Marcus made it back to his warehouse base within twenty minutes, removed his mask, and immediately began processing Kael's statue. The mixed transmutation had created something unique—a crystal-gold hybrid that pulsed with corrupted Silver Rank mana.
He couldn't absorb it normally. The draining technique Kael had used had tainted his cultivation with stolen power from eight victims. Absorbing that would be like drinking poison.
But the statue itself was valuable—the gold alone was worth 40,000 gold at minimum. The crystal components could be purified and used for high-grade alchemy. And most importantly, it was evidence of the cultivation-draining technique.
Marcus carefully extracted samples, documenting everything. If there was an "organization" of drainers like Kael had claimed, this information would be valuable to sell to the right people.
His Starfall Guild account showed the 60,000 gold bounty deposit. Split with Lucian meant 30,000 each, bringing Marcus's total liquid wealth to 515,000 gold.
Over half a million gold. Enough to buy a noble title, purchase advancement to Silver Rank through crystals, or invest in serious equipment upgrades.
Marcus chose equipment upgrades.
He spent the next day purchasing:
New Combat Gear: Shadowstep Boots Mark II (improved version, Gold Rank enchantments): 35,000 gold Phantom's Cloak (superior to Wraith Cloak, bends reality not just light): 45,000 gold Dragon-Steel Daggers (pair, can cut through Silver Rank defenses): 50,000 gold Enhanced Guardian Amulet (five fatal hits, regenerates charges): 40,000 gold
Alchemy Equipment: Master-Grade Cauldron (allows Platinum-grade brewing): 25,000 gold Rare ingredient collection (phoenix ash, dragon blood, etc.): 30,000 gold Preservation chamber for volatile materials: 15,000 gold
Information Network: Expanded spy network covering entire city: 20,000 gold Contacts in Royal Guard for insider information: 10,000 gold Merchant intelligence access (prices, shipping, noble movements): 8,000 gold
Total spent: 278,000 gold Remaining wealth: 237,000 gold
Worth every coin. Better equipment meant better survival odds. Information meant fewer surprises. Alchemy gear meant more legitimate income.
Marcus reviewed his current status:
Cultivation: Bronze Peak Stage (67%) Alchemy: Bronze Rank Alchemist (Certified, capable of Legendary-grade work) Wealth: 237,000 gold liquid + equipment valued at 278,000 gold Contracts Completed: 28 total as Phantom Allies: Lucian Ashford (complicit accomplice), Professor Aldwin (owed debt) Enemies: Unknown drainer organization (potential threat)
He was approaching the threshold for Silver Rank breakthrough. Another two or three contracts absorbing Silver Rank targets, or consistent cultivation with high-grade crystals, and he'd be ready.
But Silver Rank would bring new challenges. More powerful opponents, higher-stakes contracts, greater scrutiny from authorities and rival assassins.
The cycle would continue, just at a higher level of danger.
Marcus pulled out his new Master-Grade Cauldron and began testing its capabilities. With this equipment and his 100x Effect, he could potentially create Legendary or even Mythical-grade potions—items worth hundreds of thousands of gold each.
His legitimate alchemist income could soon rival his assassination earnings. That would provide better cover, reduce risk, and create sustainable wealth independent of killing people.
But he'd still take contracts. Because advancement through absorption was faster than any other method, and staying ahead of threats required constant power growth.
Paranoia demanded he never stop preparing, never stop advancing, never stop accumulating advantages.
Because the moment he became comfortable, the moment he stopped being paranoid, was the moment he'd die.
Again.
And Marcus had already died once. That was enough for one lifetime—or two lifetimes, technically.
He began brewing a Platinum-grade enhancement potion using his new cauldron, his mind already planning the next contract, the next advancement, the next step in his endless preparation for survival.