The black-clad man wearing the iron mask did not sound as cold as his appearance suggested...
He spoke in a perfectly normal tone, "Very well, let the gathering officially commence."
Florent glanced at his companions... Erich and Karl remained silent, as expected, but even Quevedo said nothing, merely smiling at Florent when their eyes met before gesturing for him to quietly observe the proceedings.
An attendant handed the first slip of paper to the host, who glanced at it and announced, "The first transaction today is a request for the 'Apprentice' Potion formula."
However, only two or three people in the gathering whispered among themselves, leaving the room in near silence.
Being clearly accustomed to such reactions, the host waited another dozen seconds before moving on, "Then let us proceed to the second transaction... 20 milliliters of lava octopus blood."
This time, someone responded, "I have lava octopus blood, but only 5 milliliters."
The host paused, waiting for the requester to step forward. Sure enough, a masked figure in a hooded overcoat rose and asked in an intentionally hoarse voice, "How much?"
The one offering the blood turned the tables, "This blood is worth 100 gold pounds, but if you're willing to share the Potion formula you need it for, I'll not only give you the blood, but also 140 pounds on top..."
Hearing this, the cautious trader refused to divulge his formula, "No need. I can afford the 100 pounds."
Disappointed, the man quickly handed a test tube of lava octopus blood to the attendant, while the requester passed over the payment, including the host's fee.
The host examined both items before producing a golden ring. A sweep of its light later, he declared impassively, "The transaction is valid."
And just like that, a Beyonder deal was concluded.
As more transactions took place, the murmurs in the room grew louder. No longer bothered to restrain himself, Quevedo grinned at his friends, "So? This gathering isn't bad, right?"
Florent nodded, "Yes, it fits my expectations... mysterious and filled with unusual items."
Karl remained silent, his hand unconsciously brushing against the pocket holding his Mystical materials.
Watching him, Erich spoke up, "Don't worry. The formula and materials are fine. I'll even accompany you home and help you prepare the Potion."
Karl nodded gratefully.
Seeing his friends reluctant to chat further, Quevedo, unwilling to let the atmosphere stagnate, said, "Well, that settles that. By the way... Florent, Erich, aren't you interested in buying some materials or artifacts?"
He gestured toward the ongoing transactions.
The host was just announcing the final item: "...This Beyonder artifact is equivalent to Sequence 8, though its effects last only six months. The price is 300 pounds, or a Sequence 9 potion formula from any Pathway."
Florent who hadn't been paying close attention asked curiously, "What artifact is it? I missed the details."
Quevedo mimed the shape of a sword, "A knight's sword. Its ability is to emit flames, though not very potent... about Sequence 8 level..."
A vague unease prickled at Florent, though he couldn't pinpoint why. He simply smiled, "A decent artifact, but I don't need it, and my finances wouldn't allow it anyway..."
Quevedo chuckled knowingly, "Fair enough. I hadn't planned on attending a gathering today as well... I just wanted to show you the bazaar."
While they spoke, the bidding for the artifact grew fierce. Three or four people vied for it, driving the price up until only one remained... a burly, rough-faced man who secured it for 500 pounds.
Watching the man flaunt his face openly, Karl frowned, "Aren't people here supposed to conceal their identities? How can he be so careless and bold?"
Quevedo grinned at his novice friend's confusion, "Though we're Beyonders now, let's be honest... Sequence 9, even Sequence 8 Beyonders aren't that much stronger than ordinary humans. Some can't even defeat a skilled fighter..."
He leaned in, lowering his voice as he pointed at the brute, "That guy is a mercenary, he's a regular here. Many know him as 'Baldy'... Rumor has it he's Sequence 9, but a combat-focused one. The three of us together might not take him down..."
Florent was reminded that he needed to work on his physique, at least enough to outrun danger. He turned to Quevedo, "Do you know any places where I can train? At least enough to avoid being instantly overpowered?"
Quevedo wasn't surprised. His words had clearly sparked some urgency in Florent...
Shaking his head, he said, "I know such places, but honestly, no amount of training will make us a match for someone like 'Baldy'..."
Florent expected this. Pathways like 'Warrior' or 'Hunter' specialized in physical prowess and combat, which was no comparison to his fragile 'Apprentice' build...
Still, he wasn't ready to give up, "I'm not looking to fight head-on. I just want to run away successfully if needed. If I can't win, nothing beats escaping to live another day..."
Seeing Florent's determination, Quevedo decided it wasn't a bad idea, "Alright. Go to Villa No. 37, Golden Phoenix Street, in Hernk District. Tell them Quevedo sent you. Pay enough, and they'll train you."
Karl was also tempted to join, but he hesitated until Erich interjected, "We 'Readers' don't have physical enhancements. It's better to focus on mastering our abilities first. Strength isn't our priority." He glanced at Florent, "But I won't stop you."
Quevedo instinctively opened his mouth as if to add something, but in the end, he decided against it...