Resembling the first auction that Kazuichi had unintentionally attended, this auction happening in Yamanashi Prefecture would also be held underground. Shig briefly informed them about the auction, but aside from it happening once a month, Shig didn’t tell them much about it.

In a sense, Shig was subconsciously withholding information from Kazuichi and Tris. Even though they had traveled to the Yamanashi Prefecture together and even shared a meal, the two of them were still distant in the eyes of Shig. Moreover, he didn’t want to accidentally tell them about the mysterious blood, so he couldn’t be specific about his information.

Instead of going forward and entering the auction willy-nilly, Kazuichi advised that they stand their ground first and observe from afar. Although this was an auction and endangering someone’s life was frowned upon due to notable guests, Kazuichi knew that cautiousness is the next best thing when it comes to preventing trouble.

"That’s weird... fewer people are going inside compared to that auction," Kazuichi muttered to himself as the three of them positioned themselves behind an abandoned recreational vehicle.

"That’s usually the case. Those who are bringing in prized items go the other way. That way, theft would be prevented, and the involvement of foul play would be lessened." Shig explained. "The meteorite ore I gave you was actually an item I was supposed to sell. But I changed my mind and gave it to you instead."

Nodding his head, Kazuichi understood what Shig exposed regarding the auction. In the last auction as well, since he was a prized item, he was delivered from the back entrance.

"Then, wouldn’t it be safer if we were to sell an item? I’m sure we’re going to have an easier time entering."

"Not really. There are three of us. Even if we bring over the meteorite ore with us, they’d only allow one person to go in. Two of us would still be directed to the front entrance."

"I see," Kazuichi mumbled as their group continued observing the front entrance from afar.

There were a couple more people who entered the place and by the scent of it, most of them were Hybrids. Now Kazuichi understood a little bit why Shig was hesitant when it came to entering the auction. And now that Kazuichi saw it, he realized that the ratio between humans and Hybrids had shifted drastically on one side— with it having more Hybrids than uninfected.

As for Tris, she had no idea about it since she couldn’t sense whether someone was uninfected or not. Hybrids tend to act human after all, and it wasn’t after their transformation or their bloodshot eyes would someone notice that they were infected.

"Let’s go," Kazuichi told them since the two of them didn’t seem to shift from their positions.

To be fair, Shig and Tris were both hesitant about it. Even though they had no idea about the number of Hybrids present in the auction, their subconscious was warning them about the danger, and that’s why they couldn’t bring themselves to enter.

"O-ou, let’s go," Shig finally steeled his resolve.

Unlike other auctions, this one didn’t need an invitation, or some sort of card that would allow an identity to pass. Then again, influential persons were present in the auction so the security was tight. Not anyone was granted a pass to go inside.

From stronghold leaders to powerful Hybrids, the auction welcomed those who could afford the items, be they infected or uninfected.

Kazuichi stood up, adjusted his clothes, and walked straight to the two people who were admitting people by the entrance. There was one man and one lady, and by the looks of it, the two of them were Hybrids, and powerful ones at that.

Then again, Kazuichi was the only one aware of this, that’s why he didn’t bother showing his anxiousness so the other two wouldn’t feel uncomfortable.

Before he could even step forward, however, the two personnel sniffed the air, and then they licked their lips while nodding their heads at each other. Kazuichi couldn’t put a finger on what they were doing, but he approached them nonetheless.

"Ah, Kazuichi? What are you doing here?" A familiar face called out.

The moment he heard the voice speak behind him, Kazuichi immediately turned around and his face lit up.

A couple of minutes ago, he was quite unsure about going into the auction and bringing unnecessary trouble to himself. Then again, Shig paid him upfront with a meteorite ore, so there was no turning back for him. And now that this person was present, he gained new confidence in going to the auction.

"We’re here for the auction," Kazuichi responded simply as Mizunochi Ayaka jumped on his shoulders and gave him a casual hug.

"What a coincidence! I’m also going to the auction! Let’s head inside!" Ayaka enthused, grabbing Kazuichi by the hand and leading him inside.

As if on cue, the two personnel switched their expressions into a hardened one, and then they ushered the four of them inside without speaking a word. Still, Kazuichi had a lot of questions in his mind, including the ’vibrant’ reactions of the two personnel back there at the entrance.

"Be careful in here Kazuichi, whatever you do, don’t leave my side," Ayaka whispered at him, as if to half-threaten him about something.

Ayaka seemed to know more about this auction so Kazuichi nodded his head along. Thanks to her, he won’t have to deal with more things as he’s already got a lot on his plate. "I actually have a question..." Kazuichi asked, leaning forward so no one else would hear what they were talking about.

"Ask."

"I kept on hearing about this mysterious blood that they sell here. It’s Hybrid blood, but Shig here told me that it’s unlike any other Hybrid blood." Kazuichi continued. "Do you have any idea what it was?"

"Of course, and you should know it too. We have the same blood running in our veins, after all." Ayaka responded in an instant.

"What do you mean?" Kazuichi asked, still half-confused at Ayaka’s response.

"I mean... they’re selling our blood, Kazuichi," Ayaka added.