In the dim light of Vicente Manor's secluded underground chamber, Aaron sat silently at an ancient wooden table, his surroundings lit only by flickering candlelight casting shadows on the stone walls. Before him lay a selection of rare magical materials, the centerpiece being a small vial of faintly glowing blue powder—fairy dust.
Fairy dust, a unique product of the fairy race, is refined through their natural magic, pure and potent. It has the remarkable ability to enhance the purity of a mage's power, making one's magical energy more concentrated, thereby amplifying the strength and duration of spells. Aaron knew that this vial was his key to advancing his strength, yet it was also perilous. If the fairies discovered its theft, they would stop at nothing to hunt him down—their race guarded their natural resources fiercely, and fairy dust was strictly prohibited in most nations.
"The Shadow Alliance… able to distribute fairy dust, even in the black market. Their backers must be formidable," Aaron murmured, his gaze sharpening. This discovery heightened his wariness of the Alliance's power but also ignited a flicker of ambition. If he could one day control such an organization, no force would stand in his way.
However, he understood that external forces were merely tools. True power had to come from within. Currently at the bronze rank, he was still far from the level required for his plans. To advance quickly to the silver rank and eventually reach gold, he would need to improve the quality of his magic.
After ensuring that the chamber's protective enchantments were secure, Aaron picked up the vial of fairy dust and poured a small amount into his hand. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, letting the fine powder settle in his palm before beginning to circulate his energy, drawing the dust's potent magic into his body.
Fairy dust resonates easily with magic, and as soon as the powder touched Aaron's energy, it seemed to melt and flow through his veins. Instantly, a surge of cold, powerful energy coursed through him, like a river of melted ice, bringing a wave of stinging pain. He clenched his jaw, focusing intently on the flow of magic, controlling the fairy dust's energy with precision, preventing even the slightest leakage.
Gradually, he felt his magic being compressed and refined, becoming denser and steadier. A thrill ran through him—his efforts were paying off. The fairy dust was proving even more effective than he'd hoped, visibly improving the quality of his magical energy.
"If I can absorb the entire vial, I'll be ready to push for the silver rank," Aaron calculated, though he knew he couldn't rush the process. Absorbing fairy dust had to be done gradually; an excessive intake could overwhelm his body, risking injury to his pathways and potentially causing magical backlash.
Carefully, he sealed the remaining fairy dust, already forming a training plan for the coming days. If he succeeded, reaching the silver rank was within sight. Once he achieved that, his power would take a qualitative leap, enhancing both his combat capability and his influence.
The next morning, Aaron summoned Arna to his study.
Arna stood before him, her gaze as cold and guarded as ever, with a hint of curiosity. Since her arrival, Aaron had involved her in training but had yet to assign her a significant task. Today's sudden summons had piqued her interest.
"Arna, I have an important assignment for you," Aaron said quietly, his tone serious. "From now on, you will handle certain tasks related to the black market's outer network. Among the Shadow Alliance's peripheral groups is a gang called the Red Moon Gang. I need you to monitor their activities."
Arna blinked in mild surprise, then nodded. She understood that Aaron was testing her loyalty while also giving her an opportunity to prove herself.
"The Red Moon Gang is one of the Alliance's affiliates. Recently, they seem to be planning a large-scale transaction. I want you to gather any useful intelligence on this matter." Aaron paused, his gaze steady on her. "Your identity must remain hidden, and you may use any necessary means."
After a brief moment of thought, Arna nodded. "Understood."
"Good." Aaron nodded approvingly and handed her a small pouch containing a modest amount of gold and several items for establishing a black market alias. "Be cautious of the Shadow Alliance. They don't tolerate spies, and if you're discovered, they will hunt you down."
Arna accepted the pouch, a glint of resolve flashing in her eyes. She had never feared danger—this was a chance to prove herself, and perhaps even to escape her past as a slave. Aaron's trust stirred something uncertain within her.
Several days later, Aaron returned to the underground chamber to resume his absorption of the fairy dust.
With each session, his magical energy grew more concentrated, boosting his confidence with every refinement. Aaron understood that power required constant effort and careful planning. Every increase in magical purity brought him closer to the silver rank.
Through this refining process, he also noticed subtle changes in his spellcasting. His control had become more precise, his magic smoother, giving him a clear advantage over other bronze-ranked mages.
One day, as he completed a session, he felt a faint surge within his magical energy, as if he were on the verge of a breakthrough. He recognized this as a precursor to advancing to the silver rank, but he knew he needed just one final push, perhaps absorbing the rest of the fairy dust, to complete this step.
As Aaron continued his training, Arna quietly returned to the manor with valuable intelligence on the Red Moon Gang. She had uncovered details of a significant forbidden material transaction they were planning. Not only had she gathered precise information, but she had also evaded the gang's suspicions with finesse.
Standing at the door of Aaron's study, Arna handed him the report, a subtle look of pride in her eyes. Her expression hinted at a newfound confidence, as if she were silently proving to Aaron that she was ready for more significant tasks.
Aaron scanned the report, inwardly impressed with her work, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Well done, Arna. It seems I wasn't mistaken—you do have the potential to become an exceptional warrior."
For a moment, her eyes flickered, her usual cold demeanor softening slightly at his praise. She hadn't expected such validation, and a subtle sense of belonging stirred within her. For the first time, it seemed she was more than just a slave in Aaron's eyes—she was someone of genuine value.
"This Red Moon transaction is likely a test by the Shadow Alliance to expand their influence," Aaron murmured thoughtfully. "I need to continue monitoring their movements. And, Arna, you'll accompany me this time. It will be a fitting test of our abilities."
Arna nodded, a spark of determination in her eyes. This would be her first mission alongside Aaron—a chance to prove her loyalty and strength in action.