"I suppose it's time for the main event."
Evals grinned as he threw aside his coat, letting it land in some odd corner in the room.
He took off his suit as well, leaving him with only a waistcoat and his brilliant white shirt, along with his incredibly knitted tie.
His black trousers and shiny shoes gave him an air of elegance, and as his long black hair danced on his shoulders, his lips widened in even more amusement.
"Get ready, masked one. None of your tricks will work on me."
Even though Evals Redarts wasn't a particularly skilled Mage or Warrior, he had his own way of fighting.
And that was with his Exclusive Skill—a Skill he was born with since birth.
'[Item Equip]!'
Using this A-Tier Skill, one that only he possessed, he could equip any Item in his possession.
Magic Items usually had requirements for use, and while many Items sold in the mainstream markets or even the general stores within the Black Market, we're mostly for anyone, there existed certain Items that were exclusive to certain groups or individuals.
For example, the [Eye Of Truth] that was embedded in his left eye, covered by an eyepatch.
It had the ability to see through all illusions and ruses, but only those who had a Magic Skill could use it.
He didn't have a single Magic Skill, yet he was able to utilize it perfectly—to its full capabilities too.
Then, what about the rest of the Items he was currently armed with?
From top to bottom, everything he wore was a Magic Item.
His earrings, his eyepatch, his tie, his shirt, his waistcoat, his trousers, his shoes… heck, even his underwear!
He also had rings on his fingers—five in total. A bracelet also sat on his right hand, and he had a necklace wrapped around his neck.
In essence, he was armed to the teeth!
"Hahaha! You really took my entourage for a ride, didn't you? You defeated them within a minute…"
Evals had never seen anyone do that to those two so quickly.
Sure, if it was the Grand Mage of the Kingdom, or the Head Warrior, he would agree that they were more than strong and fast enough.
But this guy was a nobody.
How was he able to keep up with Azul's speed, or get past Fey's Magic?
'So far, I've noticed a couple Skills that he has…'
Evals could see that the masked man had some sort of transmutation ability, an illusion Skill, a sort of attraction Skill, and a Skill that augmented his physical ability,
'He can also fly, so that makes it five Skills. What a monster…'
Evals knew that having five Skills was already too much for a normal human to have.
Peak individuals, like the strongest in the United Human Alliance, had five Skills.
'And yet he has those two. Is he on the same level as them…?'
Evals knew he was stretching things too far, but he couldn't help but imagine.
'If that's the case, then…'
"Hey, I have an offer. Why don't you join me and serve as my subordinate?"
Evals smiled as he said this, exuding nothing but sheer confidence.
Having someone strong—especially as strong as this masked man—as a subordinate was expensive.
That was because they were highly valued in a business that required a show of power, and being constantly on the dominant side.
Not many, no matter how daring they were, would even try to hire someone with five Skills.
However, Evals was different.
'No matter what price he calls, I'm willing to pay him.'
The Slave Trade business was booming, even if it was hidden under the dark.
He had a lot of connections, and his prospects were as high as ever. It didn't matter what kind of price was called, he was ready to pay.
"Why are you silent? Contemplating my offer? Trying to think of a price? Don't worry! Take your ti—!"
"That eye behind your eyepatch… is that how you are able to select high-quality Slaves for yourself? The Eye Of Truth, huh…?"
The moment Evals heard this, he recoiled in shock.
'H-how does he know about it?!'
His Eyepatch Of Hiddenness ensured no one could see through its surface or detect the powerful object in his eyes.
It also ensured his overall Mana Level remained hidden, causing him to appear like an ordinary guy.
He often used this tactic to fool his targets and cause them to power their guard.
It was how he tricked Billy too.
'Yet he saw through all that?!'
"You look surprised. That means you don't know about [Absolute Appraisal]. Hmm… does that mean you don't know the details of the Skills that those you capture possess?"
'H-how is he deciphering all of these things? Did he just say [Absolute Appraisal]?'
Evals had never heard of that Skill or Item before, so he was confused.
'Is that how he knows all of what he's saying?'
"I see now. You can only tell how strong someone is, or maybe their potential. You can also see through any ruse or hidden things with the Eye. A useful ability, but… I guess it's not too accurate or specific."
The way the masked man analyzed Evals and his Item felt degrading.
It got on the Slave Trader's nerves.
"Oi! It seems you're forgetting who you're talking to. Just accept the offer and things don't have to get out of hand."
"…"
For the next few seconds, there was silence.
Evals Redart watched as the masked man said nothing. He just stood there, almost like a statue.
Then—
"Kukuku… kekekekeke… kuhahahahahaha!!!"
—A burst of laughter echoed from him.
His face was utterly covered by his mask, but the laughter was enough to display the emotions of the man.
It wasn't a laughter of joy or relief.
No… Evals had made laughs like this one before, so he understood what it meant.
This was a laughter of amusement.
'He's amused? What's so funny?'
"Do you think I care about who you are? If I did, do you think I would have come here to take away all your slaves?"
In response to this, Evals chuckled and slapped his forehead nearly dramatically.
"I suppose you're right. It was stupid to think of sparing your life."
There are types of men that exist—the reasonable and unreasonable kind.
"It is said that anyone can be bought; you just need to know the price. But this only applies to the reasonable men…"
Evals straightened himself as he prepared for combat.
"The unreasonable ones, like yourself, are nothing but beasts that need to be put in its place and slaughtered."
Evals no longer considered it to be a waste to get rid of the man before him, even despite his strength.
'It would be more disadvantageous for me if I took him in…'
No one would want a bloodthirsty monster guarding them, no matter how powerful the thing was.
Instead, strong monsters were hunted down.
Life in H'Trae was as simple as that.
"It's time for you to die now." Evals pulled up his sleeve and adjusted his tie.
It was too late for any other outcome now, but…
"I'll make you wish you had accepted my offer."
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Thanks for reading!
I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Let's see what our dear Slave Trader can do.
