The morning after the attack the air inside Outpost Brinn felt heavier than usual. People whispered across the courtyard. Guards paced with sharper eyes. Every corner felt strained as if the walls themselves listened for returning riders. Logan walked through the outpost feeling dozens of eyes follow him. Some filled with gratitude. Some with fear. A few with suspicion.

He reached the forge where Rhea was waiting. She had a fresh bandage on her arm and her armor looked repaired but worn. She handed him a bowl of water. You should drink. You worked harder than anyone yesterday.

Logan drank slow. We cannot defend this place with the equipment you have. Those riders are organized. If they bring more we wont survive a second attack.

Rhea nodded. That is why we have decisions to make. Hard ones.

Before she could say more the shadows near the forge shifted and Vorn the black market broker stepped into view. His cloak was darker today and his expression calm as if yesterday’s fight meant nothing to him.

You handled the Crimson Trace well he said. Im impressed. They rarely fail to claim their targets.

Rhea glared. You should not be here.

Vorn ignored her and spoke directly to Logan. The dagger you created has already reached ears outside this region. Rumors travel like wildfire. The question is are you ready to use that fire or do you want to burn inside it

Logan crossed his arms. I have no interest in feeding a war.

Vorn tilted his head. You misunderstand. The war already exists. You cannot stop kingdoms from fighting. What you can choose is whether you gain from it or get destroyed by it.

Rhea stepped forward. Logan does not need your poison.

Vorn kept his attention on Logan. Yesterday proved that you cannot hide. The Crimson Trace came to claim your skills. Next time it might be the Silver Courts or the Ember Throne or any kingdom hungry for advantage. They will offer gold then demand obedience then chain you in a workshop until your hands bleed and your ideas stop.

He let the silence settle.

But the black market Logan offers freedom. You choose your clients. You choose your prices. You build your own network. You fund your own future.

Logan stared at Vorn. And what do you gain from this

Vorn shrugged. Access. Connections. Profit. I do not hide my motives. But unlike kingdoms I do not require your loyalty. I only require quality.

Rhea shook her head. Logan you cannot trust him. He will drag you into deals that end with towns burning.

Vorn smiled faint. Towns burn with or without me Captain.

Logan felt his pulse in his fingertips. Rhea was right about the danger. Vorn was right about the reality. Logan had seen a single improved crossbow turn the tide of yesterday’s battle. His work had power. Real power. And power drew enemies.

What he needed was control.

Logan exhaled slow. What exactly are you offering

Vorn opened a small wooden case. Inside were several tiny crystals that faintly pulsed with soft blue light. Logan frowned. What are these

Magic cores Vorn said. Used for enchantments. You will need them if you want to push your weapons beyond simple steel. Consider them a gift. A start.

Rhea stepped forward ready to toss them away but Logan grabbed one first. The core was warm almost alive. He could feel potential in it. Energy waiting to be shaped.

What do you want in return Logan asked

Vorn closed the case. A partnership. You craft weapons with your skill and innovation. I handle distribution. You will not need to meet warlords or mercenary band leaders. I will arrange the deals. You will stay safe. And very wealthy.

Rhea grit her teeth. Safe is the last thing he will be.

Vorn continued. You get fifty percent of profits. Materials delivered to your door. Protection arranged through neutral mercenary guilds. You decide whether to accept or deny orders. Full independence.

Logan felt the weight of his decision pressing down like a loaded weapon. If he accepted he would step into a world of shadows and secrets. A world where he could grow. Experiment. Build an empire of metal magic and invention. But also a world where every creation could reshape a battlefield far away.

He looked at Rhea. Her voice softened. Logan. You do not need to go down this path.

He looked at Vorn. His voice was steady. Logan. You are already on it.

Logan closed his eyes for a moment. He thought of the broken weapons the desperate soldiers the attack the night before. He thought of how easily the outpost nearly fell. He thought of the potential in beastbone the promise in magic cores the thrill in creation.

He opened his eyes.

I will work with you Logan said. But on my terms.

Rhea looked shocked. Vorn smiled with satisfaction.

Logan continued. I will not build weapons of mass slaughter. No siege bombs. No plague arrows. No forbidden constructs. I build tactical gear. Personal weapons. Controlled designs. And I choose who receives them.

Vorn bowed his head slightly. Accepted. Though clients may request more creative items eventually.

My answer is still no Logan said. Tactical only.

Vorn extended his hand. To partnership then.

Logan shook it. His grip firm.

Rhea stepped closer. Logan you should reconsider. Once you enter the black market you will be watched by everyone.

Logan nodded. Then it is better that I control the flow instead of letting others decide my fate.

Vorn smirked. A wise choice. I will return in three days for your first prototypes. Buyers are already asking for reinforced short blades and improved crossbows. Your reputation grows fast.

He disappeared into the shadows.

Rhea faced Logan with worry. You just stepped into the realm of dealers spies assassins and kings. Are you ready for that

Logan looked at the magic core in his palm glowing gently like a beating heart.

I guess I have three days to find out.

He returned to the forge with a determination he had never felt before. He pushed coals into the fire. He laid out beastbone fragments. He studied the magic core again. He felt the future rising in the heat of the forge.

Logan Mercer was no longer just a craftsman.

He was becoming a manufacturer.

Soon he would become a supplier.

Then a distributor.

Then a name spoken in every kingdom.

The world was ready for stronger weapons.

Logan was ready to build them.