Chapter 206: 9:1 (1)

We had been riding for about three days when we finally could see Aman, the city where Daliac was. Winter meant shorter days. The sun had already begun to set, and shadows crept slowly between the sharp spires. The guards tapping their spears against the ground while checking carriages looked more like part of the scenery than living men.

Of course, there was nothing to worry about. I had identification from Grassmere, and if they asked me to remove my helmet, I could just use the Masquerade skill. But when we reached the gates, the guards didn't even look at us.

"They're... ignoring us?" I mumbled.

They weren't just ignoring us.

Rubia waved at the guards with a shocked expression. "They really don't see us at all! Did we become ghosts or something?"

"Looks like they really can't see us," I replied.

"So what now?" Rubia asked.

"What do you mean, what now? We go in, of course," Isaac said matter-of-factly.

I glanced at Isaac, who was strutting with his beak tilted upward. "Is this your doing?"

"Doing?

Tsk

. Can't you ask nicely? I simply cast a minor illusion spell, thank you very much."

For once, Isaac was actually helpful. Unlike when he was sealed in the medal, he could now utilize minor spells since he'd inhabited the raven doll he prepared beforehand. Maybe it was just a matter of perception, but ever since absorbing all that Lurium from Ashton's ruins, the bird had definitely gotten stronger.

"So they can't see us forever? Tomorrow too? The day after?" Rubia asked.

"Nah. They'll snap out of it in about three minutes. Hurry and get inside."

Following Isaac's lead, we passed through the torch-lit streets of Aman and crossed the barrier surrounding Daliac.

Isaac instructed, "Walk exactly as I say. First..."

There were no special incantations, but the barrier apparently had a calming effect on anyone passing through. It was a measure to preserve Daliac's peace.

After hearing the explanation, Rubia furrowed her brow. "So it calms people down? That's a strange kind of barrier..."

"Strange how?"

"Someone like you, who understands how barriers work, or someone strong enough to brute-force through one, wouldn't be affected, right?"

"Of course not."

"In that case, aren't those the exact people who could do the most damage here?"

I nodded without thinking. Rubia had a point. Those who could see through or avoid the effects were unaffected. Only the weak were made docile and obedient by the barrier.

"That's how the world works. It's all smoke and mirrors," Isaac explained.

"Is that so?" Rubia murmured, her expression a little gloomy.

I hoped she wouldn't come to see the world that way, but I couldn't think of anything to say to deny it. After winding through the narrowing stone walls, we reached the entrance of a massive inn, a cluster of over thirty buildings tightly packed together.

This was Daliac. The last time I'd been here, a woman in a white mask had welcomed us.

Fwoosh!

"

Huh

? What's that?"

Isaac pointed with his beak to the roof of a nearby building. A woman darted away and disappeared in a blur of motion. Her agility was no joke—I only caught a glimpse of a white mask.

Isn't she the one who is supposed to greet visitors? Where did she run off to?

"No idea. Just follow me."

In any case, I already knew the way. I headed straight for the non-member area. A few dazed humans looked in our direction.

"Why are they staring at us?" I muttered.

Isaac answered in a low tone. "Not at us. They're looking at you."

"Me?"

"Yes. That's right. They're only staring at you, Mr. Skeleton."

"The roof over the crossing... Right-side alley. There's more than one. What the hell did you do in Daliac?"

Even Rubia glanced at me sideways. "You've been with me the whole time... Were you famous here or something?"

Of course not. I had come here with Rena in my previous life, but this was my first visit in this one. Something was off. I considered grabbing one of them to question them, but violence of any kind was strictly forbidden in Daliac.

"I'll have to ask," I replied.

"Ask where?"

"At the information auction house."

Isaac snorted softly. "Well now, that's a fresh approach. Guess we'll wait outside then."

I needed to ask about the location of Lurium as well. Conscious of the strange gazes, I walked alone into the auction house. Only one person was allowed to enter at a time; that was the ironclad rule. Last time, I'd gone in with Isaac sealed inside the medal. Now that Isaac was in the raven doll, bringing him along was out of the question.

Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind. Back then, when I had asked for information about Kevin Ashton, Isaac had stayed silent. He must have been planning to stab me in the back all along.

***

A voice came from beyond the curtain. "Have you come to purchase information?"

This was my second time meeting the auction house's broker.

What is this guy, really?

During our first meeting, he immediately realized I wasn't human and that the barrier didn't affect me. As a being with considerable strength, he said he didn't care if someone was inhuman as long as they upheld the principle of nonviolence.

Regardless, something felt strange this time. I hadn't brought up his identity at all.

The broker just naturally repeated his question. "Have you come to purchase information?"

"I have."

"Then what kind of information?"

