After parting ways with Nekomata and Belle, Ignis took the subway to the Gray Street.
It was rather amusing. While the black market on Gray Street wasn't officially legal, it surprisingly had a complete public transportation system.
This was probably a unique feature of a city coexisting with the Hollows. Hollow Raiders always needed a place to purchase supplies and fence their stolen goods. Of course, a place like this was inevitably riddled with informants planted by various factions. As long as nothing excessively egregious appeared here, everyone maintained this unspoken agreement.
When Ignis entered the black market, many people sized up the giant. His immense build and the hammer at his waist made it clear he was not someone to be trifled with.
Following the previous incident of discovering an Iron Halo within a Hollow, Ignis thought coming here to browse might yield some strange artifacts from the Warhammer world.
The outer areas had Hollow Raiders setting up stalls, selling a bewildering variety of goods: old-era electronic devices, oddly-shaped mechanical constructs, or some bizarre-looking artistic decorations. These were likely small items discovered by lone operatives or small groups during their explorations in the Hollows. Fortunately, the prices were generally low. If something caught your eye, buying it wasn't a big loss, and you might even occasionally find a hidden treasure.
The deeper one went into the black market, the more defined the boundaries between groups became. Various gangs had significant personnel stationed here, responsible for fencing goods, recruiting members, or purchasing various supplies for the gang. Although there were friction points in their "business" dealings, within the Gray Street black market, most conflicts were limited to shouting matches, with everyone trying to avoid direct violence. Even if physical "communication" was necessary, they mostly took care to avoid the shop owners in the core area of the market.
The shop owners who could maintain their own stores and warehouses in the black market were the truly formidable individuals. They always managed to procure everything needed by those who made a living in the Hollows, from weapons and tools to food and medicine, and all sorts of forged documents. Furthermore, they weren't just sellers; they also purchased various Ether materials. Most of these individuals were the "white gloves" for major corporations or powerful families, and the forces behind them were not something ordinary gangs could afford to scrutinize. Their shops were often protected by well-trained, armed personnel, many of whom showed signs of military training.
The last time Ignis came here with Nicole, that chubby shopkeeper's store was on the edge of the central district. This indicated that the power backing him wasn't particularly strong; he even had to actively seek cooperation with gangs. One must understand, those black market merchants with real power didn't need to initiate cooperation talks. They only needed to send out a signal, and there would be no shortage of Hollow Raiders and gangs willing to do their bidding to curry favor.
"'We Have It All'?" Ignis looked at the sign. It was quite extravagant, covered in light bulbs of what seemed like a dozen different colors. Although it was daytime and they were off, the Son of Vulkan could already imagine how blindingly eye-searing this monstrosity would be when lit up.
Ignis peered inside from the entrance. The items sold here were quite interesting. True to the store's name, it really did seem to have everything. From firearms, Defense Force or Public Security protective gear, to compressed biscuits, energy gels, or various incomplete electronic devices dredged up from Hollows, there were even some CDs or videotapes. The guard at the door stood with a ramrod-straight posture, almost spelling out "I am a soldier" on his face.
"Hello, hello." a flamboyant male voice rang out. "What can I get for you? I have everything here."
Ignis looked down, his vision drawn to a mass of explosive purple hair. It looked like a firework ready to go off at any moment.
"Oh, stunned by my hair?" The man lifted his face, wearing a pair of exaggerated laser-shade glasses. "It's fine, everyone's first impression of me is this artistic hairstyle."
"I am just browsing. I do not have anything specific in mind." Ignis was telling the truth.
"Oh... " He cupped his hand to his ear as Ignis spoke, where a lightning-bolt-shaped earring dangled. "Then you are a potential customer! Please, come in, come in, look around."
This flamboyant merchant moonwalked backwards. After guiding Ignis into the shop, he spun 720 degrees on the spot, concluding his lunar dance performance.
"People around here call me Markus 'Lightning' Red." He introduced himself. "Welcome, Mr. Ignis."
"How do you know who I am?" The Son of Vulkan narrowed his eyes, his right hand moving again towards the hand-hammer at his waist.
