The one the old man was talking about earlier?" I asked him as I follow down the stairs with Suyeon tagging behind me.

"Well, I never saw them so I wouldn't be able to tell you. But maybe the auctioneer can about the livestock." He tells me without turning around.

“Livestock?” I asked him.

“Yea, slaves and such. Easier to call them livestock. You guys are the first people to actually come in the area without an escort. Otherwise, adventurers wouldn’t be able to find this place.” He says and I hope it isn't them that they're calling livestock. Or else, no one will survive to live for the next day.

"Why, no adventurers allowed?" I asked him and he stops scratching his head.

"You kidding right? This place is full of bandits. It's a bandit’s paradise and adventurers worst nightmare. " He tells me.

"Oh, and these certain Livestock's that causing issues, are they still alive?" I asked him but my heart was beating irregularly as I finish my sentence and wait for his response.

"Yeah, the big boss doesn't really kill anyone unless it is severe. Most likely, they put them in conditions that worse than death if they misbehave. Frankly speaking, between you and me, I don't like those conditions. I rather get killed on the spot." He tells me making me more impatient as we walked down the spiral steps.

I need to know if Daikichi and Kana are any of them. I say in my mind.How come no one has ever noticed this fucking place existed? Someone should have at least noticed the illusion barrier from outside.

“Can you take me to see the livestock? I need to purchase one for myself.” I tell him since it’s the best way for me to see if Daikichi or Kana is here.

“Sure~ there’s actually an auction happening later on as the big leagues are stopping by. Come, let’s get something to eat first and we’ll go to the auction when it opens up.” He tells me as he picked up the pace and I stay close behind him. I had the urge to lodge a knife on the back of his neck as I followed him silently. The bandit happily led us as he continued to talk non-stop irritating me more, but I held myself back from telling him to shut up as he’s the only way I can get into the auction.

We got to another door after walking down for a couple of minutes and when he opens it, it leads to a prehistoric looking elevator. A mechanism which what looks like a pirate ship wheel is at the center of the platform that’s probably used to move the elevator up and down.

"Lucky~ the platform is up here. It's a hassle if someone leaves it on the bottom floor. Come help me." He says as he grabs one end of the wheel ready to turn it. I grab the other side and he began to turn the wheel clockwise and I did the same speeding up the process. The platform shook for a bit but then it started descending slowly as we kept turning the wheel. It took a couple of minutes to reach the bottom floor, which introduced us to a dimly lit hallway.

How far are we on the ground?I say in my mind.

“We’re almost there, the end of this hallway will introduce you to the best bandit underground town this planet has ever seen~”

Bandit town. I’m in a bandit town. I say in my mind as I follow the bandit.

“I forgot to ask, what’s your name?” I asked him as he led us through the hallway.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot to tell you due to all this excitement. My name is Dorang.” He held out his hand for me to shake but I gave him a nod instead. We walked until we reached a double door and Dorang proceeded to push it open.

As soon as I got a glimpse, the place looks ridiculous. A giant cave with buildings built on the wall of the cave and at the center of it, a giant statue of some guy. Lights are attached nonchalantly everywhere to illuminate the cave, but I guess they ran out of bulbs as the whole cave is still too dim to even see properly. It looks gritty and there are a lot of rough looking people walking about from one place to another while some are bartering with stall owners. Drunkards walk around holding an open bottle singing as they spill their drink everywhere. Some females are dressed in skimpy clothes trying to pick up their customer for the day giving it a full lawless nature.

“Great isn’t?~” Dorang asked me as he looks and I just nod. He gestures to me to follow him and we walked through the crowd. I can't help their gazed fixated on me while most of the guys are eyeing Suyeon licking their lips and whistling as we pass them. Makes me want to rip their tongue out but I held myself back trying not to cause a scene and lose the only way I can find clues of my friends whereabouts. If I create a commotion now, it will be harder to get information.

“Stay close to me and don’t kick anyone," I whisper to Suyeon who nods looking terrified as she tries to distance herself from the whistling and sexual taunts happening around her.

“Ok we’re here~” Dorang stopped in front of a door with a badly written print on it indicating what it is.

“Bandits Inn?” I read it out loud and Dorang pushed the door open introducing a loud crowd that doesn't have any common decency. Food is flying out their mouths as they laugh and talk to each other while some are doing a full make-out session with girls lucky enough to get a client. It has a similar setup as the boar's inn but its grittier and darker. As soon as we walk in, some of the people turn their heads towards us as they try to study the new fresh faces in their habitat.

"Hey, guys~ Look~ It's Olin~" The whole place suddenly got quiet the minute Dorang said my fake name and in an instant, it got loud again as they all scream greeting me shaking my hand with their grease filled palm. After shaking everyone’s hands, Dorang brought us to a table and we both sat down while a couple of the bandits bring their chair circling us. I didn’t even order food but the waiter, which is a fat old man wearing an apron that smell like sweat, place a couple of plates with pigs’ feet in them. He looks like an overweight butcher and it seems like these pig’s feet it’s the only thing they serve in this place.

“So, Olin, how was the demon continent. Didn’t you go overseas to another land?” Dorang asked me grabbing food without even wiping his hands. “How was the food there?”

“Did you find better livestock?” Another bandit asked me before I even answered Dorang with a lie.

"How many women did you sleep with?" Another bandit asked me without looking at me fixating his gaze at Suyeon who stayed close to me.

“Olin show us your skills.” Another voice and it started to get overwhelming as one question happened after the other. “Olin show me your skills in bed."

So many questions ringed out around me as I grab a pig's feet and bite into it. The last thing I want it to not seem like a bandit by being picky with food. Suyeon follows what I’m doing and grabs one of the pig’s feet. We both munch on the feet picking bits and pieces of fat and meat. The food wasn't bad but it wasn't good. All I tasted was the oil and there was too much fat that's it's making me feel like I'll have a heart attack any minute. I tried to answer all their questions with short replies and tried to finish a pig’s feet as fast as I can. The fat butcher comes back with two big mugs of alcohol and placed it in front of us. Now that I remember, not once I have had alcohol in this world. Back at Earth, I only drink alcohol on a special occasion like my birthday or my mom's birthday and it's only when I'm at home with my mom present. But it seems like this world has no age limit or maybe it’s only this place has no age limit. Since I see some of the bandits here are far younger than me.

