Chapter 31 - Ascension City

The Black Market of the Awakened is not simple.

The underworld organizations are using a linked Entrance to enter an Arcane World that they have owned for themselves.

Cyril didn't think that this is a bad idea since many powerful Awakened would try possessing a secret Arcane World of their own. It would help them hide their precious resources and some can even have the best training environment.

However, this will only be popularized about five years from now due to many reasons... After all, it's not that easy to get a Purple Crystal right now, and finding a peaceful Arcane World is like finding a needle in a haystack.

At this time, you'll probably get a higher chance of finding an S-Rank Artifact than a peaceful Arcane World.

Cyril even heard that some organizations or guilds were actually built after finding a suitable Arcane World for their own use.

Then, they would create an Artificial Crystal to have multiple Entrances for their members. Of course, it is only possible if they have the materials and if they set it up from the inside. The higher the class of the Arcane World, the more difficult it would be to set up an alternative entrance as the underworld organizations did.

"Contractor… I won't be able to maintain my projection inside the Arcane World as of yet. So don't be surprised if I didn't show up. Don't worry, I can still speak with you using our minds…" Xagan suddenly said as he was about to touch the crystal.

Cyril wasn't too concerned whether he has a projection or not but he was concerned about the last thing.

Can they actually communicate using their minds?! He didn't know this!

"What? How about right now, can't we---" Cyril was about to ask about it but he was heard by the hooded member of the Asura Guild.

The latter probably thought that he was talking to him.

"Customer?"

"Ahh… Nothing! I'm just nervous… I'm going in now…" Cyril said as he touched the crystal and poured his Aura in it…

The space around him warped for a few seconds before he disappeared from where he was previously standing.

He has finally entered the Black Market.

Of course, he also learned just now that the moment he Awakened and completed his assimilation with the paper prison Artifact, he was able to speak with him just by using their minds.

He just needs to feel the presence of the Artifact inside his body and speak in his mind. Then, the message would be sent to Xagan and they could communicate with each other.

As of now, he doesn't know how to feel this Artifact so would have to experiment now…

Cyril then suddenly appeared in a grassy land… He can feel the cold breeze and warm sunlight on his skin. This place is actually quite pleasant and refreshing.

He looked ahead and saw a huge wall made of large stones blocking his sight…

Beyond this wall is the Ascension City that is owned by the Underworld Organizations.

He was seen by the guard standing near the gate and watched him silently.

This is the eastern entrance of the city and is meant for the people who used the Asura Guild's non-member's Entrance.

Apparently, if he's a direct member, he would have a different entrance. He would be directly sent to the part of the castle assigned to their guild.

Before he approached the guards, Cyril looked behind him and confirmed whether there are changes.

'It didn't change…' He mused after smelling the sea below this land.

Apparently, he's currently on a floating island and below this is a vast sea that has no end!

Nevertheless, this island is huge and could probably accommodate five large cities on Earth. Cyril smiled at this as he finally started feeling the Paper Artifact in his body. He wanted to ensure that he can really communicate with Xagan.

He closed his eyes and calmed his breathing.

He tried to feel the presence of the Paper Prison Artifact. He knows its Aura since it was attached to his shoulder before so he will know if he finds it…

However, it doesn't seem to be that easy…

Finally, after a couple of minutes, he realized that he just has to act like he's wielding the artifact to connect with it. He doesn't need to find it but to manifest it…

'Xagan, Can you hear me?'

'Yes, Contractor.' The demon quickly replied.

'Great… This is better. I no longer need to worry about being seen as a crazy person.'

Cyril smiled but the demon doesn't seem to be impressed at all as he just ignored him.

Nevertheless, Cyril was still happy as he approached the guard.

Anyway, he also already learned that he can always hear Xagan's voice even if he's not connected to the Artifact.

On the other hand, the Demon can only hear his thoughts if he connected with this Artifact assimilated to his body...

This is convenient for him as this means that he wouldn't have to worry that Xagan can hear all of his thoughts.

"Show me your token…" The guard suddenly said as he approached the gate. The token is the thing he can use to make transactions within the Black Market. This is also their way to get the 3% commission they needed.

"This is my first time coming here..." Cyril replied to the guard.

"I understand. 50,000 Ains."

Cyril then opened his bag and gave a stack of cash.

He also noticed that the entrance fee is quite cheap. He had actually prepared 150,000 Ains similar to the amount he used before.

After the guard confirmed the money, they gave the Asura Guild's Token to him as he allowed him to enter the city…

The Token has an engraved image of a hooded person with a single eye… He kept it in his pocket as he walked past the gate.

Finally, it's time to earn more money and perhaps, find an item suited for an S-Rank like him.