Chapter 7.

Infiltrators.

Determined to investigate Victor's words, Iraide and Jared planned an undercover operation to delve into the darkest places in Renové. They knew that going as detectives would not allow them to obtain the information they needed, so they decided to present themselves as buyers interested in the black market.

Dressed in ordinary clothes and using false identities, they went to a clandestine club in the suburbs of Renové, a place known to be the center of operations for the black market. The club was crowded, with a heavy air of secrecy and distrust.

As they approached the bar, they were greeted by a man with a suspicious look. ¿What do you want? he growled, not hiding his disdain.

They told us that we could find something... special here, Jared said, trying to sound convincing. We are interested in buying human fat.

The man narrowed his eyes, assessing them carefully. I haven't heard that request in a long time. Follow me.

He led them into a back room, where a more refined-looking man awaited them. I'm Mr. Black, he introduced himself. I'm told you're interested in human fat. ¿Why?

It's for a rejuvenation treatment, Iraide replied. We were told this was the right place to get it.

Mr. Black watched them for a moment before speaking. It's been over 20 years since anyone on the black market has done that. Doctors who used to extract human fat got sick and some died. It was a dangerous business, and no one wanted to take the risk.

So,  ¿there's no way to get it now? Jared asked, trying to hide his disappointment.

Right, Mr. Black said. The black market has changed. People are looking for other things now. But human fat is no longer a commodity. If you are looking for that, you are late.

Iraide and Jared exchanged a glance. They knew this lead had run dry, but at least they now had the certainty that the underground doctors were no longer operating in that area.

Thank you for your time, Iraide said, and they both stood up to leave.

Before they could leave, Mr. Black spoke up again. If you're really looking for answers, perhaps you should investigate the older side of town. There are stories of places where dark secrets are kept. But be careful. Not all secrets want to be revealed.

With those words echoing in their minds, Iraide and Jared left the club, knowing their search was far from over. The investigation was taking them to the strangest corners of Renové, and they were prepared to face any challenge that came their way.

As they walked through the dark streets of the city, Jared couldn't stop thinking about Victor's words and how everything seemed to be connected. "Renové... always Renové," he muttered. Perhaps the key lies in the city's very name. Renewal... rebirth... renewal.

Iraide nodded, reflecting on what they had learned. We have to keep looking. Renové's darkest secrets are waiting to be discovered.

But Jared said: Maybe, we're looking in the wrong direction. The city was founded 350 years ago and has always been called Renové. ¿Doesn't this sound like something to do with rebirth, renewal, renewal? It's like something that evolves.

Dagna stopped him and said: I know where you're going. Remember what Marissa said: keep your feet on the ground. We're not going to be digging into the founder of the city; his bones probably aren't even with us.

But Jared, the 30-year-old detective, replied: Please, just look at everything objectively. There have been no requests for human fat on the black market for 20 years. There are no underground doctors practicing this specialty, but clearly the murder was perpetrated to extract the fat from the victim's body.

And if not the legends, then at least we can find clues from the origin of it all: the founder of the city, the late Mr. Ratner Renové.