It was already night.
"Looks like it's time…" Ren said, watching the stores closing one by one. Wooden shutters slammed down, lights dimmed, and the once-busy street slowly emptied into silence.
He got up—still stuffing his mouth with buns.
"…Mmph… these Chinese buns are damn good…" he murmured, cheeks puffed, clearly enjoying every bite.
CRUNCH—!!
[ Can you stop filling your mouth and go already! ]
Ren waved his hand lazily. "Yeah, yeah… don't rush me. Good food deserves respect, you know."
He swallowed and pulled out the invitation.
"Whatever… let's see what he meant."
It mentioned an address of a shop, written boldly at the top.
Ren glanced at it once, then started walking.
---
The streets at night felt completely different.
The further he walked, the quieter it became. The warm noise of the market faded, replaced by distant footsteps, the occasional barking of a stray dog, and the soft hum of flickering street lamps.
TAP… TAP… TAP…
His footsteps echoed faintly.
Ren shoved his hands into his pockets.
"…Kinda creepy," he muttered, though his lips curved slightly upward. "Not bad."
[ You sound like you're enjoying this too much. ]
"Of course I am."
He stopped in front of a narrow shop.
"…This should be the place."
CREEEEAK—!!
He pushed the door open, and the moment he stepped inside—the atmosphere changed.
The shop wasn't grand at all. In fact, it felt… wrong.
Shelves were filled with bottles—glass containers of all shapes and sizes, each holding unknown fluids. Some glowed faint green, others purple, some even had things floating inside them.
Something… moved inside one of them.
DRIP… DRIP…
A slow, echoing sound filled the space.
Masks hung on the walls—dozens of them. Some smiling, some twisted, some looking almost… alive. Their hollow eyes reflected the dim light, giving the illusion they were watching him.
The shadows felt thicker here, heavier.
Ren looked around with a plain expression.
"…This place really gives off a horror vibe at night."
A slow grin spread across his face, sharp and unbothered, as a quiet thrill flickered in his eyes. "…I like it."
[ We… should hurry. ]
Ren paused, his steps slowing just a bit as he caught it instantly—the slight stutter in Trash's voice… yeah, that didn't sound normal.
"…Are you scared?" he asked, barely holding back his laughter.
[ Stop fooling around! How could I be scared!? ]
Ren snorted softly. "Sure… sure."
He looked around again. "Now then… where's that tan blonde of ours at?"
He raised his voice slightly. "Julius? Julius, you here? Don't tell me you invited me just to ghost me."
Silence. No response. Ren frowned slightly and started searching.
He moved deeper inside.
Pushing aside hanging masks—
RUSTLE—
Checking behind shelves—
CLINK—
He even leaned down to peek under a table.
"…Not here."
He grabbed a mask and lifted it, peeking behind it. "…Still not here." Another one—"…Seriously?"
He moved a curtain aside—
SWISH—
Behind it hung an oni mask. Ren paused. He picked it up, turning it in his hand. "…Un… this looks cool."
A bright smile appeared.
"Feels expensive too… maybe I should just take it—"
He turned back—and a figure suddenly stood right in front of him, wearing a monstrous mask, twisted and horrifying, its presence hitting him out of nowhere.
[ AAHHHHHHH—!! A ghost…! A ghoooost!! ]
Ren didn't even blink, his body already moving on instinct before his mind could even catch up.
THWACK—!!
A clean, straight punch landed, and the figure flew back—
THUD—!!
"Stop annoying me with your screaming," Ren said flatly.
[ Who's screaming!? Who!? ]
Ren clicked his tongue. "Just stop the act already."
His gaze shifted toward the person lying on the ground.
The mask… was cracked.
CRACK—
It fell apart. The face underneath was revealed. "…Julius?"
Julius groaned, holding his face. "Why did you hit me, bro…"
Ren blinked once, then casually extended his hand.
"Oh… it was you."
"Yeah, no shit…" Julius muttered, grabbing his hand and getting up.
Ren scratched his cheek.
"Good thing I didn't punch that hard."
Inside, he thought, Looks like my strength stat isn't just for show… nice.
Julius rubbed his face, wincing. "Was it really necessary to hit me? I was just trying to trick you, you know… maybe scare you a little."
Ren gave an awkward laugh.
"Yeah… sorry about that. Reflex, man. My body just moves on its own sometimes… haha."
[ See? I told you it was him! Hahah! ]
Just shut up already, you piece of trash…
Ren waved the invitation lazily. "So… what's this about?"
FLIP—
Julius sighed, still rubbing his cheek. "You'll see soon enough. No need to rush."
Then he pulled something out."But first… take this."
He handed Ren a mask.
Ren raised a brow. "What is this? A cosplay event or something?"
Still, he put it on.
Julius picked up another—this time a fox mask—and wore it.
"You can't reveal your identity where we're going, my dear friend," he said, voice slightly muffled but playful. "It's better to stay hidden… for many reasons."
A faint grin followed. "Now… shall we?" He walked toward the wall.
Ren frowned. "But where? There's literally nothing here."
Julius pressed a few hidden spots.
"Some things," he said calmly, "belong beneath the ground… in the shadows… not in the light."
Ren clicked his tongue."Tch… stop being dramatic and get to the point."
CLICK—
RUMBLE—!!
The wall split open.
A hidden passage revealed itself.
Julius stepped in. "Follow me, my friend… to the darkness of this world."
Ren smirked.
I knew it… underground stuff.
"I knew they had underground structures… but this many?" he muttered as he followed.
STEP… STEP… STEP…
Their footsteps echoed as they walked down.
The deeper they went, the colder it became.
At the bottom—a metal door.