"Your hammer, sir." Markus pointed at the hammer at Ignis's side. "I'd wager anyone who's seen such a distinctive hammer wouldn't forget it. The piece you left at the Blacksmith's Association has quite a discussion going on the Inter-Knot. Someone posted a picture of your hammer there."
"Ha, so I have become a minor celebrity?" Ignis shook his head.
"Of course, of course." Markus clapped his hands. A hidden door in the shop opened, and someone wheeled out several different metal rods from inside. "Would you like to take a look at our materials here? We have the latest Ether alloys, even new creations fresh from the metallurgy lab?"
Ignis picked up a rod, hefted it a few times, then placed it back. "I did not come here to buy these. I want to see if you have any strange objects discovered in the Hollows."
"Oh, so you're looking to treasure hunt in the junk pile?" Markus snapped his fingers. Another hidden door opened inside the shop. "I'm afraid I don't have any strange collectibles here. However, if you want to sell your work here, I can help, for only a ten percent commission. And I guarantee cash transactions, used medium-denomination bills, non-sequential."
"Noted. The only thing I consume in quantity is Ether fuel, and I have a stable supplier elsewhere." The Son of Vulkan said, preparing to leave.
"The Ether fuel elsewhere uses single-conversion technology. The calorific value is decent, but I have a better treasure here." Markus hurriedly promoted his own product. "Ether fuel refined through secondary conversion, supplied to special forces of the Defense Force. This stuff is restricted-grade equipment even within the Defense Force. Except for certain units on special missions, no one gets supplied. This fuel has an extremely high calorific value, capable of incinerating almost anything. Plus, the fuel itself is very stable, not prone to spontaneous combustion from impact. It's excellent for disposing of evidence."
Hearing this, as a member of the fire-using Sons of Vulkan chapter, Ignis was immediately interested.
"Quote me a price." Ignis turned around to look at the flamboyantly dressed man.
"Certainly, but this isn't cheap. It takes a lot of connections to get my hands on it." Markus grinned widely, pulling a calculator from his pocket and inputting a string of numbers. "How about this price?"
"Is this the price per liter?" Ignis looked at the quote approaching five figures on the calculator, then thought about the enormous fuel tank of his power armor. The Son of Vulkan felt a virtual sweat break out.
He would have to work harder at the forge when he got back, otherwise he wouldn't even have the money for premium fuel for his flamer. While Nicole would certainly say this consumption counts as an operational expense and would reimburse it, Ignis was acutely aware of the Cunning Hares' current penniless state. Besides, the performance of the fuel they were currently using was barely sufficient, so there was no urgent need to replace it.
"Yes, it takes considerable effort to get it out, you see." Markus perceived Ignis's question. "We can exchange contact information. You can reach out when you need it. I guarantee delivery within the city in one day, except for Fourteenth Street, of course. That place is too chaotic."
The Son of Vulkan initially intended to refuse, but considering the other party could provide a considerable number of items and he could also gain another sales outlet here, he added the flamboyantly dressed man as a friend on Knock-Knock Communication.
"I will go browse elsewhere now." Ignis said, exchanging pleasantries as he walked out. Markus followed behind, seeing him off right to the door.
Just as Ignis stepped out of the shop, he collided squarely with another person. Fortunately, the Space Marine was strong enough not to be knocked over.
"Dammit, get out of the way!" The man who had crashed into him shouted and tried to run, but Ignis reached out and gripped his head, holding him firmly in place.
Ignis then realized it was an old acquaintance: Kruger, that leader of the Weasel Gang who had accosted him and Nicole outside the black market last time.
"You! Let me go!" Kruger's voice was almost tearful. He struggled desperately, as if daemons were chasing him.
When he saw Ignis's face clearly, he was so frightened he collapsed onto his rear, muttering incessantly, "It's over, it's over, I'm cornered."
"Long time no see, Mr. Kruger. Where are your lackeys? Why are you alone?" The Son of Vulkan questioned him. "I recall you usually had several dozen followers with you."
"You!" Kruger gritted his teeth in hatred. "Get out of the way, they're catching up! My men are all finished!"
"You mean you were attacked in the black market? And all your men were taken out? Who did it?" Markus found this somewhat unbelievable.
