In a Lannopolis downtown alley, Elisa and Jaxon approached its end. Jaxon, Elisa's guide, pointed to a wall. "The entrance to Lannopolis's black market is this way."

He produced a black card, swiping it against the wall. A beep sounded. "Permission to enter," he announced. The wall slid open, revealing a door.

Inside, a bustling scene unfolded, mirroring the vibrancy of the city above. "Black markets exist in every major city," Jaxon explained as they walked, "a blend of underworld and legitimate figures. The rules are different here—a mix of light and darkness. You'll find things banned elsewhere, no limitations. The more tempting an item, the more dangerous. Money and power unlock the unexpected."

Elisa anticipated this. Her past arrogance in Rivenesco, where gang leaders served her, had made her familiar with black market dealings. She considered it the underworld's paradise.

Frowning, she asked, "Are you sure this is useful?"

Jaxon confidently replied, "Absolutely! We post a bounty, offer a handsome reward, and plenty of assassins will take the job. High-reward bounties reach the global black market, attracting top assassination organizations—scary people who can certainly kill Dustin."

Elisa smiled. "You're right. Dustin isn't invincible. A large enough reward will find takers."

"Conveniently, I know a powerful assassin, an ace for an international organization," Jaxon added. "He's agreed to meet; high price, anyone's game."

Satisfied, Elisa urged him onward. They navigated the market's throngs, arriving at an old pharmacy.

Jaxon beamed. "Our family's pharmacy. We deal in valuable medicines and ingredients, buying rare items and reselling at a profit. It's lucrative, and not easy. Each black market business is backed by a powerful organization. Our success speaks to our strength."

Elisa nodded, smiling. The Chandler family's affiliation with the Wyatt family implied significant power. Jaxon had chosen this location for its security; his territory.

"Kill Dustin, and I consider it your achievement," Elisa stated.

As they planned Dustin's demise, he entered the black market, heading straight for a pharmacy. He sought a crucial ingredient to counter Irene's poison, possessing six of the seven needed. The Sorensen family's stores yielded nothing; the final ingredient was rare, finding a mature specimen even harder. While enlisting Hell Hall's help, Dustin remained vigilant.

Upon hearing a Hell Guard report of a pharmacy specializing in rare medicines, he visited. He walked in just as Elisa and Jaxon prepared to leave.

Elisa gasped, seeing Dustin. "Why is Dustin here?"

Jaxon, similarly surprised, abandoned their departure and confronted Dustin. "Dustin Fox, what are you doing here? You don't belong!"

Dustin scowled, unaware of the Chandler family's ownership.

"Looking to buy something?" Jaxon mocked.

"Tri-color Panax," Dustin replied.

"Even if we had it, you wouldn't get it!" Jaxon snapped. Elisa chimed in, sneering, "That's right! Mad, are you?" She relished this opportunity to belittle him.

"Get out! You're not welcome!" Jaxon roared, "We only sell to high-status clients! You're beneath us!"

Dustin's scowl deepened. "Do you want your pharmacy to stay in business?" he asked coldly, radiating a lethal aura.

Elisa and Jaxon, oblivious to their peril, reveled in his anger.

"You decide if we stay open?" Jaxon scoffed. "This isn't the outside world."

He gestured; pharmacy guards readied themselves. "We're in the black market! You won't dare attack me here!" Elisa sneered, hoping Dustin would make a scene. Jaxon had previously explained the black market's enforcers were formidable; even the Chandler family was insignificant in comparison. Past troublemakers had perished.

"Are you deaf? Get out!" Jaxon's impatience flared. He beckoned the guards. "Since you won't leave, I'll have them throw you out."

These were elite fighters, hired from a top security firm. They advanced on Dustin, their intent, signaled by Jaxon's glare, to be brutal. Someone produced a knife. The black market allowed self-defense against threats or robbery; even death was permitted.