“Drink up. I know the food here is not the best quality, but the alcohol is top notch.” Dorang whisper to me and I see Suyeon already drinking hers. She probably thought it was juice since she stops midway and forced herself to swallow the liquid in her mouth. I grab it and took a sip and even in this world, alcohol tastes the same. I was careful not to drink too much since I’m surrounded by bandits who would probably cut my throat in my sleep the minute, they figure out I’m not Olin. It’s going to be quite a hassle to deal with all of them if I’m drunk.

I need to find Daikichi and Kana quick. If they're here, I need to get them out. If not, we need to leave asap. I say in my mind as I place the bones of the pig’s feet down the plate. I gesture to all of them to eat the rest and all of the bandits around us emptied the plate-like dogs and walked to their own table drunkenly singing out of tune. I turned to Dorang who’ also happily eating his own pig’s feet not minding the dirt under his fingernails.

“When does this auction start?” I asked.

“Mgfhh- in an hourmfogh~" He tried to speak with food in his mouth and I pass my alcohol to him which he happily took and gulped down half of it in one go. “Ahhhh~ that hits the spot. Sorry about that. The auction starts in probably an hour or so. Anything you want to do before then?”

Since we’re here. Might as well check the market out for anything useful. I say in my mind looking around to see what type of gear they’re all wearing.

“Is there any place I can buy items?” I asked him.

"Ah, the bandit's item store is the best place.” He tells me as he finally grabs a towel that was placed by the fat butcher and cleaned his hands with it. “They sell everything from swords, to armors, to basically everything. If you guys are done eating, I can bring you there also.”

I look at Suyeon who's also trying to wipe her hands clean. She probably also didn't like the pig's feet. “Yea I think we’re done here.”

“Ok, give me a minute and let me ask how much. My treat~” He says as he stood up to walk towards the fat butcher. After eating, we headed out again walking through a sea of people. I noticed some homeless individuals sitting around in a dark alleyway and some of them are drooling in place as if they're experiencing the aftermath of using a strong drug leading to an overdose. What’s abnormal outside seems normal here as if it’s part of their lifestyle.

"A truly lawless land," I whisper as I pass them.

We got to another door and when Dorang opened it, an old man with a big nose greeted us, "Welcome to the bandit's item cove. How may I serve you today? Oho~ what is this. A new face. Definitely, this new face needs an armor that will show your strength. If we walk over he-"

"I don't need armor. Do you have health potions?" I interrupted him and he gave me a smile big enough it probably could reach his earlobes.

“Oho~ Only the rich can afford those. I do have in limited numbers, so they are quite expensive.” He tells me rubbing his hand while giving me a smile that exposed his dental problems.

“How much?” I asked him.

“130gold per bottle.” He replies without hesitation.

130gold per bottle? This toucan is trying to rip us off.

"How many bottles you have," I asked him and he started counting using his fingers which were full of dirt under his nails.

“I have 6 left.” He replied as he rubbed his hands again.

"How about I give you 300 gold and something equivalent for the remaining balance," I called out my dimensional bag, which made his eyes go wide with shock. I took out two swords I collected from the dungeon and he started inspecting it.

“Marvelous~ Ohh! This is marvelous!!~" He says as he inspects the blade.

“So, do we have a deal?” I asked him and he was too fixated on the sword studying every inch of it.

“Why yes of course! As an added bonus, I can give you a piece of armor as a thank you for these marvelous swords.”

I asked him if there is any cloth armor for females and I told Suyeon to pick what she wants. She happily obliged and started looking over the clothes on the rack with the shopkeeper.

“S-say Mr. Olin. Where did you find her?” Dorang asked me nodding at Suyeon. “I have never seen such beauty as her.”

Are all guys deprived of female contact in this world? What the hell.I say in my mind.

"Under some circumstances, we ended up teaming up together," I tell him and he knew I didn’t want to talk about it so he didn’t pry. After Suyeon picked her clothes, the shop owner offered me another service of adding magic onto the clothes Suyeon bought.

He said he can add a buff that will increase any attributes she wants, and I told him to add something to increase her damage output and something that can help with her weapon’s durability. Even though it cost me another sword, it’s better if she deals a good amount of damage since she doesn’t have any skill similar to sharpen or pound that I have. Most of her skill needs some form of body movement and the effect of the skill is too much.

“Dorang, pick out anything you like. I’ll pay for it in return for the lunch you paid for.” I tell him and his eyes went wide with excitement as he looks over the section where they sell gauntlets. It’s not that I’m being nice. I don’t like the feeling of owing anyone money. I checked some out silently whispering my inspect skill to see if there are any weapons for the dancer class but to my dismay, I didn't find one. Even the gauntlets Dorang was looking at was for a class called a fighter.

After Suyeon new cloth armor was added with the bonus attack damage and weapon durability attribute, we left the item boar shop and headed towards the auction hall where we can buy slaves. I see Suyeon is happily inspecting her new set of armor which makes her look like an assassin. The belly button area is open and the back itself gone showing her bare back and the clothes are skintight showing her hourglass figure. The armor came with the mask that makes her look like an assassin if she wears it but she kept in down making it seem like she's wearing a turtle neck. The side of her pants is open showing her thighs while the inner section has skintight leggings that cover everything starting from her knees. Her black hair along with the bangs I cut for her makes her look innocent as she smiles non-stop looking at her clothes.

“Thank you again!” Dorang says as he looks at his new gauntlets. He chose one that cost me another sword but it’s better to keep him happy. The more information I can get out of him, the better. We all walked towards an alleyway as Dorang leads us in what seems to be like a maze. We reached what looks like a platform where they probably kill people for everyone to watch. The reason I know this is because of a guillotine right in the center of the platform that's covered with blood.

