Robin had not bought Theo to help with his research, and he would not purchase his next slave for such a reason either. He had a far greater goal in mind—one that, if achieved, could reshape the entire world.
He moved slowly among the slave platforms, examining each individual as he had done before, but soon disappointment clouded his face. None fit what he sought.
Robin's requirements were simple on paper, yet difficult in reality: a young man or woman who had not yet formed their pillars, but who possessed a decent cultivation base. Someone not older than twenty, with at least above-average soul strength to aid in rapid progress.
But such youths were never on these platforms. Those with talent were nurtured by noble families or wealthy commoners. What would such people be doing among slaves?
Now and then, Robin spotted boys or girls who barely met his criteria—raised since childhood to be sold at high prices as "promising slaves." But their eyes told the truth: lifeless, submissive, broken. They had been shaped for obedience, not growth. And that was not what Robin wanted.
His steps carried him once more to the familiar platform of the fat merchant. The man was far wiser now than to provoke him. After all, Robin had once spent eighty gold coins on a single slave here—making him a prized customer.
"Hehe, welcome back, my lord. Looking for something special today? Perhaps I can arrange it for you?" the merchant simpered, rubbing his hands eagerly.
Robin ignored him, scanning the line of slaves until his gaze fell on a scarred youth. Around fifteen years old, sixth level of cultivation, soul strength average—but his background was immediately clear: this was no commoner.
His face was badly scarred, nearly unrecognizable, and his left arm had been severed at the shoulder. Robin's eyes narrowed with curiosity.
The merchant quickly supplied the story: "He's Peon, eldest son of Baron Camden of the Lying Water Kingdom. Their lands were raided, his family slaughtered, and he was captured and sold. If my lord is looking for strong attendants like the Mute, I recommend taking him as well!"
Robin studied him in silence, then nodded. "I'll take him. How much?"
"Ordinarily, a youth like him would fetch two hundred gold coins. But with his body damaged, I'll part with him for ninety."
"Deal," Robin said. It was a fair price for such potential—even missing an arm.
Peon's face twisted at the words. His noble pride still rebelled at the thought of being sold, especially to a master who looked younger than himself. Yet he forced himself to kneel and cry out:
"My lord, if you will buy me… then please, I beg you, buy my little sister as well! I'll share my food with her, she can sleep wherever you allow. She'll cost you nothing more than her price—and I'll repay even that, if you give me the chance! She is the only reason I've not ended my own life."
Robin waited for him to finish, then turned to the merchant. "Where is this little sister?"
The fat man's eyes gleamed. If only all the slaves could sell each other this way! "A girl of eight years, barely at the second level of cultivation. She's in the warehouse. Shall I bring her for my lord to see?"
"Only eight? Bring her. I'll decide."
Ten minutes later, a guard returned carrying a small girl by the arm. She was beautiful, delicate, with wide innocent eyes that could melt any heart. Robin's gaze lingered—not on her looks, but on the overwhelming strength of her soul. Far above average. Nearly at my own level.
"I'll take her too. Both for ninety-five."
"That's too little!" the merchant protested quickly. "She's beautiful—an old man would pay twenty gold coins or more just for her!"
"One hundred for the pair, not a coin more," Robin said coldly. "Don't treat me like a one-time customer. It's clear your platform has what I need. We may do more business in the future."
The merchant groaned dramatically but was inwardly elated. "Sigh! Very well, wait here. I'll fetch the contracts." He scurried away, eager to finalize the deal before Robin changed his mind.
The little girl, Zara, stood bewildered, unable to process being sold. She watched as her worth was haggled over like cattle—until she spotted her brother.
She broke into tears and leapt into his arm. His scarred face was hardly recognizable, yet she knew him instantly.
"Don't worry, Zara," Peon whispered, stroking her hair. "Our master bought you at my request. We'll stay together. Whatever comes, we'll face it side by side."
Zara's eyes widened. "Really? You'll stay with me? I thought…" Her voice broke. She had expected torment or death.
"En. We'll endure together," Peon promised with a tired smile. He still didn't know what kind of man their new master was.
Robin's voice cut through their reunion: "Save your tears for later. Continue your meeting at your new home." He accepted the contracts from the merchant, handed over the coins, and walked away with his new acquisitions.
Back at house 207, Robin sat in his favorite chair. Theo stood silently behind him, while before him knelt Peon, scarred and one-armed, with Zara clinging to him.
"Don't be afraid," Robin said calmly. "I'm a man of research. I need followers to handle what I cannot. That's all. I won't mistreat you."
"Really? You… you won't treat us like my father treated his slaves?" Zara asked innocently. Though still young, she knew all too well how slaves—especially girls—were abused.
Robin smiled faintly. "Of course not. Look at my face—do I look like the cruel type?"
"Yes," Zara answered firmly.
"…Ahem. Whatever," Robin coughed, turning to Peon. "Do you have unfinished business? I can permit you a month or two of freedom, but your sister will stay here."
Peon lowered his head, thinking, then shook it. "No. The Camden family is gone. I lack the strength to avenge them. It's enough to stay with my sister in peace."
"I like that acceptance," Robin said. "Then listen. Behind me stands Theo—once a slave like you, bought from the same merchant. Look at him now. I'll treat you the same. All I require is that you train hard and grow strong.
Theo will teach you the energy cultivation technique I created, then take you to buy clothes for you and your sister. He'll also help you choose a new weapon suited to your condition. Afterward, go to the institution's library and purchase a martial art for that weapon." Robin tossed Theo a bag of coins and his student badge.
Before Peon could speak, Robin turned to Zara. "As for you, little one—I can't bear to push you as hard as these monsters. Instead, let's make a deal. Help me with my research. Hand me what I need, and in return, I'll personally give you training advice. How's that?"
He leaned back. "Choose any empty room in the house for the two of you. I won't separate you. But I expect you both to work hard for me."
Peon's throat tightened. He pulled Zara to kneel beside him.
"Thank you, my lord. We will live at your service."