As the afternoon sun bathed Damon's private estate in a warm glow, he emerged from his opulent chamber, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. The estate, which he had bought previously for his organization, was nestled on the outskirts of Aurorastra, surrounded by lush gardens and tall trees, providing him with a peaceful retreat away from the bustling city.

As he stepped outside, he found a team of highly-ranked members from the ShadowVeil eagerly waiting for him. Leading the team was Captain Oliver, a middle-rank gold master, whose expression revealed a mixture of concern and determination. They had been ordered to gather information on the black market, but Damon had ultimately decided to go alone.

Approaching the captain, Damon spoke in a calm but firm voice, "Oliver, I've changed my mind. I'll be heading to the black market on my own. It's too risky for all of us to attract attention."

The captain's eyebrows furrowed in worry, "Sir, I understand your concerns, but it's my duty to protect you. Let us accompany you."

Damon shook his head gently, "I appreciate your loyalty, Oliver, but I need you all to focus on your training. You must become stronger. For now, that's your priority."

The team members nodded, showing their understanding and determination to improve their skills. Damon knew that they had potential, but they needed to unlock it.

"I trust in each of you," Damon continued, looking at them with a mix of pride and encouragement. "I've seen your dedication, and I believe in your abilities. But you mustn't rely on me. Your strength and skill are essential for the success of our mission."

The team members straightened their postures, their resolve deepening. They knew that their leader had faith in them, and they would not disappoint.

"With the black market's dangers, I don't want to risk any of you," Damon said firmly. "I will go alone, and I need you all to focus on training. Train harder and become stronger. Together, we will achieve greatness."

As the team members nodded in agreement, Damon clasped each of their shoulders with a reassuring grip. "I will return safely, and when I do, I expect to see progress and growth in each one of you. This journey is just the beginning, and I need you all to be prepared for what's to come."

Oliver stepped forward, his voice filled with determination, "Sir, we will not let you down. We'll train diligently and become stronger. When you return, we'll be ready to face any challenge."

A small smile played on Damon's lips. "I know you will. Stay true to our cause, and I have no doubt that we'll achieve greatness together."

With a final nod of encouragement, Damon bid farewell to his team. As they dispersed to return to their tasks and training, Oliver stayed behind, as he had been entrusted with controlling the well-designed carriage that would wait for Damon's return from the black market.

The carriage was a blend of elegance and discretion, a testament to Damon's acquired wealth from selling valuable information. Oliver opened the carriage door, and Damon entered, contemplating the journey ahead. He couldn't help but think about the first step in acquiring the necessary items for awakening his bloodline, which was his primary goal and thus the carriage set forth on their journey to the blackmarket. As Damon set forth to Aurorastra to make his way to the blackmarket, his estate, nestled on the outskirts of the city, provided the perfect starting point for his journey. 

As the carriage smoothly traversed the streets of Aurorastra, Damon sat back, reflecting on his journey so far. His mind wandered back to his previous world, a place where he had faced countless hardships and struggles.

In that delicate dance of life, his body had resembled a pipe carrying precious water to the source of his existence. Just like a leak in the pipe threatens the flow, his health condition had demanded constant attention. Without the necessary means to mend the damage, the leaks multiplied, endangering his very life. The weight of medical bills burdened him daily, leaving him no choice but to work tirelessly just to stay alive.

It was a sad and pitiful reality he faced—knowing that the cost of living was the price of his very existence. Despite the hurdles, he had pushed through, working both day and night, striving to survive and pay for his medications. The struggle was relentless, leaving him with little time for anything else, including enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

Yet, fate had brought him to this new world, and with it, a second chance. Damon was grateful for the opportunity to start anew, to make a difference in this world. He vowed to make the most of this fresh start, embracing the challenges that lay ahead.

As the carriage continued its journey, Damon's thoughts shifted to the present. The black market awaited him, holding the key to unlocking the power he sought to awaken his bloodline. The items he intended to acquire were crucial, and the black market was his best chance of obtaining them.

