With his father's support secured at the family council, Aaron quickly set his plans in motion to infiltrate the Shadow Alliance's peripheral forces. The trust Count Vicente had extended provided him with ample resources, giving him an ideal opportunity to make contact with black market factions.
Recalling his past life, Aaron knew that the Shadow Alliance's vast network wasn't sustained solely by high-ranking members, but also by a complex web of affiliated groups. These small gangs and merchants, though not highly ranked, were critical sources of information and financial support for the Alliance. Among them, a small group known as the "Red Moon Gang" had frequently collaborated with the Shadow Alliance, supplying rare materials and specialized labor. Although not a core player in the black market, the gang was a key branch under the Alliance's control. If Aaron could infiltrate the Red Moon Gang, it might lead him to a path into the Alliance itself.
Using family connections, Aaron tracked down a merchant with ties to the Red Moon Gang and arranged a secret meeting under the pretense of a business discussion.
A Few Days Later, in a Secret Black Market Trading Location
The meeting place was a hidden cellar, dimly lit by flickering flames that cast eerie shadows on damp stone walls. The air was thick with the smell of mold and gunpowder. Cloaked in dark attire, Aaron sat in the corner, his face shrouded in shadow as he waited for the Red Moon Gang merchant.
Moments later, the cellar door creaked open, and a wiry, sly-looking man stepped in, dressed in simple leather armor. His steps were light but cautious, his eyes darting around the room with guarded suspicion.
"So, I hear that the young lord of the Vicente family is interested in a partnership?" the man said, his tone laced with mockery, clearly doubting that a noble would risk coming to the black market in person.
Without responding, Aaron tossed a small pouch of gold to the merchant. The pouch flew through the air in a graceful arc before landing in the merchant's hands. The man's eyes gleamed as he opened the pouch to find it filled with gold coins.
"This gold is merely an introduction," Aaron said coldly, watching the merchant with a piercing gaze. "My purpose is simple—I need rare magical materials, specifically those used in forbidden arts. And you, as a member of the Red Moon Gang, can provide them."
The merchant froze, a flicker of fear crossing his face. "How do you know… about the Red Moon Gang?" His hand instinctively moved toward his belt, as if reaching for a weapon.
Aaron smirked, unfazed. "No need for alarm. I have no quarrel with the Red Moon Gang. In fact, I admire your audacity, operating under the Shadow Alliance's protection. But your goods lack refinement. If you can meet my standards, there's far more than just gold at stake—there's family backing."
The mention of Aaron's noble family and his implied willingness to support them had the desired effect. The merchant's initial shock gave way to a crafty smile, his eyes narrowing with curiosity and calculation.
"With such generosity, I'd say you're looking for a valuable ally. But understand, the Red Moon Gang doesn't take just anyone. I'll need time to consult with my superiors before I can bring you into our core operations."
"Then pass along a message to your boss," Aaron said, his tone frosty. "Tell him I have the resources to support their expansion. But if the Red Moon Gang isn't worth my time, I can find other, more reliable partners."
The merchant hesitated, visibly intimidated by Aaron's commanding presence. He had never encountered such a forceful young noble, nor one with such deep knowledge of the black market's workings. The offer of noble backing was a tempting one for the gang—a chance they rarely received.
"Very well," the merchant replied softly. "I'll relay your message. But whether the boss is interested in meeting you… that depends."
Aaron nodded, preparing to leave. However, as he reached the door, the merchant's sly voice echoed behind him.
"Lord Aaron, since you seem to know so much about us, you should understand that the Red Moon Gang is cautious with all new partners. Since you're here, how about leaving a token of trust?"
Aaron turned, his gaze icy as he studied the merchant, a hint of mockery in his eyes. He had anticipated this test—such groups never easily trusted outsiders, especially not nobles.
"A token?" Aaron repeated, his voice carrying a cold edge. "Very well, I'll give you a 'token.' I only hope you're prepared for its cost."
Before the merchant could react, Aaron moved like a shadow, his presence radiating deadly intent. In a flash, a concentrated surge of magical energy flickered at his fingertips, slicing through the air like a blade aimed at the merchant's neck. Before he could respond, a thin line of blood appeared on his throat, and he flinched in shock and pain.
"You… you…" The merchant stammered, terror in his wide eyes as he stared at Aaron, trembling uncontrollably.
Aaron's gaze was like steel. "There's your 'token.' Bring this message to your boss: if he lacks sincerity, there's no need to seek me out again."
The merchant nodded shakily, stammering apologies, his face etched with a newfound fear and respect. He now understood that this young noble was no ordinary partner, but a dangerous force to be reckoned with.
Without a backward glance, Aaron turned and left, his figure disappearing into the shadowy alleys of the black market.
Back at the manor, Aaron locked himself in his study, deep in thought as he planned his next steps. Although the initial meeting with the Red Moon Gang had gone smoothly, the Shadow Alliance's extensive network still lay beyond his reach. To penetrate further into its core, he would need precise intelligence and meticulous strategies.
He drew the curtains and lit a single candle, its flickering light casting sharp shadows across his face. Aaron knew that the Shadow Alliance would not easily allow outsiders into its ranks. Every step would have to be grounded in accurate information and carefully calculated actions.
Just as he became lost in thought, a soft knock sounded at the study door. He opened it to find Arna standing there, holding an envelope. Her expression was as cool as ever, but her eyes held a hint of curiosity.
"What's this?" Aaron asked.
Arna handed over the document. "It's information you requested on the black market's outer factions, specifically regarding the Red Moon Gang."
Aaron raised an eyebrow, taking the document and quickly scanning its contents. Impressed, he nodded inwardly. Arna's observations were precise, the intelligence thorough—it outlined the Red Moon Gang's influence and organizational structure within the black market in remarkable detail.
He looked up at Arna, his gaze showing a trace of approval. "You did well—better than I expected."
Arna paused, a flicker of something complex crossing her expression. She hadn't anticipated receiving such direct praise, and Aaron's acknowledgment stirred something that softened her usual resistance.
"It was my assignment," she replied coldly, though her tone had lost a bit of its usual sharpness.
Aaron said nothing further, filing away the intelligence. He knew that the seed of trust was beginning to take root. Arna's loyalty, like a well-honed weapon, would be essential as he navigated the darkness ahead.