Lencar moved through the Black Market's narrow, twisting corridors — a subterranean sprawl where mana signatures clashed like static and law had no meaning. Cloaked and hooded, he maintained a precisely controlled Stage 6 mana presence, just enough to deter interference but not invite challenge.
His objective was clear: secure the expertise of the exiled engineer Dominante Code.
He located her workshop deep within the maze — a heavily warded chamber guarded by illusionary barriers and thread sensors. He breached them silently and stepped inside, placing a bar of Kiten-grade gold on the workbench.
Dominante Code looked up from her tools, sharp eyes cutting through the dim light. Her aura was refined — pure Thread Magic, precise and flexible, marking her as a former Diamond Kingdom artisan of rare skill. Exhaustion lingered in her posture, but her mind was alert and calculating.
"I'm looking for a custom tool," Lencar said evenly. "And a potential ally."
Dominante crossed her arms. "I don't leave this market, boy. And I don't partner with anyone who talks like a scholar and smells like open air. That gold—Kiten quality. Who are you really?"
"I'm an investor," Lencar replied, voice calm and deliberate. "And a realist. I know your name, Dominante Code. Ex–Diamond Kingdom engineer. Stage 3 fabricator. Fifty million crown bounty. A number too political to be personal."
Her mana flared, just slightly. "You talk too much for someone so young. What's your game?"
"I offer partnership," he said, sliding a sealed parchment across the bench. "A contract for the Oculus Link, a new communication artifact based on stabilized rune channels. You'll notice the mana circuitry is derived from Kiten-era architecture — something the Clover Kingdom doesn't yet possess."
Dominante scanned the parchment. The rune integration was advanced — beyond even her current designs. Professional pride tugged at her composure.
"And in exchange?" she asked.
"I'll pay double your rate," Lencar replied. "And make a wager. If I can publicly clear your bounty — not by hiding, but through political leverage — you'll join me as my logistics head and chief engineer. If I fail, you keep the gold and the design."
Dominante studied him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, slowly, she nodded.
"You're either a genius or a fool," she said. "But that's the best offer I've had in a decade. I'll build your device. As for your bet… we'll see."
"Agreed," Lencar said, retrieving the gold bar but leaving a generous deposit. "You'll hear from me again soon."
He turned to leave, his first major alliance quietly secured.
Outside the workshop, Lencar walked no more than five steps before his Phantom Sight pulsed — detecting a sharp, frigid mana signature closing in. Mist crept through the alley, laced with biting cold.
Analysis:
Threat: Mariella — Diamond defector, Ice and Mist dual-type.
Stage 4. Objective: Neutralize non-lethally.
A voice emerged from the fog. "Dominante isn't leaving with anyone," it hissed. "You walk away now, or you don't walk at all."
Lencar raised his aura shield to full Stage 6 output and activated Iron Magic: [Iron Shell], forming an invisible, heat-retaining layer under his skin.
Mariella's grimoire glowed.
"[Mist Magic: Flash Freeze Containment]!"
The air condensed into a crushing sphere of subzero pressure, meant to freeze blood and rupture mana flow. Lencar countered instantly.
"[Composite Magic: Raging Current Shell]!"
Water, Wind, and Stone intertwined into a dense vortex. The freezing mist collided with it, but the rotating shell dispersed the pressure, deflecting the containment. Lencar's inner layer of Magic Skin trapped enough heat to prevent frostbite.
Mariella gritted her teeth. "That resistance... you're no commoner!"
"I'm efficient," Lencar replied.
The mist flared again.
"[Ice Magic: Chilling Lances]!"
Dozens of ice spears erupted toward him. Lencar's response was instantaneous.
"[Composite Magic: Luminous Shrapnel]!"
Explosion, Iron, and Needle Magic merged — detonating a controlled barrage of metallic fragments that shattered the incoming lances mid-air. The alley filled with frost and sparks.
Through the fading mist, Lencar advanced silently, his Phantom Sight locked onto her mana trail. He closed the distance in a blink, using a Rune-enhanced Zephyr Streak.
"You're defeated," he said quietly.
"[Chain Magic: Anti-Magic Latch]!"
The chain lashed out, binding her wrist and suppressing her grimoire's output. Mariella froze in place, consciousness flickering.
Lencar released the chain's tension slightly, letting her breathe.
"Your loyalty to Dominante is admirable," he said. "But she no longer needs protection — she needs purpose. I can offer both."
Mariella's glare softened, her exhaustion overcoming defiance. "You… don't kill your enemies?"
"I don't waste resources," he replied.
He deactivated the chains and helped her sit upright. A moment of silence passed — then she nodded once.
"I'll follow you," she said. "For her."
Lencar inclined his head slightly. "That's all I ask."
He erased all signs of battle with Water Magic, washing away the frost and debris. Then, under cover of night, he used a small-scale Spatial Link to transfer both Dominante and Mariella to a fortified volcanic cave — his first hidden base outside the capital.
By dawn, Lencar was back in his shed — quiet, composed, and already planning his next move.
Two assets secured.
The Mars operation would begin soon.