Guided by the strange masked figure max made his way deeper down the passage. There was a strange stench of iron heating which he was already used too.
At least this never changes. Max thought staring at the walls enclosing them. It had some holes and cracks but it was sturdy as ever.
Reaching the end there was a black gate with a safe like mechanism lock. Guarded by two other unknown masked figures.
Here. The masked man handed max a thin cut out black cloth. Rolling his eyes max was well aware of what he meant. Not being a first timer here.
If this keeps up you'll loose customers. Max muttered to which the figure ignored.
Open the gate. Nodding the figure by the left proceeded to typing in some numbers.
Beep!
A systematic beep sounded with the second masked guard twisting the round handle to the left. Then to the right repeating this a couple of times.
Clank!
Like usual a loud clank sound resounded with the huge metal gate creaking backwards. A huge warm air immediately hitting max with the scent of various unknown items.
Amazing. Was the only word that came to mind. He had always wished to see the dark market in full but unfortunately he couldn't. At least not yet since he started his visit just recently.
But still his heart couldn't help but get excited at what secrets it held. Slightly shaking his head he was then guided by the figure into the buzzing market.
It's always busy. He was amazed at the number of people that knew of this place existence. Cause it was always so noisy one could hardly ever hear properly.
Moving more into the market the sound of metal clanging against another was heard. Along with the sizzling of oil and aroma of tasty food.
Blacksmith, food vendors and even jesters.. just what wasn't here? A light grin tug on max lips thinking of all the goodies he could get once he was financially stable.
Don't stall. The masked figure frowned seeing max admiring the market. Walking some more the sounds of clanging and the buzzing of people grew lower. Till it was barely heard and max could tell where they were.
Inform the king he has a guest. The figure said to which one out of the hundred of masked guards stationed at this grand distinct building nodded.
Tell him max wishes his audience with profitable business. Max added earning a scoff. Going through the gates the guard soon returned.
The king has accepted to see you. Nodding they were then guided in to the palace courtyard. There a large pool with water stood in the center along with several palm leaves scattered everywhere. With the finishing touch of roses beautifying the floor.
Max, buddy it's been a while. Please.. remove the blindfold. A masculine voice spoke.
Removing the blindfold max could see a man he recognized so well seated on the gold chair. He had an average build wearing loose shirt and shorts. In his hand was a cup of orange juice.
Buddy? I didn't know we were buddies. Max sarcastically retorded tossing the blindfold to the floor.
Haha! Do forgive the blindfold it's simply protocol. Jafer smiled making max roll his eyes.
So, what profitable business do you bring this time? A sly grin formed on jafer's face rubbing his hands in excitement.
Creepy but it's the same deal. Max uttered bringing out the six golden finger sized bars.
Seeing this the smile on the king's face died down replaced by a frown.
Where's the remaining four?
There isn't.. there hasn't been much progress in the mines lately. Max indifferently spoke with a calm look.
Then am afraid we don't have a deal. It was nice seeing you buddy. Getting up jafer proceeded into the palace.
Seeing his opportunity slipping max brain acted fast thinking of what to say.
Wait! Y-you have to take it.
And why is that?
B-because you can't find a better business partner than me. Max blurted out in a calm yet determined tone.
Wrong. You're just a peasant who's in way over his head. Jafer coldly said walking away.
And you're just a coward playing king in a secret place. Max retorded with anger making jafer stop in his tracks. Turning his eyes darted a piercing glare at max. But the latter didn't budge not showing a single shroud of fear.
The once calm atmosphere between the two had from warm to blazing hot within seconds.
If this doesn't work out then am dead for sure. Max thought. He was scared right now but maintained a calm expression.
Hahaha! The king suddenly burst out in laughter taking everyone aback.
You never cease to amaze me boy. Tell me, are crazy or just courting death?
Somewhere in between. Max plainly uttered with little emotion.
Very well then, we have a deal. Snapping his fingers one of the guard brought out a pouch from his side. Then headed over to max collecting the gold in exchange for the pouch.