I planned to start by asking about Lurium. "I want to know where Lurium can be found."

"That information must go to auction."

"Auction?"

"You knew what you were getting into, didn't you? This is an auction house. Name your price."

I knew the rules. The broker held onto the information for a set time and sold it to the highest bidder during that period.

How much should I offer?

I couldn't rely on Isaac's help. I had no idea how much would be appropriate.

I should've at least thought this through a bit before rushing in like this.

I remembered that the information on Marquis Leandro had been one of the rare pieces sold at a fixed price.

[Skill: Accounting Lv. 1 activated.]

[Skill level too low.]

[Unable to determine fair value.]

The Accounting skill didn't work either, so I had no choice.

I casually pulled out a silver ingot and offered it. "Twelve hundred roti. That's twelve seiron."

"Very well. Offer received."

"Is that the highest bid?"

"I can't tell you that. I have no intention of guaranteeing fair trade."

The broker's answer was bold and unapologetic, but I was the one at a disadvantage. Of course, I couldn't overpower him. On top of that, the area where the information was kept was protected by some unknown mechanical device.

[Skill: Detection Lv. 7 activated.]

Even with high-level Detection, I still couldn't sense the hidden mechanisms. They were clearly protected by powerful and immeasurable magic.

Even if I somehow manage to defeat the broker, how would I get inside?

"Going to raise your bid? You seem hesitant," the broker stated.

"I'll hold off for now."

"As you wish."

The Accounting skill was useless. Before raising the price, I planned to consult Isaac. I could always increase the bid later.

Then, something struck me.

Why didn't this guy react to me this time?

Last time, he'd shown interest, calling me inhuman and noting how the barrier didn't affect me. Now, it felt like he'd always known.

"Any other information you'd like to buy?" the broker asked.

I had to ask. "By any chance... am I known in this city?"

The broker chuckled softly behind the curtain. "This one's widespread enough that I'll give it to you for free. There's a bounty on your head."

"What? A bounty? Who—?"

"That's not free information. Be careful on your way back."

"...!"

It was nothing short of shocking.

Who put a bounty on me?

I retraced my actions in this life. I hadn't clashed with any of Purson's followers, and I hadn't touched the imperial family. I had visited Leraje's sanctuary, but everyone there had already been wiped out.

What the hell is going on?

I needed Isaac's advice. As I stepped out of the tent in anxious haste, something burst softly underfoot.

Pop!

My skeleton rapidly stiffened, starting from my toes.

Thud!

A gloved hand seized the back of my neck.

Then I heard a strangely distorted voice. "There you are."

I thought of running, but the moment I was grabbed, I instinctively knew that there was no point in struggling.

"Come with us. Don't look back."

"You... are you the one who put the bounty on me?"

"That's right. Come quietly," another voice ordered.

The voice was also disguised, but it sounded a bit sharper. Two people were behind me.

Where the hell did these guys come from?

A powerful intuition screamed within me, telling me I couldn't win. But strangely enough, they felt familiar. Even with their altered voices and masks, I was sure I'd seen them somewhere before. It wasn't quite the ominous dread of facing ghosts.

"Fine. Let's go," I muttered.

"

Oh?

You're cooperating?" one of the voices asked.

"Doesn't seem like I have a choice."

"Smart move."

Even if I escaped somehow, getting Rubia involved would be worse. It'd be better to hear them out first. And honestly, I was curious.

Why the bounty? Who are these people bold enough to use force so openly in Daliac?

Rustle.

A large black cloth was thrown over me. Apparently, it was enchanted, and it was roomy and surprisingly soft inside. They must have slung me over their shoulder. At least I wasn't being dragged.

Inside the black cloth, my mind swirled. My sword was already gone. My wrists were bound in cuffs. Even my ankles were shackled.

When did that happen?

They were strong. I initially didn't have the strength to resist, but now I didn't even feel like trying. Even at full strength, I instinctively knew there was no way I could beat these two.

***

Swoosh.

The captors pulled me out of the black cloth. The silent one slipped a hand under my arm and placed me in a chair like a puppet.

I looked around. It was a small log cabin, but with these two masked figures before me, it felt more like Azure's Spellhold—inescapable.

"Who are you?" I asked.

The figure on the right tilted their head. "We're the ones asking questions. Who are you? A lich who specializes in the illusory dream branch of magic?"

Magic? What magic? Don't tell me Isaac did something weird again behind my back.

"No idea what you're talking about."

I thought it'd be best to play dumb. Yet, these two felt eerily familiar.

The masked figure on the left crossed their legs. "

Hmph

. Let's wait. The one who needs to talk to you will be here soon."

In the small cabin shrouded in darkness, I endured their silent stares for what felt like an eternity.

Creak.

The cabin door opened.