Honkai Star Rail : Shadows of Nihility

The faint glow of Aurum Alley shimmered on the horizon like a distant constellation, its flickering lights reflecting the Luofu's characteristic blend of grandeur and decay. The infamous trade hub was known for its contradictions—a bustling center of commerce filled with legitimate merchants and back-alley deals alike. To Wei Longshen, it was both a destination and a battlefield. If his stolen weapons had made their way to the black markets, Aurum Alley was the most likely place to start.

Wei moved silently through the dense forest as the shadows of towering trees thinned out. The forest edge gave way to winding paths carved into the jagged cliffs that overlooked the sprawling expanse of the alley. From his vantage point, he could see traders arriving by the dozens, some in carriages drawn by luminous beasts, others on foot, carrying crates of goods marked with the intricate sigils of the Luofu's artisanal forges.

The faint hum of a Cloud Knight patrol buzzed in the distance, their airships casting broad beams of light over the crowded roads. Wei lingered in the shadows, watching the rhythmic sweep of their searchlights. Though his escape from the Shackling Prison had yet to be widely publicized, the bounty hunters from the previous night were proof enough that his movements were being tracked. He couldn't afford to draw attention—not yet.

Aurum Alley was as chaotic as Wei remembered. The air buzzed with the noise of merchants shouting over one another, haggling over prices for everything from glowing herbs to weapons adorned with celestial motifs. The clash of cultures and traditions was evident everywhere, with kiosks selling goods from across the Luofu and even other Xianzhou flagships. Lanterns hung on delicate strings above the narrow walkways, casting warm hues of gold and red against the worn cobblestones.

Wei pulled his hood lower, weaving through the crowd with practiced subtlety. Every step was deliberate, every movement calculated to avoid notice. The occasional brush of an armored shoulder or the clink of a sword at a trader's side reminded him that Aurum Alley was no stranger to violence. Here, disputes were settled as often with blades as they were with words.

His target was a specific part of the market—the Underbranch, a hidden enclave where smugglers and mercenaries brokered deals far from the eyes of the Cloud Knights. Wei had spent years navigating the Luofu's underworld during his time with the Moonlit Veil, and the Underbranch had always been a reliable place for information. If his weapons were here, someone would know.

Wei's steps led him to a small, dimly lit shop nestled at the edge of the Underbranch. The shop's exterior was unassuming, with faded banners and a faintly glowing sign that read, "Reclaimed Relics." Inside, shelves lined the walls, cluttered with trinkets, weapons, and artifacts, some gleaming with celestial craftsmanship, others dulled by age.

Behind the counter stood a wiry man with a sharp nose and calculating eyes. His robes were plain but immaculate, a sign of someone who valued appearances despite his shady dealings. As Wei entered, the man glanced up, his gaze lingering on the newcomer with a hint of suspicion.

"We don't sell to strangers," the merchant said, his tone clipped. "Especially ones who walk in like ghosts."

Wei approached the counter, his movements smooth and unthreatening. He reached into his cloak and withdrew a small token—a silver coin engraved with a crescent moon and crossed blades, the insignia of the Moonlit Veil. The merchant's eyes widened slightly before narrowing again.

"Moonlit business, is it?" the man asked, his tone softening but still cautious.

"Information," Wei replied, sliding the coin across the counter. "There was a shipment recently. High-grade suppressors, weapons—marked with Shackling Prison runes."

The merchant hesitated, his fingers brushing against the token as if weighing its worth. "You're not the first to ask about that shipment," he said finally. "But you're the first to survive this long."

Wei's eyes narrowed. "Who else?"

"A few bounty hunters. Eager types, too loud for their own good. Word is, they were following orders from someone higher up." The merchant leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper. "There's talk of a new buyer in the market. Someone with deep pockets and a keen interest in relics of power."

Wei's jaw tightened. The description was vague, but the mention of relics caught his attention. His weapons weren't ordinary—they were artifacts tied to his identity as an Emanator. If someone was targeting items of similar significance, it could mean his weapons were in play.

"Where?" Wei asked.

The merchant hesitated, his gaze flicking toward the door as if weighing the risks. Finally, he leaned closer. "There's a private auction tonight. Hosted by a trader named Xi Ren. He operates out of a warehouse near the east docks. But be careful—this isn't the kind of place where you walk in uninvited."

Wei gave a curt nod, slipping the token back into his cloak. "I'll handle it."

The east docks were quiet compared to the bustling main thoroughfares of Aurum Alley. The faint smell of salt and metal hung in the air as Wei approached the warehouse described by the merchant. Its towering walls were reinforced with steel, and faint glyphs etched into the entrances shimmered with defensive energy.

Wei crouched in the shadows, observing the guards stationed outside. They were well-equipped, their armor glinting faintly in the moonlight. Unlike the bounty hunters or Cloud Knights, these men carried themselves with the precision of hired professionals—mercenaries paid to protect something valuable.

The faint murmur of voices reached Wei's ears as he moved closer. Inside, the auction was already underway. He caught snippets of conversation: the exchange of bids, the sharp retorts of the auctioneer, and the occasional cheer of a winning offer. His instincts sharpened. If his weapons were here, he would need to act quickly and decisively.

Wei slipped past the outer guards with practiced ease, using the shadows and the commotion of the auction to mask his movements. The interior of the warehouse was a stark contrast to its exterior—lavish rugs, glowing lanterns, and ornate tables adorned the space, creating an air of opulence that felt out of place in the dingy docks.

At the center of the room stood a raised platform, where items were displayed for the bidders. A faint hum of suppressed energy reached Wei's senses, his heart tightening as his gaze fell on a set of weapons laid out on the platform. The blades were unmistakable, their celestial etchings glowing faintly in the light. His weapons.

Wei's mind raced. The room was packed with potential enemies—mercenaries, bidders, and even the auctioneer himself, a shrewd-looking man dressed in flowing robes. A direct confrontation would draw too much attention, but he couldn't leave without reclaiming what was his.

He moved silently along the edges of the room, his eyes scanning for weaknesses. The guards were stationed strategically, their gazes sweeping the crowd. One stood near a set of glyph-etched crates, his posture stiff but inattentive. Wei approached him from behind, his movements silent as the void. With a precise strike to the man's neck, the guard crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

Wei slipped into the shadows again, his path clear. The platform was within reach. As the auctioneer turned to present the next item, Wei sprang forward, his movements a blur. Shadows coiled around him, shrouding his approach as he reached the platform. His hands closed around the hilt of his weapons, the familiar weight grounding him even as the room erupted in chaos.

The guards reacted immediately, shouts filling the air as they closed in. But Wei was faster. He spun, his reclaimed blades cutting through the glyph-etched air as shadows surged forward, engulfing the nearest attackers. The crowd scattered, some fleeing for the exits, others frozen in fear.

Wei didn't linger. With his weapons in hand and the element of surprise on his side, he moved swiftly, cutting through the confusion as he escaped into the night.