There is a market that everyone knows about, but no one speaks of aloud.

A place forbidden by law. Yet, it is a black market where the local government turns a blind eye because of the high-ranking nobles and wealthy merchants who frequent it.

Here, people are priced according to grades: First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth.

Their appearance, health, stamina, talent, and obedience. Everything became a subject of evaluation, and higher grades were traded at astronomical prices.

Then one day, the entire market was abuzz.

"I heard a First-Grade is coming in today."
"I heard he's extremely rare even among First-Grades?"

Unlike usual, a massive crowd gathered in front of the auction house, leaving no room to even step. And after a short while, a man revealed himself.

His body was a mess of dust and bloodstains, but he was a man whose face was so refined that one could believe he was a young master from a famous noble family. The indifferent gaze visible through his disheveled black hair was closer to resignation than fear, and that appearance only served to further stimulate people's desires.

Rumors that he possessed extraordinary looks and intelligence, making his status as a slave hard to believe, spread throughout the market in an instant.