So, led by the black-clad masked man, the three of them navigated through the intricate sewer system with ease. It turns out having a guide is really important when sightseeing in these underground tunnels.

The lead masked man moved swiftly, not hesitating even at junctions. It seems like he's very familiar with this place, Ryuto assumed as he followed behind.

Could he be a sewer worker? Or perhaps one of the underground people?

...

Well, let's set that aside for now. Regardless.

Since we managed to run into him at this moment...

It shouldn't be a coincidence. Moreover, this guy seems to know that we are urgently looking for a way out. He didn't even ask where we came from, so he must be aware.

In that case...

Could it be that he's been tailing us all along?

Damn! A stalker?

Looking at it from another perspective, even if he knew we were the culprits who caused chaos in the auction house, he still chose to lead us out. If he's affiliated with the auction house, he wouldn't do such a thing.

Well, we can’t rule out the possibility that this could be a trap.

But ultimately, there shouldn't be a need to do so, it would be too troublesome.

And if he's the reinforcements from the other side, his attire is just too odd.

With these thoughts in mind, Ryuto once again scrutinized the black-clad masked man in front.

Could the other party have a special unit of black-clad masked men, and this guy is the captain of that unit?

Damn! Their scale is too large, it seems like...

No, why does it feel like I'm getting further away from the truth.

To wipe out the strange fantasies in his mind, Ryuto vigorously shook his head.

Well, no matter what, it's better not to dwell too much on this issue. After all, if this were in a game, this type of character is generally considered a hidden character and should not reveal their identity until the very end, even though this isn't a game, but...

Let's just follow the rules as if it were a game.

Hmm...

Maintaining mystery for such a character is crucial.

At that moment, the other party suddenly stopped in their tracks.

"Here we are, that's it."

Saying so, the person turned around.

"Oh, is that the exit?"

Ryuto ran towards it excitedly.

"We can finally get out, thank you, even though I have no idea who you are..."

He turned around and said that, but...

Huh? No one there? What's going on?

Ryuto looked around carefully again, but still, no one was there.

"No one here.”

Muttered Ryuto as a wry smile appeared on his face.

"Yes, Ryuto-sama."

Upon receiving a definite answer.

...

Cold sweat began to trickle down Ryuto's back.

Just blinked, and they were gone. Could this be...

A ghost, as the legends suggest?

No, no, even though sewers are known as gathering places for ghosts, how could I be so lucky as to experience something like winning the jackpot of 5 million? I don't have that kind of luck.

"Haha, true."

Chuckling awkwardly.

But...

Even so, it's kind of reassuring himself, the more he thinks about it, the more terrifying it becomes.

"Never mind, Hiyori, let's go." With that, Ryuto scrambled up the ladder as if escaping from something.

Meanwhile, Oh great spirit, please do not come looking for me. Though I have made many mistakes in the past, they were just minor ones. I have never done anything dishonest, please believe me, I am truly an upstanding citizen.

With these desperate prayers in their heart.