Extra's Descent

"This looks…. Different."

That was all Brandon could describe the blackmarket.

It did not align at all to the blackmarket in the other Brandon Locke's memories.

However,

"Different."

It was good.

As long as things were different, then it was for the best.

"Shit, I'm starting to sound like him."

He pinched the middle of his brow.

Then, he took in the sight of the blackmarket.

It was huge.

No, huge was an understatement.

It seemed like an entire community.

And as he looked around he could surmise that the entire space was deep underground.

It was as if an entire underground community had sprung to life beneath the surface.

The cavernous space stretched endlessly, with vaulted ceilings supported by massive stone pillars.

Cool, damp air echoed with the faint drip of water from an intricate overhead network of pipes.

Stalls and makeshift shops lined the labyrinthine pathways. They sold an array of goods.

Neon signs flickered, casting its colorful glows on the pavements. While corners remained dark.

Since the blackmarket was strict with secrecy, even its patrons wore masks.

The same went for Matthew, who wore a black mask that covered his entire face.

Brandon on the other hand, kept his black–framed sunglasses. Fixing it up, a blue runic symbol emitted its glow slightly, but faded as fast as it glowed.

Pulling his black gloves, Brandon turned to look at Matthew.

He pursed his lips.

"So? What do you know about this place?'

He had to ask.

All to confirm how well versed Matthew was with the blackmarket.

Matthew answered, taking in the sight of the vicinity.

"It's divided into zones. One area features rare and illegal tech gadgets. Another section is for fabrics, ornaments, artifacts, and such."

"Gadgets, huh?"

"There's a technician that's making waves nowadays in the blackmarket."

This…

He had to hear it.

Even Zed didn't have this information.

"Despite his small stature, the technician is well respected amongst the gadget community, because of how flawless his gadgets and artifacts are."

"Take me there."

Brandon spoke with no hesitation.

This 'technician'.

It intrigued him….

It almost sounded like it was….

'That can't be.'

He was quick to push down his thoughts.

Just like the elves, dwarves had also kept themselves hidden.

While elves seemed to have a hint of elegance. Especially so, by the way they carried themselves, Brandon had seen different progressions of humanity's connection with them.

And in each progression, elves were always on their side. They loved nature, almost as much as they loved humans. It was due to how humanity treated nature, that they had come to love humans as well.

On the other hand, dwarves…

They were arrogant.

There were other such races in which humanity had communicated with. One such race was the lizardman.

Brandon Locke and Jin were negligent when it came to interpersonal relationships with these races.

Due to desperation and struggles, they were quick to push their agendas.

Though in the first progression, these races had never even appeared.

The world had ended, before they got to do so.

For whatever their purpose here on earth, Brandon was well aware of it now.

All because of Brandon Locke's memories.

They were exiles.

Whoever exiled them, even the other Brandon had no such knowledge of it.

However, he could surmise it was either due to the Wraiths, or the Sovereigns.

'But that begs the question.'

Wraiths… Sovereigns.

'They are one and the same.'

Brandon looked ahead. He snapped out of his thoughts as he realized they had arrived at their destination.

It was a hut. Apparently, it was the dwarf's workshop.

There was a long line ahead of them.

"This guy's pretty popular, huh?"

"Yes."

Matthew answered, sporting a frown.

"He's the reason business has been slow for us in this part of the market."

"Oh…? What's his code name?"

After all, blackmarket patrons did not know each other's names. Just their code names.

Matthew responded, narrowing his eyes.

"Ironaxe."

"Pftt…"

"....?"

Matthew tilted his head, perplexed by Brandon's reactions.

"Couldn't be more obvious."

Brandon shook his head.

Then, he could hear Matthew mumble discreetly. However, it was to no avail as Brandon was able to hear it just fine.

"...Talking to himself again."

"I think you've forgotten the hierarchy here, Zero."

Brandon placed a hand on Matthew's shoulder, a grin creeping up on his face.

Matthew flinched, flicking his eyes slightly at Brandon's hand. Then, he looked at Brandon and swallowed.

"S-Sorry…. Boss."

"Good."

Matthew seemed to have gotten a bit too comfortable with him. And they had only met four hours ago too.

All of a sudden, a deep voice rang from ahead of them.

"Get the fuck outta here!"

"Ah."

Matthew turned his head slightly. He was in front of Brandon.

Matthew scratches his cheek.

"I forgot to mention. Ironaxe has a short temper. And he often judges his clients on first impressions."

"...."

Eh, whatever.

Brandon shrugged his shoulders.

"Doesn't matter."

Read today at mvl _em _pyr.

He was confident.

"Okay, boss."

Another deep voice rang ahead of them. It was Ironaxe, most probably. Brandon couldn't see inside the small hut after all.

"Get lost!"

"Hmm… Next!"

"Rejected."

The guy was popular alright. He turned down clients, and yet it seemed like the line was getting longer behind them.

Must've been a really good technician.

After waiting for a while. It was finally their turn. Brandon was indifferent about the whole thing.

Ironaxe had rejected most of the clients who were ahead of them, only accepting most likely, five out of twelve.

If he were to be rejected, then that's it. He was merely curious as to what the dwarf looks like, and his skills.

Though he began to ponder again.

He looked around.

'Do these people not realize this guy is a dwarf?'

But then, it actually made sense.

None have ever seen a dwarf up close. There were only sightings and reports. They must've thought Ironaxe was a midget or some sort.

"Get lost, kid."

"Eh?!"

Ironaxe was quick to dismiss Matthew—who was ahead of him.

Matthew turned around slightly with a pleading expression, meeting Brandon's gaze.

Brandon nodded his head, and Matthew walked away dejected.

Putting his hand on his pocket, Brandon stepped forward and entered the hut.

Looking around, the room was hot. A furnace nestled deep in the corner. Cabinets situated all over. All sorts of gadgets were strewn all over the floor.

Weapons such as swords, maces, sabers, and axes, hung on the walls.

Then, a small robust man revealed himself, walking slowly towards Brandon.

Scanning, he looked exactly like the dwarves from the movies Brandon had watched in his previous life.

Thick brown beard that flowed down. Long brown hair but tied back. Wrinkles all over his face.

A typical dwarf cliche.

Ironaxe leaned up close, scanning Brandon. His gaze landed on Brandon's black–framed sunglasses.

"Hmm…."

Then, his eyes widened.

"This…."

"Hmm…?"

Brandon tilted his head.

Had he somehow caught Ironaxe's attention?

"Can I touch this… gadget of yers?"

He spoke in a rather thick accent. But Brandon was able to understand it clearly.

'No wonder he was able to blend in. He knows English, huh?'

It's not that dwarves weren't capable of learning English. It was just that, humanity hadn't made contact with them yet.

'How long has this guy been here to be that fluent in English?'

And…

'How did he even get in here…?'

It was a mystery.

"No."

Brandon shook his head, refusing Ironaxe.

"Then get out!"

Ironaxe exclaimed.

Brandon shrugged his shoulders.

"Alright."

And turned around, walking to the exit. But then, he halted in his steps as Ironaxe's voice resounded again.

"Wait. Yer just leaving… like that?"

"Huh? You told me to go."

"Yes. But…."

"What…? Did you want me to beg not to get kicked out…?"

"That's what they usually do. Why aren't ye the same…?"

Ah.

"I see."

Brandon pinched his chin, nodding.

Ironaxe's brows raised.

"Huh?"

"You're a tsundere."

"....?"