Nightmare Paradise : Starting as a Doctor

Chapter 139: Tensions and Temptations

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a veil of darkness over the abandoned district, Lynn fully prepared and ready for whatever lay ahead, ventured into the gloomy bustling streets.

[Veil of Shadows], [Magnifying Lens Pendant], [Flame Edge]... He equipped himself with every piece of extraordinary gear at his disposal, giving the impression that he was going to war.

Under the cloak's hood, only sharp eyes were showing. Even though the [Faceless Mask] clung to the skin, mimicking the facial structure of another, he still concealed his face with an additional jet-black mask. Extra layers of precaution couldn't hurt in this dangerous place.

Blending into the excited masses filling the narrow alleys, Lynn kept his head lowered and shoulders hunched. The voluminous veil helped obscure his athletic frame. He seemed just like any other shady character.

This didn't stop him from taking note of the variety of individuals surrounding him. There were gangsters with scarred faces and weapons, slimy con men dressed in flashy silks, and many more.

The dregs of society were out in full force, drawn by the promise of profit. Yet mingled among them were those who stood out, hinting at origins beyond this neglected realm.

Lynn really wanted to use the [Magnifying Lens Pendant] to potentially discover extraordinary individuals concealed between them. Their unique aura should be easily identifiable in this sea of people.

However, overtly activating this item in such a crowded space would only invite trouble. If he wasn't careful, it would certainly draw unwanted attention and make achieving his initial objective more difficult.

Elbowing past drunkards and dodging furtive hands drifting toward his pockets, he maneuvered closer to the open gate. He focused his senses, filtering through the chaotic din around him for useful information.

Simultaneously, a lone crow gracefully soared in the darkened sky above, where moonlight failed to penetrate. Its keen gaze, tinged with a faint glow, meticulously scanned the chaotic scene unfolding beneath.

From this lofty vantage point high above the abandoned district's decrepit structures, the entirety of the central district was clearly visible and observable. Thanks to the shared vision, Lynn could also see it.

"Just as the information described... it's completely different," he confirmed silently in his mind. Although the zone wasn't big, it was completely different from the rundown area surrounding it.

The buildings were nearly intact and showed clear signs of renovation, their facades tidied and restored to erase the decay. Even the streets were illuminated by steady lights and seemed to be cleaner.

If not for the people and the air of tension inside, no one would think this place was the real core of the abandoned district, accessible only by influential figures from the outer district and beyond.

The area contained a network of seedy establishments, casinos, fight clubs, sleazy bars, nightclubs, and more, providing various shady services catering to the corrupt lifestyle of the rich and the underworld.

However, every month, on this particular day, all activity immediately ceased as the entire area morphed into a bustling black market with many vendors, traders, and buyers converging to engage in illicit transactions.

The reason for this change was a particular event. The renovated old factory structure looming in the heart of this territory was transformed into an auction house that opened only once a month.

Originally, a simple gathering where the most influential and powerful figures in this corner of the federation converged. But over time, it gradually evolved into something more.