Chapter 91: Ch89. Pain as a teacher (13) - Claws and blades
The Black Market never slept.
As Mara led Diego deeper into its winding alleys, the ever-present hum of bartering voices and flickering neon signs gave the underground city an almost surreal atmosphere. Diego stayed close to her, his brown eyes darting to the many stalls packed with strange artifacts, weapons, and trinkets, some pulsing with ominous energy.
"First thing’s first," Mara said, nudging his shoulder. "You need real food before we do anything else. You look like you’re surviving on whatever scraps Miles lets you get away with."
"He means well." Diego gave a half-hearted chuckle. "And the [NRPs] are nutritious, you know?" He pouted.
"Yeah, well, ’meaning well’ doesn’t mean jack if you pass out mid-fight. Come on." She offered Diego her hand. "I’ll show you the real taste of the Black Market, and then you’ll have some actual good stories to tell Miles when he comes back."
She pulled him by his hand as soon as he grabbed hers, toward a section of the Market where the scent of sizzling meat and spiced broth filled the air. Among the many food stalls, Mara stopped at one where an orcish-looking vendor grilled skewers of some unidentifiable beast. Diego eyed the meat warily before asking.
"Ahn... Mara... The sir behind the counter, he’s..."
"Not a player, yes." Mara answered in his ear. "But he’s also not an NPC, if that’s what you’re thinking, now come on, grab one."
"Eat. If it tries to eat you back, you’re free to punch me." He grabbed a skewer as soon as Mara handed him a stick.
Diego took a tentative bite, and his eyes widened immediately.
"This... is delicious!"