Awakening: I Ascend As A Legendary Ranked Necromancer-Chapter 98: We are looking for

He nodded and beckoned us to follow him, opening a door behind the counter. Going through the back like this avoided unnecessary words and allowed them to know immediately who was a spy customer and who wasn’t.

He led us down a lit hallway that descended underground. "Well, now that we’re here... can you tell me what you want so I can send word in advance...?"

"No need. Just lead us to the leader," I said.

The Silent Dagger has three leaders, each overseeing different types of work. This one handled information. We walked silently behind him until he reached a set of stone doors and chose one.

"I’m sorry, but I have to remind you that Master is currently busy. You can wait until he’s done." The door opened without a touch.

I followed behind, Temur close at my side, and froze at the sight inside. The room was huge, arranged with chairs elevated and facing a platform.

"And what about this slave? He’s human, strong of limbs... he’ll be useful for labor and..."

The innkeeper turned to us. "The leader is currently held up by today’s auction. You can also join if there’s anything you want to buy, but otherwise, come this way."

Part of what Ryker said came back to me. Aren’t they serious because it was someone they knew? What if Litha was in one of the cages...

I followed the man silently. That’s right... only those who hold power over others can dedicate what’s right.

Does that make him a hypocrite? I accepted that with a small nod. "I’ve never been to an auction like this before. Are these people Awakeners?"

The innkeeper seemed glad to explain. He led us to a small room at the back of the auction hall. "This is the leader’s office, but until I hand you over to him, you are my responsibility!"

I twitched slightly. Hermit didn’t need to warn me, I could already sense the presence of Awakeners concealed around the room among the decorations. They couldn’t completely hide themselves; their bloodlust leaked through.

Or maybe that was intentional. I caught a glance from Temur, his expression saying clearly: If they try anything funny, we burn the whole thing down.

The innkeeper waited until we sat, then answered my question. "Some are Awakeners, but most are normal beings of their races. Since they’re not Awakeners, they can’t handle the mana pressure of each floor."

I understood. Normal humans could survive on the highest Tower floors without feeling the subtle pressure, but it wasn’t advisable because of monsters.

After losing much in the world outside, some people leave everything behind and join Guilds that take them into the Tower, helping them settle.

Isn’t it more dangerous inside the Tower than outside? I had asked that before. The difference, it seemed, was protection. At least here, Guilds and organizations offered protection to those willing to work for them.

Mostly, that protection applied to average or poor people. People like Argent, rich and powerful, could buy influence, rank, and security even though they were otherwise normal.

I shook my head. Awakeners mostly leave normal humans or Half-Awakened alone, there’s nothing to gain. But some people and organizations like to buy slaves.

Illegal, of course, but when has that ever stopped people?

"Most are captured and smuggled here from outside. It’s good business for the Half-Awakened..."

Just then, the door opened, and a tall man walked in. He wore a black-and-white suit, and his hair was the color of dry straw.

"Ah! I’m tired! I’m not supposed to be handling the auction today... what a load of bullshit happening to...."

He paused, eyes scanning us. "Ah. Guests."

I knew he had noticed us, was he pretending not to?

The innkeeper bowed. "This is the VIP, Leader Kim."

Kim turned to us and smiled. "I can count the VIPs on our list. I’m surprised to see you, Cormac! This is the first time I’ve seen you here in the Silent Dagger after you collected your card."

Cormac shrugged. "Someone paid good enough money for it."

Kim’s eyes landed on me and Temur, and he smiled. Not a bad smile—more like Thayer’s: a calculated, businessman’s smile. "Sure, why don’t you come here, and we can talk?"

I slid onto one of the chairs Kim had arranged for us, trying to keep my composure. My eyes couldn’t help but follow his, though I’d like to think he didn’t notice me staring. VIP... landed directly on his lap, I thought, scanning the man. Something about him felt familiar, though I couldn’t place it.

His slender finger tapped the table lazily. "So! What brought so important people to my front this morning?"

Cormac spoke first, but I could feel the tension in Temur’s shoulders, mirrored by my own. Kim’s eyes flicked to me, and I resisted the urge to stiffen. He’s friendly... but only on the surface. The air around him made my muscles twitch. Probably security, or maybe just trained instincts. Either way, we better stay sharp.

Kim grinned, and my stomach tightened slightly. "Then you have nothing to worry about; whatever you are looking for, it’s here!" His gaze swept over Temur and me again, lingering a beat too long.

Cormac stood, and I leaned back slightly, letting him handle the introductions. "Well, I’ve done my part. The rest is up to you. You’re on VIP, so the money you will pay will be higher, but you are guaranteed quality."

I straightened instantly. "Wait," I said. "You’re leaving?"

He gestured with a thumb. "I’ll be upstairs; I don’t want to be mixed up with whatever you have going on. My own is to guide you here."

As the door closed behind him, Kim cleared his throat. "So! What is it you want? We can give you anything for the right price. Artifact? Bioweapons...."

I cut him off before he could spin the conversation elsewhere. "We need information."

Kim feigned ignorance for a moment, then said, "Oh, so that’s what you want. Well then, let’s hear it."

A piece of paper was handed to him by the innkeeper. I kept my eyes on Kim as he read it, noting the subtle frown that crossed his face. When he crumpled the paper and dropped it onto the table, I forced a neutral expression. He smiled brightly, but something in it screamed false. I knew it.

Temur spoke first, outlining our purpose. "We are looking for a man that we believe is in this town."

Kim raised a hand, curious. "Is the man a stranger to this town? It’s easier to find such a person."