The Weasel Gang was an established faction. Although their numbers had been declining recently, they still had a couple hundred members.
"It was the Mountain Lion Gang maniacs!" Kruger cried out the name in terror. "They've gone crazy! We ran into them in the Hollow a few days ago. They not only stole our money and goods but also wanted our lives!"
"Even when we encountered them here in the black market today, they started a fight without any hesitation." Kruger panted. "I ran fast, but my men..."
"Your men have already been captured." A somewhat lazy female voice came through. Ignis looked towards the source and saw a well-endowed woman.
She seemed a little shorter than Zhu Yuan, but was still a tall and curvaceous lady. Judging by the shape of her ears, she was likely a Thiren, and combined with the long tail wrapped around her left leg, she was probably a Rat Thiren.
She wore a gray jacket, unzipped, revealing a black top underneath. Her thumbs were hooked onto two straps descending from the collar, somewhat reminiscent of a rat standing with its forelimbs drawn up. Even in the black market, she moved as if on a catwalk, her ample chest and pert bottom trembling slightly with each step, grabbing attention. Similarly full thighs bulged from her shorts, and whether intentional or not, her black stockings had several tears from which soft flesh squeezed out.
Her green eyes held an air of certain victory, and the corners of her mouth were curved into a pleasing arc, combining to form an incredibly alluring smile.
"Mr. Kruger, please don't resist." Her voice was slightly husky, yet full of allure. "Our boss, Razor, would like to invite you to resolve some business... disputes. We ask that you and your men do us this favor and make things convenient."
"Like hell I will!" Kruger struggled desperately to escape, trying to pry Ignis's fingers loose. "When we ran into that maniac Razor in the Hollow a few days ago, he was so corrupted he barely looked human! He killed several of my brothers on sight! If we hadn't known about a stable rift nearby, we would've been slaughtered!"
Hearing news of Razor, Ignis released Kruger and even stepped in front of him.
"You are with the Mountain Lion Gang?" Ignis regarded the woman warily. "Where is Razor?"
"Oh, do you have business with our boss too?" The woman smiled slightly, revealing white teeth. "But today, I'm here to invite Mr. Kruger. Please don't cause me any trouble."
Kruger was stunned to see this giant actually shielding him. He had initially wanted to run, but a single look from Markus stopped him.
"I do not care about that. Where is Razor?" The Son of Vulkan only wanted to know the location of the enemy he needed to purge.
"I'm sorry, but the Lion King is naturally in his den." The woman laughed softly. "I am merely responsible for delivering Mr. Kruger and his companions into the Hollow. Someone will naturally meet them there and take them into the Lion's Nest."
As she finished speaking, a large group of Mountain Lion Gang members arrived, standing behind her. There had to be at least thirty of them.
"If you don't want trouble, please step aside." The woman turned to glance at the lackeys behind her.
"Boss Jane! He looks like the man Boss Razor told us to watch out for!" One lackey pointed at Ignis. "Let's tie him up and take him back too! That would definitely count as a major achievement, we could join Boss Razor's personal guard directly!"
"Oh? A two-for-one deal?" Jane laughed. Her hands went to her waist, and two short knives shaped like rodent skulls were already in her grasp.
"Brothers, get him!" Jane's long tail unwound from her leg and pointed at Ignis.
"Have you lost your mind, Jane Doe?" Markus 'Lightning' Red stepped forward. "You dare move against my guest? Don't forget, even your Mountain Lion Gang boss, Razor, doesn't have that capability."
"My apologies, Boss Lightning." Jane Doe revealed a cruel smile. "The times have changed now. The Mountain Lion Gang is planning something big. Anyone who dares stand in our way will be crushed."
This dangerous woman crossed her arms, concealing the short knives in her palms. "If you don't want trouble, I suggest you step aside yourself."
"What if I refuse?" Ignis took two steps forward, his hammer already gripped tightly in his hand. "I also advise you to tell me where Razor is. Otherwise, I will pound you into minced rat meat."
"What a pity, you guessed wrong." Jane Doe waved her hand, and the Mountain Lion Gang members charged towards Ignis. "I'm a Cat Thiren."