Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2602: 1433: Inside and Outside the Market (Part 2)

“Vice Leader, your prowess and tactical mind have always earned my respect, but you are far too hesitant.”

Reece picked up the thread of the conversation, shrugging with a look of helplessness as he spoke. “What if the Desert Alliance shows up? If they choose to cause trouble, then I will simply deal with them until the bitter end.”

“As for that Human Emperor, he is even less of a concern.”

A savage expression took hold of Reece’s beast-like features as he finished, “To be clear, our current objective is the acquisition of that sixth-order gear. Anyone who dares to block our path will be liquidated without mercy.”

Following those words, Reece’s form blurred as he vanished instantly. The surrounding powerhouses followed his lead, leaving the high ground deserted once more.

Just as the elite forces of the Rainforest Fortress Alliance were rushing toward our Shadow Market, inside the gates of the Secret Realm Market, the Administrator was already greeting a different set of “honored guests.”

“Distinguished visitors, I serve as the Administrator of this Secret Realm Market.”

The Administrator offered a smile to the assembled group, saying, “It is a great privilege for me that you have accepted the invitation to visit my market.”

“Your Excellency, the Administrator, is being far too modest.”

A sharp and seductive female voice rang out as the lead guest pulled back her hood. She revealed a pale, delicate face and smiled, “The true honor belongs to us for receiving your invitation.”

Despite the woman’s striking beauty, her thick, braided hair writhed like a mass of serpents. From time to time, red forked tongues flickered out, making it impossible to tell where hair ended and a nest of snakes began—a sight that brought a chill to the bone.

Furthermore, her lower body was that of a serpent, covered in dense black scales that reflected strange dark glints under the moon’s glow. This was the ruler of the Desert Alliance, Sina, better known as Queen Medusa.

“Her Majesty the Queen is too kind. I have long known of your great reputation, and meeting you today confirms your magnificent presence.”

The Administrator laughed softly, maintaining the polite social exchange.

However, while he spoke, the Administrator was well aware that Queen Medusa, for all her outward courtesy, was a terrifying predator famous for her bloodlust.

Over the past millennium, the number of masters who have died by her hand is beyond counting, including many famous Tier 6 figures from second-tier factions. Even those with high magical resistance would be turned to stone in a heartbeat if they let their guard down, crumbling into dust.

After the initial pleasantries, the Administrator looked toward the Desert Alliance members standing behind Sina and asked, “Your Majesty, did the Vice Leader of your alliance not join you? I had prepared the Vice Leader’s favorite tea specifically for this occasion.”

“The Vice Leader is occupied with critical business and was unable to attend; I hope Your Excellency can forgive the absence.”

Sina’s pale face wore an unreadable smile as she replied, “This high-end market is certainly a lively place, isn't it?”

As she spoke, Sina looked past the Administrator at the vibrant district behind him. She noted the wide, brightly lit avenues occupied by patrolling Market Guards and a multitude of stalls where various guests were browsing, bartering, and trading.

“Indeed, Your Majesty. Among the Dwarves, Dragonborn, Fairy Clan, Minotaurs, Trolls, and Treants, I even spotted Dark Elves and Light Half-Elves.”

A shadow descended swiftly from above, reporting to Sina in a raspy, disguised voice laced with mockery. “Oh, and there are humans and Forest Half-Elves as well, though their presence is so pathetic I nearly missed them.”

The sudden movement caused the two Tier 6 Market Guards flanking the Administrator to instinctively reach for the swords at their hips.

Hearing the mocking tone, the Administrator’s brow furrowed slightly. He signaled his guards to relax before turning to observe the shadow.

The figure was small, hidden by both a hood and a garish, strange mask that concealed its identity. However, judging by the massive aura it radiated, it was clearly a true Tier 6 expert. It was highly skilled at masking its strength, making its exact rank hard to pin down.

As for the other market guests mentioned, they were, of course, the subordinates arranged by Leo Ray.

“Sharp Teeth, do not behave so restlessly here.”

Sina also frowned, then turned back to the Administrator with a smile. “My apologies, Your Excellency. This one hasn't spent much time in markets and isn't familiar with the etiquette.”

Though her words sounded like an apology, Sina’s tone held only a surface level of respect and lacked any real sincerity.

It was to be expected; the Administrator’s status was far below hers, and there had been little prior contact with the Desert Alliance. An arrogant power like theirs naturally wouldn't take him seriously, offering only basic politeness.

“Your Majesty, it is no trouble at all. As long as the market’s core laws are not broken, I am not concerned with the rest.”

The Administrator dismissed the issue with a smile and a wave of his hand.

In the past, the Administrator might have blacklisted such a guest immediately, never to be invited again. However, since Leo Ray was the one orchestrating this event, he had to prioritize the greater plan.

“On that note, Your Excellency, it seems many of the guests here have ties to that increasingly famous Emperor of the Human Race.”

Sina toyed with a strand of hair that looked suspiciously like a snake, a cunning smile on her lips. “What a fascinating coincidence. Do you suppose there is a reason for this?”

“Haha, I will be honest with Her Majesty. Given the range of my invitations, this region is the only place where such powerful candidates can be found.”

The Administrator laughed, avoiding a direct answer.

“That makes sense. If humans were capable of crafting such equipment, those of us who have dealt with second-tier powers for so long would be quite embarrassed.”

Sina arched an eyebrow, her voice carrying a hint of contempt.

“Her Majesty is right. While we have seen signs of the Human Emperor and his troops using sixth-order gear, what Her Majesty seeks are the rarest Tier 6 Wands and Tier 6 Robes. Even major second-tier powers treat those as National Treasures. They are far beyond the reach of simple humans.”

The masked figure laughed mockingly in agreement.

“Your Excellency, when might we see the equipment mentioned in the invitation? I am becoming impatient.”

Sina’s eyes flashed with interest as she asked, “The low-level items here simply cannot hold my attention.”

“Please be patient, Your Majesty. A few more important guests have yet to arrive.”

With perfect professional poise, the Administrator smiled. “Once those guests are here, I will personally lead you to the viewing area.”

“It seems the others are here.”

Before the Administrator could finish, Sina looked toward the entrance, her eyebrows knitting together. “Indeed, it is the very group I have been itching to deal with.”

As Sina spoke, figures emerged at the massive market gates. It was the Rainforest Fortress Alliance, with Reece at the front.

“I thought I smelled something foul; it turns out some bottom-feeders reached the market ahead of us.”

Upon seeing Sina and the Desert Alliance, Reece’s lion-like face twisted with disdain, and he let out a cold snort.

“Haha, the Leader is right; I also detect a certain stench in the air.”

Old Susan glanced at Sina and added her own mockery.

“Where did this annoying fly come from, buzzing so loudly?”

Sina’s face turned grim instantly, and she began walking directly toward her rivals, her followers close behind.