Chapter 11

Author: Thanks for reading and for supporting. Please comment and rate the book.

Den: Suddenly, I have a bad feeling. A very bad one.

Author: Mmmm, chapter 11 begins now.

Den: Don't dismiss me!

Mira: By the way, I've been thinking, I do bath right?

Author: Such a stupid question. Of course you do. I just forget to mention it some times.

Mira: Write exactly what you see, hear and told.

Author: I'll do that. (An angry Mira really is terrifying)

Mira: Thought of something?

Author: Can you read minds?!

Mira: Continue.

Author: As you wish.

Den: Hey! Why was I dismiss?

Author: Ohh you're still here.

************️️*******

EVENING

RIC TOWN

INN

DEN'S ROOM

He.........He slept through the day!!!!

A horrified Den sat on his bed, now awake.

What has he done?!

It was dark already ........ This ....... This .... he...... He overslept!!!

Mira will have his head if she finds out.

He slept right after she left and only woke up now.

He hasn't taken a bath! Still in his inner clothes!

Hasn't eaten or drunk anything.

Come to think of, he was hungry.

Ah! That wasn't important at the moment!

He had to get off the bed!

And at this every moment, he heard footsteps approaching.

It was Mira.

It was definitely Mira.

Horrified and in panic, he immediately got off the bed and rushed to take a sit at the table.

Totally forgetting about his appearance.

Nervously, he tried pouring tea from the jar into the cup, just to find out it was empty.

Luckily, taking the other jar and pouring out the content into the cup, he found out there was water, this could do for now.

And the door opened, sure enough, it was Mira.

She always knocked before entering but this time, she did not.

Meaning, she suspected this and planned on catching him in the act.

Too bad for her.

He was smarter.

Still,........Den couldn't ignore the anger in her eyes even though she looked so calm.

Even her aura screamed angry.

Surely,......she didn't know about it,.... right?

The room was unbearable to be in. Too quiet. Too awkward. And the scent of anger and killing intent was literally choking Den.

Nervous, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, he watched as Mira took a seat before him.

He decided to strike up a conversation, acting like his usual self, "My dear student, was your search in vain? You don't look good" and he let out a nervous laughter.

Mira looked at his direction with sharp eyes.

Ah, it wasn't a good idea to say this after all.

Crap! He was so nervous.

His hands were literally shaking as he tried to take a sip of the water.

"Master, you're still in your inner clothes"

Ah! And he almost choked on the water.

Right away, he put the cup back on the table, nervous, yet trying his best to compose himself.

"Oh, that......I.....This is nothing. I......I had nowhere to go, so I......."

"You have always been a terrible liar. You know that, right?"

Hmmm, he did. And it was showing now.

It was times like this, that he sucked at telling lies.

But he dare not say it out loud.

"The waiter said you never left your room"

Looks like she did her research. However! He already had answers.

"I wasn't in a mood"

"He came by with your breakfast and lunch and you gave no answer"

Oh!......no, there was no need panicking.

"I was lost in thought. I didn't hear"

"And you haven't felt hungry all day? Haven't eaten or drunk anything"

"I've been lost in my thoughts. Only came around when I heard you coming"

Hmmm, he did great.

Unfazed, Mira marched forward, "In other words, you woke up just now. Heard me coming and you immediately position yourself at the table. And gave such lame answers to all my questions"

That's Mira.

"You're too accurate" he said, smiling awkwardly.

Did he teach her way too much?

*Sigh, "I'm angry, but I don't think is in my place to correct you"

What was she? His stepmom?!

"You're a grown up now. You know what's right and what's wrong"

This was even more terrifying than getting scolded.

Scold me Mi!

Scold me!!!!

"I'll let you be"

Uh? Wasn't this what parents said when their children were way too stubborn?!

Well.....he was way too stubborn.

Feeling guilty and awkward, he tried changing the topic, "Mi.....so.....did you find something?"

Never thought he'll have such a young parent.

It was both terrifying and amusing.

A dejected look clouded her face as she answered, "Nothing"

Den figured.

