Cail was exhausted. He had thought that testing his levels would be easy. Why was it so hard?
"I'm done with this," he panted as he sat down on his bed. His newly renewed void energy was drained once again.
He looked at the result: "Conductor, Veil tuned."
He was basically around the same level as Neris's group, and his control with his artifact was at a safe level.
But still, he really didn't trust the results that much since the machine malfunctioned at least 26 times before finally getting things right.
Cail put the machine away, "The error probably had something to do with my innate aptitude."
His eyes were sore from the lack of rest. He rolled onto his bed like a caterpillar. Picking up the phone on his bedside table, just as he was about to set the alarm, he was shocked by the multiple notifications on the screen.
This scene reminded him of when he first did trade with Deorc. Sure enough, when he pressed one of the messages, he got someone asking him for a deal.
Unknown: You're the one who sold stuff to Deorc?
Unknown: I'm willing to pay as long as the price is negotiable.
Unknown: You should have a lot of those, right?
Cail paused after hearing Deorc's name. Did this guy know him through Deorc?
An: Yeah. But it depends on what you want.
This time Cail chose to be the 'passive'.
Unknown: Annihilator class artifact.
Unknown: I haven't heard of you before. Are you a new dealer?
It was just a simple question. But the moment the other party sent that, Cail sensed something wrong.
Is he fishing for information? If yes, what does he want?
Cail narrowed his eyes. "Hmm. I think I know a way to make this play more fun."
An: Ah yes.
An: My late father was a dealer. After he died, all his artifacts were given to me.
Unknown: That's unfortunate, lad. But the world of the void isn't as easy as it seems.
Unknown: Do you want me to introduce you to a black market for artifacts?
Unknown: You can earn good cash from it.
Cail closed his eyes in embarrassment after seeing the chat. Are people really that dumb? Who'll fall for this? This unknown just said that the world of the void is not easy, now he's acting like a good Samaritan.
"How will I do this..." Cail thought for a moment before answering.
Cail's fishing 2.0
An: Black market? I haven't really heard of that. Can you tell me where and how you'll get in?
First, let's fish some information.
Unknown: It's on the Lawless Slums area. That is where the black market in Nyx City is located.
Unknown: Isn't your dad an artifact dealer? Don't you know anything about it?
An: I don't know. My father doesn't want me to become involved.
Second, present yourself as a helpless lamb. This guy doesn't strike Cail as a smart one.
Unknown: That's very bad. If you're relying on artifact selling for income, then you would probably have a hard time finding buyers.
An: What should I do?
Third, let the other person act.
Unknown: How about you bring all your artifacts over as we trade. I'll help you get appraised.
An: Appraisal?
Unknown: Yes. While your father might have probably left you some list, you need to bring those artifacts here for formal appraisal.
Cail paused. Based on this information, it seemed like there are void users whose ability is appraisal. Isn't that similar to Cail's glasses?
Fourth, act 'normal'. Give that person a logical response.
An: No. What if you scam me?
Unknown: I won't scam you. Actually, if you don't want to, then there's no need.
Unknown: You not taking the risk could result in losing a good opportunity. Besides, if you don't put it up the black market, you'll probably be living your entire life selling nothing.
Cail raised his brows. The give-the-pros-and-cons type of shit?
Fifth, act like you gave in with your desire.
An: Okay fine. But if you dare mess with me...
Unknown: Of course I won't do that.
An: Okay, I'll bring it with the annihilator class artifact that you chose.
An: Do you have specific requirements for any?
This time, Cail didn't send a picture of the artifacts. He had a feeling that the artifacts that he's selling don't seem to be the normal ones. What if the other side notices something fishy?
Unknown: Anything, as long as it works.
Six, don't ask too many questions and let the other person finalize the digging of their own grave.
An: What's the meet up location?
Unknown: Sixth alley south beside the redlight district at the Lawless Slums. 9:00 PM, next Monday.
An: You better be there early.
Unknown: Sure. Don't forget to bring your artifact.
...
After closing the chat, Cail concluded that the unknown guy wanted to rob him. The way he kept saying bring the artifacts is obvious.
He laid on his bed exhausted, "That guy seemed to know Deorc. That man was filled with malicious intentions."
"Did I just get involved with something that I shouldn't have?"
After listening to his question, Cail suddenly felt stupid. "Of course I got involved with something that I shouldn't have." The box that went into his hand seemed to be some kind of fate. After receiving it, a weird part of his destiny started to shift.
"What performance should I play for this new gentleman."
Then he sat up from his bed, "I forgot! I actually have the props that I need."
He walked towards his cabinet and opened it. Inside were clothes and other boxes filled with useless stuff.
He removed all the clothes and anything that was blocking the cabinet. After clearing, he gently removed the plywood, and behind it was a rifle.
Cail's eyes glimmered with excitement, "It had been three years since I last used this! I forgot!"
He grabbed the rifle and placed it on the ground. After checking that everything was fine with it, Cail chuckled,
"It just needs a little bit of modification. I hope that unknown guy won't disappoint me."
Why did he even have this in the first place? Again, that's a topic for another time.