The carriage came to a stop, and Damon knew that he had reached his destination. He glanced at Oliver, who had accompanied him this far, and nodded with appreciation. "Thank you, Oliver. Wait for me here. I'll return as soon as I can."

Oliver nodded in response, understanding the importance of what Damon sought to achieve. "Take care, sir. We'll be waiting for your safe return."

With that, Damon stepped out of the carriage once more, his gaze fixed on the concealed warehouse doors. The journey through the black market awaited him, filled with secrecy, danger, and the allure of forbidden knowledge and rare artifacts.

Damon took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. His past struggles had shaped him, instilling in him a fierce determination to overcome any obstacle in his path. With a renewed sense of purpose, he approached the imposing entrance, repeating the secret password in his mind. The concealed world of the black market beckoned, and Damon was ready to seize the opportunity that awaited him within its clandestine walls.

As Damon stood outside the black market's concealed door, he knocked with a mix of eagerness and apprehension. The faint shuffling sound from within heightened his anticipation. A rectangular peephole, discreetly carved into the door, came to life, revealing a narrow view of the other side. Dim light filtered through the small gap, casting a muted glow on Damon's face. He could sense the cautious eyes of the person inside scanning him for recognition or familiarity.

The edges of the peephole framed the scene like a secretive window, adding an air of mystery to the encounter. With a hushed voice, the person behind the door inquired, "Who goes there?"

Damon replied, repeating the secret phrase he had been told, "Where shadows meet, secrets speak."

The atmosphere seemed to shift subtly around the door. The rectangular peephole remained still for a moment, as if evaluating the sincerity of Damon's response. Then, with a soft creak, the door began to swing open slowly, revealing a glimpse of the secret place beyond.

A gentle voice emanated from the darkness inside, rich with a mix of relief and caution. "You have come seeking the secrets of this hidden place. You may enter, but it is a 10 gold fee."

Damon reached into his pouch, where he kept his belongings and the payment he had prepared. He handed over the required fee, and with a nod of acceptance, he was allowed to enter.

As the door closed behind him, enveloping him in an aura of mystery and wonder, Damon found himself in an ancient-looking hallway. Stone columns and arches lined both sides of the wide passage, giving it an aura of grandeur and secrecy. The marble floor beneath his feet seemed to guide his way forward, leading him deeper into the heart of the concealed world.

Ethereal orbs hovered above, casting a dim, moon-like light that created eerie shadows on the walls. But what truly caught Damon's attention were the fire trails on the sides of the hallway. The blaze, like a slow-moving river of fire, added a mesmerizing touch to the mysterious atmosphere, their warm hues contrasting the cool moonlight of the orbs above.

The hallway seemed to go on endlessly, each step taking Damon deeper into the secrets that lay ahead. As he moved forward, his senses heightened, as if every corner held a hidden surprise.

Finally, at the end of the hallway, Damon reached a desk and table. Behind it sat a receptionist, their eyes shrouded in mystery. The desk bore a ledger, a magical quill, and an orb similar to the ones on the ceiling, casting its soft glow on the surroundings.

As Damon approached the desk and table at the end of the hallway, the receptionist looked up with an air of professionalism and intrigue. Instead of asking for his name and purpose, she extended a hand, palm open, and said, "Your card, please."

Damon, puzzled by the request, furrowed his brow. "Card? What card are you referring to?"

The receptionist smiled faintly, "The card that indicates your status. If you have a VIP card, you'll be directed to the left door. The VIP route guarantees a faster journey through the market and grants you access to exclusive services once inside. However, if you have a regular participant card, you'll use the door on the right. The regular route may have a slightly longer wait time, but it still leads to the heart of the market, where you'll find various stalls and booths."

Damon nodded, understanding the options before him. "I see. And what if someone doesn't have a VIP card but wants to gain VIP status?"