Julio led Caron and Leo to a small house tucked away at the edge of an alley before announcing, "We have arrived."0

The house appeared ordinary from the outside, but once they entered, Julio pulled a book on the study shelf and a hidden staircase that led to a basement was revealed.0

"This is the only entrance. I believe Caligo has a separate passageway they use, but I don't know its exact location," Julio explained.0

"So, in case of an emergency, they just seal it off?" Caron asked.0

"Exactly," Julio confirmed. 0

"That's pretty ruthless," Caron remarked, noting the secrecy and tight security typical of a black market operation.0

After giving this brief explanation, Julio descended the stairs first, leading them to the true entrance of the black market. The door was made of wood, but it radiated a faint magical aura, indicating the presence of protective spells. Two burly men stood guard in front of it.0

"Julio, long time no see. What brings you here?" one of the guards asked, not bothering. to hide his hostility. He was a large man wearing a red eyepatch over his right eye.1

Caron took a quick look at them and thought, Even these gangsters are magic-users, huh…0

Although their power was weaker than that of a 1-Star knight, having mana at all was a significant advantage, marking them as more than just ordinary thugs. It made sense in a place like this, where power struggles were constant and brutal.0

"I've brought guests," Julio replied calmly.0

"The guests you bring are always big spenders. But why did you come to us?" the guard asked with a sneer.0

"These...0