Dorang must have noticed my gaze as he started speaking without looking at the guillotine. “That, don't worry about that. They only use it in severe crimes. Otherwise, they force people into labor depending on their crimes. That's not really blood, that’s paint."

“And what’s severe?” I asked him.

"Hmm, helping a livestock escape lead to a death penalty. Exposing the location of the hideout to adventurers leads to the death penalty, trying to kill or overthrow the boss leads to a death penalty. Everything else pretty much leads to labor. Most likely, we use the head machine on the livestock who try to escape or harm one of us." He explained and I didn’t say anything. My mind was filled with Daikichi and Kana hoping they’re still alive. I hoped they weren’t brought here. I know Daikichi can control his temper, but I know Kana won’t be able to at certain situations.

“Tch. Shit." I whisper as I followed him toward a big door.

“Give me a minute. Let me pay the entrance fee. That's one gold coin each. Which seating do you want?" He says as he held out his hands waiting for me to give him money. I placed three gold coins in his palm.

"The place where we can see the livestock first," I tell him, and he quickly ran towards a bandit that’s standing guard near the door. After a couple of minutes, he came running back towards us holding three masks.

“Most likely, they don't give VIP tickets unless it's someone really important and well, you're important. They gave us a seat near the front row. Come, you have to wear this. This is mainly for status reasons. The VIP's wears a mask in auctions. This is my first time wearing one. I'm so excited~” He hands me a mask and I nod to him as I grab two masks and gave one to Suyeon who’s keeping close behind me. So far, every male we pass by either whistle or give her a sexual remark. Even the bandit near the entrance is eyeing her from a distance.

"Wear this, and remember, stay close to me," I tell her and she nods as she grabs the mask and wears it. The mask they gave us doesn't have any color. There are holes where the eyes are supposed to be and a tiny hole near the mouth to make breathing easier under the mask. It looks like a traditional Japanese Noh mask.

"Ok, if anyone asks, your name is Nilo, the guard in front knows who you are but he told me it's safer to go with a different name if anyone asks who you are," Dorang asked me and I nod at him.

"Alright," I tell him, and we walked towards the door which the guard opened upon getting close to it. As soon as we're on the other side, the guard slowly closed the door and darkness quickly surrounded us. Not only that, the whole area feels like a sauna.

"Don't worry, its procedure. Makes it harder to find the exit just in case livestock gets away." Dorang says but I feel helpless without knowing what’s around me. I feel Suyeon grabbing my arm, as she probably feels petrified as if something will jump out and grab her from behind. After a couple of minutes, we heard footsteps approaching us and I readied myself just in case we're being ambushed.

“Sir Olin and the guest member of two?” Someone suddenly spokes.

“Uh, yeah," I replied back and the area was so quiet I can hear them breathing.

“Ok. Give me a minute sir, please don’t move.” I suddenly feel something being put on my head and it made me flinch.

“I-I-I’m putting night vision lens on you guys so you can see.” I hear a voice near me and it’s too close for comfort. I slightly nod thinking that they can see me in the dark. I feel something clamp on the back of my head as the lens of the night vision gets pushed on the masks eye sockets. The minute the night vision lens is in place, I was able to see everything as heat signatures.

These aren’t night vision lens, these are a thermal lens.I say in my mind as I see two people around us putting the lens on Dorang’s mask and Suyeon’s mask.

“Ok, can you guys see us?” A lady asked us and I gave her a nod.

“Yeah," Dorang replied and I see him waving at me. “This is sooo cool~”

"Right? Ok well, you only need these to get through the pathway towards the auction room. Come follow us, we'll lead you guys there." The female says as she turns around and started walking towards a path along with her companion. The two then walked out towards a door pushing it with cloth on their hands. The reason the whole area feels hot is that the walls and the ceiling are heated up so we can see them with the thermal lens. The girl and her companion led us towards another door and they both stopped right in front of it.

“Ok, the other side of this door is the auction room. We need to remove your night vision lens or else the brightness on the other side might cause you guys to go blind.” She says as she came close to me to remove the lens. I nod and she quickly worked on removing it, enveloping us back into the darkness. I hear the door suddenly creaking and light entered the area. I hover my hands to cover my eyes from the light source as it's making me squint. As soon as my vision starts to adjust, I noticed the auction room is full of people and the whole place looks like an auditorium.

"Come, I'll lead you to your seats. I would recommend not telling anyone your real name, sir." One of the bandits says as he looks at me. "We heard from the guard outside and have informed the auctioneer. He is happy to have you here and the only thing he asks is to hide your identity so that the auction can go smoothly as possible. Of course, if there is anything in your interest, you will be put in first priority."

"Alright. Lead us to our seats." I tell him and he started walking towards the side near the front where three chairs are placed in a round table rather than the auditorium style seating everyone else has.

This must be VIP seats.I say in my mind as I see a couple more round tables separating from the group of people. As we walk past them, they all stared us down as if we’re celebrities. The girls would whisper amongst themselves while the guys would whistle as Suyeon pass them. She kept close behind me almost hiding her face on my back as she grabs my shirt.

We reached our table and I noticed there’s another round table adjacent to ours. It’s still empty. The other VIP who occupies them hasn't arrived yet but I do hope no one sits there. It's already uncomfortable enough that a lot of the people on the vipregular section are giving us looks that make me want to send a skill flying towards the crowd. We quickly sat down, and our table is closest to the stage where they probably will show off the people they kidnapped to be sold like livestock. Good thing we have masks or else, it will be harder to move around later on if my image gets imprinted into people mind.

“Hello everyone! Welcome to the auction house! A place where we auction the best quality merchandise to all of you! Thank you all for patiently waiting but please do wait a bit more as some of our important guests has not arrived yet. For the time being, please let us treat all of you to cold refreshing beer!" After the announcer on stage finished speaking seven girls came out from the doors surrounding the area pushing carts filled with alcohol bottles. The girls took the bottles and handed them out to the crowd as they all eagerly wait for their drink. The announcer grabbed a few bottles and approached us. The minute he got close, he bowed as he placed three bottles of alcohol on our table.