Not even the boss of this town has found them.

"Don't be sad over this small thing"

"I'm not" Mira denied in all seriousness.

Yet her tone said it.

*Sigh, what a student he had.

"Then, how about......."

"No"

Too quick! He hasn't even finish!

No need, he was not giving up.

Looking determined at a serious and frowning Mira, he continued.

"I...."

"No"

"Use...."

"No"

"The....."

"No! You're not using that forbidden thing! That curse!"

"You didn't even let me finish! How do you know?!"

"I can read you like an open book master. There's no way am letting you use it! Did you forget? There's consequence"

Right.

There was consequences, but he won't die from it.

"Tomorrow we'll search together. Just in case you repeat this again"

AhUh, she was not letting this go.

"Whatever you say" he said in defeat.

He hope they'll find something tomorrow cause he had to deliver his promise and continue his journey.

That trouble feeling he felt (In Peace Town), got him really worried.

He had to check every place, that was the only way he'll find peace.

********️️*****

MORNING⛅

Waking up early, the two got ready for their mission and were now on their way to the diner.

They'll have breakfast and then leave.

This was the plan, however, their plans changed when they saw someone familiar the moment they got there.

Guess who it was?

"Oh, Miss Mira. And, master Den"

Old man Hond.

The very same man they helped at the beginning of the story.

What were the odds? And what exactly was he doing here?

They stared at the man, taken back and wondering exactly what he was doing here while the man only smiled at them, more like at Mira.

Though surprised to see them, he was very much happy.

Well,......more like, he was happy to see Mira. As expected, even with all that happened, he still hasn't changed.

Behind the table the old man occupied was two men whom he came with.

They stared at Den and Mira with curious eyes and the two noticed them.

They didn't know who they were and could only guess they were hired by the old man.

Den wonder, what happened to the workers in his shop? Why weren't they accompanying him?

Offered a seat, the two sat, and once again, Mr Hond was curious.

Den had his mask back on, and he couldn't help but wonder why he was still wearing that mask.

What was he hiding? Mr Hond was very much interested in what Den looked like.

But then,......and his eyes went back on Mira.

He was more interested in the young girl who was old enough to be his daughter.

"I see Mr Hond hasn't changed" Den initiated a conversation and the old man did not fail.

Still staring at Mira with those disgusting lustful eyes of his, he shameless replied, "What makes a man without a woman?"

Ah, what a nice reply.

But he (Den) had a better answer!

Smiling, Den replied, "Nice character, good attitude and a kind heart"

Now, that answer hit the old man hard.

Couldn't deny or agree. That was the power of truth.

Amused, Den smiled, "There are more"

But the old man wasn't ready or willing to hear them.

Right away, he changed the topic,

"So, what are you two doing here?" Ashamed and embarrassed.

He'll let this pass for now.

Den then went along.

"We're looking for someone. Mi" and she took out a paper from her pocket. On it, was the drawing of Spider.

An annoyed look on her beautiful face, she handed it to the old man.

By the look on her face, one could tell she was not happy meeting the old man again.

His previous behavior totally threw her off the edge. She despised the old man even more now.

"We're looking for this guy. However, we don't know what he looks like and only know he's got a tattoo on his arm" Den explained and the old man studied the drawing he had in hand.

Few seconds later, he delivered good news.

"I haven't seen him before but I know someone who might help" exciting both Den and Mira.

Though surprised, they were more excited.

This was good news!

What the heck was this?!

Fate?....... meeting this old man again had to be fate!!

"If I may ask, what are you doing here?" Mira asked, still curious about it.

"Well, as a stingy man, it is my duty to find the cheapest place"

"Ah, That's not what I want to know" Mira cut him off. Den couldn't help but smile.

He found it funny.

Embarrassed, the old man still chose to answer. This time, giving a serious answer. Exactly what they wanted, "Remember the bandits I made a deal with? I already sent them the package and they....... gave me something to give to someone, in........" He gestured them to come closer and they did, before he continued.

