Tamer of Cosmic Beasts

The next day, the same investigator knocked on the door. However, nobody opened it, so he pushed the bell button.

~DING DONG~

Akash Tagar opened the door, wrapped in a towel, with his well-built upper body exposed and water dripping from his still wet hair.

"Hello, Mismar. Sorry, the shower held me up."

"Oh it's okay, are the rest of you sleeping?"

Mismar Bosht asked.

"Yes, why? Do you need anything?"

Akash replied with a question.

"I am here to give you a tour of this city. Since the tournament will start in 4 days, I thought it'd be best to do some sightseeing now as you'll be busy with fighting later."

Mismar explained and Akash took him up on his offer.

"Just give me a few seconds."

Akash shut the door and yelled.

"Everyone, wake up! Mr. Mismar is here, let's go out! Mr. Haji, Mr. Riassuba…"

This was an act for the hidden mics and cameras. The real way to wake them up was much crueler as Akash called the System.

"System, wake them up."

*beep*

[Kkkrrreeeeeeeeecccchhhhhhh.]

The System lets out a high-pitched noise, piercing the ears of all those sleeping.

"I won't do it again, Old Daan! Spare me, please!"

Sohrab yelled before waking up, looking here and there. Then, felt relieved, realizing it was only a dream. He turned his eyes towards Daan who was also awake now.

"Old Daan, you are too cruel."

Except for Daan and Sohrab, everyone had a different room, that's how big the apartment was. The Lion King didn't want Sohrab to lose his innocence and forced him to sleep in the same room, Sohrab could only wiggle at the moans coming from Riassuba's room.

[Get dressed, we are going out.]

Akash informed everyone via the System. He was guiding them through it while acting normally.

"Mr. Haji, the investigator from yesterday is at the door, he is looking for you."

Haji nodded and went to open the door as Riassuba came out of his room. He stretched his arms and smiled at Sohrab.

"I thank all of thee for this splendorous night of thrilling adventure."

Sohrab Khan gritted his teeth in frustration.

The king and his lords got ready quickly, the investigator guided them out of the Icon Tower. Meanwhile, a figure was sitting on a sofa in a decorated room with a huge TV and speakers in front. He saw the 6 guests from Abran city leaving the apartment as he asked himself.

"Didn't that assassin say he had killed Haji Tea as well?"

That person was none other than the mayor of Slave city, he turned off the TV and vanished.

<Somewhere in the city>

"You can buy any type of slave you want here, from warrior tamer slaves to sex slaves. This city is the only hub of slavery on this planet."

Mismar explained things along the way, every store had slaves. There was only one center where people could get groceries and other necessities, the rest of the city was filled with slave traders.

While exploring, Akash Tagar's heart was aching, he remembered how his kind was mutilated and imprisoned like these slaves a long time ago. He sighed and controlled his emotions before speaking.

"Mr Mismar, you've only given us the most basic of information. Even a newborn baby knows this much about the slave city, say something that is actually interesting or not known by non-locals like us."

Mismar looked at Akash and thought. "This young man is not just handsome, he has brains too. Alas, he is very weak and will likely be eliminated in the first round. I just hope he survives afterwards."

"My city's representative asked you something, Mismar Bosht."

Haji Tea told the investigator with a side-eye, scaring him a little. He thought that he'd make full use of the privileges given to him by the city mayor while he could.

"Oh, I'm... I'm sorry. There are three notable places in Slave City. All the big families and powerful organizations mostly frequent these as only the rich and worthy can enter them as VIPs."

Bosht explained before Riassuba Rosehip said without looking at Mismar.

"Thy mean VIPs like us?"

"Ahh... haha... yes, yes, certainly like you all."

Mismar hesitated before agreeing.

"By the way, why are you here with us? Weren't you just an investigator posted at a checkpoint?"

Haji asked and Mismar quickly replied.

"Oh, haha, I have been promoted to a supervisor now. Because of you guys. I was given the task of taking care of your needs."

"If that's the case then, will you take us to those three special locations you mentioned?"

Akash inquired.

"Sure, why not. You certainly have the right."

