Night draped the valley in an inky shroud as Aaron led Arna deep into the forest, quietly approaching what was rumored to be a secret outpost of the Shadow Alliance. Rumors had stirred up the black market, and unrest was brewing within the Alliance itself. Aaron's goal tonight was to confirm the location of the Shadow Alliance's central contacts—and, if the chance arose, to further disrupt their operations.
As they crept near an abandoned wooden cabin, a calm, aged voice suddenly pierced the darkness, cutting directly to their core.
"Since you're already here, why not come in?" the voice called out, laced with disdain. "Your stealth skills are disappointingly crude."
Aaron's expression shifted, but he quickly steadied himself, mind racing through potential responses. Casually, he signaled for Arna to relax and whispered, "No need to worry. Since we've been invited, let's see what this 'high master' wants."
After straightening their clothes, they entered the cabin. Inside, flickering candlelight cast shadows over the figure seated in the center of the room—a robed elder with a calm, piercing gaze. Though advanced in years, his eyes were sharp, exuding an air of composed strength that seemed as unyielding as stone. Aaron attempted to sense his power but felt nothing, as if the man were a void.
"Not a trace of aura... he's likely at the Platinum rank," Aaron thought, suppressing a jolt of alarm. This elder was clearly no ordinary figure.
The robed elder offered a faint smile and spoke with a steady, scrutinizing tone, "So, you're the one stirring up trouble in the black market recently, boy." He observed Aaron with a penetrating stare, as if seeing through him completely. "Bold of you to trace your way here. Unfortunately for you, I happened to be in the area today on some business. Otherwise, you wouldn't be standing here right now."
Aaron's heart clenched at the implicit danger, but he maintained a calm exterior. Smiling faintly, he replied, "Honored sir, if you're already aware of my intentions, then perhaps we can speak openly. I am Aaron, son of Count Vicente. I could offer you more resources and support than the Red Moon Gang could. And as for the recent disturbances… I'm more than willing to compensate your group for any losses."
The elder let out a cold huff, his eyes appraising. "You think you can outbid the Red Moon Gang? Amusing. You're but a minor noble's son—I'm well aware of your resources." He paused, raising an eyebrow, then added, "But since you're here, spare me the empty promises. I'm only here today to gather a rare magical material and happened to cross paths with you. So tell me, Aaron, what reason do you have for me to let you leave in one piece?"
The elder's voice was calm, yet carried an oppressive weight, thickening the very air around them. Aaron weighed his options before answering respectfully, "Honored sir, if the material you seek is within my means, I'll do everything to acquire it for you. In exchange, I offer myself as a discreet ally within the Count's territory, ready to provide you with intelligence and supplies at any time."
The elder looked at Aaron with an amused glint in his eye, as though assessing the truth of his words. His gaze was like a hawk's—sharp and distrustful—yet Aaron met it steadily, his smile unwavering.
"Interesting." The elder's voice held a hint of mockery. "You're quite bold, Aaron. Not only do you dare to pit the Shadow Alliance against the Red Moon Gang, but you also leverage the Vicente family name. Yet perhaps you're not without potential. Tell me, do you know who backs the Red Moon Gang?"
Aaron feigned a slight look of curiosity. "I have some suspicions… perhaps it's the Shadow Alliance?"
"Then you're not entirely foolish." The elder sneered, his tone mocking. "The Shadow Alliance is far more complex than you realize, and you've only just entered this maelstrom. If you're careless, you'll simply end up as cannon fodder." He paused, as if giving Aaron a moment to absorb the warning. "I may consider your proposal. But remember, if you break your promise or harbor ulterior motives, the consequences will be beyond your bearing."
Despite the elder's thinly veiled threat, Aaron remained unfazed. He gave a slight bow, his tone sincere. "Understood. I am not reckless by nature; in fact, I'm quite eager to serve as your ally. Rest assured, I'll do all I can to locate what you need."
A faint smile tugged at the elder's lips, a sign of reluctant approval. "Good, then. Starting today, you will work on this task. I require a fresh, viable bud of the 'Night's Tear' flower. It's rare in Vicente territory, but as a local noble's son, it should be within your reach."
Aaron's heart sank slightly. The Night's Tear was an extremely rare plant that only grew in dangerous, poisonous areas. Its toxic properties were potent, and harvesting it required expertise—if not done correctly, the flower bud would lose its properties and become useless. The elder's demand would not be easy to fulfill, but Aaron knew he had no choice.
"I'll do everything I can to locate a fresh specimen," Aaron replied with calm determination. "I believe this Night's Tear will only strengthen our alliance."
The elder's gaze remained cold and searching, as if testing Aaron's resolve. After a pause, he spoke again, his tone indifferent. "Very well. I'll wait for your report. You know the consequences of failing me."
Aaron gave a respectful nod. "Of course, sir."
The elder gestured dismissively, indicating that Aaron and Arna could leave. As they exited the cabin, Aaron's mind began to work rapidly, formulating plans. Acquiring a Night's Tear would indeed be challenging, but not impossible. More importantly, it was a way to prove his worth and gain a foothold within the Shadow Alliance.
Once they were clear of the cabin, Arna spoke in a hushed tone. "Lord Aaron, how do you plan to find the Night's Tear? It's no easy thing to acquire."
Aaron's eyes grew cold, a slight smile forming on his lips. "The Night's Tear isn't just a means to fulfill his request—it's an opportunity to convince the Shadow Alliance of my importance. As for the flower… there are ways to find a substitute."
Understanding his intent, Arna nodded, her expression mirroring his confidence. "It seems the Shadow Alliance is in for quite the upheaval."
Aaron's eyes glinted with a sharp, ruthless determination. "Exactly. If I can make them believe I'm a valuable asset, they'll be the ones to seek a deeper alliance with me. And with each move, we'll be able to gauge their motives and connections. Once we hold enough leverage, the entire undercurrent of the black market will be in our hands."
Under the cover of darkness, Aaron and Arna's figures melted into the night, vanishing into the valley.