Unlike the central district of the Undercity, where most of the surface dwellers resided during the storm, the true nature of the place revealed itself only in the outskirts. Here, the streets were narrow, and the absence of any natural light made the alleyways appear nacing. The frequent cries and shouts from all around further enhanced the haunting atmosphere.
Lets keep moving, master. We cant afford to attract any attention, Ash said after noticing that his master had stopped once again.
Zeke hesitated. He was watching the scene of two children fighting. It wasnt so innocent scuffle but a life or death struggle from which, in all likelihood, only one would walk away. The fight had attracted the interest of so Korrovan citizens, who ford a circle around the spectacle and bet on which of the two would win.
This scene could very well be the slogan for this miserable place: Welco to Undercity, where misery is a commodity.
Zeke had previously thought he knew poverty, but he had to revise his opinion several tis already since coming here. Every step away from the central area revealed a new horror he was not prepared to face.
Maybe it was because this place was hidden from sight, deep beneath the earth, or because they werent fully human, but sothing was different. This was nothing like the slums of Magusburg or Tradespire. There, the people were poor and might even starve, but that was the extent of their misery. The rich and powerful didnt usually go out of their way to make them suffer.
Master
Zeke finally tore his gaze away from the scene and began walking again. He caught up to Ash, who was waiting just a few steps ahead. The two were wearing hooded robes and masks covering their faces. In any other place, they would stand out in such a get-up, but it was just the opposite here. None of the visitors to the outskirts of Undercity showed their faces.
You should not get involved in such matters, Master, Ash advised when Zeke walked up next to him.
Ive been aning to ask. Is there a reason you are indifferent to the plight of your people?
To Zekes surprise, Ash chuckled in response. my people, huh? He gazed at the scene of the two boys fighting before returning his attention to Zeke. What makes you think those are my people, Master?
Arent you all Chiroi?
Chiroi, Ash repeated slowly. Thats just a wordnothing more and nothing less. There is no kinship between and so random strangers just because of that. Or do you think a troll and a goblin would beco friends just because you call them both monsters?
Zeke shook his head. Thats hardly the sa. You all grew up together, didnt you?
Ash nodded. This is indeed where I grew up, but thats the very reason I dont care. Its the law of the jungle here.
Zeke fell silent, pondering those words. It was most likely very hard to form any friendly bonds in such a harsh environnt. His experience at the Elentium had been similar. While Zeke was lost in thought, Ash guided them through alleyways and hidden paths. It seed as if he was very familiar with these streets.
To Zekes surprise, they werent attacked, mugged, or stopped even once. It seed the inhabitants of Undercity had an intrinsic sense of fear towards the surface dwellers. Even though the residents couldnt possibly know how strong they were, most fled upon noticing their approach.
This is it, Master, Ash announced after they had turned one last corner.
Zeke examined the sight in front of him. It was a peculiar place, nestled deep within the outskirts of undercity. The surroundings were noticeably cleaner, and there were no fights going on. There were even so shops and bars tempting custors.
However, the sight that attracted Zekes attention was the establishnt in the middle of the area. A long queue of people stretched from its gate all the way to the other side of the plaza. Their gazes were a mixture of anxiousness and anticipation as the Chiroi waited for their turn to enter. Zeke focused on the bold lettering atop the entrance gate Firebrand, it read.
The two entered the strange district, making their way to the restaurant right next to the entrance of the large building. The custors here were all Korrovan natives, wearing hooded robes. However, most had gotten rid of their masks in order to partake in drink and food.
Zeke sat down at an empty table, his back facing the entrance of the big building. Ash wordlessly took the seat next to him, facing the sa way. After the two had ordered their food, they sat there quietly.
A long ti passed in silence while Zeke and Ash ate their fill. However, eventually, the Chiroi couldnt bear it any longer. Master can we really afford to waste our ti like this? I thought we were here to he glanced around, lowering his voice even further, spy on the Firebrand school.
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Zeke nodded. Dont worry about it. That's what Ive been doing all along. Ever since coming here, he had recorded every single person entering or leaving the building. Fortunately, the complex only had this one entrance, making it easy to keep track of them all.
Ash blinked in disbelief. Then, you dont need to do anything?
Zeke shook his head. I need you to keep safe in case anything happens. Also, it would be very suspicious if I sat here alone for a long ti.
Thats it? Ash asked, sounding almost disappointed.
Zeke smirked. He had gotta noticeably closer with Gravitas and Vulcanos during their adventures, leaving Ash out. Zeke was certain the Chiroi had hoped to prove himself during this mission. However, there wasnt likely to be a chance for him to shine this ti around.
Zeke patted his shoulder. There is going to be enough bloodshed soon enough, and Im sure youll get your chance.
Ash grimaced, none too pleased for having been seen through. However, the prospect of bloodshed was enough to get his mood up sowhat.
How about we chat for a bit, Zeke offered.
Sure. What do you want to talk about, Master.
