The black market?

　What is that too disturbing a word? I can imagine what kind of place it is, but is it safe to go to such a place?

It's not just Golem, it's a backroom mecca for all sorts of stolen and contraband and embargoed goods. Most of the stuff you can find there is available.
Did you ever tell me there was a dangerous place where you knew there was a dangerous organization going on?
That's right. The black market is controlled by a criminal organization called the "Black Butterfly". Unlike us, they'll do whatever it takes to make money.

　Nia starts murmuring things quietly.

'Wait, wait, wait, wait, that's a bit odd. Don't involve a good citizen in this.
Do you think a good citizen would jump in while changing a woman?

　Ugh. That has nothing to do with it........

''Well, I'll leave that aside. The black market is the quickest way to obtain a golem of the ancient plane "Legacy". You don't even know if you'll find it by searching the ruins.

　If I had the time, I could explore the ruins, but.... I'll just have to give up on this one.
　Besides, it's called the black market. You might be able to get something rare.

There's no danger in buying something normal. Don't ask about the "source". You just have to do this.

　Yuri adds an additional explanation. Of course, there are stolen goods and such, so if you were to make a probe, it would be suspicious. In the worst case scenario, that "black butterfly" or something like that might be noticed.

All right. Okay. You'll take me to the place. You don't want to destroy that organization, do you?
d*mn. That's okay. We wanted to have a little look around. When Rouge comes back you'll be back.

　Nia turns her gaze towards the fort. I saw a small aircraft walking towards us from the other side.
　A crimson body in a form like a blazing fire. It looks like a knight in full body armor, but its size is only the height of a child. And yet what it carried on its shoulders was a large boar the size of an automobile.
　It must be quite powerful, unlike what it looks like. The little golem brought the boar down to the ground with a thud.

''Welcome back. Where the hell have you been, dude?
North side, deep in the woods. That took me a while.
He's going to talk...

　It was like a mechanical voice, but now this red golem definitely spoke. That wolf-shaped golem we met before - Fenrir, I think it was called Fenrir. He didn't speak as fluently as that one or our Babylon Sisters, though.

'Rouge, this is Fuyuuya. This is Fuyuya, the one who gave me what I needed to fix you. And Fuyao. This is my partner, Rouge. His real name is Blood Rouge, but I call him Rouge for a long time.
"I'm listening. "Thank you.
Oh, no ... you're welcome ...

　Red golems with a light bow on their heads. Something's going wrong. It's a strangely human-looking golem. That one was more like a "robot".
　As I recall, this guy is from the Crown series, a golem called the "Crown"?
　It's an ancient aircraft that has an outstanding special ability, and is the highest ranked golem in this world, or something like that.......it doesn't look like it.

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that you're going to the "black market" from now on. Follow me.
Copy that, Master.

　Rouge gave a small nod at Nia's words. Somehow it looks like the sister is ordering her brother around. In fact, your brother is probably much older than you.

''So, where is the place?''

　Projecting a world map of our side of the world in the air while operating the phone.

''This is the current location of the fort. The black market, the Black Market, takes place in the capital of Gordos, which is located south of here. Gordos is a city known as the Casino City...
Wait a minute. Is that the gleaming capital?
Do you know?

　The capital, huh? The capital of the casino, where we left Nia and the others before returning to our world. Is it called Goldsmith's?
　I lost a lot of money there and got wiped out...

Is the "Black Butterfly" ruling the capital?
No, the black market changes its location every month. This time it's just Gordos, it's not like the Black Butterfly Papillon is in charge of Gordos. But I'm sure there will be collaborators, though.

　I wonder if changing the venue from month to month is a way to deceive the country. But how do you know such a thing?

A snake's path is a snake's path. There is a route where you can buy such information.

　While saying this, Yuri holds up an index finger to his mouth. Although the "Red Cat" is also a righteous bandit, it's no doubt an underhanded business. That kind of information is a more powerful weapon than anything else.
　That's why they want to say that they won't divulge this information to an outsider like me. Well, I can't do anything about it if I ask.

''Well, I've been to that Gordos capital before, so I can go there right away, but... are you sure it's safe for Nia and the others to come too?''

　When I hesitated as to whether it was okay for the leader of a bandit gang to go to a place where he could be seen, Nia laughed and waved her hand with a caracara.

I'm sure there aren't many people who know I'm the head of the 'Red Cat'. Besides, if Rouge is there, he can protect you from most dangers.

