When the sun began to set behind the cliffs Logan walked through the marketplace escorted by two Coalition guards. The evening crowd moved like a flowing river of trade deals voices shouting and carts rumbling. Merchants haggled over crates of ores and bundles of herbs. In the distance a group of beast handlers guided armored creatures into pens. Everything looked alive with purpose.

Logan felt eyes following him. Some curious. Some calculating. He was no longer a stranger. Rumors spread faster here than any weapon. People already whispered about the outsider craftsman who shaped bones like steel and blended magic cores with crossbows. In a few hours his prototype would reach a private buyer through Vorn’s network. He wondered what reaction it would spark.

Thalen Voss waited on a raised platform near the central tower. His posture confident. His hands behind his back. When Logan approached Thalen gave a warm nod.

Logan thank you for coming. I trust you had time to consider our offer.

Logan took a slow breath. I did.

Thalen studied his face. And what does your decision look like

Logan hesitated. This choice shapes the realm. Shapes my future. Shapes every battle fought after this. I do not want to be responsible for a war.

Thalen nodded. Responsibility always follows innovation. You cannot escape that. But you can control how your work spreads.

Logan looked out over the marketplace. Your Coalition offers control safety and management. But also limits.

Limits keep chaos from devouring opportunity Thalen said.

Logan paced once across the platform. I also met people who need help. Outpost Brinn fights to survive with broken weapons. Soldiers die because their gear fails. If I join you do I still choose who receives my weapons

Thalen replied. You may propose restrictions. But we manage priority distribution. We ensure balance.

Logan turned. And if a kingdom demands access through you

Thalen smiled faint. We decline. The Coalition does not answer to kings.

Logan felt tension ease in his chest. That mattered. A lot.

Thalen stepped forward. Logan you came from a world with rules. You understand that power without oversight becomes destruction. Alone you will drown in demand. With us you will shape the flow.

Logan stared at him. What if I want to help outposts like Brinn first

Thalen nodded. Small clients are acceptable. Defensive contracts only. No overwhelming advantage to one faction. That aligns with our policy.

Logan exhaled. And what about research What if I want to build tools beyond weapons

Thalen’s eyes lit. That is the true value Logan. You are not just a maker of weapons. You are an inventor. We will support any research that helps the realm or expands trade.

Logan paused. And what about freedom If I say no to a request you bring me

Thalen answered immediately. Then the request is declined. Your creativity is the core of this partnership. We do not chain it.

Logan finally felt the scales tip inside him. Rhea wanted him safe. Vorn wanted profit. But the Coalition offered something neither gave. Structure without imprisonment. Profit without slavery. Influence without chaos. A way to direct weapons into stability instead of collapse. A way to build beyond survival.

He took a long slow breath. Thalen Voss I have my answer.

Thalen folded his hands. And it is

Logan faced him fully. I accept your partnership. But with conditions.

Thalen smiled. Naturally. State them.

Logan raised one finger. First I control my designs. I decide what I build and what I refuse.

Agreed Thalen said.

Second Logan continued. No siege weapons. No devices meant for mass destruction. I build tactical gear only.

Agreed.

Third Logan said. We prioritize small clients who need protection. Outposts villages border towns. Not kingdoms trying to expand.

Thalen nodded. Acceptable.

Fourth Logan said. I want my own forge. My own team. My own method.

Thalen answered. It is already being prepared.

Logan hesitated then spoke firmly. And fifth. If any kingdom tries to claim me the Coalition protects me without hesitation.

Thalen extended his hand. Logan Mercer that is the foundation of our agreement. Welcome to the Merchant Coalition.

Logan looked at the hand then shook it firmly. His future sealed with a grip. His path chosen. His role no longer accidental.

As their hands parted Thalen’s voice lowered with serious calm. From this moment you are no longer just Logan Mercer. You are the Coalition’s chief arms artisan. And that title will bring both opportunity and danger. Prepare yourself.

Logan nodded. I came here to survive. Now I want to shape my own future.

Thalen gestured to the guards. Escort Logan to the new forge. Construction begins tonight. Your tools metals and cores will arrive shortly. Your workshop will be the most advanced facility in the realm.

As Logan followed the guards toward the inner compound he looked around one more time. Merchants moved with new purpose. Workers pushed crates marked with beastbone symbols. Magic core handlers carried sealed containers glowing like captured stars. Every person here understood something had changed.

His arrival was the spark
His decision the ignition
And the realm would soon feel the shift

Because now Logan Mercer was not running anymore
He was building his empire

And the first real arms dealer of the realm had finally chosen his side.