Chapter 582 - 511: Abandoned Mine Pit Black Market

Chapter 582: Chapter 511: Abandoned Mine Pit Black Market

In the "future" timeline Roland knew, aside from the reclusive King Morne of the Golden Valley Kingdom and an encounter in Silver Radiance City, he had almost never met another powerhouse who could truly condense a "Source Core."

He never would have thought that at the entrance to this seemingly chaotic and dilapidated border black market, a mere Guard Leader would be a powerful Knight who had condensed a Source Core.

And the other three...

From beneath the shadow of his hood, Roland quickly scanned the other three guards.

The small, thin figure toying with a throwing knife had an erratic aura, as if he could melt into the Shadow at any moment. His Perception was far keener than that of any ordinary Wanderer or Assassin.

Another Guard, crouching in an even darker spot and almost blending in with the rock, was surrounded by an extremely faint yet tenacious natural aura. It was like the gnarled roots of an old tree, possessing the patience and lethality of a Woodland Hunter.

The last one, leaning lazily against the doorframe, appeared relaxed. But Roland could sense a scorching, violent Energy surging within him, like a dormant volcano ready to erupt with terrifying destructive power at any moment.

Although he couldn’t immediately determine their specific Transcendent paths, judging by the intensity of their auras alone, all three were experts who were highly advanced on their respective paths. Their power was in no way inferior to the burly Knight’s.

A single squad of guards—four members—were all Transcendents who had condensed a Source Core or reached an equivalent level of exceptional power.

Realizing this, Roland’s initial impression of the abandoned mine’s black market—’crude and chaotic’—was instantly shattered.

To use such powerful individuals as gatekeepers, the "Order"—the founders or faction supporting and maintaining this hub of dark trade—must possess a level of power and resources far beyond what a local kingpin like Ogre from Lin Ye Town could ever hope to match. It might even be beyond the scope of this entire border region.

A sense of gravity and a deeper curiosity quietly arose in Roland’s heart.

Just then, the reddish glow in the burly Knight’s eyes softened slightly. He gave Ogre a slight nod and stepped aside.

After stepping through the entrance concealed by the distorted facade and passing through a cool, pale purple Magic Light Membrane that seemed to probe them, a more complex, potent, and damp odor unique to the underground assaulted their senses.

The light was the first thing that struck the senses.

The mine’s interior wasn’t the pitch-black darkness he had imagined.

On the contrary, the dim space was fragmented by a bizarre and motley collection of light sources.

Simple Magic Lamps hung from the rough-hewn rock walls; Magic Stones laid out on stalls emitted a constant, faint glow; some customers and Merchants carried Enchanted Lanterns; and there were even caged creatures emitting a strange bioluminescence...

These light sources, varying in color and brightness, collectively illuminated a "street" that stretched deep along the main mine tunnel, flanked by crowded stalls and simple shacks.

Beams of light cut through the pervasive dust and a faint, unidentifiable smoke, illuminating countless dancing motes in the air.

It also made the entire space feel more crowded and chaotic, yet it possessed a strange, crude vitality.

The street itself was an uneven path of hard-packed earth and gravel, and the "stalls" on either side were a motley assortment.

Some were nothing more than grimy oilcloths spread on the ground, haphazardly piled with rusted weapons, tarnished jewelry, or unknown herbs and ores in crude wooden boxes.

Others had used tattered canvas and wooden poles to construct makeshift awnings that barely offered shelter, where the items on display looked slightly more "refined."

Perhaps there were a few amulets giving off faint Magic fluctuations, several bottles of strangely colored Potions, or a small, rather ferocious-looking Magical Beast cub bound by a crude iron chain.

The crowd flowed slowly through the narrow street.

Nearly everyone did their best to conceal their faces and features.

Hoods, masks, and scarves were the most common attire.

Conversations were kept to a low murmur, like the rustling of subterranean insects. Occasionally, one could overhear brief exchanges about prices, quality, or drop-off locations, accompanied by hand gestures and the exchange of wary glances.

The scraping of metal, the cries of caged creatures, and a rhythmic, heavy hammering from deep within the mine formed the background noise.

Roland’s gaze calmly swept over the chaotic scene. He then turned slightly and beckoned to Copper Tongue, who had been timidly following a few steps behind him.

Copper Tongue immediately scurried forward, his back hunched, forcing a smile that was both respectful and fearful.

"My lord, your orders."

"Take a few men you trust, men who can keep their mouths shut. Split up and keep an eye out for the merchant I described earlier, or for any clues related to a mysterious Mage who deals in strange antiquities."

Roland’s voice was low, yet clear and firm.

"Remember, just observe and ask around. Don’t stir up any trouble. If you find anything, report to me immediately."

"Yes! My lord! I understand! I promise I won’t cause any trouble!"

Copper Tongue nodded repeatedly and breathed a sigh of relief, as if he’d been granted a pardon. He then turned and quickly vanished into the crowd.

Just then, Holland, who was standing nearby, seemed to be attracted by something at a stall. He couldn’t help but lean closer and whisper to Roland.

"Hey, Rudolph, look at that stall over there. They’ve got a few Crystal Stones laid out. Their quality is interesting... looks like they’re mixed with a little Star Dust Sand..."

"Holland!"

Ogre immediately cut him off, his voice deep and clearly impatient.

"The Master is here on important business, not to browse the market with you! Don’t cause trouble!"