Black Market

Charles City.

This is a well-known tourist city in Kangni State.

Of course, within the circle of extraordinary individuals, a mysterious Black Market in the suburbs is even more famous.

Because they were already familiar with each other on the way, when Sulu casually asked about it, Geri readily told him her location.

Upon arriving in Charles City, the two parted ways. Geri went to Russ's body to exchange for the prize money, while Sulu arrived at the Supernatural Market ahead of them.

Night.

The huge full moon shone brightly in the sky, and it was clearly visible even without Spirit Lantern.

Sulu, wearing a black cloak, arrived on the outskirts of Charles City.

"According to Geri's memories and account... this Black Market was originally a fully explored ruin with very mysterious characteristics... It is both integrated with and detached from the real world; the entry point is fixed, but the exit point is completely random... This is the basis for the establishment of the Black Market."

He went into a bar located in the basement.

"Give me a beer!"

I randomly found a seat and asked the bartender to bring me a beer.

Sulu savored the refreshing sensation of hop foam filling his mouth while glancing around.

The bar wasn't crowded, and the atmosphere wasn't particularly lively, but there was a slightly oppressive feeling in the air, clearly indicating the presence of extraordinary individuals, and quite a few of them.

Sulu pretended not to know anything, and after finishing his beer, he went to the back door of the bar.

"Sir, you are not allowed to enter here!"

The two bodyguards, as black as towers, clasped hands and greeted each other politely.

"I know the rules!"

Sulu smiled and tossed out a Gold Dragon.

There are many entrances to the Black Market, controlled by different forces, but they all have one thing in common—they are all public!

Even ordinary people can access the Black Market as long as they can afford the fees.

Of course, there's absolutely no guarantee of safety.

"Please!"

The two bodyguards checked the money and immediately made way.

Sulu stepped forward and grabbed the doorknob.

Clang!

The iron gate, which could only allow one person to pass through at a time, opened and closed with a muffled thud.

Immediately, Sulu found himself in complete darkness, with only a sliver of light appearing before him.

He followed the light, and the light around him grew brighter and brighter. Before he knew it, he had arrived at a square shrouded in Black Fog on all sides.

Various stone pillars stand scattered in a semi-enclosed shape, with some houses built of huge stones in the middle, all of which have now been transformed into shops.

The place wasn't large, only a few square kilometers, but there were quite a few people, or rather, customers, numbering in the hundreds. Some wandered aimlessly, while others squatted in front of the stalls, haggling fiercely with the vendors.

"This architectural style... it should be from the time of the First Holy War. I wonder if it was Mage's secret realm or Wizard's Witchcraft Garden? Later it was abandoned and then reused?"

Sulu examined the incomplete patterns and symbols and slowly came to a conclusion.

He arrived in the center of the Black Market and found a restaurant with a very natural feel—various vines climbed all over the rocks, automatically forming tables and chairs.

Sulu found a rattan chair and sat down, just as a colorful parrot flew over. "What would you like, sir?"

Although its tone is a bit strange, it is indeed capable of communication.

"Bread, and orange juice!"

Sulu and the others ordered a simple meal.

"Table 7, bread and orange juice!"

The parrot squawked loudly, and almost instantly, Sulu's expression changed as he saw a vine growing vigorously on the rattan table in front of him, forming huge fruits and flowers.

Within seconds, the flower bloomed, revealing a piece of bread inside.

"Bread tree?"

Sulu broke off a piece, used his [Occultist] ability to identify it, and found it to be a plant similar to a breadfruit tree. He tasted it and exclaimed, "Not bad... it tastes like butter!"

Following the example of other customers, she squeezed the trumpet-shaped fruit forcefully, and a stream of orange juice flowed into the glass, carrying a refreshing aroma.

"How wondrous... an extraordinary being who controls plants? A [Druid] on the path?"

Sulu thought for a moment, then tossed a few coins to the parrot without saying anything more.

"Thank you for the tip! Thank you for the tip!"

The parrot, clutching the coin, flew away happily.

Sulu, meanwhile, enjoyed his dinner while gathering information about his surroundings.

Despite the discovery of the tragedy in Nia City and the terrorist attack on Green Tree Castle, the news remains a hot topic.

After all, the casualties in Nia City were too heavy, and the fact that Green Tree Castle National Laboratory, as a top Federation university and an important institution in the mystical world, was attacked and suffered heavy casualties is equally eye-catching.

"Nia City is one thing, but even Green Tree Castle was attacked!"

At a nearby table, two extraordinary individuals drinking were exclaiming in astonishment. "It's said that legendary figures above the fourth rank were mobilized back then, and the battle even affected Green Tree Castle City... Sigh, has the tide of extraordinary beings already surged this far?"

For them, anything above the fourth rank is truly a myth or legend.

"This blow to the Federation is not good for us!" a young white man lamented. "It's said... the Federation is going to announce the existence of superhumans, and some congressmen have proposed Professional Registration Act!"

"Wouldn't this throw the world into chaos?"

Another drunkard immediately retorted.

"No... it's about taking advantage of our country's lack of burdens to develop extraordinary power as quickly as possible!"

Will Congress agree to this?

"That's impossible. I've heard the members of Congress on Capitol Hill have been arguing about it several times already..."

The superhuman who spoke the last sentence made no attempt to hide his mockery.

Clearly, they also know that these politicians are just a facade.

The real power behind the Federation lies with corporations, Church, and a vast alliance of supernatural individuals with centuries-old legacies.

"Now that the Dawn of the extraordinary has arrived... indeed, many habits must change..."

Sulu sipped his orange juice, listening to the patrons' conversation, lost in thought.

Making extraordinary information public is certainly beneficial to ordinary people, and may even give rise to a large number of ordinary professionals.

However, there may be taboos involved.

Furthermore, are those powerful forces and conglomerates truly willing to share their extraordinary abilities with ordinary people?

'To expect rulers to voluntarily relinquish their privileges? That's a pipe dream!'

Sulu estimated that if he were the one controlling a large conglomerate, it was hard to say what he would choose.

But one thing is certain: even if it means sending the Federation to hell, they will still protect their own interests!

"Besides... is it really a good thing for supernatural powers to become widespread?"

Sulu thought of the Demon.

If more people knew of His existence and name, the world might slide into the Abyss.

The dangers within the extraordinary are simply too numerous.

Therefore, a certain degree of information blocking is still quite necessary.