Two days had passed since the Red Rift incident.

Yun Jin awoke in the Altheron estate, his body fully healed, but his mind weighed down by the lingering consequences of battle. The room was quiet, save for the faint rustling of curtains swaying in the morning breeze.

Beside him, Merlin remained unconscious.

The boy lay motionless, his usually sharp and mischievous features unnaturally still. His pale face was framed by pristine white sheets, his breathing so faint that, for a moment, Yun Jin felt an unsettling fear creep into his heart.

His jaw clenched.

Despite all the healers Ardent had summoned, no one had been able to wake him. They had tried every conventional remedy, examined his mana circuits, even employed rare elixirs—and still, nothing.

Yun Jin couldn't escape the truth.

This was his fault.

If he had trained harder, mastered magic alongside his swordsmanship, he might have been able to prevent the Elder Abyssal Mermaid from merging with the Baby Void Orga.

If he had abandoned his pride and embraced magic as an equal force to qi, he might have ended the battle before it reached this point.

For all his mastery in the Light Blade Sovereign Style, for all his confidence as the so-called Limitless Blade, he had made one crucial mistake—he had underestimated magic.

Yun Jin's fingers curled into a fist.

'This changes today!'

Without hesitation, he pushed himself off the bed and strode toward Ardent’s office.

Ardent was seated at his desk, calmly sipping wine as he flipped through a stack of parchment. Letters from powerful figures, notifications of increased revenue, and numerous financial reports covered his workspace. His usual composed smile deepened as he processed the latest news.

Then came the knock.

“Who is it?” Ardent asked without looking up.

“It’s Yun Jin.”

Ardent raised a brow before setting down his wine. "Come in."

As Yun Jin entered, Ardent leaned back in his chair, already smirking. "I heard your injuries are already healed. If you can teach me that technique one day, I'd be very appreciative."

Yun Jin met his gaze. "For a price."

Ardent let out a chuckle, but his eyes sharpened. "A price, huh? And here I thought we were building a bond of trust."

Still, he didn't hesitate. "How much?"

Yun Jin folded his arms. "I don’t know. You tell me."

That alone made Ardent pause.

Most people would have made an outrageous demand. But Yun Jin genuinely didn’t know the worth of his own power.

Ardent exhaled before giving a knowing smile. "You need money. I presume it’s for Merlin… and for power."

Yun Jin remained silent.

He had never liked how perceptive Ardent was.

Ardent chuckled. "Oh, I know that look too well. Alright, let’s make this fair. How about this—" He placed his glass down and gestured to the room. "20,000 gold for the secret of your rapid recovery... PLUS 50,000 gold for Kravtsov's life. How does that sound?"

Yun Jin's eyes narrowed. "I don't know if that’s a lot or a little, but I’ll take it."

Ardent smirked at his honesty. "In truth, it’s not nearly enough. If you had simply won a few more fights in the Death Throne, you'd have walked away with much more."

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He leaned forward, his eyes gleaming. "But... since I have a budget to spend, I promise you’ll find it worth the wait."

"I hope so." Yun Jin replied.

Ardent reached into his desk, flicking two cards across the surface toward Yun Jin.

One was a gold-marked card displaying the number 70,000. The other was a sleek black card, stamped with a crescent moon sigil.

“Black Moon Auction House?” Yun Jin read aloud.

Ardent nodded. "Veyra is a businesswoman first, a crimelord second. She personally invites me to all of her auctions—so if you’re looking for rare goods, that place is your best bet."

"Sounds useful, but isn’t it dangerous?" Yun Jin asked, arching an eyebrow.

Ardent waved a hand dismissively. "She wouldn't risk her reputation by harming a guest. Even she has rules. And if anything does happen, your escort for tonight will make sure you leave in one piece."

He snapped his fingers.

From the shadows, a figure emerged.

At first glance, it was Wallace. The familiar butler's poised stance, the same tailored uniform—every detail was exact. But Yun Jin’s instincts told him otherwise.

This wasn’t the real Wallace.

It was a Shadow Demon, flawlessly mimicking his appearance.

Ardent smirked at Yun Jin’s realization. "It’s not as strong as Selene, but it possesses shadow realm abilities. If things take a turn for the worse, it’ll ensure your escape."

Yun Jin studied the Shadow Demon for a moment before nodding. "I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks." He pocketed both cards before glancing back at Ardent. "So, when do you want to learn the recovery technique?"

Ardent leaned back slightly, considering. "This noon. I have business to attend to first. Besides, you seem to be in more of a hurry than I am."

"Fair enough." Yun Jin inclined his head. "See you later."

With that, he turned and exited.

Once the door shut behind him, Ardent let out a deep sigh, rubbing his temples. The sharp, calculating glint in his eyes faded, replaced with something far more tired.

‘Keeping everything in a grey area is such a damn headache…’

His fingers drummed lightly against the desk before he exhaled.

"I hate politics," the old noble muttered.

Using the map embedded in the invitation card, Yun Jin followed its directions through the bustling streets of Terrilstead.

Eventually, he arrived before a massive, towering structure.

The building exuded wealth.

The Black Moon Auction House stood tall, adorned with dark obsidian stone and intricate golden carvings. A stream of high-class merchants, nobles, and renowned adventurers entered its grand doors, dressed in fine silks, enchanted armor, and flowing robes of status.

Yun Jin approached the entrance.

The heavy double doors swung open automatically, a subtle display of magical convenience.

Stepping inside, he approached the concierge counter.

The well-dressed attendant gave him a single glance—then, without hesitation, sneered slightly at his simple shirt.

"Apologies, sir, but this establishment caters to distinguished guests. If you are lost, I can direct you elsewhere."

Despite his respectful words, the mockery in his tone was unmistakable.

Yun Jin remained silent.

Then, he pulled out his invitation card and placed it on the counter.

The moment the concierge laid eyes on it, his entire demeanor shifted.

His face drained of color. His back stiffened.

And in an instant, he bowed deeply, sweat forming on his brow.

"My sincerest apologies, esteemed guest! Please—allow me to escort you at once!"

He pressed a button, and immediately, an elevator door slid open.

Yun Jin stepped inside. The moment the invitation card tapped against the scanner, the lift shot upward—straight to the highest floor.

When the doors opened, Yun Jin stepped into a grand hall filled with elites.

Noble lords. Legendary adventurers. Mysterious figures draped in enchanted cloaks.

A young woman in an elegant black-and-gold uniform stepped forward, bowing.

"Welcome, esteemed guest. I am Ashley, your guide for the evening. Shall I assist you?"

Yun Jin nodded, allowing her to lead him toward two massive boards filled with auction listings.

One displayed fixed-price exclusive items, available only to VIPs.

The other listed rare auction items, set to be bid on later.

As Yun Jin studied the list, Ashley leaned in, whispering—

"There are three unlisted 'special items' that will be revealed during the auction. You might find them... interesting."

Yun Jin’s expression didn’t change, but his curiosity stirred.

With his newfound wealth, it was time to see what this auction truly had to offer.