Ch 22: Perry

The next day. Early in the morning, all the blood warriors were set to train. Zane was looking around the training area, he found out that there was no systematic way of training given to them. Everyone was free to train whatever skills, martial arts, or meditation they want.

Zane with his stats and swordsmanship was able to easily dominate any level below 8. He knew that his main challenges are those levels 9 and 10. However, he kept himself low profile trying to avoid any type of conflict.

Why the low profile? An incident occurred last night that prevented him from sleeping. Zane was sound asleep when he was suddenly awakened by muffled sounds. Thanks to his heightened perception, his hearing and eyesight improved, allowing him to grasp what had unfolded.

A group of men approached cell next to his, the sound of multiple stabbing motions followed by the struggle of a person reached his ears. He understood that they had murdered his neighbor in the adjacent cell. Upon hearing this, he prepared himself for a potential confrontation, but once the act was completed, the assailants hastily departed. He wasn't able to sleep after that, thinking that the men will come back for him as well.

In the morning, he was conflicted if he needed to reported it to the guard. But decided, not to get involved with it. In any way, the guards came but didn't care that much and just called some people to take the body away.

After this, he knew that although his strength was above average than most in the training area, he won't be able to fight back with multiple people especially if he was ambushed or cornered.

After a few hours of training, Gerax came to the platform.

"Everyone gather around! Our group will be fighting two days from now."

Many Blood Warriors suddenly were tensed when they heard this announcement.

"What? A week ago did we not have a group battle with the Ammonites? We lost half our group with just one battle."

"Yeah! That is right! We also had the Culling a few days ago. We just received new fresh bloods and they already want them dead?"

"What shit is this!"

"We need to let them know that they can't do this to us!"

"Yeah!"

Gerax frowned when heard the commotion brewing louder and louder.

"SHUT UP!"

"It doesn't matter what you think. It doesn't matter what you want. It doesn't matter what you wish!"

With a glint in his eyes, he said, "Our lives rest in their hands, and we are naught but dogs in their eyes, meant to obediently follow without fail."

"This is the cold reality of truth! You can try to to defy the nobles, but I assure you, you will likely be dead the next day."

"Prepare yourself and pray that you can survive another horror!"

After saying the announcements, Gerax left the place. The blood warriors started leaving one by one as well, some heading to market, some going to the brothel, and some training more."

Zane, lost in thought, pondered, 'It appears I need to find a way to boost my strength. There's no use in training here, considering my swordsmanship is already at the pinnacle of the basic level. However, I still have one skill point left. I suppose I should hold onto it for now and wait to see if a new skill becomes available.'

'I should probably collect my points to the Commerce Market and go to the Market Place. The secondary job is only mandatory every other day, granting me freedom to do as I please after training.'

Walking to a stall that look like a bank, he gave his information. The man started looking for his information through the paperwork. He was surprised by what he saw.

"29 Contribution points?"

"Hey, young man, it seems you're doing well in your role. You'll be awarded 29 contribution points. We've confirmed you assisted 8 individuals, and Horus has granted an additional 5 points for your dedication and performance."

"It appears I misjudged you. Nonetheless, excellent work. Here are your points."

"Thank you," Zane responded, a touch surprised. He hadn't realized the powders that he used for treatment would be so effective.

'Now it's time to head to the market,' he thought enthusiastically as he exited the building.

...

After walking for a while, he reached the heart of the market. Everyone bustled about like bees, generating a symphony of clamor. The sounds of haggling, quarreling, and various sales pitches echoed in every corner.

'First things first,'

Zane made his way to a medium-sized pharmacy shop near his current location.

Upon entering the shop, he noticed a dubious red-haired man in his late 20s murmuring with a portly woman in her 40s. Spotting another customer, the man ceased his conversation, stepped back, and quietly settled into a nearby chair.

"Welcome, young man. Are you here to purchase some remedies? Rest assured, we carry a wide range of medicinal supplies."

"I'm not here to buy; I've come to sell," Zane responded with a smile.

"Oh, yes, we can accept the medications brewed by pharmacists. I know most pharmacists. Who is your master boy?"

Zane experienced a moment of panic; he hadn't anticipated the woman inquiring about the source.

Observing his reaction, the woman's eyebrow abruptly arched.

