Frederick’s eyes gleamed as he leaned back in his chair, his voice low and steady. “Of course, there’s a black market. To be honest, most Awakeners use it for things they don’t want the public to know about.”

  James blinked in disbelief. “A black market? For what, exactly?”

  Frederick’s lips curled into a half-smile. “Anything, kid. As long as you have the money, you can get your hands on pretty much anything—even your own Void Crack.”

  James’s eyes widened. “Wait, is that even possible? Own a Void Crack?”

  “Definitely. It’s rare, and it isn’t easy to get, but it’s possible. The Awakeners Black Market has branches everywhere,” Frederick explained, voice dropping as though sharing a secret.

  James’s mind raced, trying to grasp the enormity of what he was hearing. “But... how do countries even allow something like that? A market that pretty much operates like its own government?”

  Frederick chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s not that they want it to operate—it’s more that they get their cut. As long as things don’t go too far off the rails, it’s convenient for their high-level Awakeners. And, to be honest, they’re too scared to shut it down.”

  “Scared of what?” James pressed, confusion in his voice.

  “Because six out of the twelve National Awakeners are in bed with the black market,” Frederick said, leaning in as if sharing the most critical piece of information.

  “National Awakeners have that much power?” James’s voice was barely above a whisper. “Are they... legends or something?”

  “You’re not wrong. They could level entire countries if they felt like it. Not even an army of high-level Awakeners could stand against one of them. Only another National Awakener can go toe-to-toe with them. That’s why countries stay quiet about the market.”

  James let out a breath of relief. “That explains a lot.”

  “So, what’s your business with the ABM?” Frederick asked, eyebrow raised, his curiosity piqued.

  James hesitated for a moment before speaking. “The Void Break regulations are... frustrating. I want a place where I can handle one the way I want, without any eyes on me.”

  Frederick gave a dry laugh. “Calm down, kid. The ABM might seem all-powerful, but they have rules too. The difficulty of each Void Break is no joke—it gets harder the further you go. You’ll see when we get there.” He stood, signaling James to follow.

  James deactivated the barrier surrounding them and followed Frederick through the busy streets.

  “How do we get there?” James asked, curiosity growing.

  “There’s an entrance on almost every corner in this town. You just have to know where to look.” Frederick stopped in front of a ragged hobo, flashing him an ID. The man scanned it, and with a nod, pointed to a metal door nearby. It slid open, revealing a small, dimly lit room.

  Frederick pushed a button, and the floor beneath them rumbled as an elevator descended. The doors slid open, revealing a vast underground expanse. James couldn’t help but stare in awe.

  The ABM was like an entire city beneath the earth—its high ceilings stretched impossibly far, supported by towering white pillars, and the pristine tiles gleamed under the fluorescent lights. It was an expansive world beneath a world.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  They moved through the labyrinth of hallways until they reached a counter. Behind it sat a man, typing away at a computer. He looked up, his expression lighting up when he saw Frederick.

  “Frederick! You old dog, how’ve you been?” the man asked, standing up to shake his hand.

  “I’ve been good, Femi. Still doing the same thing, huh?” Frederick grinned.

  Femi laughed, returning to his seat. “Business as usual. So, what brings you here this time? You got another bright idea? Or maybe you’ve found a potential high-level Awakener that all the Vanguards will be fighting over?”

  Frederick waved him off. “Screw you, man. Those were just... slip-ups.”

  Femi’s gaze flicked to James standing beside Frederick. “And who’s the kid?”

  “I need to clear a Void Break without anyone seeing,” James spoke up, stepping forward.

  Femi’s eyebrows shot up. “That’s easy enough.”

  “What’s your level?” he asked, typing quickly.

  “Level 1,” James responded.

  “How many cups?” Femi asked, glancing up.

  “One,” James answered, a little unsure of why it mattered.

  “And your ability?”

  “Materialization.”

  Femi leaned back, clearly puzzled. “What’s that supposed to be?”

  James didn’t hesitate. “It’s like this.” He raised his hand, and a shimmering sword of pure energy appeared in the air between them.

  Femi froze, eyes locked on the glowing blade. “Kid... that’s not materialization.”

  But the sword began to change before their eyes, transforming into a small, glowing stone. The energy shifted, not as though it were being summoned, but as if it were being reshaped.

  Frederick and Femi exchanged stunned glances. Neither spoke for a long moment, and then Frederick whispered urgently, “Kid, for your own good, never show that ability in front of anyone again."

  "Not even him.” James gestured to Femi.

  “Yeah... don’t mention it to anyone,” Frederick added, his tone sharp.

  Femi’s eyes were wide, still in shock. “Can I... keep it?”

  James was taken aback. “Keep it?”

  Frederick snatched the glowing stone from the counter before Femi could reach it. “No way. I brought him here, so I get to keep it.”

  “Alright, alright,” Femi sighed, a mischievous glint in his eye. “But I’m recording his ‘true’ ability.”

  Frederick frowned, reluctantly handing the stone over. “Fine.”

  Femi’s expression turned serious as he typed into his terminal. “Well, with this new file, even considering his real ability... he’s cleared for a mid-level city Void Break. He’s got a long way to go before he can handle a high-level one solo.”

  James nodded. “Mid-level works fine for me, Can i really enter one alone?”

  Femi leaned back, considering. “City Breaks don’t require much regulation. The money’s in the Nation Breaks. City breaks? Not so much. In fact, there’s barely any oversight.”

  James raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

  Femi lowered his voice. “It’s not uncommon for Awakeners to end up dead in a city break. A lot of low-levels don’t make it out, and if you have enough cash or connections, the overseer won’t ask any questions.”

  James didn’t flinch, absorbing the information.

  He then leaned forward. “One last thing—what’s behind a Void Break?”

  Femi and Frederick exchanged looks before bursting into laughter.

  “Who knows?” Femi said, wiping a tear from his eye. “No one’s ever made it through one. Even the lowest-ranked Void Cracks are full of chaotic energy. There’s no way to navigate them.”

  James’s mind raced. "Then why was I able to enter one? Was it just a fluke... or is there something more?"

  Femi clapped him on the back. “I’ve registered you for a mid-level Void Break. You’re good to go in two days.” He handed James two ID cards.

  James inspected them, frowning. “What’s this?”

  “One’s your ABM entry card. The other is your official ID: Level 1 Awakener, conjuration ability,” Femi explained.

  Frederick gave a serious look. “Listen, kid. Clearing a Void Break through the ABM means you only get half the reward, and you better keep that real ability of yours a secret.”

  James frowned. “Is it really that bad?”

  Frederick sighed, his eyes distant. “It’s better if you don’t know.”

  Femi leaned in. “And here’s the kicker—one million CP for everything.”

  James choked. “one million?!” He groaned, his wallet feeling suddenly empty.

  “Quit messing around, Femi,” Frederick shot back. “You know I used up that favor you owe me.”

  Femi grinned, dismissing his previous remark.“It’s just a joke, Frederick. But for you, kid? Next time you want to clear a mid-level Void Break, though? The price goes down to five hundred thousand. But just so you know. you don't get paid for this mid level city break.”

  James glanced at Frederick. "I guess There’s more to him than what meets the eyes".