On Saturday night, Angel knocked on the side door of Eye of Wisdom's house at the specific rhythm she had seen in a newspaper advertisement. She then put on an iron mask, donned a hooded robe, and entered the dim living room.
Under the flickering candlelight, a dozen or so similarly dressed people sat about casually. Some acquaintances had already begun whispering to each other. They had gone too long without attending a gathering and had not even dared leave their homes. Now that they were once again seeing Beyonders in the same predicament, they were all somewhat excited.
Old Eye of Wisdom still sat in a single armchair beside the coffee table, his hands tucked into his robe as he watched the guests enter the living room one after another.
Angel found a corner and sat down, surveying the gathering's members. She spotted the plump Apothecary, the woman suspected of frequently selling weapons, and Detective Sherlock Moriarty.
"It's about time. It seems these are all the people attending today, so there's no need to wait for latecomers," Eye of Wisdom said softly. "To be honest, this many people showing up has already exceeded my expectations."
"Let us begin."
As though they had been suppressing themselves for a long time, the gathering's participants began calling out their wares and requests in a rush.
The plump Apothecary first sold several Healing Potions and potions that enhanced certain abilities. Then he cleared his throat and said:
"I need a Beyonder Creature for experiments. The kind that isn't too dangerous."
"A Beyonder Creature? You should catch one yourself. Who would carry such a thing around? Wouldn't it be safer and more convenient to kill it outright and preserve the Beyonder Ingredients?"
A snicker came from the corner. Judging by the voice, it was