Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2602: 1433: Inside and Outside the Market (Part 2)
Previously on Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong...
“Vice Leader, your prowess and tactical mind have always earned my respect, but your caution borders on excess.”
Reece picked up the thread of the conversation, shrugging with a look of helplessness. “Even if members of the Desert Alliance show their faces, what of it? Should they choose to cause trouble, I will gladly personally deal with them until the bitter end.”
“As for that Human Emperor, he is of even less concern.”
A savage expression crossed Reece’s beast-like features as he declared, “Ultimately, our objective is to secure that Tier 6 equipment. Anyone who dares to obstruct us will be ruthlessly eliminated.”
With those final words, Reece’s form blurred and he vanished instantly. The surrounding powerhouses followed his lead, leaving the elevated ground desolate once more.
Just as the elite forces of the Rainforest Fortress Alliance were rushing toward the Shadow Market, the Administrator at the entrance of our Secret Realm Market had already received a different set of "honored guests."
“Welcome, esteemed visitors. I serve as the Administrator of this Secret Realm Market.”
A smile played on the Administrator’s lips as he addressed the group. “It is a profound honor to have you accept my invitation to visit.”
“Your Excellency, you are far too modest.”
A sharp, seductive female voice rang out. The leader of the guests pulled back her hood to reveal a pale, delicate face. She smiled and added, “The honor is entirely ours to be invited by someone of your standing.”
Despite her striking beauty, her thick, braided hair writhed like a mass of living serpents. Occasionally, red forked tongues flickered from the strands, making it impossible to tell where hair ended and snakes began—a sight that could chill anyone to the bone.
Furthermore, her lower half was that of a serpent, covered in dense black scales that reflected the moonlight with a strange, dark luster. This was none other than Sina, the Queen Medusa and leader of the Desert Alliance.
“Her Majesty the Queen is gracious indeed. Your reputation preceded you, but seeing you in person truly confirms your magnificent aura.”
The Administrator laughed softly, maintaining the polite social dance.
Even so, the Administrator was well aware that despite her civil demeanor, Queen Medusa was a terrifying figure notorious for her cruelty.
Over the past millennium, the number of experts who perished by her hand was beyond counting. This included many famous Tier 6 figures from second-tier powers; even those with strong magical defenses could be turned to stone in a heartbeat if they let their guard down.
After the initial pleasantries, the Administrator scanned the Desert Alliance members behind Sina and asked, “Your Majesty, did the Vice Leader of your noble alliance not join you? I had prepared the specific tea the Vice Leader enjoys most.”
“The Vice Leader is occupied with urgent business and could not attend; I hope Your Excellency can overlook this absence.”
Sina kept an unreadable smile on her pale face as she replied, “This high-end market is certainly a lively place, isn't it?”
Sina turned her gaze toward the vibrant district behind the Administrator. She noted the broad, brightly lit paths where Market Guards patrolled, as well as the various stalls where diverse guests were busy browsing and trading.
“It is quite the gathering, Your Majesty. Beyond the Dwarves, Fairies, Dragonborn, and Minotaurs, I see Trolls and Treants, as well as both Dark Elves and Light Half-Elves.”
A shadow descended nimbly from above, reporting to Sina in a raspy, disguised voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, and there are even humans and Forest Half-Elves here, though their presence is so pathetic I nearly missed them.”
The sudden movement caused the two Tier 6 Market Guards flanking the Administrator to instinctively grip the hilts of their swords.
Hearing the mocking tone, the Administrator’s brow furrowed slightly. He signaled his guards to relax before looking at the shadowed figure.
The figure was small, hidden by both a hood and a garish, strange mask that obscured its identity. However, the massive aura it radiated proved it was a true Tier 6 expert, one highly skilled at masking its exact strength.
As for the other market guests mentioned, they were, of course, the experts Leo Ray had positioned.
“Sharp Teeth, do not be so restless here.”
Sina frowned at the shadow before offering a smile to the Administrator. “My apologies, Administrator. This one is unfamiliar with markets and does not know the proper etiquette.”
Though her words sounded like an apology, her tone carried only a superficial level of respect.
It was understandable; the Administrator’s status was significantly lower than hers, and there had been little prior contact with the Desert Alliance. A prideful entity like her would naturally only bother with basic politeness.
“It is no trouble, Your Majesty. As long as the fundamental rules of the market are respected, I have no complaints.”
The Administrator dismissed the issue with a smile.
In the past, he might have blacklisted such a guest immediately. However, with Leo Ray directing the current events, he had to prioritize the larger plan.
“On that note, Administrator, it seems many of the guests here have ties to that increasingly famous Human Emperor.”
Sina toyed with a lock of her serpent-like hair, her smile turning cunning. “What a remarkable coincidence. Do you suppose there is a deeper meaning behind this?”
“Haha, to be honest with Her Majesty, my invitation range is limited; only this region holds candidates of sufficient strength.”
The Administrator laughed, sidestepping the question.
“Fair enough. If mere humans could manufacture such high-level gear, those of us who have dealt with second-tier powers for so long would be truly embarrassed.”
Sina arched an eyebrow, her voice laced with subtle contempt.
“Her Majesty speaks the truth. While we have seen reports of the Human Emperor and his subordinates utilizing Tier 6 equipment, what Her Majesty seeks are the incredibly rare Tier 6 Wand and Tier 6 Robe. Even standard second-tier powers treat those as national treasures; they are far beyond the reach of common humans.”
The masked individual chuckled in agreement.
“Administrator, when might we see the equipment mentioned in your invitation? I am growing impatient.”
Sina’s eyes flashed with interest. “The low-tier trinkets found here do not interest me in the slightest.”
“Please be patient, Your Majesty. There are still a few more important guests who have yet to arrive.”
Maintaining his professional poise, the Administrator smiled. “Once they are all present, I will personally escort you to the viewing area.”
“It seems the others have arrived.”
Even before the Administrator finished speaking, Sina looked toward the entrance, her expression hardening. “Indeed, it is the very group I have been itching to deal with.”
As she spoke, figures emerged at the massive gates of the market. It was the Rainforest Fortress Alliance, with Reece at the helm.
“I thought I smelled something foul; it seems some low-lifes arrived ahead of us.”
Upon spotting Sina and the Desert Alliance, Reece’s lion-like face twisted in disgust as he snorted.
“Haha, the Leader is right. I can also sense a lingering stench here.”
Old Susan glanced toward Sina, adding her own mockery.
“Where did this annoying fly come from, buzzing so loudly?”
Sina’s pale face turned dark with anger as she and her followers marched directly toward their rivals.