Whenever someone asks about the black market, most assume it's simply a market that operates at night. However, that's only partially true. Not all night markets are black markets, and not all black markets are limited to nighttime operations. Some run underground, hidden from sight, operating at all hours.
A black market is an illicit marketplace where goods and services are exchanged outside government regulations. Transactions happen discreetly, often dealing in contraband, rare items, and even things that shouldn't exist in legal trade. These places thrive in secrecy, with no taxes, no oversight, and no laws governing their transactions.
Just like in fantasy worlds, this world also had its own underground markets. Every major city had at least one, though none were officially recognized. Anyone daring enough could enter, provided they found their way in. The entrance wasn't guarded by passwords or secret codes; all that was needed was knowledge of the hidden paths leading to it. For Ren, that meant trudging through the city's sewage tunnels and finding a concealed passage deep within. It was an unpleasant experience, to say the least.
The moment he emerged from the passage, he was greeted by a dimly lit scene filled with hushed voices and shifting figures. The market was a chaotic blend of secrecy and commerce, stalls lined with artifacts, potions, and rare skill manuals. The air buzzed with negotiations—some whispered, others loud and aggressive.
Despite the overwhelming variety of goods, Ren knew he had to be careful. Many of the items on display were counterfeit, and the merchants were seasoned liars, willing to swindle the unsuspecting. Here, deception was a trade as much as selling goods.
The black market was not bound by ethics or morality. While many vendors dealt in legal yet rare goods—elixirs, artifacts, and enchanted tools—there were also those who traded in far more sinister products. Thankfully, slavery did not exist in this world, though there was one individual capable of forcing people into servitude. But he would eventually meet his end at the hands of the novel's protagonist.
Ren had no interest in meddling with such matters. He wasn't here to play hero. His goal was simple—gather resources, obtain artifacts, and strengthen himself.
From the outside, the black market resembled the night markets of his past life, but he knew better than to be fooled by appearances. Every step here required caution. Danger lurked everywhere, from potential thieves to hostile criminals who wouldn't hesitate to eliminate an obstacle.
Despite the risks, people flocked to the black market for various reasons. Some sought to bypass regulations, others came for rare goods unavailable elsewhere. There were even members of other races discreetly visiting, their appearances concealed under cloaks and illusions.
This lawless zone operated on trust and reputation rather than written contracts. Prices fluctuated wildly based on demand, with some goods selling for fortunes and others being practically given away. Each market was overseen by a figure known as the Moderator, who ensured a certain level of order, taking commissions from all transactions. These markets had more than just merchants—they housed training halls, forges, inns, and even information brokers.
However, despite its benefits, the black market came with serious risks. The Moderator's control was limited, and powerful figures often manipulated the system from behind the scenes.
Ren wandered through the narrow alleys, his eyes scanning the various stalls. He was here for something specific—a hidden item that could give him an edge. Though his appraisal ability was basic compared to the novel's protagonist and heroines, it was still enough to identify useful goods. That said, he remained wary of scams. Many vendors specialized in selling fake artifacts and diluted elixirs.
Navigating through the crowd, he ignored the aggressive sales pitches and focused on the items that truly interested him. Three hours passed in this manner, and by the time he was done, his pockets were significantly lighter, but his inventory was filled with valuable finds.
Among his acquisitions were several rare artifacts:
Obsidian Band – A ring that enhanced mana sensitivity and control, allowing its wearer to manipulate energy with greater precision.
Sentinel's Strap – A belt that could generate a protective barrier three times a day, capable of blocking attacks below a certain level.
Phantom Stride Boots – Footwear enchanted to increase movement speed by 20%, ideal for both combat and quick escapes.
Along with these, he obtained a few powerful elixirs that would grant him permanent enhancements:
Serpent's Essence – A rare potion that permanently increased agility, making movements faster and more fluid.
Colossus Draught – A fortified elixir that granted a permanent boost in physical strength, reinforcing muscles beyond natural limits.
Arcane Dew – A mystical liquid that permanently expanded mana reserves and improved regeneration speed.
Wasting no time, Ren consumed the elixirs immediately. Though the effects wouldn't be drastic at first, with proper training, he would gradually absorb their benefits fully.
As he left the market, he thought about his next target—the last hidden piece of his plan. It was located at an uncleared F-class gate, known only as the Nameless Grave.
For now, though, he needed rest. He rented a room at a nearby inn, laying back as he reviewed everything he had accomplished. Despite the black market's dangers, his visit had gone smoothly.
After all, he wasn't the protagonist of this world. He was merely an extra, a former villain.
Unlike the heroes who attracted chaos, he preferred slipping past unnoticed, avoiding unnecessary conflict. With his stealth skills, he had evaded trouble before it even found him.
Tonight had been a success. But tomorrow, another challenge awaited.