The Coalition riders moved fast across the plains. Their beasts ran with smooth strides and barely kicked up dust. Logan sat upright trying to read the environment. The leader occasionally glanced back to make sure Logan was still behind them but never slowed. It felt more like an escort than a capture yet Logan kept one hand near his belt tools just in case. He was learning that the realm respected strength but feared innovation. That meant people wanted him either as an asset or a prisoner. The only safe place was in control.

After an hour of fast travel the terrain shifted. The plains dipped into a valley where a massive structure rose between two cliffs. It looked nothing like an outpost. Markets lined the entrance with colorful tents and metal frameworks. A tall wooden archway stood above the central gate marked with a symbol matching Rhea’s token. The merchant crest. Rhea was right. The Coalition was real powerful and organized.

People bustled everywhere hauling crates stacked with rare materials. Merchants shouted prices. Guards in silver lined armor controlled the crowd with calm authority. It reminded Logan of busy industrial plazas back home. Efficient organized and driven by trade. The riders led him through the gate into a quieter side hall.

Inside waited a tall man with gray streaked hair wearing refined leather layered with protective plates. His posture was confident without being aggressive. His eyes sharp and calculating.

Welcome Logan Mercer he said. I am Thalen Voss one of the senior officers of the Merchant Coalition. We have been expecting you.

Logan stepped down from the beast. Expecting me How

Thalen nodded. Information flows freely across the realm. A black market broker named Vorn sent word that a new craftsman created weapons merging beastbone and magic cores. That alone shook the trade networks. Then scouts saw the Silver Courts searching for a mysterious outsider. Then the Crimson Trace attempted a capture. Patterns form quickly.

Logan felt uneasy. So you know everything about me

Everything that matters Thalen said. A skilled craftsman. An outsider. A man capable of destabilizing the balance of war. We do not take such things lightly.

Logan tensed. And what do you want with me

Thalen gestured for him to follow. Walk with me Logan. Understanding comes easier when the environment speaks for itself.

They walked down a long hallway leading to a balcony overlooking the entire market. Logan saw dozens of caravans loading materials metals crystals and supplies. Workers moved like a coordinated system. Every part of the facility looked deliberate efficient and well funded.

Thalen spoke. The kingdoms fight constantly. War is their language. They rise and fall based on resources magic and blades. But us merchants speak a different language. We manage trade routes. We support neutral territories. We keep the realm from collapsing entirely.

Logan listened carefully.

Thalen continued. But we have a problem. Weapon supply has stagnated. Blacksmiths are slow. Materials are limited. Magical constructs break easily. Wars drag on for decades because nothing changes.

He turned to Logan. Until now.

Logan swallowed. My work is that important

Thalen nodded. What you created can shift the flow of power. And whether you want it or not power attracts buyers. Many. If we do not guide this process the realm will drown in weapon chaos. The Silver Courts will attempt to take you. The Crimson Trace will try again. Kingdoms will fight over access to your craft.

Logan asked quietly. And you What do you want to do

Thalen placed both hands on the balcony rail. Control. Organization. Order. The Coalition cannot stop war but we can shape its direction. You Logan could become the most important craftsman in centuries. We want to support you fund you protect you and manage distribution.

Logan narrowed his eyes. You want a monopoly.

Thalen smiled slow. A partnership. You maintain independence. You choose your projects. But we ensure buyers follow rules. No forced contracts. No abductions. No kingdom dominance. Trade stays balanced.

Logan felt conflicted. Vorn offered freedom but in the shadows. Thalen offered safety but within structure. Both offered power. Both wanted what he could build.

Logan spoke. What if I refuse

Thalen’s expression remained calm. Then we cannot stop what comes next. Someone will take you. A kingdom. A mercenary guild. A warlord. Your creations will spread unchecked. The realm will burn hotter and longer. We prefer a realm where weapons are managed not unleashed.

Logan stepped back. What guarantees do I have

Thalen nodded toward the bustling market. Look around Logan. This is our guarantee. We control trade from coast to coast. No kingdom can cross our caravans without consequence. Any threat to you becomes a threat to us. And we do not tolerate threats.

Logan looked down at his wrapped prototypes. They felt heavier than before.

Thalen said quietly. Logan we do not want to own you. We want to work with you. You craft. We distribute. You invent. We protect. You profit. We maintain balance.

Logan exhaled slowly. And what happens if I step into this partnership

Thalen smiled. Then the realm gains the first regulated arms manufacturer. You become a name whispered in courts and battlefields. And we begin building the facility for your work.

Logan blinked. Facility

Thalen nodded. A forge laboratory and workshop designed to your needs. Beastbone processing. Core integration. Test ranges. Everything you require. We invest in you because your work will change the realm.

Logan rubbed his forehead. Too much too fast.

Thalen placed a steady hand on his shoulder. Logan Mercer the realm will chase you no matter what you choose. The question is whether you run alone or with protection.

Logan stared at the market one more time. The organization was undeniable. The resources unmatched. The Coalition offered structure and strategic safety. And most importantly they respected his freedom more than any kingdom would.

Logan finally said. And what do you expect in return

Thalen answered. You craft only for us. We decide which factions receive your work. We prevent any one group from gaining overwhelming advantage. You become our exclusive partner. A controlled flood into a realm of chaos.

Logan's pulse steadied. That meant influence. Stability. Protection. But also responsibility. If he joined them every weapon would ripple across kingdoms.

He looked at Thalen. I need time to think.

Thalen nodded. Take the day. But do not take too long. The Silver Courts have already sent scouts. The world moves fast. And your name moves faster.

Logan stepped back holding his prototypes close. He walked toward the inner chambers of the outpost where he could think. The choice ahead of him would define his future. His freedom. His empire.

For the first time since he arrived in this world Logan felt the full weight of being an arms dealer not just in craft but in consequence.

War shaped this realm
But now he could shape war

The question was
How far was he willing to go