An Extra’s POV

[Moments Earlier: The Merchant City]

"This is weird…"

Rey and Esme were walking alongside each other, though with both of them cloaked, no one around could see them.

They couldn't hear them either.

"Why haven't we spotted a single Warehouse with any slave in them?" Esme muttered, her tone showing signs of impatience.

She was, of course, in her full-plated armor, and her face was covered in a dark helmet. Still, that didn't stop the emotions she displayed from leaking out.

"I'm not surprised." Rey answered her, causing the Half Elf to turn in his direction.

"What do you mean? You knew this would happen?"

"No. I wasn't sure. But, with all of this happening, it's pretty clear what's going on now."

Esme's quizzical expression was hidden underneath her helmet, just as Rey's smile was also locked behind his mask.

Both of them merely spoke without once being able to visually express their current emotions.

"With Scylla and her cohorts already aware that the Full Sweep is happening today, it's very likely that they have already transferred their assets to a different location." Rey finally answered.

To this, Esme groaned.

"But we've been searching a lot of places for days now. Nearly two weeks, even." She sighed, slapping her hand against her metal helmet.

If not for Rey's control over sound Magic, her sudden action would have definitely attracted attention.

"Does that mean we'll have to search for them all over again?"

A slight chuckle echoed from Rey as he looked at Esme, wishing he could see what kind of expression she had behind the Orichalcum.

"You're very smart and collected, but when it comes to matters like these, you really are naive and excitable."

"W-what?"

"Pfft! Relax. I don't blame you for being unaware of how things work in this sphere of life." Rey shrugged, his tone still containing hints of amusement.

"You don't know anything about the Criminal Underworld."

business, it was previously assumed that she would have her Slaves in the

none of the merchandise

single slave

they've been transported to places that aren't even on the

checked the Merchant City through and through and we've found nothing." Esme sighed. "And you also added that there's no underground area

Rey nodded slightly.

space had to be built in order to ensure the business of the Black

field, or a proper investigation was carried out, it would be difficult to differentiate

City. But, after finding nothing,

be in unregistered areas that aren't on the map. That'll make our

the second option?" Esme quickly asked, neatly cutting Rey off when he

moment of silence ensued after she did

"S-sorry for that…"

as she apologized. She was clearly anxious and extremely

Rey understood that.

really show how young she is.' He smiled underneath his mask before proceeding to tell

option is simple. They're located at the closest place they can be to Scylla—the venue of the

"A-ah…?"

her territory meant for storing her goods. It's the perfect place to hide merchandise." Rey found his lips widening the more he mulled over the possibility of his

could get very far, though, Esme's

referring

"Pardon?"

They're people, you know? Why do you keep referring to them

language, but he didn't

use to identify them. If I want to figure out where they are, I need to think the same way the opponent

himself in their kind would he be able to fully grasp their thought process and

"I see…"

though Rey felt like she was

she sees how helpful such a methodology is, she'll understand.' He shrugged all of those thoughts

true. We'll be able to find out everything

time we returned

*******

~VWUUUUSH!~

out Rey and Esme in

on their beds, with the duplicate of Rey—or rather, Ralyks—standing

"Y-you're back, Sir Ralyks!"

back, Sir Ralyks and… well, his

gave their greetings, Rey nodded at