　So even though the Red Cat is famous, only a few people know the identity of its leader. Well, I was planning to camouflage myself with the Mirage when the need arose, but it seems there's nothing to worry about.
　But even so, I've informed the group members at the fortress of their destination and left the rats summoned by the summoning magic with them for communication in case of emergency.
　If there's something you want to communicate from the fort, this rat will be able to tell me.
　When I saw the summoning magic, Nia pressed me to teach it too, but when I learned that I couldn't learn it without the Darkness attribute, my shoulders slumped in disappointment.



　The outer district of the casino in the capital of Gordos. Even this gleaming capital has a dark side. It's what's called a slum. It is the last stop for the defeated, where the dream-breakers reach the end of the line.
　We open a "gate" in an alleyway behind the station and move into Gordos. We immediately go out to the main street, and after a short walk, we come out to the street leading to the central district.
　It's daytime, so the neon lights aren't as shiny as they used to be, but it's still as flashy as ever in the sun.
　We climbed up the slope to the Chuo Ward and paid the toll to the gatekeeper in front of the gleaming gate.
　I've thought this before, but it feels like paying an admission fee before entering an amusement park.

So, where in Chuo Ward do I go?

　I heard that there are several casino domes in Chuo City, and they have different owners. It seems that money-grubbers must be working furiously in the night.
　I could see buildings as big as a playground here and there. It was still daytime and no casino was opened, but I wondered where they would open a black market.

The place is the Goldman Casino. Well, technically, it's a place that "was" a casino.
Was it?
A few months ago, the owner of that place was booked for illegal gambling and all that. He had slaves fighting with golems and making them kill each other. We were going to put the death penalty on him, but he beat us to it.

　With a muffled look on her face, Nia turned away. When I was wondering about her attitude, Yuri, who was next to her, interrupted me.

''The one who drove that owner to ruin is the same as the chieftain, the one with the black 'crown'. He's sulking because his rival has stolen his prey.
Don't say that.

　Beep! I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this. It hurts," said Yuri, squeezing his forehead and squeezing it. It's quite a good sound.
　It's a red crown and a black crown. The crown series is named after the color of the crown?　

Anyway, the new owner who bought the dome is a collaborator of the Black Butterfly.

　I see. I opened the map and looked at the map of this capital. I thought it would be troublesome if they had already changed the name of the casino, but it still existed under the name 'Goldman'.
　When I walked up to that casino dome, two steel-colored golems, about three meters tall, were standing there like gatekeepers. They're big. They're not as big as the frame gear, though. The golems are gurly and retro-looking, but they look quite strong.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a few men standing in front of them who look like badass adventurers.

"You're a guest.

　A man who looks at us and has a particularly bad look on his face glares at us. If this were a top-notch casino, this would be an unbelievable attitude.

If you're here to buy, it's one gold coin each. If you're here to sell, let's see your product.
I'm here to buy. Three gold pieces?

　I ask him that, and the man nods silently. I guess he wants me to pay if I want to get in.
　The entrance fee is about 100,000 yen per person. Golem doesn't seem to count, though. When I entered the central area, they even took the rouge for me.
　I take out three gold coins and hand them to the man. When we take them, the man urges us to go with his chin.
　We go through a large door and pass through a bleak hall. The inside of this casino dome seems to have been stripped of all ornaments. I've been in casinos that aren't this one, and they are gleaming.
　But there are no roulette or poker tables, bar counters, or large chandeliers here, just a bunch of miscellaneous shops lined up in a large dome.
　The small tent-like stores were like a flea market, but with too many suspicious shopkeepers and too many suspicious customers. There was a chaotic world there.

''It's like a flea market or an antique market...''

　There are a variety of items for sale, such as parts of unknown objects, jewelry, expensive-looking vases, and even animals that I've never seen before. It's interesting just to look at them, and I can't help but keep my eyes on the road.
　Oops, I mustn't forget my purpose.
　However, even if I look around, I don't see anything that looks like Golem. What's going on?

'In these black markets, golems and other high-value items are somewhere else. Wait for me, Yuri is on his way to ask him.

