The first thing to hit Aster was the chilling temperature of his surroundings, the air was odourless.
Lines of unmatching buildings in rows stretched for as far as his eyes could see, some were in the form of stalls and stands. Selling potions, odd ingredients and medicines. While others were in the form of enclosed buildings, appearing to be stores of some kind.
Hooded figures littered the place, walking around on the pavement and accomplishing various objectives.
Some carriages were carrying supplies or even more hooded individuals could also be seen.
One of the shops had blood smeared near its doors. On closer look, it looked like it was selling some type of meat…
''What was that?!'' One of the slavers asked.
Sir Watkins simply threw masks at the slavers.
''Put this on and follow me.''
'Seems like you're meant to remain anonymous in this place…wait, where are our masks? And weren't these fools meant to put their masks on before coming here? Might as well shout your names aloud.' Aster satirized inwardly
But it soon came to his and everybody's attention that they were under some sort of concealment magic as nobody seemed to notice them while the slavers threw on their masks.
''All done.'' Virgil told Sir Watkins, his voice muffled by the mask."
Sir Watkins nodded and led the way, and everyone followed behind.
Aster was at the end of the line, right behind the teenage boy.
They all walked, tied up in ropes, in lines of 20 slaves.
There were 60 slaves in total.
As they walked, they saw many…interesting sites.
''Hey, look at that.'' One of the slaves said to another.
There was a giant fence, and behind it was a white arena.
''Over there.''
There was a purple tent that was slightly propped open, showing a dazzling woman holding Hanafuda cards in her hands. Perhaps some divination.
''Aster, over there.''
The teenage boy said to Aster, who waited a few seconds.
Then, keeping his face and neck completely still, moved only his eyes to look where the boy was just looking.
It was a stand selling potions.
The line of slaves suddenly slowed down.
Aster's lips curled upwards as he quickly reached down his pants and pulled out a shard of obsidian.
''Why are ya slowing down mutts?!'' Markus shouted as he looked back at them.
Aster fiddled around until he was able to get a good angle to cut the rope.
'Come on!'
Snap!
Without wasting a single second, Aster made a run for it.
'Almost there!' He ran with every single ounce of strength he could muster.
''So it's you!'' Markus caught up in an instant.
Aster was pushed onto the floor as Markus collided with him.
Rolling until Markus came and grabbed him by the neck.
Aster groaned in pain as Markus, still squeezing at Aster's neck, lifted him up.
He could feel Aster painfully gulp under his grip.
''Looks like Sir Watkins was right. Although, I am very surprised to see such spirit in this place.''
Virgil chuckled and applauded as he walked up to them.
All the hooded figures and people around turned to watch the scene.
''Quite interesting.'' A faint smirk tugged on his lips.
''Back off pretty boy, this mutt is mine.'' Markus retorted as he proceeded to punch Aster right in his solar plexus, making him gasp for air while being held in a chokehold.
''Oh, I didn't mean it like that! And you should probably avoid damaging him, unless you want to fall off in sales. '' Virgil replied with a smile, showing his perfect white teeth.
''Tsk, nobody's buying this useless junk anyways,'' Markus said, frustration evident in his voice.
He dropped Aster and walked away.
Hitting the ground, Aster grabbed his chest and gasped for air.
'I can't breathe!'
As he slowly recovered, he saw a shadow looming over him.
''Hey,'' Virgil said, his hands reaching down to grab Aster by the collar.
Aster looked up and matched his gaze.
''Easy there, why the scary look?'' Virgil's hand tugged up, making Aster stand.
He threw him into metal cuffs, something he wouldn't be able to escape from.
And proceeded to walk away after putting him in line.
But before he could disappear, Virgil paused and said.
''Oh, and I suggest you don't do anything stupid.''
And just like that, he left.
''Are you okay?...''
The teenage boy asked carefully, his voice laced with anxiety.
Aster took a moment before replying.
''Yeah.''
The boy continued to stare at Aster, seeing his questioning gaze, he simply nodded.
Just like that, they were back on their way to the auction's location.
The Octon.