The former investigator smiled and continued.

"The 1st place is called the Slave Exchange. There, people trade slaves for expensive items like dwelling cores, pills, weapons and more.

The 2nd place is a slave fighting club, known as Slave Arena. This one is the most crowded of the three as people bring their powerful slaves to fight one on one battles with the other slaves while they gamble on the results. The slaves are not allowed to have contracted beasts, having to rely completely on their own bodies and skills.

Finally, the 3rd place is the most deserted of the three. Not because it doesn't have anything special but rather because it's the most expensive one called Slave Auction. Only the most valuable slaves are sold there for extremely high prices. Do you have an idea where you'd want to go now?"

Akash quickly answered.

"Slave Arena."

For Mismar, Akash Tagar was nothing more than a hired tamer from Abran whereas Haji Tea was an actual member of a wealthy family. So, he looked at Haji Tea for confirmation who simply raised his brow.

"Didn't you hear him? Take us to Slave Arena."

"As you wish."

Said the now supervisor and everyone went inside the large commercial center beside the large stadium. It was one of the two gigantic constructions Akash saw from Icon Tower last night.

As they entered through the gate, they could immediately see thousands of people gathered there. All cheering and shouting throughout 20 arenas, focused on their respective fights and possible winnings from gambling. There were many species here, but the majority of the slaves were human.

Another reason for this huge crowd was one only needed to pay an entrance fee. Regardless of how many times one won or lost, the management wouldn't ask them for any additional charges. Many big shots liked this arrangement, only having to worry about paying once before being able to just enjoy the rest of their time there. However, the entrance fee was 1 million cosmic coins per person.

Akash looked at his bank called Haji Tea and he took out his credit card, giving it to the entry office.

"We have 7 people."

"It's 3, not 7."

Mismar corrected Haji.

"These three are rare beastmen slaves and I am a supervisor in this city. Here is my card."

The officer checked his card and asked

"Where is the slave entry receipt?"

Mismar showed him the golden key and asked.

"Do you still want the receipts?"

The officer was shocked.

"The golden key..."

He quickly bowed and apologized.

"I apologize for my impudence. Here, please take this golden fight card."

Haji Tea took it and questioned their guide.

"What does the key actually give us?"

"The one who holds this key can enjoy power second only to the mayor of this city."

Mismar replied, shocking everyone including Akash as a short silence ensued.

"Why would he give such a thing to us?"

Haji continued shortly after while Akash pondered.

"And what about this golden card? How much will we have to pay for us 3?"

"With this, you don't have to get a number. You can just show this to the referee, and he'll let your slave fight first. You can also set conditions for the fights as well. As for the other question, only the outside tamers and traders must pay 1 Million cosmic coins entrance fees. The residents' and slaves' entry are free."

Mismar explained and Haji curved his lips, somewhat showing his interest. Then, he held the shoulders of the supervisor with both hands and spoke before releasing.

"I see, then let's hurry up and enter."

And so, they went in and noticed an empty arena. The slaves were only on their way to fight. Akash sent a message to Daan Godlyn and The Lion King jumped vehemently high in the sky before landing in the arena with a vociferous thud, roaring in the process. His boisterous bellow resonating throughout the whole arena, getting the attention of all the bigshots present. The referee was even scared to a degree where a bit of his guano was released in his pants.

Mismar quickly pushed through the crowd and made way for Akash and the others, whispering to the referee while showing him something who quickly saluted and announced.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a golden card owner here! This is his slave, a beastman of the lion tribe. His owner is a genius of a well-known family, The Tea Family. He only has one condition and that is, the opponent slave's realm shouldn't be higher than a 1st Moon Star Captain. If there is anyone who wants to challenge him, place your bets!"

"I want to bet!"

"I'll accept his challenge!"

"Hey, let me earn some as well!"

"Haha, it's getting chaotic. I'll bet on this lionman."

The people's shouts became even more chaotic as thousands of hands were raised to challenge Daan Godly. The Lion King barred his fangs and claws. Seeing the lusty audience ahead, his hair raised thanks to goosebumps as he uttered.

"Haha, I have found my favourite place."