Chapter 63: The Shadow Network

"The three of you are here. Good." Aiden got straight to the point.

His voice carried a faint metallic quality as it passed through the faceplate of his Power Gauntlets.

"I asked you here because I want to establish a non-public trading channel." He paused briefly... "A... black market that belongs only to a select few."

’Black market?!’ The words immediately caused the eyes of all three men to light up.

They operated in the gray areas of the market, so they naturally understood what a black market backed by someone of Reaper’s caliber could mean.

Higher profits. Greater security. Access to higher-level clients. And, perhaps most importantly... Broader connections and sources of intelligence.

Phantom Eyes was the first to speak.

"I wonder, Mr. Reaper... how do you intend to operate this ’black market’?"

"It’s simple." Aiden’s tone remained calm, but there was an unquestionable authority behind it.

"I will provide high-end items and scarce intelligence as the core attraction. I’ll also be responsible for the security and reputation of the channel."

His gaze slowly swept across the three men.

"You three will use your respective connections and channels to screen and introduce suitable buyers, sellers, and special talents, people with sufficient strength, trustworthy reputations, and genuine demand."

"All transactions will be conducted through encrypted channels. Offline meeting locations will be designated by me."

Aiden raised one finger. "I will take a ten-percent cut from every transaction."

The three exchanged another glance. Ten percent. Not insignificant.

But considering what Reaper was offering, it was hardly unreasonable.

"If you encounter difficult-to-obtain intelligence or items, I can purchase them at a premium and give your requests priority."

Aiden’s voice remained indifferent. "And if a situation requires force..."

His gaze hardened slightly. "I can provide armed support."

The atmosphere beneath the bridge subtly changed.

That final statement carried far more weight than the others.

Aiden paused before continuing. "You three will act as middlemen. In addition to your normal transaction margins, every deal you successfully facilitate will earn you an additional personal reward from me based on its value."

"The reward can take the form of gold coins, equipment, resources..." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Or an opportunity to make a specific request of me."

Silence descended.

The plan was straightforward. The responsibilities were clearly defined. And so were the benefits.

Aiden had deliberately combined pressure with incentive.

His reputation and strength provided the coercion.

The profits and personal rewards provided the temptation.

The three men were all shrewd individuals. They immediately understood the enormous opportunity in front of them.

With Reaper as the backing of their operation, their business would become safer.

They would gain access to higher-level clients and resources that were previously beyond their reach.

And on top of that... They would receive additional rewards from Reaper himself.

For people like them, this was an opportunity that was almost impossible to refuse.

.... "I’m in!" Coinlord was the first to state his position, his eyes practically transforming into gleaming gold coins.

"Heh heh. Boss Reaper certainly doesn’t waste words. There’s no reason for me, [Old Smoke], to turn down an opportunity to make a fortune."

Old Smoke nodded with a broad smile, his dry pipe still resting between his fingers.

Phantom Eyes remained silent for a moment.

His gaze flickered between Aiden and the other two before he finally gave a slow nod.

"Agreed. But I have one condition. I need absolute confidentiality regarding my information channels."

"That is only natural." Aiden nodded without hesitation. "Specific operational details will be communicated through encrypted channels later. For now..."

He raised his hand. "This is the first list of items that will be available through the black market. Take a look and find suitable buyers."

Aiden brought up a virtual list he had prepared long ago.

Several Uncommon-tier pieces of equipment were listed alongside various rare materials, including [Elemental Dust] and [Thorn Stinger].

There was even a simplified guide for the [Abandoned Subway Station (Normal)].

However, the section concerning the hidden boss had been deliberately removed.

The moment they saw the contents of the list, the expressions of the three men subtly changed.

Their breathing quickened. Uncommon-tier equipment. Rare materials. And a dungeon guide.

At this stage of the apocalypse, these were practically hard currency.

Demand far exceeded supply, and almost every powerful player or emerging guild was desperate to obtain such resources.

As for the dungeon guide... That alone was enough to attract the attention of numerous guilds eager to gain an advantage over their competitors.

But Aiden wasn’t finished. "In addition..."

His voice suddenly became more deliberate.

"The black market will also be purchasing several specific materials on a long-term basis."

The three immediately focused on him.

"Twice the current market price."

The atmosphere instantly changed. Even Coinlord’s eyes widened. ’Twice the market price?’

Aiden calmly continued. "At the same time, I’ll pay a high price for any detailed intelligence regarding the Dragon Sovereign Guild and its leader, Damien Bale."

He deliberately emphasized the final two names. "The more detailed and accurate the information, the more generous the reward."

Silence.

The three men exchanged subtle glances. Aiden had clearly identified Damien and the Dragon Sovereign Guild as targets.

This wasn’t merely a request for information. It was a declaration.

There was undoubtedly some unknown conflict between Boss Reaper and the currently rising Dragon Sovereign Guild.

But none of the three had any intention of asking about it.

They were businessmen. Their concern was profit. And as long as Reaper was willing to pay, they had no reason to care about the grudges behind the transaction.

"Understood!"

"Rest assured, Boss Reaper. Leave it to us!"

"As for intelligence..." Phantom Eyes’ eyes narrowed slightly. "I’ll focus on that."

Aiden nodded. With that, the preliminary agreement was reached.

The three exchanged their encrypted contact information with Aiden and received the necessary communication protocols for future transactions.

Once everything was settled, Aiden didn’t linger. He turned around and walked away from the broken bridge.

A few minutes later, he returned to the concealed Rezvani.

...

"Did it go well?" Luna asked softly.

"Hmm," Aiden started the vehicle. "It’s just the beginning."

As the vehicle drove away from the broken bridge, the corners of Aiden’s mouth curved slightly.

Feeling the first network quietly woven in his hands, a sense of pleasure, different from the improvement of personal strength, but one of controlling resources, welled up within him.

This was no longer just the gratification of fighting alone, but the beginning of planning and setting the board.

The black market, this dark piece, had already been played.

It would be like a root system hidden underground, silently absorbing nutrients and spreading, and one day, it would become an indispensable force supporting him in toppling the big tree that was the "Dragon Sovereign."

The shadow belonging to Reaper began to shroud Ashford City.