|®°~=×ⲣⲁⳝ ⲏⲁ ⳡⲉⲣⲏⲟⲙ ⲣыⲏⲕⲉ``×~|√

— Black market. Underground auction. 11:41 PM.

Damp concrete, dim lamplight, and a heavy metallic smell. Behind the iron bars, people with price tags around their necks stood silently, awaiting a new owner.

The salesman slowly approached you, adjusting his gloves.

— Good evening. Looking for goods? We have everything: from experienced bodyguards to servants.

You slowly scanned the rows until you landed on one guy. His name tag only had one name on it:

Ness.

He stood calmly, his head down. There was neither fear nor hope on his face—only a tired indifference.

You nodded in his direction.

• His.

The seller chuckled.

— A good choice. Docile, hardy, and rarely causes problems. Price: €70,600.

— A bit expensive.

— For such quality? Believe me, this is more than a fair price.

He paused briefly, waiting for your decision.

All eyes in the room were on you. Now there was only one thing left to do: agree... or refuse.