Chapter 11: The Lucky Charm

Buying slaves was simple. The exchange was divided into numerous compartments, each holding at least a hundred or two.

These compartments were categorized by type—men and women separated, the strong, the clever, the delicate, the beautiful, the petite—all sorted neatly.

Upon entering, an attendant from the exchange quickly approached to assist.

Since Thunder needed bodyguards, he sought the burliest men available. Spotting the sign above one compartment, he led Uncle Oak and Tifa inside.

The slaves inside wore rough linen clothes, some standing, some crouching. When Thunder entered, the overseer cracked his whip against the ground with a sharp snap.

"Up, up! Line up properly!"

The slaves looked weary, their eyes dull. It took a moment for them to sluggishly form a line.

"Stand straight, you worthless trash! One wrong move, and you'll taste the whip!" The overseer lashed out at one slave, sending him stumbling.

Thunder frowned.

"Take your pick, sir," the overseer said, turning to Thunder with a grin. "Our slaves are healthy, top quality—no cheating here."

The men were indeed muscular, though their sallow complexions hinted at poor nutrition. Still, they'd do for bodyguards.

Judging character was Thunder's specialty. Picking suitable slaves was no challenge.

"How much for one?" he asked, pulling a few out to inspect.

"Ten gold coins each," the overseer replied. "These are the strongest in the exchange."

Prices varied by quality and purpose. Thunder nodded, considering his household needs, and quickly selected seven.

Loyalty came first, ability second. The seven he chose were the type who'd never betray their master. Though his judgment wasn't flawless, it was close.

As he turned to leave, Thunder's gaze landed on a man crouched in the corner. Physically, he was the least impressive of the group.

But his face intrigued Thunder.

Broad forehead, thick brows, sharp lips—his presence was like a sheathed sword, fierce yet concealed.

His features suggested a destiny of wealth and martial prowess, a general's bearing in times of war. Yet, a mole on his fortune point severed that fate.

Two opposing destinies on one face—Thunder couldn't fathom it.

"Sir," the overseer whispered, tugging Thunder's sleeve. "That one… best leave him be."

"Why?" Thunder glanced back.

"He's deaf and dumb." The overseer raised his voice and cracked the whip. "Get up!"

The lash split the man's clothes, leaving a bloody welt, but he barely reacted, only lifting his head.

Tifa clung to Thunder's clothes, hiding behind him.

Seeing the overseer raise the whip again, Thunder grabbed it. "Enough."

The overseer hesitated but lowered the whip.

The man stared at Thunder. Thunder stared back.

What a face. A rare gem.

"What's your name?" Thunder asked, smiling.

"He's mute," the overseer said.

"Carlos." The man's voice was firm. The overseer gaped. In over a year, this slave had never spoken. Now, words?

It felt like a hammer to the head.

"Carlos. Good name." Thunder nodded. "Will you follow me? Protect me and my family. Swear on your honor and dignity—even if it costs your life."

The overseer's face twitched. Honor? Dignity? For a slave?

Carlos nodded, his gaze steady.

"He's the one." Thunder laughed, ignoring the overseer's confusion.

*Fools.* Thunder smirked inwardly. Carlos's face promised fortune he could never claim, his luck siphoned to those around him.

A living lucky charm. Thunder recalled texts from Dragon-Tiger Mountain—otherwise, he'd have missed this treasure.

With eight hulking slaves trailing him, Thunder cut an imposing figure.

Unexpectedly, Tifa insisted on picking the maids herself. Thunder raised a brow but agreed.

When she returned with eight plain-faced girls, he understood her game.

None could rival Tifa's beauty.

*Clever girl.* Though quiet, his little maid had tricks up her sleeve.

Maids were for work, not decoration. Thunder didn't mind.

Eight guards: eighty gold. Maids: eight gold each. Total: one hundred forty-four gold spent.

After introductions and a meal, Thunder bought clothes, hired a carriage, and headed home.

**Will Carlos prove to be the blessing Thunder believes?**