“If you need more, please don’t hesitate to let me know. My name is Ragi, I am the owner and auctioneer of their establishment. It's very nice to finally meet you, sir." The auctioneer says as he held out his hand. I grab it and we briefly shook hands as we nod at each other.

“How long till the rest of the guest gets here?” I asked.

“They’re all on their way, they will be here any moment. As you know, the way of getting in here is quite a task and I only have two people handling with leading people in the dark since I'm short staffed. Some of my staff decided to get more livestock but they haven't come back, and it's been a day."

Of course, they won't come back, they’re all dead.I say in my mind thinking that it’s the same people Suyeon murdered near the illusion barrier. I see Dorang stiffens and he knows what's happened to them.

“Ok.” I nod towards him indicating our conversation is done and he nods back at me and turns around to walk back up the stage.

Before he started walking, he stopped again as if he remembered something as he turned around again to face me. “I completely forgot, the reason I went here is to let you know that if you need anything or want anyone that is up for auction, tap the table twice and I will reserve them for you. I will look at your table first before saying the price and if I see you tap, I will not sell the livestock to anyone but you.”

"Ok," I tell him and he nods again before heading onto the stage. I’m a bit surprised how popular this Olin person is.

This Olin guy is like celebrities amongst celebrities. How come no one knows his face? I whisper in my mind as I study the difference between how people view popularity in this world. In this world, they all just seem to go with the flow and don’t even attempt to figure out this Olin true identity. And by the looks of it, no one has ever tried to pretend to be Olin let alone, even protect his identity.

“Whew, that was close. I was sweating bullets there." Dorang says as the auctioneer goes in a door behind the stage.

"Just relax, no one knows what happened except us," I tell him. The last thing I want is for him to mess this all up.

"That scared me when he approached us. To get even a special treatment from the auctioneer is rare. But then again, it’s you, Mr. Olin~" Dorang says as he drinks his beer.

I give him my bottle as Suyeon gives him hers. I guess she doesn’t like the taste of beer. Even better, the last thing I want is for her to be addicted to alcohol and become a drunkard. Dorang happily accepted the beer bottles as he drank them one by one. After a couple of minutes, a couple more people entered filling up most of the VIP tables. As usual, like the rest of the crowd, they would turn their head trying to catch a glimpse of my group.

"Tsk, these special guests are so fucking slow," I whisper as I ignore them. The last table that's missing is the one across ours and I keep hoping no one sits there but by the looks of it, someone does. There are six chairs circling the table which means, there are six people left to arrive so the auction can get started.

“Fucking hurry up. The hell are these dumb guests doing that’s taking them so long to arrive? Sure, like hell it can't be fucking traffic." I whisper as I started getting agitated and my legs vibrate up and down.

Then the door suddenly opens up and six figures came walking in. They all have leather armor, or I would say overcoat and somehow, they give a different vibe than everyone. Everyone who's seated in the VIP section is given a white mask to wear as Dorang said earlier. But these group, they have a different type of mask with a design carved in them. And by the looks of it, their masks are made of metal.

“What's with their mask?” I whisper to Dorang and he looks nonchalantly at the group walking towards the table near us. He lifts up his mask to get a better look and I can see it’s probably his first time seeing them also.

“Hmm, I have never those before. I don’t think it’s from the auctioneer. Maybe it’s their own personal mask?” He says as he looks back towards me giving me a shrug.

I watched the group walk towards their table and that's when I noticed, they're all looking this way. No, to better describe it, they're all looking at me. I stared into them and I can't even see their eyes as their mask has a small slant towards where the eyes are. When I was about to say something, they all turned around and sat on their respective chairs like robots.

“Alright! The entire guest has arrived. I apologize for the delay but now, we can get this auction started!” The auctioneer cheers up the crowd and they all scream in unison.

I look around the room and notice most of the people are cheering except for two groups. Mine, excluding Dorang who's screaming his lungs out and the group of six that recently arrived. One of them is staring at me as his life depends on it. And the more I study them, I can see four guys and two girls in their group. The guy who keeps glancing my way noticed I turned my chair to face them and he did the same.

Fucking bastard. I whisper in my mind.

"Ok! Let's get this Auction started! Bring out Livestock number one!" The auctioneer shouts making me turn his way to see whom they're bringing out. I see a girl walk out with her hands and feet chained up only enabling her to make small steps. The chains are connected to her neck and extend out the back where a big burly dude who's also wearing a mask holds it like he's walking his pet human.

“Ok! This one is young!” The auctioneer glances my way and I shake my head slightly indicating I’m not interested, and I see him slightly nod as he faces the crowd. "At a ripe age for you, young lads. She has the energy to do all kind of work. Shall we start the bidding at 50 gold?"

“Fifty-one!” A voice from the audience erupted as the bidding started.

“Fifty-two!” Another person screamed and one after another they kept screaming increasing their bids trying to outdo one another until the final price was one hundred thirty gold.

"Going once, going twice, sold! Please approach the cashier in the back to make the payment. All livestock will be delivered after the auction is complete." I see the person who bought her order one of her henchmen run to the back of the room where a bandit sits around a table. “Ok! Let's bring out the next livestock!”

Again, another person walks out and stands on the stage. The auctioneer glances my way, but I have my arms crossed nowhere near the table and he knew I wasn't interested so he started bidding her to the crowd.

Fuck, hurry up with this damn shit. I whisper in my mind, as I get impatient.

I should have asked him earlier to see all of the livestock he's going to auction off at once before the auction began. It would have saved us the time. After finishing one auction, another one came out that’s not in my interest. They come and go and the more he brings out, the better looking they get and the higher the starting bid becomes. He brings out young females that probably right around our age and young males also where the female cougar in the crowd have bid to an extravagant amount.

But, one pair of slaves made my stomach turn. A young mother and her son came out and I can see they both look petrified. I notice the mother is looking around as they watch the crowd scream sexual taunts at her. I wouldn't blame them; she looks like a mixture of western and Asian heritage. Slant eyes with blue iris and dark red hair. Her son has the same dark red hair, but his eyes are dark brown closer to black.

