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."

was previously assumed that she would have her Slaves

the merchandise could

single slave was

the map, or they exist somewhere close… where they're

nothing." Esme sighed. "And you also added that there's no underground

Rey nodded slightly.

in order to ensure the business of the Black Market flowed well, the Allied Merchant City had Black Market activities seamlessly blend well with

the field, or a proper investigation

through the Merchant City. But, after finding nothing, I think there are

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

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

silence ensued after she did

"S-sorry for that…"

shoulders as she apologized. She was clearly anxious and extremely worried

Rey understood that.

He smiled underneath his

place they

"A-ah…?"

storing her goods. It's the perfect place

get very far, though, Esme's

do you keep referring

"Pardon?"

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

he didn't particularly think they

them that because that's what our targets use to identify them. If I want to

would he be able to fully grasp their

"I see…"

voice seemed neutral, though Rey felt like

sees how helpful such a methodology is, she'll understand.' He shrugged

to

believe It's time we

*******

~VWUUUUSH!~

out Rey and Esme in the

in on Rebal and Kara seated on their beds, with the duplicate of Rey—or rather,

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

Ralyks

awkwardly gave their greetings,