A knock on the door interrupted his relief. Marcus tensed, reaching for his dagger.
"It's Lucian," a familiar voice called. "I can see smoke from your chimney. We need to talk about that contract opportunity."
Marcus opened the door. Lucian stood there, still wearing his training clothes, his amber eyes intense.
"You said you'd consider taking me on a real contract," Lucian said without preamble. "I'm ready. I've been training with you for a week now, and I understand the difference between academy combat and real fighting. Let me prove I can handle it."
Marcus studied him carefully. "Why are you so eager to cross that line? Killing someone changes you."
"Because I'm tired of being the talented bastard who's never tested himself in real combat. Because every advantage I have—money, training, natural talent—means nothing if I can't apply it when it matters." Lucian's jaw set stubbornly. "I need to know if I'm actually strong or just good at academy exercises."
Marcus considered. He had a contract pending—a Bronze Peak Stage target named Victor Crane, a merchant conducting illegal slave trades. Bounty was 35,000 gold. The target would be dangerous but manageable.
Taking Lucian along was risky. But if Marcus maintained his Phantom disguise and positioned Lucian carefully, the risk was calculable.
"Fine. Tomorrow night. Meet me at the Old District warehouse row at midnight. Come alone, tell no one, bring weapons you're comfortable with." Marcus met Lucian's eyes. "This is your one chance. If you freeze, panic, or compromise the mission, I'll never work with you again. Understood?"
"Understood. Thank you, Marcus. I won't disappoint you."
After Lucian left, Marcus sat alone, wondering if he'd just made a terrible mistake.
He was now training the academy's top student, had won a tournament that made him famous, and was about to bring someone on an assassination mission.
His carefully maintained low profile was becoming impossible to sustain.
But power required risk. Allies required trust. Growth required pushing boundaries.
Marcus pulled out his tournament prize crystal and began absorbing it.
BRONZE PEAK STAGE: 28%
Another month and he'd be ready to break through to Silver Rank. Then the real challenges would begin.
For now, he had a student to train and a contract to complete.
Just another day in his increasingly complicated life.