“This one is a special one. Cannot separate them. So, we will sell them at a price for one!" The Auctioneer looks at me and I wanted to tap my hand but hesitated. I can hardly survive in this world, taking care of a mother and son who probably don’t have any fighting capabilities will only hinder my goal. As much as they remind me of me and my mother, I can't do things on a whim.

The auctioneer nods towards me and looks at the crowd. "Ok, let's start the bidding at two hundred and fifty gold!"

250 gold? A price for one? I say in my mind as that’s the highest starting bid I have heard so far.

"Five hundred!" An overweight slob shouted out from the VIP section. His table is close to the table near the group of people with a custom mask and I can clearly see he's riddled with jewelry from head to toe. His fingers are covered with gold rings and I can see him breathing really hard for no apparent reason as his bulging stomach goes up and down. He didn't wear his mask exposing is an ugly face.

“Five twenty!” One of the female guests sitting in the VIP section shouted out. Even with a mask, I see she looks old and surrounded by other girls that are dressed as they work in a brothel.

“Wow!” The auctioneer exclaimed surprised by the bid. “Five hundred and twenty gold! Going once, going twice, so-“

“Six hundred!” The fat man screams interrupting the auctioneer.

“Wow~ Ok six hundred gold! going once, going tw-“

"One thousand!” The old hag shouts interrupting the auctioneer once more time in which he didn’t care as the two VIP guest battle it out.

“Holy cow. Ok. Going once, going tw-“

“Two thousand gold!” The fat man shouts and I can see he’s starting turn red from fury.

How badly does he want these two? He already has a couple of girls surrounding him.I whisper in my mind as I see girls sitting around him in skimpy maid clothing.

I look back at the two who are being auctioned off and I see them on the ground hugging each other and their body shivers in fear. The mother hugged her son as tight as she can, waiting for everything to be over. In the end, their fate isn’t good with either one. If the old hag buys her, she's probably will be having sex with clients till she becomes an old hag herself. If she goes to the fat man, it will probably be the same but worse, she won't get paid to do it with a fat sweaty crap.

Tch, this is getting annoying. I whisper in my mind as I get more impatient.

“Pwahahahaha! Do you think that scares me? Three thousand!” The old hag shouts as she looks at the fat man who's glaring right back at her

“You damn tramp. Using your tramp money to buy more tramp. At least with me, she’ll only be forced to fuck me. Now take your tramp money and go buy yourself a sex toy somewhere else! Five thousand gold!” The fat man shouted out as he looked at the auctioneer who had a big smile the whole time.

“You-“ The old had tried to say something only to be interrupted as the kid standups even when her mother protested.

"Leave my mommy alone!" The kid shouts as he stands in front of her mother who's trying her best to protect him by hugging him. I can see she doesn't have much strength which was weird given the fact that she looks healthy. She can't seem to make him move away in front of her.

“Shut him up!” The auctioneer shouts at the burly bandit who moved in and grabs the kid by the mouth muffling his voice while picking him up. I can see the kid was afraid past beyond his limit as he started pissing his pants staining it.

The whole crowd let out a sound of disgust at the same time as they see the piss trickle downs his leg towards the stage floor creating a small puddle. The mother started going crazy on the burly man as he holds her son's mouth shut to prevent him from talking and the whole scene is making me turn my stomach as it reminded me of when I stood in front of my mother and a disgruntled customer who wanted to take her home.

SLAP!

The auctioneer slaps the mother and she let out a shriek of pain as her cheeks started becoming red. The whole crowd cheered on like they're watching a comedy show and they all went wild as the auctioneer rips her clothes off and threw it in the puddle of piss.

“You damn livestock, be lucky I’m not killing you. If nobody wanted you, I would have sent you to the head machine you fucking bitch. Now clean your sons piss with your own clothes your filthy vermin.” The auctioneer said making me want to send him to the guillotine.

The mother cried as she grabs her clothes and started wiping the piss. The whole crowd goes crazy again and it seems like the auctioneer has some sort of power over the VIP since they didn’t care if he hurt whatever they’re trying to buy. The whole scene is making me want to erupt the whole auction house in flames and burning every living this in this room to crisp.

"I apologize for this inconvenience. Please don't worry. They will be cleaned and healed before they get delivered to make sure you get the highest quality product. Now let's continue, five thousand gold! Going once, going twice s-"

"Ten thousand gold!!" the old hag shouts and I can see she really wants her now after seeing her naked. But not only that, even the fat guy is starting to have a bulge in his pants. He points to the maid beside him and she quickly got on her knees as she unzips his pants and put his tiny junk in her mouth. She slowly moved her head back and forth and the whole thing was being done in front of the crowd as if it was a normal thing. Even the crowd and the auctioneer don’t seem fazed as the fat man gets a blowjob from one of his maids.

“What the fuck…” I whisper as I see the fat man started shaking as he held the maid's head down his crotch forcing her to drink whatever came out of his junk.

“Ahhhhhh~ whew. Ok, thirteen thousand!” He shouts as the maid zips up his pants and sit back down wiping her mouth.

What the fuck is up with this world and maids being used for sex? I whisper as I noticed she wasn't quite happy with what she did, but she probably doesn’t have a choice. What’s more surprising is how the crowd didn’t care.

“Wow! if we keep this up, we’ll soon break the record of the highest bid made~ Ok, going once, going twice, so-“

"Fifteen thousand!" The old hag shouts removing her mask showing me a face full of cake makeup.

“One hundred thousand!! For the girl. You can keep the kid." The fat man says smirking at the old hag. The whole crowd cheered as the bid just became extremely high. The old hag clenched her fist but then she relaxed her body without saying anything.

She lost.I say in my mind as she gestures to one of the girls behind her to bring her a bottle of beer.

“Going once! going twice and so-“

“P-please! D-don’t separate us!” The mother begged as she hugs her son after the bandit let him go.

“How dare you interrupt me? You, if this fine gentleman wasn't buying you, I would give you something to remember you, stupid whore.” The auctioneer says bringing the mother’s face next to his.

“Go ahead.” The fat man says. “As long as you don’t break her bones and bruise her face. Everything can be healed with a potion I want to see also a good show.”

