Liam crouched slightly, lowering his voice so only Eagan could hear. "That was an impressive display back there. But tell me, have you rechecked your mana and strength stats recently?"
"Has it improved from the last time? If you have, you should inform the academy so we can update your profile." He urged.
Eagan frowned at the sudden question. "I haven't." He replied dully. "And I don't see the point, at least not now. Everyone's already made up their minds about me."
Liam raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? After what you just pulled off, I'd say plenty of people are reevaluating their opinions."
Eagan shrugged. "It doesn't matter. My stats won't change anything. I'm still unable to use mana. You saw it too during the fight, didn't you?"
"And yet you beat someone who is already on the level of being a certified hunter," Liam replied calmly.
"That's a person." Eagan pointed out. "My talent with beating up people will not work again with those monsters. Why keep making fruitless efforts?"
Liam straightened, his expression unreadable. "You're wrong, Eagan. Understanding your own capabilities is the first step to improvement. But if you're determined not to check, I won't force you."
Eagan stayed silent, his eyes flicking back to the other students sparring in the ring.
After a moment, Liam continued, his tone softer. "I see potential in you. More than you realize." He paused for a moment and then continued. "I'm willing to offer you extra training outside regular hours. It'll be tough, and I don't take slackers. But if you're serious about proving yourself, I'll make sure you have the tools to do it."
Eagan looked up at him, surprise flickering in his eyes. "Why would you do that?"
Liam's lips quirked into a faint smile. "Let's just say I have an eye for talent. And I enjoy proving people wrong."
Egan considered the offer. The idea of extra training was tempting, but he wasn't sure if it was worth the attention it might bring. Still, Liam's sincerity was hard to ignore.
"I'll think about it," Eagan said finally.
Liam nodded, as if satisfied with the response. He turned to leave but paused when Eagan spoke again, his voice hesitant.
"Master Liam… Is there a place where I could... acquire weapons?"
Liam's eyes narrowed slightly, and he turned back to Eagan. "You're not certified yet, so official channels are off-limits. And since you asked me, I'm sure you know that already."
"What do you need a weapon for?" he probed.
Eagan hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I just think it'd be helpful to start getting familiar with handling weapons. For the future."
Liam studied him for a moment before speaking. "There's a place, but it's not exactly above board. If you're serious—and discreet—I can point you in the right direction."
Eagan's gaze didn't waver as he immediately jumped on the offer. "I am," he replied. Knowing a moment of hesitation can cause him such a valuable opportunity.
Liam glanced around to ensure no one was eavesdropping, then leaned in slightly. "There's a merchant in the lower district. Goes by the name Arlen. Runs a black market shop for hunters who prefer to stay off the radar. Tell him I sent you."
Liam fished out a wooden brace with a Raven bracelet on it and gave it to Eagan. "He might not believe you, but give this to him, and you'll be welcomed with open arms." He instructed.
Eagan nodded, committing the name to memory. "Thank you."
Liam straightened. "Don't make me regret this, Eagan. And if you're caught, you're on your own. Understood?"
"Understood."
Liam walked away, leaving Eagan alone with his thoughts. As the next pair of students entered the ring, Eagan felt a spark of determination ignite within him. Between the extra training and the chance to obtain weapons, he finally had a path forward.
As he returned home, he immediately prepared his disguise to visit the black market. He knew going as a young, inexperienced teenager would only get him ripped off by the shrewd, alley businessmen, and going with an undisclosed identity would give him some advantages.
Eagan wore one of Alan's old jackets, pulling the hood low over his face to obscure his features. The bustling streets of the lower district seemed more menacing under the cover of night, and he made sure to stick to the shadows.
When he reached the nondescript door, he knocked twice, paused, and knocked once more. The wiry man from before opened the door again, his scarred face twisting into a smirk. "Back so soon? You better have something worth Arlen's time."
Eagan didn't respond, instead holding up the wooden bracelet. The man scoffed but stepped aside to let him in.
The shop was just as dim and cramped as he had imagined the faint glow of mana crystals illuminating shelves cluttered with weapons, armour, and rare materials. Arlen leaned casually against the counter, his sharp eyes immediately sizing up the cloaked figure before him.
"You again," Arlen said, his voice dripping with feigned disinterest. "I didn't think you'd be back so soon. What've you got for me this time, stranger?"
Eagan stepped forward, dropping a cloth bundle onto the counter with a satisfying thud. He pulled back the fabric to reveal five Blood Wolf fangs, five Blood Wolf claws, and a pristine bundle of Crimson Fang's fur. The faint scent of iron and the dark sheen of the materials made Arlen's eyes gleam with greed.
"Impressive," Arlen admitted, running a hand over the fur. "This is quality stock. Hunters would pay a fortune for something like this." His tone shifted to one of careful calculation. "But you're not a hunter, are you? No certifications, no standing. So these materials aren't exactly legal in your hands."
Eagan stiffened, but his voice remained steady. "They're legal enough for you to buy."
Arlen chuckled, leaning forward. "True. But I'm taking a risk here, you understand. If anyone finds out I've been dealing with an unlicensed kid, I could lose everything. So I'll take these off your hands for... let's say, five thousand."
Eagan's jaw tightened beneath his hood. "Five thousand? You just said hunters would pay a fortune. That fur alone is worth ten."
"Ten? To a certified hunter, maybe," Arlen countered, his smile sharp and predatory. "But to you? I'm doing you a favour by offering five."
Eagan stared at him for a moment before speaking, his voice cold and precise. "If five thousand is all you think this is worth, I'll take these to another shop instead. Word is they're willing to pay full price for Crimson Fang materials."
Arlen's smile faltered, his fingers tapping against the counter. "Are you talking about the ones in Aegis Street? You don't have the connections to deal with them. They'd laugh you out the door."
"Maybe," Eagan said, shrugging. "Or maybe they'll see the value in what I'm offering. Either way, I'm not leaving these here for a lowball offer."
Arlen's eyes narrowed, his shrewd mind working quickly as he tried to find another way to take advantage of the kid. Finally, he sighed, feigning reluctance. "Fine. Eight thousand. But that's as high as I go."
Eagan leaned in slightly, letting a hint of confidence seep into his voice. "Throw in that sword, and we have a deal," he demanded as he pointed to the sword resting in the corner of the store.
Arlen's jaw clenched, his eyes darting to the sword on the wall. "That sword's worth six thousand on its own. You're asking me to lose money."
"No, I'm asking you to make the right deal," Eagan replied smoothly. "With my materials, you'll more than make up the difference selling to your regulars. Or you can stick to your low offers and watch me walk out the door."
The room went silent for a moment, the tension thick enough to cut with a blade. Finally, Arlen let out a low growl of frustration. "Fine. The materials for eight thousand and the Shadow Fang. But don't think I'll forget this, kid."
Eagan nodded, suppressing a triumphant smile. "Pleasure doing business with you."
Arlen retrieved the sword, placing it carefully on the counter before counting out eight thousand in crisp bills. As Eagan pocketed the money and slung the sword over his back, Arlen leaned in, his voice a low warning.
"Next time you come here, you'd better be ready to pay what you owe. And trust me, I'll find a way to collect."