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The driver nodded and snapped the reins, setting the carriage in motion. Adrian leaned back against the seat, his thoughts focused on the task ahead. The auction house was a well-known landmark, bustling with activity at all hours, making it the perfect place to slip away unnoticed.

As the carriage wound its way through the cobbled streets, Adrian mentally reviewed his plan. The Black Market was his true destination, but arriving there directly from the academy would have been too conspicuous. Instead, he would stop near the auction house, a respectable location that wouldn\'t raise any suspicion, and then change into his cloak and mask before heading to the market.

The carriage came to a halt in front of the auction house, its grand facade imposing in the morning light. Adrian paid the driver, who tipped his hat before guiding the horses away. With a quick glance around, Adrian slipped into a narrow alley beside the auction house, his footsteps echoing softly against the stone walls.

Once he was sure he was out of sight, Adrian reached into his bag and pulled out a long, dark cloak. The fabric was thick and heavy, perfect for concealing his identity, and the hood was deep enough to shadow his face completely. He draped it over his shoulders, adjusting the hood until it obscured his features, and then tied it securely at his neck.

Next, he retrieved the mask—a simple, featureless piece of metal designed to cover the upper half of his face. It was plain and unassuming, exactly what he needed. He slipped it on, feeling the cool metal against his skin, and tested his voice, ensuring that it was muffled enough to sound different without being unnatural.

Satisfied with his disguise, Adrian took a deep breath and emerged from the alley, blending seamlessly into the early morning crowd. He moved with purpose, his steps carrying him toward the hidden entrance of the Black Market.

The entrance was concealed behind a row of dilapidated buildings, accessible only to those who knew where to look. Adrian found the unmarked door with ease, knocking twice in a specific rhythm. A small panel slid open, revealing a pair of suspicious eyes.

The suspicious eyes behind the door studied Adrian for a moment, narrowing as they took in his cloaked and masked appearance. There was a long, tense pause before a gravelly voice asked, "Your favorite flower?"

Adrian was prepared for this. "Midnight Rose," he replied calmly, the words flowing effortlessly. The phrase had been passed down through those who had business in the Black Market, a key to gaining entry without raising alarms.

The eyes behind the panel flickered with recognition, and the small door clicked open, revealing a narrow passage beyond. Adrian stepped through, the door closing softly behind him. The passage was dimly lit, the walls close on either side, creating an almost claustrophobic atmosphere as he followed it to a set of stairs that led downward.

As he descended the staircase, the air grew cooler, and the faint hum of activity reached his ears. The anticipation built with each step, his heart beating steadily in his chest. Despite his calm demeanor, Adrian couldn\'t help but feel a thrill of excitement.

When he reached the bottom of the stairs, the underground Black Market opened up before him, and Adrian had to suppress a chuckle. The author had truly surprised them all back then when he had written about Aurelius\'s first visit here.

Instead of the dark, grimy, and ominous space one might expect from a place with such a notorious reputation, the Black Market was nothing short of luxurious and grand. The cavernous room was bathed in warm, golden light from crystal chandeliers that hung from the arched ceiling. The floor was polished marble, reflecting the opulence that surrounded it.

Stalls lined the walls, each one more extravagant than the last, with vendors displaying their rare and exotic wares—magical artifacts, potions, enchanted items, and even powerful relics.

The air was filled with the soft murmur of hushed conversations and the occasional clinking of coins as deals were made. People moved about in elegant attire, their faces hidden behind ornate masks, giving the entire place an air of sophistication rather than secrecy.

Adrian allowed himself a brief moment of appreciation for the unexpected grandeur before focusing on the task at hand. He had come here with a purpose, and now that he was inside, it was time to find what he needed.

He moved through the market with practiced ease, his eyes scanning the various stalls. He needed to locate a vendor who specialized in disguises—someone who could provide him with the items necessary to alter his appearance and voice convincingly. He knew from the novel that such a vendor existed, but the Black Market was ever-changing, and finding them would require a bit of patience.

As Adrian made his way deeper into the market, he couldn\'t help but overhear snippets of conversations, some of which hinted at darker dealings and secret alliances. It was a reminder of the true nature of the Black Market, despite its glamorous facade. This was a place where fortunes could be made or lost, and where one had to tread carefully.

After passing several stalls selling enchanted weapons and rare beast parts, Adrian finally spotted the vendor he was looking for—a tall, slender man dressed in deep purple robes, his stall adorned with masks of every shape and size, vials of potions, and small, intricately carved boxes. The vendor\'s eyes were sharp and calculating, immediately locking onto Adrian as he approached.

"Ah, a discerning customer," the vendor greeted with a sly smile, his voice smooth as silk. "Looking for something special today, perhaps? A new face, a powerful artifact? Or something more... discrete?"

Adrian nodded, lowering his voice as he replied, "I need a disguise—a full transformation. Appearance, voice, everything."

"Oho, then, you are at the right place, esteemed young master."

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(A/N: Thanks, Dear Readers. We reached the 1M views milestone. I can\'t express how much your support means to me. Whether you\'ve been here since the beginning or just joined our journey, each and every one of you has played a part in making this story what it is today. Your comments, feedback, and encouragement have fueled my passion to keep writing and improving with each chapter.

Once again, thank you for being an amazing community. Let\'s continue this adventure together, and who knows? Maybe we\'ll hit 2M views sooner than we think!

Happy reading, and stay tuned for more exciting twists and turns!)