Zeke focused his gaze on the people waiting to get into the Firebrand building. He had noticed sothing ever since coming here. Why arent the Chiroi here wearing slave collars?
Ash tilted his head. Because they arent slaves, he stated matter-of-factly.
Zeke was even more surprised. They arent? Then why dont they leave this place?
To go where?
Zeke raised a brow. Does it matter? Anywhere else should be better than this place.
Ash shook his head. That is not the case. Life here might not be pleasant, but we do have so opportunities.
What do you an?
Ash nodded at the queue of people waiting in front of the Firebrand building. Do you know what they are here for, Master?
Zeke shook his head. He had not been listening in on the conversation of the Chiroi behind him and had delegated that task to Akasha instead. She was sure to know, but Zeke didnt ask. He was pretty sure that Ash would tell him.
They are here to apply as Rana Samrat for the Firebrand school, Ash said.
Zeke widened his eyes. Does that an that they are volunteering themselves as slaves?
Ash nodded. This is one of the only ways to leave the Undercity safely.
I wouldnt call that safe
Ash chuckled. It is true that most of them will die in the Rings, but not all. This is also how I got to my current position, after all.
Zeke was still doubtful. Couldnt you have just left? With your strength, it shouldnt have been hard for you to make a life for yourself sowhere else.
Ash shook his head. I wasnt always a good fighter. In fact, I was quite weak when I accepted the collar. It took many years of diligent training and the help of the Mana breathing technique of the Lions Den to get this strong.
Arent you dissatisfied? Zeke asked. That slave ritual isnt sothing you can get rid of easily, possibly ever. You traded your freedom for a re chance.
Ash pondered for a mont, stroking his short grey beard. Not really, he eventually said. I might not be very knowledgeable about the world, but I believe that is not a bad deal. If you want to receive sothing, you have to be willing to give sothing in return.
Zeke nodded slowly. That is quite a steep price, though.
Ash shrugged. From what I heard, it is pretty much the sa deal most people get.
Zeke wanted to disagree but stopped himself at the last mont. Were the families of the empire really that different?
It wasnt like their mbers were free to leave, either. Furthermore, only the pureblood descendants had any chance to rise through the hierarchy. From what he knew, adopted mbers were often treated little better than servants. Looking at it from that perspective, it wasnt much different from the choice Ash had made.
I guess you are right, Zeke said with a bitter smile. There never seem to be any good options for the weak, are there?
Ash smirked. I guess not.
Still Zeke said after a while. If I had been in your place, I would probably have tried to leave.
Ash smiled crookedly. Then, you would have died.
How can you be so certain?
Because there is nowhere to go aside from here, Ash explained. Just because the other nations dont take slaves doesnt an that we are welco either. Most would simply treat us as invaders.
Zeke frowned deeply. He knew that the empire treated nonhuman races as inferior beings, and even in Tradespire, he had only seen very few Chiroi. However, he had not been aware that their kind was so ostracized on the continent. If that was true, then they really had nowhere else to go. How ironic that this nation of slavers ended up being the most tolerant of their kind.
Can I also ask a question, Master? Ash asked all of a sudden.
Go ahead.
What happened to your arm?
Zeke looked down at the spot where his right arm was supposed to be. His thick black robe and cloak covered the injury, but Ash had still noticed. It was then that Zeke rembered he had yet to fill Ash in on everything that had happened. Without any further delay, Zeke started to narrate their entire journey to Ash using his [Telepathy].
He began with their departure, the discovery of the Shadow Elentals, the black liquid, the ambush of the Firebrand family, and their subsequent journey through the desert. Zeke didnt leave out anything as he faithfully recounted everything that had happened.
I collapsed shortly after striking a deal with the guard nad Kiran. When I woke up, I was already here in the Undercity.
Ash didnt interrupt and listened to the tale with wrapt attention. Even after Zeke had finished, he remained silent for a long ti. all that happened while I was guarding the house, he eventually said.
Zeke glanced at Ashs dejected expression and smiled. Dont sell yourself short, Ash. I heard you did a great job as well.
This was no empty flattery.
After the traitors had done so much harm to the Lions Den, Zeke had been incredibly worried for the Nair family. After all, it was highly likely that there were traitors among them as well. However, when Zeke visited, the atmosphere was quite peaceful. This was all thanks to Ash, who had dealt with the traitor before he could do any real damage.
Considering the fact that the Nair family didnt have any strong fighters left, it could be said that he had singlehandedly averted a catastrophe. This was no small feat by any ans. However, Ash didnt seem very satisfied.
It was nothing much, he said. That guy wasnt even aware that he had no control over . This could be said to be your achievent as well, Master, as he fell for your trap. He even tried to order to attack the mbers of the house the fool.
Zeke smirked, imagining the scene of the traitors smug smile dying on his face when Ash smacked him down. He would have very much enjoyed to see that. However, before Zeke could say anything else, Akasha spoke up.
[Notice]
I have detected a suspicious Individual.
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