Zixin asked the child, having no one else to obtain information from, "I am new to these parts, so I fear that I might wander off, not knowing my way. Do you perhaps know a guide or someone willing to be my guide?"
The boy rubbed his chin, pondering for moments before responding, "I guess it could work, but it'll cost you thirty Pier Coins."
Thirty? This kid knows how to scam… what a pain, but this is interesting. I suppose probing would help lower the price. After deciding on a plan, he carefully chose his next course of action.
He probed, not wanting to pay thirty Pier Coins, "That certainly is–a lot. If I recall correctly, that would be equivalent to a Janitor's entire month's worth of salary."
But the boy didn't waver, he added, "If you're already hesitating on taking my offer, then the market is not for you. I advise you to stay away from it."
Sigh, why did I have to meet someone like this? I want to cut costs since my budget is limited by what my wallet can hold and currently, it's not much. He pondered for a second before making a decision.
He continued his mysterious acting, "Even so, thirty Pier Coins is still a large amount. Perhaps you could give me a discount? So that I would only need to pay twenty Pier Coins."
The boy thought for a few minutes before making his decision. He spoke, his voice clear as day, "It's not a bad offer, so it's a deal."
Zixin handed him ten Pier Coins and explained, "For now, here's my payment. I will pay the rest later."
The child shook his head, countering, "If you're planning to pay later, at least make your first payment of fourteen Pier Coins."
Zixin rubbed his chin, pretending to think before elaborating, "Ten is already a perfect amount. You would have to guide me properly while I would have to stick close to avoid getting lost."
The boy seemed annoyed as his eyes moved left and right; back and forth. He smiled lightly, gesturing for Zixin to take his hand as he spoke with excitement, "I have no choice but to take your offer. I am Arbane, a Nameless and I will be your tour guide for tonight."
Zixin took his hand, appearing calm like still water, and replied, "I am Fang Hau, likewise a Nameless. Our paths have converged during this night and I hope it becomes memorable."
He sighed internally, feeling guilty, Lying to a child doesn't feel good. But why do I feel like this? I normally couldn't care less so why? Hmm…did I perhaps inherit another trait from Elmer?
Zixin hands him the ten Pier Coins, and Arbane spoke, "Since you've already paid me, my work starts now." He added, "Follow me, it's best if you stick close. I don't want you getting lost."
After a few minutes of walking, Arbane started explaining, "The market is split into three parts, the one we're currently in is the Trading District." He added, "Losing your money to a scam is the most common occurrence here so better watch out for any shady offers."
Zixin scanned the area and only saw a messy road. The infrastructure was dirty, decaying by the second. The street was broken down with cracks forming on the surface. Between the infrastructures were dark alleys and individuals wearing dark cloaks. Vendors roamed across the street freely, with offers that lacked sincerity.
After taking a sharp turn, Arbane presented Zixin with the only decently maintained building that he had seen so far. Silver paint dyed the frames while gold covered the entire structure.
"This is the Gambler's Hall, known for its sketchy games. Most Hunters come by right after a successful hunt." He explained while taking deep breaths.
Losing his interest, Zixin turned his back, moving forward without much care.
Noticing Zixin's lack of interest, Arbane went up front, adding, "The Trading District is also famous for its countless merchandise like fine wine, monster loot and so much more."
Zixin ignored Arbane and thought, I don't care enough about these so-called merchandise but the history of this District. The area I was in before was probably built during the Innovation Era but this Trading District doesn't resemble the ones from before. They have different building styles, perhaps it's the birth of a new culture.
Arbane continued leading the way, eventually ending up in the area Zixin had just thought of.
"Whoa, so many Hunters today. There's probably a fight." He commented before elaborating, "This area is known as the Combat District. Fights happen around here and betting on contestants is the second main attraction, because the first is the Ring where they fight."
Arbane asked, curious, "If you're interested, we could take a stop here and watch the show for ourselves."
Zixin shook his head, and replied coldly, "I'd rather not associate myself with this District as much as possible."
He scanned his surroundings and noticed a familiar figure. It was the ice cream vendor whom he invested money in.
A sudden realization hit him, his annoyance rising exponentially, Did he scam me at that time? Are you–ugh! I don't feel like cursing over this idiot. Conclusion: I was an ignorant moron. Sigh, I need to calm down, at this state if something unexpected were to happen, I might lose control.
Arbane halted his footsteps, turning to notice where "Fang Hau's" gaze landed. He asked curiously, "Do you know him?"
"I do." He replied, his emotions slowly slipping through his disguise.
"Oh, that vendor is infamous for their kind face, used to fool the ignorant. He seems delightful today, I wonder if he scored bigtime." Arbane explained while adding his thoughts.
Zixin sighed, his heart a little heavy. He asked, "Is that all? Wait, you mentioned the market was split into three Districts. What is the last one?"
"Come and see for yourself."
After taking nearly half an hour, they reached their destination, the third District.
"There's an unusual amount of females compared to the previous Districts. Odd." Zixin muttered.
Buildings covered the District but after taking a good look, none of them were good, merely designed to appear beautiful yet stay crude inside.
Arbane started, "This is the Pleasure District. The buildings that stand before you are brothels, which is the reason why there's a large number of females within this District."
Zixin remained silent, his confusion seeping through his cloak.
"Huh? Do you not know what brothels are? Hmm… to put it simply, brothels are a kind of business where a woman would satisfy a customer's need." Arbane explained, confused about why "Fang Hau" didn't know.
Zixin's continued silence made Arbane believe that he had no interest in women.
"Why would anyone go to such a place?" Zixin asked, appearing curious yet also composed.
"Because sexual frustration is a problem for some but the main reason could just be lust," Arbane explained, seemingly used to such topics.
Arbane led the way and eventually a decently large infrastructure came into view. It had a sign that stated: "Xiaoshop."
Before Zixin could even speak, Arbane had already spoken, brimming with confidense, "This workshop is where you will find the greatest mechanic of the current era!"
That's sound exaggerated but why would he include this place? Well, he seems rather emotional so this mechanic must hold a special place in his heart–no–life. Zixin pondered for a moment.