My Card Girl's Infinite Evolution

Luo Sheng listened quietly from the side.

After all, Zhao Haifeng knew far more about Pingcheng than he did.

Having an uncle who worked in the Card Alliance gave Zhao Haifeng access to information others could only dream of.

As they say, "The ultimate destination in life is a government job."

"If I ever gain enough strength, I might consider taking the civil service exam and joining the Card Alliance myself," Luo Sheng mused internally.

He envisioned his retirement plan: graduating from the Cardmaster Academy, attending a Cardmaster University for a few years, then taking a job in the Card Alliance. He'd spend his days with a thermos of wolfberry tea, chatting with colleagues, earning a stable salary, and coming home to his virtual waifu.

What a life.

Zhao Haifeng continued his explanation:

"The black market is now the main hub for Cardmasters to trade. It covers almost all areas—enhancement, forging, a general marketplace. Most importantly, it's cheap, with almost no fees or commissions.

"That's why everyone loves trading there. Unlike official markets, where the Card Alliance or major corporations take hefty cuts, the black market lets you keep your earnings.

"Cardmasters are broke by nature, squeezing every penny. So the black market is their haven."

Luo Sheng frowned slightly. "But doesn't the Card Alliance lose significant revenue because of this?"

Zhao Haifeng smirked. "You don't need to worry about the Alliance's finances. They actually have a stake in the black market.

"For example, auction houses and special services like crafting are often run by Alliance-appointed staff. Their earnings go straight to the Alliance's coffers.

"In truth, the Alliance profits more this way. Even major corporations have joined in, opening stores in the black market to make trades tax-free and commission-free.

"The black market is essentially a win-win-win situation. It doesn't follow the same rules, and with everyone masked, there's no risk of long-term consequences from deals gone wrong.

"Sure, the Alliance makes a show of cracking down on illegal activities, but deep down, they're all for it."

Luo Sheng pondered this. The black market sounded remarkably like the "free trade zones" from his previous life—except it still allowed illicit transactions.

The two turned into an increasingly desolate street, the path darkening until they reached the end. At the very end was a pitch-black void radiating an unsettling aura.

"Put on your mask," Zhao Haifeng instructed. "You won't need a name inside; money talks loudest here."

Luo Sheng nodded, summoning his [Black Mask] and placing it over his face.

"Once we're inside, how will I recognize you?" Luo Sheng asked.

"Follow me."

Zhao Haifeng led the way, handing over 2,000 credits to a masked guard at the entrance.

As they stepped through the void, their bodies felt momentarily weightless. Emerging into a brightly lit space, Luo Sheng found himself in a new world entirely.

The sky above was a galaxy of shimmering stars. Streets were lined with peculiar adventurer shops and guild-like buildings. Walking among them were dwarves, elves, beastmen, and steampunk-style robots.

The streets were adorned with colorful lanterns, and a massive bonfire blazed in the distance.

The entire scene resembled something straight out of Adventurers & Dungeons.

"Huh?"

Luo Sheng looked down at himself and froze.

His reflection in a nearby blacked-out window revealed a transformed appearance—pointy ears, golden hair, and a Western-style face resembling a high elf.

It was like something out of Avatar, with his real self piloting an alien body.

"Check your appearance," Zhao Haifeng teased.

Luo Sheng observed his reflection, astonished. Zhao Haifeng, meanwhile, looked entirely different—transformed into a pink-haired catgirl. With fuzzy ears, a long tail, and soft, pale skin, he embodied the perfect blend of cute and surreal—except for his muscular chest and hairy legs, which were distinctly masculine.

"Cross-dresser?" Luo Sheng's eyes widened, his face a mix of shock and confusion.

His scalp tingled. "Wait a second... did you get close to me because...?" Luo Sheng instinctively took a step back, guarding himself. "Sorry, I already have someone I like."

Zhao Haifeng let out a helpless sigh, shaking his head. "It's not what you think! This mask originally belonged to my cousin. She didn't want it anymore, so she gave it to me. I had no idea it would retain some of her characteristics!"

Luo Sheng reluctantly accepted the explanation, though he still kept a wary eye on Zhao Haifeng.

The two began wandering the streets, Luo Sheng marveling at the unfamiliar surroundings.

Aside from card transactions, the market offered a host of services, such as forging weapon cards and fusing material cards.

"These blacksmiths specialize in weapons and material cards," Zhao Haifeng explained. "They're classified separately from enhancement specialists, who handle character or special cards. It's part of the Alliance's professional standards."

Luo Sheng nodded. As he watched the forgers work, he considered his unique abilities. Thanks to his Dream Realm, he could enhance all types of cards—characters, weapons, and materials alike.

If he ever worked here, though, he'd probably limit himself to character cards to keep his secret safe.

As they walked, they passed coffee shops, tea houses, and even intelligence exchange hubs for Cardmasters.

But then they came across something disturbing—a red-light district.

Several Japanese-style buildings lined the street, their pink or red lanterns glowing dimly. Through glass windows, motionless girls stood on display, their empty eyes and expressionless faces resembling dolls.

The entrances were packed with customers.

"Even places like this exist here?" Luo Sheng frowned deeply at the sight.

Zhao Haifeng nodded. "This is the black market's 'club' scene. The Alliance bans human sex workers, so they offer card girls instead. Prices start at 50,000 credits for a night, but rare card girls can go for over 500,000."

Luo Sheng's frown deepened. "Don't they worry about the cards rebelling or breaking?"

"Some organizations use secret techniques to anchor card girls to the real world, suppressing their will completely. They become mindless dolls."

Hearing this, Luo Sheng recalled the card master Paul, who had offered 5 million credits for Alice. No doubt, she would've ended up in a place like this.

Clenching the card box in his pocket, Luo Sheng silently vowed to protect his card girls from such fates.

(Chapter End)