"Is there any place or market nearby where I can get mutant beasts?"
Sophie tilted her head slightly in surprise, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Mutant beasts? You're full of surprises, Bruce."
She paused, thinking, before continuing. "Well… yes. There's a place called the Beast Exchange market not too far from here. It's where awakened hunters and tamers trade mutant beasts they've captured. You won't find anything too powerful there, though. Stronger beasts are almost impossible to capture alive, so the Exchange usually deals in low-ranked ones."
"I see…" Bruce's lips curved into the faintest smirk. "That's just perfect. Low-ranked or not, they should be enough for what I have in mind."
For a moment, Sophie wondered what exactly was going through his head, but she chose not to press him. Instead, her eyes softened as she glanced at him, She took his hand and urged him forward. "If that's what you want, Bruce… then let's go. I'll take you there myself."
Her fingers laced with his, warm and steady, and together they left the quiet street behind. Their footsteps echoed softly against the stone, leading them deeper into the heart of the city. The air grew busier, louder... merchants shouting their wares, hunters returning from expeditions, the clamor of a bustling world that never truly slept.
By the time they turned the final corner, the atmosphere had changed entirely.
The Beast Exchange was alive with noise and movement, stalls lined with cages that rattled and growled, each housing creatures with gleaming eyes and snapping fangs. The air was heavy with the musk of beasts and the chatter of tamers haggling prices.
Sophie leaned closer to Bruce, her voice low but clear. "My family does business here. The Exchange master, Jordan, always gets the first pick from every captured batch. He's the number one trader in this region, and under my name, you'll be able to get what you want at a fair price… maybe even less."
Bruce raised a brow, amused. "Convenient."
Sophie smiled knowingly and tugged him gently toward a large, well-kept stall at the center of the market.
Jordan, a broad-shouldered man with sharp eyes and a calculating smile, looked up the moment he saw her approach. His expression shifted into open delight.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, Lady Sophie?" he said warmly, his voice carrying a practiced charm. His gaze flicked toward Bruce, lingering just long enough to spark curiosity. "And to see you here with a man, no less, that is very surprising indeed."
Sophie didn't flinch, nor did her smile waver. Instead, her hand tightened around Bruce's just slightly, a subtle declaration. Her lips curved, and her tone was both graceful and firm.
"Surprising or not, Jordan, today I'm here for him. Treat him as you would treat me, and perhaps even better."
"Oho, is that a threat I sense from those red eyes of yours? This guy is special to you, isn't he?" Jordan's grin widened as he leaned lazily on the counter. "Don't worry, I'll treat him well. After all, the Reign family has done plenty for me as of late."
Sophie's eyes narrowed, but instead of snapping back she let out a soft sigh, her voice calm but cutting. "You say that, but I don't trust the words of a cunning merchant like you, Jordan." Then, almost as if to balance the edge of her words, she turned and flashed Bruce a gentle smile—warm, reassuring, one meant only for him.
Bruce smiled back. At first, he had felt casual and nonchalant about her closeness, but now… now he was truly beginning to feel something for her. She had been of great help since his transmigration.
'She really is the best girl.' he sighed.
Jordan, perhaps sensing the shift between them, only chuckled and beckoned them inside.
The shop interior was nothing like Bruce had expected. From the outside, it looked modest, but the moment they stepped in, the space seemed to stretch wider, as though the walls themselves had been pushed apart. Rows of reinforced cages filled the area, each rattling with life and menace. The air was thick with the smell of hay, metal, and the musk of beasts pressed too long into captivity.
Jordan gestured proudly, his voice booming. "Here we are, the finest selection the Exchange has to offer. Fresh batch, straight from the field."
Bruce's eyes scanned the cages. Most held low-ranked creatures, F-rank, some E-rank at best. A pair of sleek nightcats paced in their confinement, glowing eyes catching every flicker of movement. A bloodhound with bristling red fur snarled, its claws scraping the bars. A red-scaled lizard hissed, tongue darting out like a whip. And perched higher, feathers dark as storm clouds, a steelquill raven clicked its beak, its sharp quills bristling as if ready to fire.
Seeing the cages lined up, the steelquill raven most of all, Bruce's lips curved into a faint smile. He has exactly what I need.
"So," Jordan asked, raising a brow, "which one are you planning to buy?"
"Just one steelquill raven," Bruce replied calmly.
Jordan tapped his ledger. "With 95% discount because of Lady Sophie here, that'll be one gold coin."
To Jordan the price was low, but at Bruce's side, Sophie shifted.
Her, sensing that this might still be a lot for him, wanted to help with the payment. But Bruce lifted his hand, stopping her with a simple gesture. His eyes never left Jordan.
That small action alone made Jordan frown, an uneasy prickle crawling up his neck.
"Jordan," Bruce said evenly, his tone steady and assured, "I may not have money on me right now… but I can offer you something greater."
Jordan chuckled, folding his arms. "Something greater than money? Now I have to hear this. Continue."