The Underground Black Market

"Why is there so much?"

Zane raised an eyebrow. He had expected the price to be around ten or twenty million Dennies, but the actual amount far exceeded his expectations.

He didn't have a strong sense of money, but he definitely understood what "billion" meant.

"Sir, the connection between you and Titan Technology is truly remarkable. Honestly, if this Ether were sold on the underground black market, it wouldn't fetch nearly this price."

"Because only Titan Technology understands its true value."

After a brief hesitation, as if to express sincerity, the man in the suit adjusted his expression and explained in full.

"Titan Technology is a member of TOPS Finance. We command advanced technology and host one of the top research institutions in all of New Eridu."

"Our primary partner is the military. From weapons used by the Public Security Bureau to the Defense Force's heavy artillery systems—we're involved in it all."

After giving a brief overview of Titan Technology's status, he continued.

"With these materials in our research, those stagnant, cutting-edge projects may finally move forward again."

By this point, the man was visibly excited.

"So, sir, do you now understand how valuable this is to us?"

Zane nodded. Based on what he'd just heard, it all made sense.

Where there's demand, there's a market—and to Titan Technology, this purified Ether wasn't just rare. It was irreplaceable.

Twenty-one billion Dennies. A welcome surprise.

"I'm curious—if it's that precious, why not just take it by force? Pressure me into revealing where I got the Ether?"

The man in the suit looked momentarily surprised at Zane's bluntness, then smiled and answered with calm composure.

"Sir, you still don't fully understand Titan Technology. Dennies are just numbers to us."

"No amount of money could offset the consequences or risks of making an enemy out of you."

"Even if the risk were only one percent, it's not worth doing what you suggested over some Dennies. It's simply unnecessary."

The currency system is upheld by the Financial Alliance and the government. If not for the raw materials anchoring Dennies to the system, those at the top could twist it however they wanted.

So, Dennies weren't really a meaningful cost.

To put it bluntly—if a child's holding a piece of priceless porcelain, and you could trade a piece of candy for it, why risk smashing the porcelain to steal it?

Having said that, the man couldn't help but feel a bit proud of Titan Technology. But to his surprise, Zane remained calm as ever.

He lowered his tone slightly.

With the exchange complete, the man clapped his hands. A few people dressed in armor resembling Public Security gear emerged, carefully collecting the Ether before carrying it away.

"Do you have any other business, sir? I can take you on a tour of the underground black market."

Seeing that Zane was unfamiliar with the place, he took the initiative to offer.

The store had been left in his subordinates' hands. He had only stepped out because he was troubled over how to get a foothold in the Janus District—meeting Zane had been a stroke of luck.

"Alright, I'll trouble you then."

Zane saw no reason to refuse the offer.

The man nodded, walked over to a massive bookshelf, and fiddled with it for a moment. Slowly, the bookshelf slid open.

A passage wide enough for two or three people to walk side by side appeared.

"Please, sir."

He led the way. Behind him, Zane—wearing his mask—and the lightly disguised Panta followed.

"Sir, you can just call me Deck."

The corridor was brightly lit, looking like a recent construction.

Noticing Zane's curiosity, Deck chuckled.

"There are three passageways into the black market. Ours is the fourth."

"That teahouse across the street has one, managed by the largest civilian enterprise in Janus District."

"There's also a powerful criminal group of Raiders, and a rather strong local family..."

As he introduced the area, the two walked deeper underground.

"Deck, earlier you said you were new here and had no foundation. I'm curious—with Titan Technology's strength, how is that even possible?"

Walking one behind the other, Deck responded promptly.

"Sir, as the saying goes, a strong dragon can't suppress a local snake. Titan Technology's focus has always been Hollow Zero. Not just the black market—we hardly have a presence in Janus District at all."

"Strength doesn't translate to instant influence."

As they chatted, Deck realized this mysterious man who had come with Ether wasn't hard to talk to.

It made him more optimistic about future cooperation.

Soon, they reached the end of the passage.

The space opened up ahead.

Zane paused, observing the underground black market through his mask.

"Tch... it's like stepping into a whole new world."

"Haha, you're not wrong, sir."

"There aren't any major black markets in the two districts bordering Janus. This place has absorbed most of the Hollow trade from all three."

"This is a whole new world for those working in the Hollow industry!"

...

Zane had no specific goals. For him, visiting the underground black market was just like taking a casual stroll.

With Deck's introductions, he gradually gained a deeper understanding of the place.

They stopped in front of a shop selling Hollow surveillance footage.

Zane stood silently.

"Most of the people coming here are looking for specific intel. Sir, look over there."

"Just arrived an hour ago—footage of what Vision Industry was doing inside the Dead End Hollow."

"I already bought a copy myself. I enjoy watching the drama."

Deck pointed out some items in the shop as he spoke.

"I also heard some footage of the 'Fire Pickers' might show up soon, but it's not out yet."

"You know the 'Fire Pickers', right?"

"I do."

Zane nodded, then turned to Deck.

"I'm good here. I'll take the business card. You can go about your business—I won't trouble you further."

Now that he had a solid grasp of the black market's structure, Deck wasn't of much further use. Zane also didn't like having someone tagging along.

Deck's expression brightened at those words. He nodded without taking offense.

Taking the card was a clear sign of intended cooperation.

He was already very pleased.

"Sir, I'll have someone pack up your W-Engines and give them to you when you're ready to leave."

With that, Deck bid farewell and left the black market.

"Hmm? (Boss?)"

Once Deck was gone, Panta finally broke its silence and looked up at Zane.