Since her arrival at the manor, Arna had maintained a cold and detached demeanor. Aaron observed her actions from a distance, neither pressuring nor pushing her, merely offering her occasional hints of freedom to train, along with books and weapons that would aid her in her path as a ranger.
One morning, Aaron stood at the edge of the training grounds, quietly watching Arna's practice. Her movements were light and swift, her steps agile. With a steady breath, she drew back her longbow, sending arrows flying like gusts of wind, each one striking the target dead center. Aaron noted that although she was currently at a silver rank, her half-elf heritage and natural talent granted her nearly limitless potential on the ranger's path.
"What is it, Lord Aaron? Couldn't resist coming to watch over me yourself?" Arna's voice broke the silence, tinged with a mocking edge as her cold gaze met Aaron's, as if he were a stranger poised to betray her at any moment.
"Not watch over," Aaron replied with a calm smile. "I'm merely here to see if my investment is worthwhile."
"Investment?" Arna scoffed, her tone thick with disdain. "I'm nothing but your slave. You bought me simply to control me."
Aaron did not deny her accusation, but studied her with serious intent. "I don't need slaves, nor do I need a subordinate who cannot follow commands. My only goal is to build a force loyal to me. If you choose to follow, you'll gain freedom, dignity, and power."
"Freedom?" Arna's voice was laced with skepticism, her gaze harsh. "Would a noble like you truly respect my freedom?"
"Freedom is a two-way bargain," Aaron replied steadily, a faint weight in his tone. "Prove you're worth it, and with me, your freedom will extend far beyond your understanding of the word 'slave.'"
Arna stared at him, her expression complicated, and then looked down without replying. Aaron knew that this fragile trust would need time to flourish. He turned away from the training grounds with a plan in mind: soon, he would test her loyalty on a real mission.
A few days later, Aaron received a secret message from the black market.
The letter came from an unknown merchant who claimed to possess rare forbidden materials—precious resources for anyone cultivating forbidden arts. Aaron suspected that this transaction might involve the Shadow Alliance, making it the perfect opportunity to probe their influence.
The black market's underground transaction site was located in an abandoned wine cellar. Cloaked in black, Aaron covered his face in shadow and took Arna along.
Arna was silent throughout the journey, her gaze sharp and unyielding, fully aware of Aaron's intention. Bringing her to a place so fraught with danger was undoubtedly a test of her loyalty.
As they entered the cellar, the air was damp and cold, with the musty scent of mold hanging in the dim, yellow light from magical lamps that made the narrow passages feel like a descent into the abyss. Aaron and Arna moved deeper until they reached the end, where several black market merchants awaited them in the shadows.
"Lord Aaron, to what do we owe the honor of your presence?" the head merchant greeted him with a smile, though there was a subtle hostility hidden behind it.
Aaron remained calm, his voice cold. "I hear you possess some forbidden materials. I am interested."
The head merchant grinned, pulling out a crystal that glowed faintly blue. "This here is an Oblivion Crystal, accessible only through special Shadow Alliance channels. It's not only useful for forbidden arts but also works as a medium for secret techniques. Once activated, it can seal an enemy's magic in one arm."
Aaron's gaze sharpened. The Oblivion Crystal was indeed rare and, if used well, could greatly hinder an opponent's abilities. However, he didn't rush to act, instead scanning the area and noting the armed guards lurking in the shadows.
"Of course, Lord Aaron, this item doesn't come cheap," the head merchant said, his eyes narrowing with a shrewd gleam. "Five thousand gold coins, firm price."
Aaron smiled slightly and replied, "Three thousand."
The merchant was momentarily stunned, then scowled. "Lord Aaron, this is the black market. Our prices are non-negotiable."
"I never make a deal at a loss," Aaron replied with unyielding authority, his tone leaving no room for argument. He raised his hand slightly, and Arna instantly drew her bowstring, aiming an arrow at the merchant's face, a clear warning.
The head merchant's expression faltered, a glint of menace in his eyes. One of his guards stepped forward, hand on his sword.
The air grew tense, thick with killing intent. Unperturbed, Aaron held the merchant's gaze, his own as sharp as a blade cutting through the darkness. At his side, Arna's stance remained steady, her gaze fierce with a rekindled lust for battle.
Finally, the merchant sighed, gesturing for his guards to step back, and forced a wry smile. "Very well. Three thousand gold coins, then. Lord Aaron, you certainly know how to drive a hard bargain."
Once the transaction was complete, Aaron and Arna wasted no time, leaving the black market with the Oblivion Crystal in hand. Though Aaron's expression remained impassive, he continued observing Arna closely.
Arna's grip on her bow remained steady, her eyes calm and composed. To her, the previous standoff had been nothing more than a routine display of force. Aaron felt a sense of satisfaction—her combat instincts and cool judgment would indeed be valuable assets.
Back at the manor, Aaron placed the Oblivion Crystal in a secure chamber and instructed Arna to wait in the study. After a moment, he entered, laying several tactical books on ranger techniques before her.
"Your abilities are impressive," Aaron said, his gaze sharp and composed. "But raw talent alone won't be enough. If you truly want freedom, you'll need to grow stronger—to be able to face down anyone who would try to control you."
Arna was silent for a moment before she finally spoke, her voice soft. "Do I have a choice?"
Aaron's smile was faint, his tone low. "You may choose any path to prove yourself. If there comes a day when you feel I can no longer offer you the freedom you seek, you are free to leave at any time."
Arna looked up at him, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes before she nodded slowly. "Understood."