The carriage rocked gently as it passed from the polished cobblestones of the central district into the older veins of the city. Outside the small window, the architecture changed — less ornamental, and more lived-in. The capital had many faces, and not all of them were gilded.

Ruvian sat quietly, his gaze fixed on the shifting streets beyond.

He wasn’t here for sightseeing. Where they were going wasn’t marked on any official map. It existed in the cracks of legality.

And was also where he would deal an early blow to the demon.

The Ashway Bazaar.

A few days earlier, Ruvian had already explained the plan to Irene and Silvena about what they intended to accomplish here.

First, since they were already present here, he might as well obtain something useful from the auction. Ruvian had already decided on the item he wished to acquire, something that would prove valuable for the future ahead.

Second, and more importantly, he intended to prevent the demon from obtaining a particular scroll that had recently been discovered by a group of adventurers within a dungeon.

In the novel... no — to be more precise, based on the theories he had discussed with @DuchessOfGoon a long time ago, the scroll seemed to contain something that accelerated the progress of the calamity.

The story had mentioned that the demon was searching for it obsessively, almost desperately for it.

But what made this situation even more unusual was that this event was never part of any established arc in the novel.

Zian Herga had never come to this place, not even once. The existence of the scroll and the Ashway Bazaar was only revealed much later in the story through interactions with other characters.

And a few conversations with the author herself.

’Now that I think about it... Duchess was actually much more attentive and more perceptive when it came to connecting the dots and uncovering the mysteries of this novel,’

Ruvian thought, feeling a bit of admiration.

’She even noticed patterns and inconsistencies that most readers would easily overlook. Well, in some ways, she might even be better at this than I am.’

He still remembered how she had once predicted the direction of a major plot development long before the novel revealed it.

To be honest, at some point, Yuzuki often felt that Duchess might understand Zian Herga’s character even better than he did.

She frequently reminded the author to maintain consistency in Zian’s personality, ensuring that every decision aligned with the protagonist’s established nature.

Therefore, if her theory was correct, then obtaining the scroll could slow the approaching calamity. There was even a chance it might prevent it entirely.

That was why Ruvian chose to come here.

And it was good to have, at least, Irene came with them for this mission.

’Come to think of it, I haven’t checked her stats yet.’

Driven by the temptation to know, Ruvian activated [Character Sheet] and carefully observed her [Runeheart].

===============

{}---『RUNEHEART』---{}

◇ Name: Irene

◇ Age: 19

◇ Spellcore: Tier 4

◇ Rank: First-Class Magus

◇ Magic Affinity: [Psionic], [Darkness]

[Mana Resonance: (231/10,000)]

==[General Attributes]==

Strength: B

Agility: B

Endurance: B-

Vitality: B-

Perception: A-

==[Mage Attributes]==

Mana Control: C+

Casting Speed: C+

Magic Power: C+

Mental Strength: B

Mana Sensitivity: B-

Mana Essence: [7,000/7,000]

==[Innate Blessings]==

- [N/A]

==[Affinity Mastery]==

- [Psionic, Darkness (Intermediate)]

- [Sound (Basic)]

===============

’Just as I thought... her stats are more balanced than Calyra’s. Well, it makes sense, considering the way she fights probably shaped that.’

Compared to Calyra, Irene was more of a melee-oriented role, the type who advanced straight into the fray, but could just as easily shift into a supportive role when circumstances called for it.

Across from him, Silvena crossed her legs and watched him with keen curiosity.

"You know..." she began, her tone light but probing.

"Not many know about the Ashway. Even among the nobility, only a few houses are aware it exists, and fewer are allowed in."

Silvena continued calmly.

"It is not a respectable place. The Ashway operates as an underground business, dealing with many questionable matters. Even as a merchant, I prefer not to involve myself with them more than necessary. Their dealings are often unscrupulous, and once someone is entangled with them, it is rarely simple to withdraw."

Ruvian gave a small nod.

"Yes, I am aware of that. That’s why it is best that our identities remain concealed. You have already registered both of us as anonymous VIP participants for the auction, correct?"

Silvena nodded.

"Of course, I have already considered that."

"Good," Ruvian replied, his voice calm but firm.

"This way is safer. Loyalty means very little in a place like this. Silence can always be bought. If the price is high enough, information will eventually be sold. That’s why once this is over, and the scroll is in our possession, the demon will certainly try to discover who obtained it."

"They will not hesitate to offer a considerable sum for any trace of information — names, appearances, even the smallest detail could become valuable to them. So, we must ensure that nothing leads back to us."

Silvena watched him in silence, the faint curve of her lips showing she had expected this level of caution.

"Yeah, that is why we prepared this in advance."

Silvena let out a soft laugh and lifted one hand.

A light shimmer formed above the ring on her finger, followed by a small pulse of mana.

Then, six artifacts appeared on her lap.

Three were masquerade masks in different colours, each crafted with fine detail. The other three were silver rings, simple yet elegant.

Ruvian slowly lifted his gaze at her.

"Good. So you’re able to acquire them."

Silvena lifted a green masquerade mask.

"Yup, I also bought some useful healing potions for us. And you see... I have somewhat learned my lesson after what happened during our first encounter with the demon too. A Grade-B disguise artifact was not sufficient."

"So this time, I managed to obtain a Grade-A one."

Then, she gently tapped the silver rings resting beside the masks.

"And I also prepared an additional piece that can enhance its effect."

"So... now, with these two working together, even those skilled in perception will find it difficult to see through our disguise."

Hearing that, Ruvian couldn’t help but smile in approval.

’She’s very reliable.’

And Ruvian very much appreciated that fact.

Without a word, Silvena gave one of the masquerade masks to him.

"For you, try not to lose them. They were not cheap. Well... not cheap for you, of course."

Ruvian gently took it from her. The mask was light, flexible, and shaped to cover only the eyes and upper face.

A noble’s masquerade design, but far more intricate than anything worn at festivals.

Then, he also took the silver ring.

"As I said, they’re both Grade A Disguise Artifacts..."

Silvena explained.

"The mask alters facial structure just enough to confuse recognition spells. While the ring weaves a subtle illusion over your mana. Together, they’ll pass you off as someone forgettable."

Ruvian studied the artifacts for a moment. The craftsmanship was exquisite, the quality didn’t catch his attention, but it was the implication.

Ruvian’s eyes narrowed as he casted [Identify], sketching out the truths.

==========

[Item]: Masque of the Forgotten

[Types]: Accessories

[Grade]: A

[Enchantments]:

◇ [Facial Displacement]

– Slightly warps key facial identifiers to deflect recognition. Lightweight and tailored to adapt subtly to the wearer’s bone structure.

==========

He set it down briefly and turned to the silver ring in his hand.

==========

[Item Name]: Ring of Concealment

[Types]: Accessories

[Grade]: A

[Enchantment]:

◇ [Aura Mantle]

– Hides the wearer’s mana identity so it cannot be recognized.

◇ [False Reading]

– Causes small disturbance to scanning spells that try to detect the wearer or the items inside the dimensional storage.

◇ [Paired Storage]

– Items stored within this dimensional space can be transferred to its twin counterpart through the wearer’s intent.

==========

"By the way, you can decide the face you want by imagining the features clearly in your head while sending your mana into the mask. The clearer your image of the shape and details, the better the result will be."

Ruvian nodded.

"I see. Let me try it then."

──────── ✦ ────────

[Chapter 147: The Ashway Bazaar (1)]