That time when I got mixed up with an Isekai Candidate

Chapter 2: The Rodent of Thread

Well, I've been in Hamazushi for a week now. I have an inn room and somewhat of a schedule. I wake up, choke down a Sustenance Potion if I need it, and then hunt Slimes for the day. It's a very simple life, and it's very relaxing. Once you know how to fight them, they are really easy to fight. For a sword and shield, dodge, then counterattack. With a bow, just shoot them.

After a successful hunt, I go to the guild, and sell the Slime Residues I got. I, of course keep the funds I require to keep living, and giving the rest to the guild. Slowly, over time, Hamazushi was slowly rebuilt, and now they have a stable source of food for the people.

However, this growth of a city didn't go unnoticed. We started to attract traders, and by we I totally mean me. They were always asking me what wares I had, and if I wanted their wares. Usually, if I had one, I'd sell my leftover skill crystals for 5000 Kahei each. The only thing was is that I got them considerably less, only once every couple of days, if I was lucky. I also sold my extra health potions, for 200 Kahei each. All in all, I had made around 20 thousand Kahei by the end of a week.

So I'm now probably the richest person here, which is both extremely sad and really jarring. Being a university student before, I was in constant debt. I mean, I still kind of am in debt to the city, but at least I'm having fun doing it.

But, as expected, being "rich" has it's disadvantages. Like, for example, this very shady man trying to sell me his likely incredibly illegal goods. I only followed him because of his opening line.

"You're an adventurer, right? Y'know, your life would be a lot easier if you had a Party. Want to know how to get one?"

Of course, I didn't refuse. The only parties I've been in are drinking parties, and I have a feeling alcohol is not involved in this.

As I follow the man out of town, I subconsciously reach for my sword. He immediately notices.

"Woah, now, no need to be hostile! I ain't ever hurt a customer!"

"Sorry, Auto-Combat..."

After our misunderstanding, he leads me into a tent he's set up a bit away from town. It's shaped like one from a circus, but instead of being bright and cheery, it was bland. As I enter the tent, I go through a shock of horror as my brain processes what I'm seeing.

About 30 sets of empty eyes are staring at me from behind bars. This wasn't a party recruitment.

This is a slave organization. This is illegal! This has to be illegal! Wait, no. This isn't Japan.

"The first timers are always a sight to watch... So, do any of these lovely slaves catch your eye?"

Credit where credit is due, there are some genuinely strong looking men and women here... They're just out of my budget. Some of these slaves are priced at millions. Scanning the cages, there's only one I can afford to free.

"I found my choice. That one in the back, with the pink eyes and white hair."

"Ah, yes, Ito Nezuma. She's 16, and is a rat-variant demihuman. I must warn you however, as she is an albino, her eyesight is exceptionally poor, which is why she's so cheap. I just want to tell you as that's usually a turn-off for most people, and my motto is 'The Customer and the Salesman should have equal knowledge!"