The dead tree was far more massive than Ezra had imagined.
Its trunk was perhaps as wide as a car, with roots slithering across the parched earth like serpents made of stone. And beneath its canopy, a shadow stood waiting.
"Caleb."
The old man did not respond immediately. He simply stared at Ezra, his eyes glinting in the encroaching darkness.
"You came," Caleb finally muttered. "I told you not to come."
"Lina delivered your message."
"And yet, here you are."
"I have questions."
Caleb let out a short, dry laugh. "Everyone has questions. But not everyone is prepared to hear the answers."
He sat down on one of the thick roots, patting the spot beside him. Ezra took a seat.
"Ask."
"What exactly is happening in the Frontier Territory?"
Caleb fell silent for a moment. Then, "Have you ever heard of the Underground Market?"
"The black market. A place for the slave trade."
"Not just ordinary slaves, young man. Special slaves. Those with... abilities. Magic. Arcana. They come from all races—Elves, Beastkin, Humans. Kidnapped from all across Veridia, brought here, and sold."
"To whom?"
"To anyone who can pay. Nobles seeking personal servants, miners looking for cheap labor, criminal syndicates looking for..." Caleb paused. "Darker things."
Ezra clenched his fists. "And the Territory Administrators? The Mayor?"
"They know. They protect it. They profit from it." Caleb spat on the ground. "Every slave sold earns them a commission. Ten percent. Some of them are even directly involved."
"Where is this market located?"
Caleb looked at Ezra for a long time.
"Are you certain you want to know?"
"I am."
"The Blackridge Old Mine. But..." Caleb shook his head. "Not the usual entrance. There are secret tunnels. Only those invited know the way."
"How can I get in?"
"You can't."
"How can I get in?" Ezra repeated, his voice firm.
Caleb let out a heavy sigh. "There is one way. But it is perilous."
"I'm listening."
"Every month, they hold an auction. An open auction—for new buyers. Anyone who shows up with 100,000 IGE in cash is invited inside. However..."
"However?"
"They will vet your background. If they suspect you... you won't leave that mine alive."
Ezra remained silent, processing the information.
"When is the next auction?"
"In three days."
Ezra stood up. "Thank you, Caleb."
"Save your thanks. If you're still alive later, then you can thank me."
Caleb rose as well. "One more thing."
"Yes?"
"There is a girl. Her name is Maya."
Ezra was taken aback. "Maya?"
"You mentioned earlier... a friend. I know your name isn't really Alex, but I don't care. What I care about is Maya. She was captured two months ago and taken to the mine. I heard... she is still alive."
Ezra felt a sharp thud in his chest. "She's still alive?"
"As of last week, yes. But this upcoming auction... she is among those scheduled to be sold."
"I will save her."
Caleb looked at Ezra intently. "I hope you succeed, young man. But I've been here a long time. I know that in the Frontier Territory, those who try to be heroes... usually end up dead."
Caleb walked away, vanishing into the shadows.
Ezra stood alone beneath the dead tree, gazing up at the stars—cold, distant, and indifferent.
"Maya."
He didn't know her. But now, he had a reason to keep moving forward.