Since he decided to participate in the Tournament, Lucas needed to prepare.
And the first step was to turn his loot into cash.
He put on a black hoodie and a face mask to hide his identity. With Seraphina hiding in his shadow (using her Human Form capability to suppress her aura), Lucas headed to the downtown area.
He arrived at the entrance of "The Night Owl Trading House"—the largest underground market in the city.
The guards at the door were huge, scanning everyone with suspicious eyes. But seeing Lucas's calm demeanor (and sensing the dangerous vibe from the shadow behind him), they let him pass without questions.
Inside, the market was bustling. People were shouting, selling monster parts, weapons, and even illegal potions.
Lucas walked straight to the VIP Appraisal Counter.
"I have some materials to sell," Lucas said, his voice deepened deliberately.
The appraiser, an old man with thick glasses, yawned. "Dump them on the table. We don't take trash... Wait!"
The old man froze as Lucas pulled out a bag of Goblin Magic Cores and a glowing Blue Crystal.
"These... These are Pristine Quality Cores?" The old man's hands shook. "And this is the Essence of a Goblin Shaman?"
Usually, novice hunters damaged the cores when killing monsters. Only an instakill with overwhelming power could preserve them perfectly.
"Can you take them?" Lucas asked impatiently.
"I... I can't decide on the price for these. Please wait a moment!" The old man pressed a button.
A minute later, the curtain behind the counter parted.
"Oh? Who is the little brother bringing such high-quality goods?"
A sultry, husky female voice drifted out like smoke.
Lucas looked up and narrowed his eyes.
A woman in a tight-fitting red Qipao (traditional dress) walked out slowly. She looked to be about twenty-five. Her curves were exaggerated, especially her chest, which seemed ready to burst out of the fabric. She held a long smoking pipe, her red lips curling into a charming smile.
[Ding! Analysis Eye Activated (System)]
[Name: Isabella]
[Identity: Manager of Night Owl Trading House]
[Level: ??? (Too high to scan)]
Isabella looked at Lucas with interest. She leaned over the counter, intentionally or unintentionally showing a bit of her deep cleavage.
"I am Isabella," she blew a puff of smoke. "These goods... usually go for
30,000.Butsinceyoulookhandsomeevenwithamask,I′llofferyou∗∗30,000.Butsinceyoulookhandsomeevenwithamask,I′llofferyou∗∗
50,000**."
Lucas remained calm, though his heart beat faster. What a dangerous woman.
"Deal," Lucas nodded.
"Direct and cold. I like that," Isabella giggled. She snapped her fingers, and a heavy bag of cash was placed on the table.
As she handed the money to Lucas, her finger lightly scratched his palm. It was a clear tease.
"Little brother, if you have more... or if you want to sell yourself, you can come to me anytime. Here is my personal VIP card."
She handed him a black card with a golden rose imprint.
Lucas took the card and the money. "I'll be back."
He turned and walked away quickly. He didn't want to stay near this woman for too long. Her gaze felt like it was stripping him naked.
However, as soon as Lucas stepped out of the Trading House and turned into a dark alley, Seraphina's voice sounded in his mind, cold and full of killing intent.
"Master, that vixen was trying to seduce you. She reeks of cheap perfume."
Seraphina materialized from the shadow, hugging Lucas's arm possessively. "Also... we are being followed."
Lucas stopped walking.
"I know," Lucas sneered.
Under the dim streetlight, three burly men with scars on their faces blocked the exit of the alley. They held daggers and baseball bats.
"Yo, kid," the leader grinned, revealing yellow teeth. "You made a lot of money in there, right? Be a good boy and hand it over."
Lucas sighed. "Why do villains always say the same lines?"
He looked at Seraphina.
"Are you hungry, Seraphina?"
"Very hungry, Master," Seraphina's golden eyes glowed in the darkness, staring at the thugs like they were food.
"Good. Dinner time."