After leaving the laboratory, Marcus immediately went to his warehouse base. He needed to secure his payment and process what had just happened.
The dimensional pouch contained exactly 100,000 gold in high-denomination coins. Combined with his existing wealth, he now had 525,000 gold liquid assets.
Over half a million gold. Enough to buy a small estate, purchase advancement to Silver Rank through mana crystals, or invest in business ventures.
But Marcus would do none of those things. He'd invest it all in equipment, supplies, and security.
Because 525,000 gold in wealth also meant he was now a target. Other criminals would hear about the young Bronze Rank alchemist who earned 100,000 gold in a single day. They'd try to rob him, kidnap him, force him to create potions for them.
He needed to be ready.
Marcus spent 150,000 gold over the next two days on the following:
Defensive Artifacts: Phantom Shield Generator (creates emergency barrier, blocks up to Gold Rank attacks three times): 40,000 gold Soul Anchor Amulet (prevents soul-targeting magic and mind control): 35,000 gold Dimensional Storage Ring (holds 100 cubic meters, bound to his soul): 25,000 gold
Offensive Equipment: Mana Disruption Bombs (six bombs that destabilize enemy spells): 18,000 gold Hellfire Daggers (pair, superior to Null-Steel, enchanted with fire damage): 30,000 gold Assassin's Wire (enchanted garrote, can cut through Bronze Rank defenses): 8,000 gold
Safe Houses: Three additional properties in different districts, all purchased under false names: 45,000 gold total Each fully stocked with emergency supplies, weapons, and mana crystals
Information Network: Paid retainers in Lower District to gather information: 5,000 gold upfront, 500 gold monthly Bribed City Guard clerk to access investigation reports: 2,000 gold Purchased membership in Merchant's Intelligence Collective: 7,000 gold
The remaining 375,000 gold he split between his various safe houses and secure accounts, never keeping more than 50,000 gold in any single location.
Paranoid? Absolutely. But he'd rather be paranoid and alive than trusting and dead.
With his finances secured, Marcus turned his attention back to hunting targets. His Bronze - Mid Stage cultivation was at 84%, and he wanted to reach Bronze - Peak Stage before attempting anything too dangerous.
He reviewed his target options again. Baron Blackwood was still available—Silver - Low Stage, relatively straightforward. The bounty was only 45,000 gold, but the Silver Rank mana crystal from absorption would be worth far more in cultivation progress.
Marcus decided to take the contract. He'd scout the Baron's estate for a week, learn every detail, prepare contingencies, then strike when the moment was perfect.
But first, he had a delivery to make.
That evening, an anonymous package was delivered to the City Guard headquarters: "The Surgeon's" journal, containing detailed notes on all thirty-one of her victims, including their names, dates of death, and where she'd disposed of the bodies.
By morning, the Guard had recovered fifteen bodies and notified the families. Justice, even if delayed.
Marcus watched the news spread through the academy from his usual spot in the dining hall, eating his way through a pile of pastries.
"They found all the victims," a student said to her friend. "Someone turned in the killer's journal. Do you think it was Phantom?"
"Must have been. He's like a ghost himself—kills the guilty and delivers evidence to authorities."
"A vigilante assassin. How strange."
Marcus smiled slightly and took another bite. Let them think what they wanted. As long as nobody connected Phantom to Marcus Aldrich, he was safe.
Professor Kellan sat down across from him uninvited. "Marcus. We need to talk."
He looked up, pastry halfway to his mouth. "Professor?"
"I've been reviewing your advancement rate. You went from Iron - Mid Stage to Bronze - Mid Stage in less than a month. That's... unusually fast."
Marcus had prepared for this. "I told you, I saved money from alchemy sales and bought mana crystals. And I've been cultivating every night for hours."
"That's still remarkably fast. Most students take months to advance even one sub-stage within Bronze Rank." She leaned forward. "I'm not accusing you of anything improper. But rapid advancement without proper foundation can be dangerous. Your cultivation base could become unstable."
"I'm being careful, Professor. I built a strong foundation at Iron Rank."
"See that you continue to be careful." She stood to leave, then paused. "Also, there's been talk among the faculty. Some professors want to sponsor you for advanced study—possibly even early graduation if you continue at this pace. You have options, Marcus. Don't waste them on recklessness."
After she left, Marcus sat thinking. Early graduation? That could be useful—less academy oversight, more freedom to operate as Phantom. But it would also mean losing the cover that student status provided.
Something to consider.
For now, he had a baron to hunt.
Marcus finished his pastries, gathered his materials, and headed to his next class. Just another day as a Bronze Rank student with growing reputation.
Just another day maintaining the careful balance between his two lives.
Just another day of paranoid preparation keeping him alive in a world that rewarded power above all else.
He wouldn't have it any other way.