A family of merchants

- The Fagusio Family is a merchant organization with a broad operational range. We have established our business almost everywhere. Each Fagusio has its own specialty, so you can trust us for a wide range of products that meet the highest quality standards!

- Mr. Fagusio, your family seems nice and all, but we didn’t ask-

Ignoring Pietra’s protest, Anlero Faguiso passionately continues.

- We may seem shady at first glance, but we are honorable merchants. Respecting our customers' privacy and ensuring that we never leak any transaction records is the least we offer! That is why you never need to worry when negotiating with the family!

- Do you guys sell slaves? - Kai bluntly asks.

- Kai! - Nicholas scolds him.

- I want to know their options.

- All forms of slavery are strongly forbidden worldwide, sadly.

- Sadly?

The unfortunate group of friends and their possibly elven mascot could finally have a few hours of rest inside an oddly comfortable yet crumpled carriage. Gladly, none of them woke up as a non-voluntary organ donor. Still traveling with the extravagant merchant, they plan on what to do next.

- Where are you taking us again?

- Vatogus, dear traveler! There is no better place when it comes to climbing out of the bottom!

- Sounds vaguely worrying - Pietra states, suspicious.

Anlero laughs.

- Fear not! Vatogus is a bustling port city. It has plenty of opportunities and a diverse population. Newcomers like you will fit perfectly!

- Are there any catgirls there?

Pietra hits Kai in the head.

- Mr. Fagusio, you called us “newcomers” again. Why did you use this term, specifically?

- You see, around two years from now, travelers from afar have come to these lands, running from their old lives. Since your clothes tell me you are not from here, I assumed you were the same. Was I mistaken, miss?

- Uuh… Not entirely.

- Excellent! I still have a good hunch!

She looks at her friends and whispers.

- I think he’s onto us. Should we beat him?

- Pia, relax. I know he is eccentric, but he is helping us.

- Since I was not stabbed so far, I agree - Kai gives her a thumbs up.

- You guys are too carefree. His choice of words is clearly deliberate!

- I agree we need to be cautious, especially after everything we've been through, but we are not in one of Gio’s campaigns. We don’t need to analyze his words this carefully.

- Bubble?

Asai, who has only been listening until now, offers a solution.

- No, Asai. There is no need for scary orbs of mass destruction.

- Aww… - she pouts.

- Yet - Pietra adds.

Asai tilts her head.

- Wet…? Fish?

- No more fish - Kai instantly declares.

- Okay, let’s focus here. Should we ask him anything about this world? We know barely anything.

- Of course not. What if we ask something everyone should know, and he gets the confirmation he needs?

- Kai already asked about slaves.

- Damn it, Kai!

- I was curious.

- We know you were considering getting a pretty slave with a sad backstory for yourself. There is no need to hide it.

- Urgh…

The carriage stops.

- Dear travelers, we arrived!

The gang gets out one by one, anxious about what to expect. Is it a port city, as Fagusio said, or perhaps a circus they will have to work their entire lives on? As they look at the horizon, Vatogus lies ahead.

Inside a deep ravine that leads to a beautiful blue sea, there is a vertical city predominantly constructed of wood and chains. Improvised elevators provide access to various floors, where residential and commercial spaces coexist. Suspension bridges connect the two sides of the ravine, facilitating the passage of people and merchandise. Far away, ships of many sizes and flags come and go, and the vast number of citizens makes the place lively, although most of them look rather mean-looking.

- Fagusio, this place looks cool and all, but… Why does it seem a paradise for pirates, smugglers, and mercenaries? - Kai questions.

- Well, because it is, of course.

- Why did you bring us here?!

- As I said, dear traveler. It’s a place of opportunity for those in need! I’m sure you will be able to fit nicely with your bloodied clothes and… Corrupting features.

He winks at the group.

- Guys…

Pietra looks at her friends with a face that says, “he is doing it again”.

- We, uh, thank you for helping us - Nicholas tries to be polite.

- Oh, please! The only request I have is for you to remember my family whenever you need something, whether it is special or insignificant. There is a Fagusio in Vatogus. Go to him when you are drowning in coins!

- How do we find him?

- If a Fagusio you seek to track, follow the trail of purple and black.

- You were dying to say that, weren’t you?

- I’ll be on my way. Be safe and prosper!

With that, he does a mischievous grin and leaves, driving his carriage down the road.

- Asaaai! - she waves him farewell.

- We ended up not asking what kind of product he sells.

- We will probably meet him again.

- Of course we will! I'm telling you, he knows us!

They all focus on the ravine before them. A big and long ramp made of loose planks descends to the bottom. It appears to be the only way inside from their location.

- Oh, well…

- Wait, before we go.

Nicholas takes off his cape and wears it on Asai, kinda like a cloak.

- Let’s do our best not to attract more attention than we already will, okay?

She cutely salutes, despite not necessarily understanding what he is saying.

As the team walks down, the smell of salt becomes stronger. The planks creak and shift slightly, indicating that every step in Vatogus can be dangerous. Reaching the bottom, the sea water constantly shook the wooden floor, giving the sensation of being inside a docked ship.

Pietra analyzes their surroundings. There is not a single spot where you can’t see someone drinking, carrying something stolen, or meaninglessly fighting. It’s chaotic. Thankfully, people around are so busy that no one has time to pay attention to them.

- Okay, everyone. Let’s stay together and learn what we can. We also need money to buy food and get a place to stay.

No answer.

- Guys?

There is no one with her. As she quickly looks around, she can’t find any of them.

- Great…