"The black market here"

"Huh?" Den asked, surprised but more than that, excited.

This.....This was great news!!

Spider said they'll find him in the black market in Ric Town.

He just found out there was someone who could help him find Spider and now!, he just found someone who knew the location of the black market.

Hold on, the old man knew, right?

"That's the place we'll find the one who can help. I know the location"

Oh, he did know the location after all.

What was this?!

Karma? Was karma finally paying him back for all the good deeds he did?

"Actually, I don't know this person either and is my first time meeting them. Still, this person can help, right?"

Seriously? Was he (Mr Hond) asking them?

Suspicious, Mira asked, "Why are you helping us?"

The man looked at her, smiling as he replied, "You helped me before"

"You paid us" Mira countered.

"Such a cheap price"

True, it was a cheap price.

Two cop coins was a cheap price.

"Just take my help, there's no harm as long as you don't go around telling people the location"

Hmm, the old man was right.

"We won't say a word. Our lips are shut" Den said and the old man exclaimed,

"Great!" smiling.

"So when do we leave?" An impatient Den asked.

Was he (Spider) still here? Was he really in the black market or, has he left already.

There was no proof, but Den was willing to take this chance.

He believe Spider also wanted to meet him.

For an unknown reason, he was sure he has taken an interest in him.

And giving up on something that interest you was really hard.

Certainly, that guy was still waiting for him.

He (Spider) was playing with him.

.............Too bad, he chose the wrong plaything to play with.

"We can head there now" the old man replied.

Den was glad to hear this and he wanted to know nothing else at the moment.

"That's great. Then...........we can post as your guards while the two you came with stay here" he suggested and the old man smiled, replying,

"That's a great idea. Won't raise any suspicions. I'll go speak to them now"

"Mmmm" Den replied and they watched as the old man got up and made his way to the two he came with.

Feeling comfortable to raise her suspicions now, Mira began,

"Master, do you think this is a good idea?"

Ah, there she went again. Den thought, looking at her.

"Can we trust him? We don't even know what he was told to send. What if is a trap to kill him and shut him up about the 100 goods they paid him to deliver? We don't even know what the goods were and exactly what they needed them for"

True.

"Why is it, the leader of the bandits trust him so much to let him know of the black market? Which is a secret. He even gave him the location. Don't you think something doesn't feel right? What if is dangerous?"

Hmmm, she was right, about everything.

However,.......

"Relax Mi, am here. Nothing will go wrong unless I let it. Just trust me"

He promised to take care of her and he'll do that.

Mira only had to trust him, as usual.

"Trust you? That's the last thing I don't want to do"

"You're harsh"

But then,......there was nothing else she could do.

Knowing her master, he was right. Nothing will go wrong unless he allows it.

With this revelation, she'll trust him, like she always do.

******️️*****

Post as Mr Hond's personal guards, they were taken to the location of the black market.

Mr Hond led them to the redlight district located not far from the high class district. A rundown brothel was their destination.

Sure, this was the perfect place to hide but still, it was amazing the boss of this town hasn't thought it could be here.

Maybe he has, and has taken action but still found nothing.

Whatever the case was, Den was glad to find it.

Entering, they noticed the inside, was just as bad as the outside and it was full of people.

There was about twenty tables. All full with men drinking, chatting, laughing. Some enjoying their drinks with women around them. Seducing them, flirting with them as they whisper words of honey into their ears. Light touches on the arms, shoulders, gently touching their hands, rubbing their bodies against theirs. Seated on their laps, serving them their drinks.

The men were treated like kings!

And while they were on cloud ten, so were the workers and manager. The poor fools were filling their pockets after all.

On stage was a band playing music. A young beautiful lady who was the singer. An average looking man, the flutist and the guitarist, the good looking man who had the attentions of some of the ladies while they served the poor stupid men. The good looking guitarist was playing a Britannica, one expensive in this world. They must be getting a lot of money doing this job.

It felt hot, and surely, the atmosphere was the reason why the poor stupid men kept spending so much money even though they didn't have much.