The auctioneer then the nods and points at the bandit. He calls out and two more bandits came out of the back and forced her down the ground with her chest towards the floor. The forced her to wear a metal contraption that made her ass lift up and she couldn't fight out of the position.

“No! Please don-“ A bandit put something in her mouth muffling her voice and her son was doing the best he can to fight one of the bandits that held him. But at that age, there isn’t much you can do to an adult. The whole scene is making me sick from my stomach and I feel my fist clenching. I feel something in my back and Suyeon moved closer to me to bury her face so that she doesn't watch what's about to happen. She's probably remembering what happened to her inside the dungeon.

The whole crowd around us cheered and laughed at the mother and son who’s completely petrified. One bandit moves behind her removing his pants and the crowd cheered some more as if it's a wrestling match. I see the mother clenching her fist to brace for whatever is coming to her when it that split moment, she looks my way and somehow, stares into my eyes.

If this was my mother…I said in my mind staring into her eyes and switching my vision towards her son who’s doing nothing but kicking air as the bandit held him up covering his mouth. If this was my mother…

The same thought keeps repeating in my mind over and over again. I feel Suyeon tighten her grip as the crowd cheers louder as the bandit moves closer towards the mother.

"One diamond!" I suddenly blurted out and it was loud enough for everyone to hear causing them to suddenly stop cheering and the whole auction room went silent. Everyone’s eyes turned towards my table and at me with their mouth wide open. I wouldn’t blame them, as far as I remember; one diamond is equivalent to one million gold coins. The auctioneer looks at me and even though his mask, he probably has his mouth open hearing by bid.

"You! How dare you!” The fat man shouts at me making me grab an empty bottle on my table. “Stop lying you fucking peasan-“

I didn't even wait for him to finish when I threw the bottle at him with such force, he didn't have time to react as it shatters on his face into pieces.

"My face! My handsome face!!!" The fat man shouted as the broken shards cut his face everywhere and the impact of hitting his nose caused blood to pour out. I quickly grabbed another bottle and using my seismic step skill, I closed the distance between us so quickly that he didn't time to react. I kicked his chair down making him fall back and I stepped over him placing a foot on his chest as I look down at him.

"Shut your mouth you fuckbag. Wanna die? I don't have a problem killing you and everyone in this auction room." I say it as I stand above him. The whole auction was silent as if they know they can't go against me. I see him nod and I suddenly smell something acidic. When I step back and look at his pants starting to stain.

"You sluts! Help me up!" He shouted at the maids who zoned out what’s going on and they all scramble to help him up.

"If any of you help him get up, I will slit your throat making you choke on your own blood," I tell them at a low tone, and they all froze in place. The auctioneer probably knows I'm serious and he tried to break the fight by continuing with the auction.

"G-g-going one. G-g-going twice. S-s-s-Sold!" The auctioneer shouts and the whole crowd stayed silent. I turn around and stare at him through my mask and I can see him remove his mask exposing a worried expression.

"I just bought her. She's my property. If you damage more of my property, be prepared to pay with your lives." I said in calmly making bandit to slowly move away from her and the auctioneer quickly waved at them to fix her. He whispers to a bandit and he quickly ran towards where they came out. Then after a few minutes, he came out with a wet towel, clothes and a bottle of potion. He told the bandits to quickly clean her as he gives her the potion to drink. After fixing her, they brought her and her son towards the back probably to prepare her.

"If they disappear from my sight, so will your lives," I tell them and they stopped moving them. The auctioneer hastily waved at them to bring her right to my table. "You, how much is for all these maids? I asked the fat man below my foot and it took him a while to register what I asked.

"O-o-one h-hundred t-thousand g-g-gold." Even when he's at a disadvantage, He's still trying to make a profit.

" I see your life cost that much. Alright, let me just cut one of your balls." I say as I grab his pants and try to force it down. He started screaming and going wild with both hands in his pants trying to prevent me from pulling it down.

"Free! Free! Take them! They're yours!" He says and I stopped trying to pull his pants.

"Well, how generous of you~," I tell him and he just nods as he laid on the ground still holding his pants. "All of you, stand by my table,"

Without hesitation, they all ran towards my table standing next to the mother and son. I walked back towards my table and sat down. I nod towards the auctioneer and the auction continued but with another person as the host while the auctioneer approached our table. Even after all that commotion, the auction continued as if nothing happened and the auctioneer ordered a couple of bandits to try and help him up.

"Touch him and you will lose your hand," I tell them and they stopped before they were able to pick him up. I see the VIP tried his best to get up but his weight just made it impossible. I watched him struggle for a bit before retreating back to my table which is now surrounded by skimpily clothed maids along with the mother and son.

“Y-you sir have broken our record bid. I understand you don’t live here so they will be given to you now. As for the payment, it is safer to collect now.” He says as he bows and is probably waiting for me to give him a diamond.

"Item bag," I whisper and my dimensional bag dropped in front of me surprising the auctioneer and some of the eyes that have been set on me as soon as I made the bid. I notice the old hag continuously glance my way probably sizing me up.

"Wow~ A dimensional bag. Only a handful of people has these kinds of stuff." The auctioneer says trying to strike up a conversation, but I was too busy removing the tiny bag filled with a lot of diamonds that I got from the sky king's dungeon.

This is something I’m supposed to give to my mother when I find a way back and now I’m using it to buy a fucking slave family. Great, this is just great. I whisper in my mind. I quickly took one diamond. And placed it in the auctioneer's hands.

“Wow~ this is a high-quality diamond! Thank you for your purchase. If you want some more, please let me know. I will be near your table to act as a private mediator on anything you wish to purchase from here on out." The auctioneer says as he sits on a chair that was placed on our table. Now we’re surrounded by bandits and the owner of the auction is sitting with us making it look like I’m more of an important person. The fat man managed to get on his belly, and it took him a while to get up. Once he did, he quickly retreated towards the exit.

Three more male slaves came out after the mother and son and after that, artifacts that range from rare to common came out one by one. But nothing interests me. No daikichi, no Kana. All the livestock have been sold already and not one of them seemed familiar to Suyeon also.