"You are aware that stealing medications and then selling them is punishable by death, right?"

'Shiiiit!' Zane's inner scream reverberated. He berated himself for this foolish oversight, forgetting that the rules of this world differed from his origins. Furthermore, he had overlooked his status as a mere slave, vulnerable to being slain on the owner's whim should they summon the guards.

The good thing was that the potions he has was in his storage space, so it would be impossible for them to find them on him.

"Forgive me, madam, it seems that I left the medications GIVEN by my MASTER," fully emphasizing the last part.

Zane hurriedly left the store.

'Hmm, it seems that I can't sell the stuff I have at the moment.'

After walking for a while, he found out that he was being followed.

"Come out! Otherwise, don't blame me for being rude!"

Then suddenly a green-haired, youth wearing a cloak came out from the shadows.

'Identify'

Name: ??

Level 5

Looking at Zane's gaze, the man replied "Geez, relax. I am actually here to talk to you."

Seeing that it was the same person from the store, Zane responded, "I already mentioned that I left the things I have. Even if you search my bag, you won't find anything."

"Hey, hey, I mean no harm brother. See, I am slave too." pointing at his scar. He continued, "Look, let me get straight to the point, I know a way how you can sell stolen medications without any proof."

"Not stollen, I already said it was given," Zane tried to deny.

"Stolen, given, whatever it is, as long as you have it. I can make sure that it can be sold through my connections. This is very common in this place, as long as you have the right contact. "

Putting his hand on his chest, "I am that contact."

Zane pondered for a moment, 'Yeah, it makes sense that there's a back door for everything. This place isn't your typical market. It's a slave city, and it'd be odd if they didn't have one!'

Observing Zane's apparent agreement, Perry extended his hands before him. "Name's Perry, by the way."

"Zane," he replied, shaking Perry's hand.

"It appears you're still quite new here, so let me explain how things work."

Following the explanation, Zane discovered his hunch was correct: trading stolen items was fairly common in this city. Of course, provided you weren't "found out." Otherwise, the guards would bring you to trial. Stolen or uncertified items could only be sold for 50% of their standard value, and it was merchants like the portly lady in the store who then sold them to regular customers. The 'Handler' received a 5% commission on each item sold. Additionally, only the Handler could deliver the goods to the buyer.

Without hesitation, Zane produced six small 5-inch liquid flasks for Perry. They contained healing potions.

"Five are for selling, and one is for trial."

"Woah, I didn't expect you to actually have a potion, let alone a healing one." Perry's excitement surged as he eagerly accepted the potions. After providing Zane with some additional information, he quickly departed to meet the vendors. He asked Zane to wait for half an hour.

Although Zane harbored a touch of skepticism, he didn't mind if Perry didn't return, as he had already amassed nearly 10 potions of the same type. Moreover, these potions had been diluted from a potion recipe.

After a half-hour wait, Zane's brows furrowed. 'It appears he left with the potion.'

'Regardless, it might not be the best avenue for earning points.'

He was about to leave when suddenly, he heard a person running toward him.

"Zane! Zane! Sorry, took a while. I had to barter with the old lady. Your potion works wonderfully!"

"At first the buyer was doubtful so we tested it. Then your potion worked like a charm. The buyer wants to buy it for 10 cash!"

Zane was shocked, '10 points? That small bottle? I only used two healing potions to create 10 small bottles. If I sold everything, I will easily get 100 cash?'

Perry suddenly continued and proudly said, "But I declined! harshly! I said I can only sell them for 50 points each, no more and no less."

"Did she agree?"

"Well, no."

'Shit this guy, my 50 points!' Zane got annoyed and wanted to smack the guy.

He continued, "But after a long barter and explaining how demand for potion is high, we ended up to 20 points, plus my commission. So here are your 100 cash."

Zane was overjoyed. Totally, he now has 147 cash.

"If you have more of the potions, let me know. I will be your Guy!"

Zane stopped the urge to give the 5 remaining potions, although he wants to sell it also badly, he knew it was better to take it slow. So he reluctantly said goodbye to Perry and asked for his information.

---

'I have at least some money to spend. I don't know what horror I will face in the area, best to prepare as much as I can.'

With this thought in mind, he went deeper into the market area.