I am Just an Average Tamer

Kai sat inside the luxurious wagon, his back resting lazily against the cushioned seat.

He wore a set of good-looking clothes— a clean, dark-toned tunic made from fine, sturdy fabric, tailored to fit without being overly ornate. Subtle silver stitching ran along the cuffs and collar, just enough to hint at quality without drawing unnecessary attention.

A sword hung loosely at his side, adding the right touch of authority to his role—a competent beast handler.

Across from him sat a man, also well-dressed. He wore a deep blue doublet embroidered with muted gold patterns. A dark velvet cloak draped over one shoulder.

His sharp eyes and composed posture betrayed the fact that he was more than he appeared—one of Dante's trusted men, playing the role of a rich noble.

The man remained silent, hands resting calmly over a polished cane.

Kai didn't mind the silence. He leaned his head back slightly, eyes half-closed, listening to the steady rhythm of wagon wheels crunching over the road.

Finally, Kai broke the silence.

He raised an eyebrow under his half mask and said dryly, "Since I'm supposed to be the beast handler... where's the noble's beast?"

The man across from him smirked, tilting his head lazily. "Aren't you a beast tamer? Why would I need one?"

Then suddenly a blue panel buzzed in front of him.

[<Look at that, big man downgraded to personal pet handler. Should I fetch you a leash too?>]

Kai clicked his tongue lightly in annoyance.

Without another word, he raised his hand and summoned Vex.

A flicker of light appeared beside him, and the small Phantom Lynx beast materialized on the seat.

Vex stretched lazily, yawned, then curled up next to Kai like she owned the entire wagon.

The 'noble' gave an approving nod. "A rare beast at Peak-Intermediate Core rank," he said. "Good. Should keep up appearances nicely."

Kai leaned back against the seat, arms crossed, closing his eyes briefly as the wagon continued its smooth journey.

Outside, rows of mounted guards flanked them, their armor gleaming under the sun.

The sheer number of escorts alone made it clear—no bandit with a working brain would dare to approach.

The journey to Vedric City was uneventful, just as Dante had promised.

But deep in Kai's gut, he knew—the real troubles would begin once they crossed into the city's bustling heart.

After traveling for a few more hours, the sun finally dipped beneath the horizon, painting the sky in muted shades of orange and purple. Their convoy slowed as they reached a small bustling town, nestled at the edge of the outer territories leading to Vedric City.

Deciding it would be best to rest before entering the city, they stopped for the night.

The noble gave a short nod to the captain of the guards, and they quickly arranged for a place to stay. It wasn't anything extravagant, but the inn was clean, well-guarded, and comfortable enough for a night's rest.

Kai followed the others inside, received a key, and made his way to his room.

Kai entered his room quietly, locking the door behind him.

He sat down on the edge of the bed, the wooden frame creaking slightly under him, and recalled Dante's words from earlier.

"Be cautious. Act like you belong there. Don't draw unnecessary attention. And if things go wrong... run first, don't let them catch you, understand?"

Kai exhaled slowly, his mind replayed every instruction, every possibility he needed to be ready for.

The night passed quietly, filled only with the distant hum of the town settling into sleep.

When dawn broke, golden sunlight spilled through the cracked shutters.

Kai woke up and got ready. Vex stretched and got off the bed.

Then they descended and saw others were up to and took a seat at the nearby table to have a breakfast.

By the time the streets began to stir with early risers, Kai and his 'noble' companion were back in the wagon, wheels rattling steadily as they left the town behind.

The path ahead grew wider, smoother, and far more crowded.

After a few more hours of smooth travel, towering stone walls and gleaming spires came into view—Vedric City.

The place buzzed with life, with paved streets stretching wide, lined by lavish shops, clattering carriages, and armored patrols keeping order among the swelling crowds.

Kai and the nobleman stepped down from the wagon and moved through the crowded streets, weaving past hawkers selling jewelry, food, and rare artifacts.

The auction house wasn't hard to spot; it was a grand stone building with ornate carvings and a crimson banner stretched across the entrance.

Streams of people—nobles in lavish clothes, richly-dressed merchants, and a few elite adventurers—poured inside with excitement in their eyes.

As they approached the entrance, the nobleman beside Kai flashed a silver-etched badge at the guards.

The lead guard stiffened instantly, saluting, and barked an order. A neatly dressed female attendant.

She approached politely and led them through a side passage, away from the bustling crowd.

Inside, the auction house was massive—circular rows of plush seats filling the floor, occupied by a mix of nobles in embroidered coats, chatting in hushed tones.

Wealthy commoners dressed to impress, and seasoned adventurers with gleaming weapons.

Crystal chandeliers bathed everything in soft light, while servants in crisp uniforms quietly moved among the guests.

The attendant led them up a narrow staircase to an elevated section overlooking the main floor, and into a private room.

Inside, there were plush sofas, a polished table with refreshments, and a sleek black panel resting on a pedestal—the device used for placing silent bids.

Kai and the nobleman quietly settled onto the sofa, blending into the role of aloof, disinterested aristocrats.

Not long after, the lights dimmed slightly and a middle-aged man in flamboyant robes walked onto the stage, a bright smile stretched across his face.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Vedric Auction House!" he announced with a dazzling smile, voice booming across the hall. "Tonight, we have treasures beyond imagination—including not one, but two extraordinary items that even royal collectors have been eyeing!"