Two bald men stood guard—muscular, imposing, arms crossed, guns clearly visible at their sides.
Julius stepped forward and handed over the invitations with a casual flick of his wrist. "Here."
Ren glanced at the weapons, eyes narrowing just a little. Security's tight… interesting.
The guards stepped aside, their movements sharp and disciplined. "You may enter."
KRRRRAAANK—!!
The door opened. Ren stepped through—and froze for a split second.
A grand hall stretched before him.
Rows upon rows of seats, all occupied. People dressed elegantly, faces hidden behind masks. A massive stage stood at the center, illuminated under golden light.
A low murmur filled the air—whispers, excitement, anticipation.
Ren's eyes lit up, a spark of excitement flashing through them. "…Whoa."
A grin spread across his face, sharp and impressed. "This place looks really cool… like an opera house."
Julius walked ahead. "You're correct," he said smoothly. "It was an opera house… unfortunately, the owner went bankrupt."
He glanced around, eyes sweeping over the masked crowd. "And now… it serves a different purpose."
They sat in the middle row, Julius settling in first before gesturing lightly with his hand. "If you may."
Ren dropped into the seat beside him, leaning back comfortably.
"But are you sure I can get what I want here?" Ren asked, tilting his head slightly. "You hyped this place up a lot."
Julius smiled and made a small heart gesture.
"You can get anything… as long as you have this."
Ren looked at the gesture, then smirked.
"Correction," he said, raising his hand and rubbing his fingers together. "You mean this, right?"
Money. Julius chuckled softly, like he expected that answer all along.
"Just what I expected from you, my dear friend. Sharp as always."
Ren stretched his arms behind his head, settling in like he owned the place. "Anyway, I was looking for a place to spend money," he said casually. "So yeah… win-win."
Julius leaned slightly, clearly amused by that answer. "Oh? Then… can I ask how much you have?"
Ren said lazily, not even opening his eyes, "Not much… just enough to spend today."
He leaned back deeper into his seat, arms loose, posture careless—as if money meant absolutely nothing to him.
Julius glanced at him from the side. "…Interesting," he said, a faint smile forming. "I'm quite eager to see your bidding style."
He paused, the smile lingering just a second longer than it should. There was something else—something important.
Julius leaned back as well, crossing one leg over the other, his tone turning strangely light.
"Just a small piece of advice, my dear friend…" he said casually, yet his eyes held a faint seriousness behind the mask. "Always be ready to run with your tail between your legs… the moment you feel something is wrong."
Ren's eyes slowly opened. "…What do you mean?" he asked, turning his head slightly.
Julius didn't look at him. His gaze stayed fixed on the stage, unmoving. "You'll understand eventually," he said calmly. "When the time comes."
A small pause lingered between them. "So for now…" a faint smile curved on his lips, "…enjoy the auction."
A sudden voice echoed throughout the entire hall—
BOOOOOOM—!!
"Ladies and gentlemen… welcome to our grand auction!"
The crowd quieted instantly, like someone had flipped a switch—every murmur dying in a heartbeat as all eyes turned toward the stage.
A man stood there—wearing a bright yellow tuxedo, his presence loud and confident, his voice echoing perfectly through the hall.
"An exclusive event… only for our VIP customers!"
Ren's face turned blank.
"…VIP again?" his lips barely moved as he muttered under his breath, the words laced with quiet annoyance.
A bad feeling crept into his chest, slow and unwelcome.
Why does this word always bring trouble…
A faint chill ran down his spine, subtle—but enough to make his grin fade just a little.
"…Tch."
He shifted slightly in his seat, posture loosening—but his eyes sharpened just a bit as he turned his head, glancing sideways at Julius like he was trying to read through him.
"So… are you going to buy too?" Ren asked, curiosity lingering in his voice. "Or are you just here to watch the show?"
Julius chuckled softly.
"Who knows?" he replied. "If something catches my interest… I'll definitely buy it."
Ren raised a brow.
"But aren't you a merchant yourself?" he asked. "Selling stuff here… not buying?"
Julius leaned back, playing idly with the armrest of his seat.
"Indeed, I am," he said. "In fact… some of the items being auctioned tonight are mine."
A small pause.
"But tell me…" he tilted his head slightly. "Is there any rule that says a merchant can't enjoy buying things as well?"
His smile widened, sharp and deliberate.
"…Especially for personal entertainment."
Ren stared at him for a second.
"…Yeah, okay. I get it," he said flatly. "No need to go into a deep explanation."
Julius chuckled.
"But are you sure…" he leaned closer slightly, his tone teasing, "you don't want to buy something else besides a support type?"
A bright, mischievous smile.
"Perhaps… something more… enjoyable?"
Ren's face twitched.
"I am damn sure," he said firmly, irritation clear in his voice. "I'm not changing my decision."
Julius leaned back again, letting out a low laugh.
"Hehe… we'll see if you say the same thing until the end."
His voice carried something strange.
Like he already knew what was coming.
[ Yeah… we'll see. ]
Ren's eye twitched.
"Just whose side are you on, Trash!?" he snapped under his breath.
Julius blinked as he said "…Did you say something?"
Ren forced an awkward laugh.
"Ah—no, no… just talking to myself. You know… thinking out loud."
"…I see."
Julius looked back at the stage.
"Oh… looks like it's starting."
The man in the yellow tuxedo raised his hand dramatically.
"Now then… without further ado…"
He spread his arms wide.
"Let us begin!"
CLAP—!! CLAP—!! CLAP—!!
The hall erupted into applause.
Yet beneath it—
A heavy tension settled in the air.
The man grinned.
"And here comes… our first good—"