As Aaron and his team left the Miasma Forest, the surroundings gradually became clearer, yet the questions raised by their mission lingered. The group moved forward in silence, their steps steady but weighed down by an oppressive atmosphere. The sudden appearance of the enemy squad and the unexpected retrieval of the Nighttear Flowers left everyone uneasy. Especially the mention of "Archmage Sion," a name that loomed like a shadow over their thoughts.
A night breeze rustled the barren woods, sending a few night birds flapping out from the branches, breaking the forest's silence. Walking beside Aaron, Arna spoke in a low voice, "Lord Aaron, those people may have surrendered for now, but I doubt they've truly given up. Even with their injuries, if they are determined to secure the Nighttear Flowers, they might leave traps or plan a counterattack before departing."
Aaron didn't immediately respond. Instead, he gazed into the dense woods ahead, his expression cold and contemplative. He seemed to have already considered Arna's concerns but maintained his composure. After a moment, he said calmly, "For now, they lack the strength to confront us directly, especially after losing the Nighttear Flowers. Sion's men may not even know the full extent of the plan. Their failure doesn't mean we're the only ones benefiting from this. What truly concerns me is Sion's next move."
Arna nodded, then hesitated before cautiously asking, "Why would someone as prominent as Archmage Sion personally send people into the Miasma Forest? These subordinates clearly had significant combat capabilities, yet they took such risks to infiltrate. Do you think it was really just for the Nighttear Flowers?"
"Of course not," Aaron replied with a faint smile, his tone laced with cold amusement. "As valuable as the Nighttear Flowers are, they're not enough to justify Sion's mobilization. His true goal likely lies hidden in something we've yet to discover. This forest might not just be a toxic wasteland—it could harbor deeper secrets."
His gaze darkened as he added coldly, "If Sion is willing to reveal part of his operation, we must seize the opportunity to exploit it. Whether it's uncovering the Shadow Alliance's limits or Sion's motives, the pieces of the puzzle will gradually come into view."
The group pressed on as dusk fell, and darkness engulfed the land. The shadows of the trees grew more menacing under the faint moonlight, while the air carried a damp, decayed scent. Aaron raised a hand, signaling everyone to stop. They chose an open area to set up camp for the night.
"Stay vigilant tonight," Aaron instructed, his tone sharp and commanding. "Though we've left the Miasma Forest, those people might still be trailing us." He issued precise assignments to each member, organizing rotations for the night watch while he himself continued analyzing the mission's peculiarities.
Sitting by the campfire, Arna idly cleaned her dagger, her gaze occasionally drifting toward Aaron, as if she wanted to speak but hesitated. Finally, she broke the silence. "Lord Aaron, some of the things you said in the forest… made me feel that you don't hold a favorable view of your family."
Aaron paused, looking up at her with a complex expression. After a brief silence, he replied evenly, "The family? It's nothing more than a shell. To me, it's a starting point, not a destination. The family gave me my bloodline, my resources—but it also shackled me with countless restrictions."
Arna's eyes flickered with curiosity as she probed further, "But you still act under the family's name. Isn't that using them to your advantage?"
Aaron chuckled softly, his gaze turning cold. "I've never denied that. The power of House Viscent is a tool for me, not a sanctuary. The day my strength surpasses the family's, it will become a chess piece in my hands, no longer a burden on my shoulders."
Hearing this, Arna's feelings toward Aaron grew more conflicted. She had never encountered someone who could view their circumstances with such clarity, nor one who regarded their own family with such calculated detachment. Yet it was precisely this calmness and ambition that made her realize Aaron was no ordinary individual.
"You seem very certain of your path," Arna remarked quietly, her tone tinged with respect.
"Of course," Aaron replied, his eyes gleaming with determination. "No matter how formidable the opponent or perilous the environment, only those who remain unwavering in their purpose can truly control their destiny."
The two exchanged a glance, and without further words, an unspoken understanding passed between them. The campfire crackled faintly, its dying embers casting flickering shadows on the silent group. Aaron turned his gaze to the starless night sky, lost in thought.
By dawn, the team set out once more. Their journey remained uneventful, with no signs of pursuers or new troubles. As the shadow of the forest faded behind them, the familiar outline of House Viscent's estate finally appeared in the distance.
Aaron led his team back to the manor, where he carefully secured the Nighttear Flowers. He knew these materials were key to fulfilling his agreement with the Shadow Alliance, but he did not act in haste. Instead, he summoned Arna and a few trusted subordinates to a private chamber to lay out the next phase of his plan.
"These Nighttear Flowers aren't just a bargaining chip for the Shadow Alliance mission; they're also a tool to extract more information," Aaron said, his tone calm but commanding. "If the Shadow Alliance needs these materials, they'll reveal further demands. Our task is to follow the trail and uncover more opportunities."
Arna asked in a low voice, "What about Sion's men? Do you think they'll come back for revenge?"
"Highly likely," Aaron replied, his gaze growing colder. "Sion's plans won't stop because of one failure, especially if his true objective remains incomplete. We must stay alert—not just for the Shadow Alliance, but for any further moves Sion's people might make."
His sharp eyes swept across the room before settling on Arna. "In the meantime, I want you to maintain your position in the Black Market. Keep up the pressure on the Scarlet Moon Gang and monitor any unusual movements from other factions."
Arna nodded, her expression resolute. "Understood, Lord Aaron. I'll stay vigilant and ensure we don't miss anything."
Aaron acknowledged her with a nod, then turned to the window, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. His voice, low and firm, carried an undeniable authority: "The storm is brewing. Be it the Shadow Alliance or Sion, they're only pieces of a larger board. My role is to quietly maneuver them until I hold the entire game in my hands."