*Sigh, Den and Mira couldn't even feel sorry for them. But Den understood. It was really hard overlooking beautiful women who were showing and giving everything you wanted.

And damn was he (Den) also getting sway!

Noticing the old man (Mr Hond) making a move, Den and Mira gave their attention. They watched as the old man walked to the counter and spoke to the counterperson. Even with their keen ears, they still didn't hear what was said due to the loud music played by the band to set the mood and entertain the guests.

The old man then looked their direction and gestured for them to follow him and they wasted no time.

Following, they were led to one of the rooms in the brothel.

It looked normal. There was a bed, a huge mirror and a wardrobe. Just that, which makes them wonder if it was one of the workers room or one registered for new wokers.

Standing in front of the mirror, the counterperson knocked on it three times and then, it moved, to the left, revealing a secret passageway which surprised the three. While they were mesmerized, the man told them to go in and have fun.

As if there was something far more entertaining than what was going on downstairs.

********️***️***

Walking down the lighted narrow path, Den couldn't help but feel excited.

Finally, he was only a step away from getting the head he wanted. While Mira, she was alert, worried out of her mind.

The old man led, followed by Den and then Mira.

They didn't know where they were going but then, the counterperson did say they will reach their destination at the end of the path.

Some secret market this was. No one would even think that brothel held the key to the black market.

It was rundown, wasn't popular and full of broke ass men. Though they still spend a lot considering they kept ordering alcohol and more women.

Still, Den can't help but wonder if all those people were paid to act.

Including all the women.

"Mr Hond, if you don't mind me asking, why did you agree to take this job?" Mira asked, drawing Den out of his thoughts.

Seriously?

After all that he (Den) said, she still asked?

The old man's business was none of their business!

Why can't she understand this?!!

"I had no choice. After I delivered their goods, they threatened to kill my wife if I didn't take on this mission. Not only was my life on the line but my wife's as well. I can't let that happen"

Oh,........Mira could see another side of this old man.

Guess he wasn't just a pervert.

"You love your wife after all" Den said and the old man chuckled, before replying,

"I do. I might fool around, hurt her but I still love her and I don't want to lose her"

If you love someone you don't hurt them!!

Mira thought, feeling annoyed.

"The leader can't do it himself? And what did he give you?" Den asked, pretending what the old man said fell on deaf ears.

And who said the old man's business was none of theirs?

"He shared no information concerning the package I have to deliver. He only gave me a small box. Told me to deliver it to room '12' in the black market. Gave me the location and the passcode"

There was a passcode after all. He must have shared it with the counterperson. That explained why they were shown the way to the black market.

Den was curious.

Curious about the passcode, about what the old man was given.

What was in the box? And what exactly could it do.

However, before he could ask, his attention was drawn. As the old man made a stop, so did he and Mira. Their attentions drawn to the sight before them.

They were fascinated, taken back and totally captured by the sight.

This was the first time they were seeing something like this and were totally mesmerized.

At the end of the path showed a huge open with a pretty huge tall building.

Two guards at the entrance.

The building was one of a kind, lighted, brightening the whole place.

An underground building, huh?

A pretty huge one, if he (Den) must say so himself.

This...........the three has never seen anything like this and were dumbfounded.

Never in their life, did they think the infamous black market could be in such a building.

Now what?.............Hmm, guess they had to march forward.

And they did.

Reaching the entrance, the two guards asked no question and simply opened the door for them.

They must really trust their security.

Mira and the old man immediately entered while Den took his time, glaring fiercely at the two guards as he entered.

His eyes filled with anger and jealous.

They were built. Had one of the baddest body he has ever seen! How come he couldn't get that?

He was angry.

Jealous!

However, it seemed the old man and Mira didn't care. He could die of jealous for all they cared.

Getting inside, it was even more fascinating.

So enchanting.

Too bright. This place looked more like a five star inn.

So many rooms on the first floor and as they walked, they noticed the doors had numbers on them, nothing else.

Finally, they saw the number 12 and made a stop before that room.