　After a while, Yuri came back this way. Apparently, high value goods such as golems are traded in the basement.
　Another rattling bouncer was waiting in front of the heavy black leather door. And they're charging me for money again. Hey..........
　I'm starting to get annoyed for good, but there's no point in disobeying them. I did as I was told, paid the money for the three of us and stepped onto the ramp that led to the basement.
　Down a gentle curve, there was a mortar-shaped venue at the end of which was a variety of golems arranged in a row. They ranged from large to small, humanoid to animal-shaped, and even those that looked like they were not even sure they were golems.
　It's a spectacular sight to see them all lined up here. It's like an exhibition of some kind.

Let's go!
Oh, yeah.

　Nia and the others urged me down to the mortar-shaped hall. I walked through the various golems and guests lined up and checked each and every item I saw.

I'm not sure which of them are ancient aircraft and which are factory made, but...
'Once you get used to it, you can tell by the design and the parts used. For now, just look at the price. If it's much more expensive than the others, it's usually the ancient aircraft "Legacy". Well, there are the occasional 'custom-made' super high quality actual products, though.

　The ancient aircraft that was excavated from the ruins is the Legacy.
　The mass-produced plane made in the factory is the Ready-Made.
　The one-offs made by Golem's engineers are custom-made.
　The rouge here is the Legacy, and the cannibus in Sancho-san's place is probably the Readymade.
　Sure, if you look at the prices, there are a few that are an order of magnitude different than the others. However, most of them had "no ability" written under the price.
　It seems that it's not so easy to have an aircraft with the ability called 'Golem Skill', after all.

'Oh.'

　One of them did not have a "no ability" description.
　It was a dark green golem, about two meters in size, with large, long arms and shaped like a gorilla. On its back, it was carrying something that looked like a tank of some kind.

''Excuse me. Is this aircraft 《Golem》 "capable"?
'How. We can deform the terrain, albeit to a limited extent.

　Yeah. That'll be useful for civil engineering. Can't believe the price tag on this thing is 500 million. Could be worth billions.　No, as long as it's on the black market, it might have been stolen originally.
　I'm sure the "Black Butterfly" is doing a good job of managing security, but what do you think?
　I don't mean to say it, but I can steal everything here. I'm not going to steal it, though.

What about this one? What about this one?
Hmm? Which one?

　Nia pointed to a machine that looked more like a powered suit than a golem. It was formed of legs, arms, and parts that seemed to be attached to the back. Is this also classified as a golem?

It's called an equipment type. I'm sure it has a purpose. It will do what the contractor, the master, wants and help you.

　It certainly sounds interesting, but what I'm looking for is an autonomous type.

'Fuyao-san, what do you think of this one?

　In front of the store Yuri took me to, there were several sturdy-looking cases standing in front of it. And there was a little golem on display in the case.
　It is small in size. It's about the same size as a rouge, about the size of a child. It's a white base with a vaguely girl's form. There are three of them, and each has fluorescent red, blue, and green parts built into the body. The fluorescent parts on the head look like a hairdo. It's a fine art.

Is it an anthropomorphic figure?　That's unusual.

　Nia murmurs while comparing the three ancient aircraft 《Legacy》. It's true that compared to the armor-wearing rouge and the gorilla-shaped exoskeleton golems from earlier, they look like they were made to resemble humans.
　However, I wasn't that surprised because we have robotic children that are almost identical to humans. This one still looks like a "doll".

Is this guy also 'gifted'?
You have a gift, I assure you. But we don't know what it is. I can't even activate it in the first place.

　The owner of the store, who spoke in broken English, explained to me that the device normally located in the chest for registering the master would not work. I showed it to Gholem technician, but he spooned it, and this is how it was sold.

That's why I'll give you a discount. I hope you'll buy it.

　The fat proprietor calls out to me as he rubs his hands. Hmm. I say it's cheap, but a king's gold coin is seventy, seven hundred million yen, right?　I don't think the amount is right.
　The gorilla-shaped one from earlier is 500 million, even though we know its abilities. What do you mean it's more expensive than that? It's just that this one looks stronger and more robust.

That can't be helped. I'll take a look. Here.

　The owner pointed to Golem's chest in the case. There was a small star symbol and some letters and numbers engraved on it.

It's the star emblem ... 'Etoile' series, isn't it? No wonder.
I see.

　Nia and Yuri who saw this nodded their heads in agreement. According to what Yuri explained to me, which I didn't understand, the 'Etoile' series is a golem engraved with this star's mark, and is attached to the best of the ancient aircraft, the 'Legacy'.
　It's probably some kind of brand mark of the same maker.
　I found out later that the crown mark is also engraved on the neck of the rouge, although it's hard to see because it's hidden by the armor. That seems to be the brand mark of the 'crown' series.

