Big Capitalist

After buying what they needed from the Church of Light, Merlin and Scarlett left the Church of Light and began wandering aimlessly in the lower city area of the Arcane City.

The streets in the lower town are narrow and winding, and the atmosphere of chaos is overwhelming. The buildings on both sides look old and dilapidated, with tattered curtains on many windows and heavy wooden doors at the entrance, as if to resist the intrusion of the outside world.

On the street, a disorderly crowd of people shuttled back and forth with different expressions. Some talked in low voices, while others stared coldly at passers-by, revealing a hint of ill intention.

On the street, scattered vendors were shouting and selling all kinds of goods. Some were selling spices, some were selling exotic potions, and some were craftsmen showing off their handmade products. Although the quality of these goods varied, they attracted many passers-by to stop and look.

Merlin and Scarlett walked past a stall owned by a middle-aged man with a stubble on his face. He enthusiastically sold them a bottle of seemingly turbid potion, claiming that it could increase magic power.

On the other side of the street, several small workshops exuded a pungent smell, and the craftsmen inside were busy. Under the dim light, they were concentrating on making various handicrafts, forging weapons, or mixing potions. Occasionally, the sound of hammering metal broke the surrounding dullness.

Merlin noticed that the walls of the workshop were covered with the logos of various gangs. Obviously, this was the intersection of various forces.

In this chaos, the atmosphere of gangs was particularly strong. At the corner of the street, a group of people in black cloaks were talking in low voices, occasionally sneer, and the people around them deliberately avoided them, as if these people exuded a dangerous atmosphere. On the other side, several young people were fighting on the street, and their laughter was mixed with quarrels, as if they were competing for the business of a small stall.

Carrie frowned and whispered to Merlin, "This looks like a really chaotic place. I have lost all desire to sleep after coming here."

Merlin nodded. Although he was uneasy about the chaos in this area, he also had his own goals. In his eyes, the lower city was actually a huge gold mine waiting to be mined.

The two continued to wander aimlessly on the street, observing this downtown area full of vitality but lurking danger. Although the surrounding environment was depressing, Merlin's heart ignited a desire to conquer. He could "smell" the smell of gold coins hidden here. He knew how huge the commercial value was in this chaotic land.

"Merlin, I think we should go back. I've been with you long enough. I'm very sleepy now and I just want to find a good place to sleep." Scarlett yawned. It was not easy for her to hold on for so long without falling asleep.

"Wait a little longer, I'll observe it again."

Just as Merlin and Scarlett were wandering aimlessly, a middle-aged man with a beard suddenly approached them enthusiastically. He exuded a pungent perfume scent, but his eyes were cunning.

"Hey, young people! You look like new here, right?" He said in a slightly hoarse voice, "My name is Laken, I have lived in this area for nearly forty years, and I know everything about it."

Merlin and Scarlett looked at each other. Although they were a little wary of this stranger, Laken's enthusiasm seemed irresistible. "We are indeed not very familiar with this place." Merlin replied, "Can you tell us something about the lower city?"

Laken smiled slyly, "Of course! Just give me some gold coins and I can be your guide. I guarantee that you will be safe here and no blind guys will come to harass you."

Merlin took out a few gold coins from his hand without hesitation, and Laken took the gold coins with a quick flick of his hand. He put the gold coins under his nose and sniffed the smell of the "gold coins" greedily.

"Can you introduce the forces here?"

Laken nodded and began to talk: "There are many gangs in the lower city, and there are several major forces. The first is the Thieves Guild. They have the greatest influence here and specialize in theft and smuggling. They hide in dark corners during the day and are active in the streets at night. It is said that their leader is a mysterious woman and no one has ever seen her true face."

"There is also the Assassin's Guild," Laken continued, "They are known for being ruthless here, and they specialize in taking on all kinds of assassination missions. As long as you have enough gold coins, they can solve any trouble for you. However, be careful when dealing with them, and don't mess with the wrong people."

"Besides these two most powerful ones, there is a mutual aid gang composed of "wandering" guys like us, but they are just minor characters to you two distinguished students of the Arcane Academy."

Merlin thought to himself, this place is indeed not simple, it is full of dangers and opportunities.

"Besides that," Laken continued, "there are some small workshops that make a variety of handmade products. Although the quality varies, the prices are cheap and suitable for buyers with limited budgets. You can find some unique items here."

"Oh, there is another very famous shop," Laken smiled and said, "It is a shop that sells daily necessities and food, and it is supported by the Noble Chamber of Commerce. The shop has a monopoly on daily necessities and food in the lower class area, and the prices are damn expensive, but we have to pay for it."

Merlin and Scarlett listened with great interest. Laken's introduction gave them a deeper understanding of the lower city. Merlin thought that perhaps he could find some valuable information and resources through Laken's guidance.

"Okay, Laken, I'll give you some more gold coins and take us there." Merlin knew that if he wanted to investigate this chaotic place, he must have a reliable guide.

Laken showed a satisfied smile and patted his chest, "Don't worry, you won't get lost with me here!"

Laken led Merlin and Scarlett through a narrow alley and finally arrived at the shop he mentioned. The shop looked very impressive, and the sign at the door sparkled in the sunlight.

Merlin and Scarlett walked into the shop and found that it was not as good as they had imagined. The interior of the shop was narrow and dark, and the shelves were filled with all kinds of goods in a mess.

After they entered the store, the waiter didn't even look at them, didn't even want to pay attention to them, and just went about his own business. His service attitude was extremely poor.

Merlin soon discovered that the prices of things in the shop were shocking. A simple daily necessity, such as a roll of toilet paper, was actually priced at 2 silver coins, and the price of a piece of black bread was even more jaw-dropping. Something that should have been 1 copper coin was ten times the price here, and the prices of other things were more than three times higher than the normal price!