Tracing a darknet lead on Merlin Chain starts with the network, not the address. A 0x string is valid on many EVM networks, so confirm the lead really sits on Merlin Chain before you record anything.
Reading the flow
The free check shows the BTC balance in USD and the activity count from the public explorer. A high count says the address is busy, and a low count says it is quiet. Follow the counterparties outward in the public explorer, one hop at a time.
Keeping the trace usable
Write each hop with the network name beside the address. The same string on another EVM network is a different account history, so a trace that drops the network label can mix two unrelated trails.