The Black Market & First Confrontation

Reverse Forging vs. Alchemy – Proving the Craft

Rei took the damaged alchemy catalyst from Nadia, inspecting it under the forge's light.

> [Cracked Mana Core] – Durability: 3/100

Effect: Decreased Alchemy Success Rate (-30%)

"Looks bad," Rei commented. "Bet it fails every time you brew something."

Nadia folded her arms. "That's why I don't use it. If you can fix it, I'll admit you're not just scamming people."

Rei smirked and activated Reverse Forging.

The mana core pulsed in his grip. Cracks along its surface shimmered, as if resisting repair.

> [System Warning: High-tier magical materials require additional reinforcement.]

A new requirement?

Rei frowned. He didn't have materials for mana reinforcement.

But…

Alchemy relied on transmutation.

"Hey," Rei said, glancing at Nadia. "You're an alchemist. Got any restoration potions?"

She blinked. "What? Why?"

"Because I think I can fuse it into the reforging process."

Nadia hesitated, then pulled a Lesser Restoration Elixir from her belt.

Rei poured it over the core—letting the liquid seep into the cracks—then activated Reverse Forging again.

This time, the catalyst absorbed the alchemical energy.

The system chimed.

> [Alchemy Infusion Detected! New Crafting Path Unlocked!]

[Reinforced Arcane Catalyst] – Success!

The cracked core transformed into a glowing blue gemstone, its surface flawless.

Nadia's eyes widened.

> [Enhanced Mana Core] – Durability: 100/100

Effect: Alchemy Success Rate +25%

Rei tossed it back to her. "There. Fixed."

She stared at it, speechless.

"...This is impossible."

But the system didn't lie.

For the first time, someone outside of Rei had witnessed the power of Reverse Forging.

News of Rei's reforging spread beyond the Pelelong Bazaar.

A few days later, a hooded NPC approached him in the slums.

"You're the one selling reforged gear, right?"

Rei glanced up from his work. "Who's asking?"

The NPC smirked.

> [Underworld Broker – Rashid]

Faction: ???

"I've got clients willing to pay top dollar for your skills," Rashid said. "Stuff like this? It's worth more in the black market than in some random bazaar."

Rei narrowed his eyes.

Black market dealings in Hustle Online weren't illegal—technically—but they meant one thing: dangerous people would be involved.

And once he stepped into that world, there was no turning back.

But before he could respond—

BOOM!

The ground shook. Players screamed as a guild raid party stormed into the slums.

A familiar guild banner flew above them:

> [Iron Order – Top 10 Guild]

Rei recognized their leader instantly.

Razak, the "Iron Fist."

And he looked pissed.

Razak marched through the slums, his armored boots crushing debris.

"Where's the reforger?" he growled.

Silence.

Then, a random player pointed at Rei's stall. "That's him!"

Razak locked eyes with Rei. "You're the one messing up our market prices?"

Rei remained calm. "I'm just selling weapons. Didn't know that was a crime."

"It is when you're devaluing our trade."

Razak unsheathed his blade—a massive greatsword with a flaming enchantment.

> [Inferno Cleaver – Epic Rank]

"Here's the deal," Razak said. "Join Iron Order and work for us, or I'll make sure you never sell anything again."

Rei exhaled.

So this was how top guilds operated.

But if they thought he'd roll over—

They were dead wrong.