500 bronze coins as agreed. If it's shorter return and I'll make it 2 silver coins. Nodding max then slightly bowed.
Nice doing business with you.
Likewise.. with that a blindfold was placed to max eyes. Led out of the dark market by a masked guard.
...…
That went as planned. A sigh of relief escaped his mouth out from the dark market.
For a moment there I thought I was going to be beheaded. He chuckled seeing his life in the hands of jafer. But luckily though not as planned, everything went smoothly.
Shaking his head he then walked out the alleyway taking a different route.
Stopping by the town's square he then proceeded to pay each of the vendors he owed. Also purchasing some other items leaving him a hundred bronze coins.
I can't wait to see the look on yuki's face. With a smug grin max happily made his way back home. With the two nylon bags clutched tightly in his hand.
It's about to rain. Looking up max could see the skies were getting more darker. Prior to how it was yesterday, along with thick clouds about to release whatever was built up in it.
Hasting himself max decided to take a shortcut from the normal path. In hopes of reaching home faster. The sounds of people talking grew quieter the more he moved but he wasn't aware.
Hey! A voice yelled. Twisting his head max couldn't prepare for what came next.
Bam!
A long wooden stick slammed into his head sending him to the floor. Creating a cut to his forehead drawing out blood.
Well well well.. if it isn't the little pipsqueak. The same sinister voice spoke with the emergence of a figure. It was a young man in his early 20's with orange hair in brown top and pants.
Flint, I should've known. Max gritted his teeth recognizing the young man well. He was amongst the miners stationed at a different cave.
But how, he shouldn't have known of this place. Max thought a bit surprised flint knew of this route. Not only was this place hidden but it was also his and Silas favorite route.
It doesn't matter, I'll still kick your ass!! Getting up max proceeded to throw a punch which flint dodged. Not stopping he attempted to kick flint in the guts but the latter was faster. Grabbing his legs and tossing max into a wall.
Weak, just stay down. Flint said with a mocking grin.
Never!
Throwing out a wide punch flint dodged slamming his fist to max gut. Embracing the pain he managed to land a headbutt to flint.
Bam!
A bang like sound erupted along with both heads recoiling back from the shock. Stunning both parties for some second.
That's it, you're dead! Flint roared pulling max legs making him fall. Raising his hand he punched down to which max blocked. Defending with both his arms but it didn't matter. The former reigning down multiple punches to max.
Looking for options max waited for the right moment. Grabbing the piece of wood besides him slamming it lightning fast to flint's head.
Who's the pipsqueak now!? A crazed smile formed on max face. Getting on flint sending a barrage of punches.
Enough! Another voice yelled along with an item connecting to Max's head. Sending him to the floor away from flint.
You shouldn't have interfered, I had him.
Shut up! You're just a piece of trash. The new figure spoke in an irritated tone. Listening more clearly max could recognize the voice.
Silas? Regaining his vision he could see none other than his best friend. Standing besides his attacker.
What are you doing there, and why did you hit me? Max asked not wanting to assume things. He'd known Silas for as long as ever so why would he choose to betray him now.
Grab a bag. Silas ordered ignoring max walking away.
Damn it, answer me! Max yelled standing to his feet. Why throw years of friendship away for freaking scraps? It doesn't make sense!
I didn't do it for the gold! Silas retorded unable to take it anymore.
Then why, why the hell did you do it!?
You wouldn't understand. The world isn't what we thought it was. Without caution another object was slammed to max head by one of flint's lackey.
That wasn't necessary. Silas frowned. His expression showing he wasn't aware of this.
He's a liability we should get rid of him now.
Wrong. You're a liability and he's a friend. Titling his head a bit his expression softened a bit.
Was a friend. Walking over Silas crouched down to max. He was bleeding from the head but nothing serious. And he was certain he wouldn't be able to get up soon after being hit multiple times in the head.
Am sorry it had to end this way max, but it's bigger than both of us. You have to be prepared for what's about to come next. With that the silver haired kid walked away along with flint and his lackey.
S-silas. Max barely uttered before his vision gave out. The only thing he last saw was Silas and the last words he whispered.