Everyone who sits on the VIP section mostly likely bought something including myself buying these mother and son along with the other maids. I plan to release as soon as I get out of this bandit town but for now, I needed to act the part. Everything went back to normal except the group of six with their custom mask have never said anything throughout the whole ordeal or even bid on anything. They just sat there and watch the stage while the guy who was staring at me, in the beginning, is still staring at me now.

“Hey, auctioneer, who the hell are those VIP?” I asked him and he turns around not caring if they notice or not.

“Oh them, they’re new VIP that was recommended by the big boss. He told us to just sit them here and help them if they want to buy anything but as you can see, they never placed a bid. I’m not quite sure what they want.” The auctioneer then stood up and approached them to try and talk to them but nothing. None of them responded as if they’re a statue.

Something is off.I whisper in my mind as I stare at the one whose non-stop staring at me.

Without luck of making them talk, the auctioneer left their table to go back to ours only to bow saying he has to go back to the stage to read the last item and close the auction. After the last item was bought off, everyone lined up by the exit where we came from. VIP entered first with their thermal lens and the guards along with other staff that was on stage helped with guiding them out group by group. The auctioneer told us to remain seated and also the VIP with the weird masked remained seated for some reason.

“I apologize, the original way out is the same way you got back in but since you have your slaves here with you, we can't really put you and them in the dark and having the chance for them to hurt you. Your group will be exiting out a different way so please come follow us.” The auctioneer explained and I stood up gesturing to him to lead the way. “Also we will be going with the masked VIP’s since they somehow want to exit with us than everyone else. I wouldn't blame them, some VIP like these can't stand the sight of filth. Please come follow us.”

The minute I made a move, the masked group did the same as if I was watching a mirror. I kept my mask on just in case.

"Item bag," I whispered and took out a black sword out of my bag and held it as I follow the auctioneer who also looked confused staring at me armed.

“Why did you take out the sword?” Dorang whispered beside me.

"Just in case. Now let's get out of here, they didn't have what I wanted to find." I whisper to him and he looked confused as he looked at the slaves following behind us. I'm not stupid, they just saw me pull out a diamond, for all I know, this auctioneer is leading me to a trap to try and rob me. If that happens, I’m going to murder all of them and get out of here.

We followed the Auctioneer as we walked up the stage towards where the slaves and the bandits came out. I passed all of the slaves who cried silently inside their cage as if they were animals trying to not make eye contact with us. We walked silently as the masked people walked in front of us since I didn't feel comfortable for them to walk behind me. We approached a door that's made of metal meaning to keep people in and or out. The auctioneer took out a key from his pocket and entered it on the door. All of the big locks unhinge itself and the door started sliding sideways. The auctioneer happily guided us towards a dark hallway with the auctioneer leading with a torch in his hand.

“Suyeon, stay close," I whisper to her and she nods. The slaves also walked behind us along with Dorang who kept looking at the mother’s face. We kept walking the dark hallway that became small enough that only two people are able to walk side by side. I don’t know how it happened and I didn’t notice him move but somehow, I ended up walking side by side with the one who kept staring at me earlier while Suyeon walked with Dorang behind us and the slaves I bought were in front of us. It was a stupid move since the rest of his team is in front of the mother and son following behind the auctioneer and his bandits. I gripped my sword handle and kept observing him beside me for any sudden moves he makes.

"Well aren't you a rich fellow." He says as we walked. I didn't say anything but he tried again to strike up a conversation. “Buying two worthless humans for one diamond. That is a waste of resources.”

"What's it to you what I do with my money?" I snarl at him.

"Hmmm, nothing. You can waste money all you want." He tells me as he walks with his hands behind his back as if he was a scholar of some sort.

His voice sounds familiar…I see we’re nearing the exit as the pair ahead of us opens a door that brightens up the hallway. As soon as we got out, the auctioneer along with a few bandits stands around. I see the area has a wall all around and there is no ceiling as it looks like we're inside a giant chimney. Sunlight is actually passing though indicating that there's a hole leading to the world outside the bandit town. There is a gate on the other side that probably leads to the town.

“Alright, boys open the gate, Mr. Olin, once you exit here, it will bring you to the center where you entered before. I have guards on the other end standing near so when they see you, they should know I sent you out through here. Otherwise, they kill everything that goes near the door. It’s for my protection. Well, then it was a pleasure doing business with yo-“

STAB!

I suddenly see a hand passes through the auctioneer’s abdomen and I can see him confused for a minute what just happened as he looks down to see what’s going on. Suddenly another hand passed through his chest ripping his heart out.

"Sir!" The bandit draws their sword but they were too slow and the other masked people decapitated them in an instant. Their heads dropped in the group with a loud thud and I watched them roll to the side.

The auctioneer in front of me vomited blood onto me and died as the hands slowly exit out where it came from. As the body falls, I see the one who’s was talking to me a minute ago standing in front of me with a bloody hand.

“Chefs coat! Sharpen!” I got into position as I jump backward and Suyeon along with Dorang and everyone ran towards me. But the masked group didn't do anything and just stood there. The one who stabbed the auctioneer wiped his hands from the corpse clothes and went through his pocket looking for something. After finding it, I see him take out his hand holding the diamond I gave the auctioneer.

“You, you killed them for the diamond?!” Dorang asked but I can see he’s scared as his body trembles in fear along with the slaves and maids. The marked man throws the diamonds my way and it landed in front of me as it bounced around towards my feet.

“Well then, it was nice meeting you. We shall meet again sometime in the future. Keep those weapons safe, it is dear to us. We will get them back from you in the future. Don’t die till then, Yasu.” Hearing my name from him suddenly made me realize who these people are.

No, they’re not people. Six. Now I know why there are six of them. I eliminated two of them already.I say in my mind as I figured out who they are, the remaining overlords. The person who’s been staring at me is their leader.

"Unum," I say, and he bowed as if he was greeting me in a noble way. Then, they suddenly turned into leaves as it exploded everywhere causing the whole area to be covered with it.