It wasn't hard finding and Den was not please.

He wanted to experience something thrilling, something challenging!

Well, they found it and there was no going back.

The shaking old man behind him should accept this already.

Taking a step, Den knocked, and an familiar gentle soft voice replied from the other side.

"Come in"

It was a female, they could tell.

Without thinking twice, Den reached out for the doorknob and turned it.

He took the lead and the old man still afraid, gave way for Mira to go next, before entering himself.

If there was any danger, these two will fight off and he'll have a chance to escape.

This was his mindset. Guess, food was way too delicious for him to leave behind.

The room had much in it. Surrounded by shelves occupied by books.

They were curious to know exactly what was sold here, however, they were more curious about the woman who wore a black cat mask, gracefully seated before them.

Who was she?

"Please sit" the woman said and they complied.

Den took a sit on the chair opposite hers while Mira choice to stand behind him.

Old man Hond, taking the seat beside beside Den.

He had no intention of getting close to a woman he didn't know and might be dangerous.

Funny right? Considering he used to love being in the company of women he didn't know.

Anyways!

This person was the one the old man thought could help Den and Mira.

He has never met her before.

But then, knowing this was a black market which had a lot of intels about the world, he thought she could help them.

"What can I do for you?"

A gentle soft voice, this woman, she could be beautiful.

An interested Den stared at her, smiling, the woman, doing the same.

Mira knew what was coming next.

His master, faced with a woman, with no serious issue or situation around, surely, he was losing himself to the flirtatious side of him.

This.....was bad.

This side coming out meant,.........the pervert side, was just around the corner.

She had to do something!

"Mr Hond! The thing!" She interfered in panic, drawing the two's attention to the old man.

"Right" the man replied and reached out for his pocket.

He took out a small box and handed it to the woman.

Confused and curious, the woman took a look.

The moment she saw what was in the container, the look of confusion and curiosity disappeared.

Her beautiful brown eyes, showed it as well.

It looks like she knew something about what was in it.

"I was told to bring it to you" the old man said and she smiled.

"Thank you" she replied and looked back at Den.

The two stared at each other intensely, making Mira feel uncomfortable.

The air in the room was suffocating, literally choking Mira. They were attracted to each other, she could see.

This was bad.

She then decided to get the job done so they could leave.

She took out the drawing of Spider. Extended towards the woman, she said, "We need information about this man. Can you help us"

Annoyed, Den looked at her with sharp eyes but Mira ignored him.

Taking the paper, the woman chose not to ask any questions even though she felt something wasn't right about the guards she was told was coming with the old man.

She was told the old man was coming with two men as his guards. Yet here he was, with a gentleman and a lady.

The gentleman being the only one who wore a mask. A white mask, totally different from what was wore in the black market. Though suspicious, she refuse to question. Why? Cause she was attracted to him and wanted to leave a good impression.

Something about the man (Den) interest her. And she had no idea what it was. Still, she wonder if it was those enchanting blue eyes of his.

Smirking, the woman stated, looking at Den "That will cost you 200k, gold coins. but since I kind of like you, I'll reduce it"

"To zero?" Den asked, definitely flirting.

"To 100k" she replied.

Amused, he (Den) said, "And here I thought my handsomeness has come in handy"

The woman chuckled, replying, "It did come in handy. I haven't seen your whole face yet. However, those blue eyes of yours says a lot"

Grinning, Den asked, "Oh, my, are you flirting?" But it was more of a statement.

"The sight of handsome men in pain brings me satisfaction" and she couldn't wait to see that.

"I can see you're a bit of a freak. But don't worry, I like women like you. Drives me to the edge of craziness. Though I usually don't like it, it won't hurt to feel that way once in a while"

Oh, she loved this. How interesting and amusing. Surely, she has found her match.

"Now am willing to reveal everything I know"

"I can see" Den replied and they stared at each other, intensely, smiling.

Both were crazy.

Crazy to the core and this made Mira worried.

Her master's taste in women, hasn't changed!

Not at all.

He always liked the crazy type!!!!!!