''Is it real?''
Nobody sells fake goods on the black market, right? You'll be banned and if it's bad, they'll take it away.

　I see. If this is the real 'Etoile' series, then it's worth it even if you don't know what it's capable of.

'So, what do you do, customer?　We'll buy it, right?　You don't buy it, do you?　Essentially, 'Etoile' isn't this cheap, is it?
'Ummm...'

　To tell the truth, I'd prefer a more rugged, almost gate-keeping robot, but I think this would be more suitable as a house-sitter.
　Maybe my doctor will analyze it in various ways, so it might be possible to activate it. Even if it doesn't work, he'll think of another way. Well that's one way to do it.

Good. Bought. But first, let me show you this.

　I take an ingot of adamantite from "storage" and show it to the shopkeeper, who uses suspicious language. The owner looked at it for a while, but then his eyes widened and he turned his head to me.

''This is adamantine iron, right?　Where in the world did you find...?
It's against the rules here to ask for the source, right?　I want you to sell all three of those golems for this and a hundred and thirty king's gold coins.
All three?　Uh.....

　The shopkeeper ponders in front of the Adamantite. The truth is, there were one hundred and fifty king's gold coins, but they were reduced due to the admission fee and all that. It would be helpful if you decide on this amount of money. I'd be happy to pay the entire amount in adamantite, but that would be suspicious.
　Even though it's the "Etoile" series, it's a golem that doesn't activate and a special metal that's rare and valuable even here. The scales of business must be swinging in his head.
　Eventually, the shopkeeper smiled with a nimble smile and opened his mouth.

'You understand. The adamantine iron and the 130 gold coins are my next move. I'll sell them all.
Good call.

　I handed the shopkeeper 130 gold coins and bought the three golems. The reason I bought three of them is partly because I wanted to have them as backups in case something happened, but partly because they look like sisters when they're lined up like this, and I didn't feel like separating them.
　When I put all three of them into storage, the owner saw them and froze, but I decided not to worry about it.

'No matter how many 'Etoile' they are, there are still three of them?
I don't know. I don't know, but it's a good thing to have. You never know when you're going to get it again.

　I'll respond appropriately to Nia's words. At any rate, we've reached one objective now. Now we just need to find a place to set up a dimensional gate. Shall we settle for a small uninhabited island somewhere?
　As I was thinking about this, I heard a faint shout from somewhere.

''........What was that?''
Hmm?　What's going on?

　Nia calls out to me as I suddenly stop.
　Again. The shouts come from far away, mixed in with the murmur of the hustle and bustle here. Not one. I hear several.
　When I look to the side, I see that Rouge has stopped as well, staring up at the ceiling. Up!
　Something is happening on the floor above us.



　What is it?　After a while, the shouting stopped, and now I heard a joyful song.
　The next moment, the thick leather door leading to the ground was sliced in half and slammed to the floor!　And fell.
　Through it all, a song comes out of the darkness of the aisle, clearer than before.

'.........from the hanging table ~ a joyful laugh ~ a knife wielded ~ a doll gouges out the cat's eyes ~'
This voice is.........

　Nia revealed her vigilance and stared at the back of the slashed door.
　Eventually, a girl stepped over the wreckage of that door and appeared.
　She is dressed in a gothic outfit with purple ruffles and a short tiered skirt underneath. And this one was also holding a small purple umbrella. The girl wore slim glasses, but there seemed to be no light in the deep purple eyes behind them.
　Her long, amethyst-like hair was cropped, making her look like a checkerboard doll. At first glance, she looked cute, but the return blood that had been showered all over her body had ruined everything.
　The one thing that bothers me more than anything else is a small purple golem with a long reaper-like scythe standing beside the girl. Its atmosphere and features are very similar to the red golem beside me.

''Hey, I didn't think that was........''
"That golem is the purple 'crown', the Fanatic Viola. And that guy...!
Luna Trieste. Lady Delirium.

　Madness...?　As I was wondering about her words, a girl in front of the entrance began to spin her own umbrella around.

It's just so d*mned good. It's not good enough. Give me your eyeballs and I'll give you a peaceful, eternal sleep in exchange.

　A girl covered in returned blood was spinning around while whispering such a song. Then she looked at us in the hall, smiled, and sang further, "Give me your heart.

Give me your heart, please.