"Wait!" I shouted but in an instant, they were gone. "Fucking bastard."

I just missed my chance to get him to talk what's Luro's location. Bastard. Fucking bastard. I cursed myself in my mind as I look around but nothing. The place is covered with leaves and the three dead corpses.

“Holy shit, fuck fuck fuck. We’re definitely going to be blamed for this. Damiit!” Dorang screamed as he frantically goes around everywhere.

"Hey, help me open this gate," I tell him as the gate won’t budge unless both wheels are turned

“Fuck the gate! “ Dorang shouts as he gets near me. The minute we get out there and they find out the auctioneer is dead, you have blood on your clothes, they will blame us and put us in the head machine! I don't want to die. I don't want to die, man, I don't want to die!"

I slapped him hard bringing him back to his senses. “Look you shit bag, you got two choices, help me open this get so I can get the fuck out of this town and outside this illusion barrier, or stay here and cry yourself to sleep.”

He quickly stood up and ran towards the gate trying to open it. I ran towards the other wheel and turned it as he turned his and the gate started rising. The slaves helped Dorang while Suyeon helped me to open the gate faster. I could have easily destroyed it but I'm planning ahead just in case they chase us from the inside. If this gate is intact, it will buy us some time to get away when they see the auctioneer’s corpse. The only ones we have to deal with are the two bandits stationed on the other side.

"All of you go, I’ll go last. Since I think I’m the only one who can hold this gate up." I tell them, and they all nod my way as they get out one by one.

"O-okay," Dorang says and the girls walked out towards the other side along with the kid while Dorang ran the opposite way towards where we came from. The gate almost closed as the mechanism almost slipped out of my hands.

“Hey! What the hell are you doing!” I shout to him as I see him crouch down the ground picking something up. He then ran back towards me and smile showing me the blood-covered diamond.

"I need capital to start a new life outside." He tells me as he exits the gate. I activated my seismic step skill and quickly got through the gate as it closed on me.

“Auctioneer! Where are you, sir! The big boss is looking for you!" We heard voices coming from the hallway we got out and we all looked at each other.

“Fuck, we have to go, once they find his body, they’ll send the whole town after us. Dorang, you got a choice, come with us to the outside or stay here and die. You’re a bandit after all.” I tell him as I held my sword.

No one can be trusted. Even this guy. I say in my mind ready to strike him if he chose to stay.

“Well, as much as I like being a bandit, I don’t want to die so I’ll go with you. Besides, you’re a bandit also. Following the great Olin around is better than staying here.” He tells me and I nod towards him.

"Ok you lead the way, Let's run straight towards the elevator," I order him, and he nods but in reality, I don't want him behind me where he can surprise attack me. I turned towards the Mother and son along with the maids and they flinch the minute they see me look at them.

"All of you, follow him. Suyeon, stay behind them and I’ll watch our backs. Now run!”

We ran through the corridor and we soon met with a double door made up of metal slapped together.

“Dorang wait," I whisper to him as I approach the door to knock on it.

"Hey guys, the auctioneer has sent us out this way. Can you please open up.”

“Mr. Olin?” A voice ranged out from the other side of the door.

“Yes. Please hurry, I need to use the toilet.” I tell him from the other side of the door.

“Apologies sir! We’ll open it right away.”

The door started opening inwards towards us. At it opens, I told everyone to hide behind it and to not make a sound.

“Mr. Olin? What the, where they go-“

SLICE!

With one clean swing, I sliced the bandits head off his body and he dropped to the ground like a rag doll. Without waiting for the other bandit to react, I jumped towards him slicing his head off his body. Clean swift kill.

“O-o-omg you killed them!” Dorang says as he walks around the corpses.

"Pick up the heads and hide it somewhere. I'll get the bodies and hide it also." I told him and he nods as he nervously picked up severed heads. After hiding the bodies as best as we can, I noticed we are quite a way from the stage of the guillotine.

“What in the world is going on over there?” I whisper as I hear shouts and screams as if there’s a party. I quickly took out my item bag and removed my shirt, which is covered by blood. I wiped my face clean and changed into clean clothes. I gave some to the slaves and told them to don’t act like a slave to not arouse suspicion. I gave them my mask since people might identify them at a glance, which they nervously accepted. I guess they don’t trust me yet, but I don’t care. As soon as we get out of here, we will separate ways.

“Ok, Dorang, where to?” I asked him and he quickly looks around.

"W-we can go through the alleyways that lead to the elevator. It's a longer route but it's safer than going through the market plaza where we were earlier. But we have to pass the head machine stage to reach the alleyways." He tells me.

"Ok, lead the way," I told him and he quickly started moving towards a street. It wasn't long before we reached the guillotine area, which was jam-packed with people as if there's another auction happening.

“ Oh fuck. Fuck we got to get out of here now.” Dorang says as he looks towards the stage where a person is standing. “That’s the big boss. We need to go now. While they’re busy watching someone die, it’s easier for us to sneak through.”

It looks like he hasn’t found out about the auctioneer, so we started sneaking behind the crowd and I noticed them bring someone out that has a cloth over his head.

“This man! He will meet with the head machine today! This man conspired against us. A slave tried to shake our nation. Once he was found out, he and his group tried to escape only to be caught by our elites! We threw his group into the auction but today, we will show them what happens to those who defy us!” The big boss voice resonated throughout the whole place as if he had installed speakers everywhere. The whole crowd goes wild as screams filled the area making me stop in my tracks for a brief moment until I felt a tug on my shirt.

I see Dorang pulling me so we can go and the moment I turned my head around, I hear the big boss speak again. “Now! We are civilized people are we not? So, I shall let these vermin say his last words before he meets the mouth of this head machine. Remove the cloth and reveal the slave ugly face!”

The moment he shouts, the two big bandits holding the person grabbed the cloth over his head and yanked it off. The moment it came off his head, my body suddenly froze in place. I looked into his eyes as he found mine from the crowd. And we both stared at each other not saying anything.

“Daikichi. I finally found you.” I whisper as my body moved on its own pushing people away to get closer to him.

I found him.

I found my friend.