Three weeks after killing Kael Darkmoore, the academy was still processing the revelation that a third-year student had been a serial killer draining fellow mages. Professor Aldwin had given testimony about Phantom saving his life, which created an interesting dynamic—the City Guard was officially hunting Phantom while many privately acknowledged he'd eliminated a monster they'd failed to catch.
Marcus sat in Advanced Alchemy, listening to Professor Blackthorne discuss Platinum-rank potion theory while working through his usual pile of food. His Bronze Peak Stage cultivation was at 89% now, close to breakthrough. Just needed one or two more high-value targets.
"Mr. Aldrich," Blackthorne called. "Since you're our resident prodigy, perhaps you can explain why Platinum-grade vitality potions require dragon's blood specifically, not drake blood?"
Marcus swallowed his pastry. "Dragon's blood contains true draconic essence—a fundamental life force that resonates with high-rank cultivation. Drake blood is diluted, lacking the essential vitality matrix. Substituting it would create a Bronze-grade potion at best, and more likely a poisonous failure that kills the drinker."
"Perfect explanation. This is why Mr. Aldrich earned his Bronze Rank certification in record time." Blackthorne smiled. "In fact, I have an announcement. Marcus has been offered early advancement to Silver Rank Alchemist testing, contingent on reaching Silver Rank cultivation first. The Alchemist Guild believes his talent warrants accelerated progression."
The class murmured with surprise. Silver Rank Alchemist before third year? Unheard of.
Lucian, sitting two rows back, caught Marcus's eye and nodded slightly. The genius had been training relentlessly since their encounter with Kael, pushing himself harder than ever. His Bronze Peak Stage was at 78%—excellent progress, though still behind Marcus's pace.
After class, a group of students approached Marcus—not the usual autograph-seekers or brown-nosers, but serious practitioners.
Their leader was a young woman with auburn hair and intelligent green eyes. Elena Brightwater, ranked third in second-year, specializing in enchantment theory. Silver Rank - Low Stage, which made her one of the youngest Silver Rank students in academy history before Marcus's generation.
"Marcus Aldrich," Elena said formally. "I'd like to propose a study group. Several of us are pursuing advanced certifications and could benefit from collaborative learning. You for Silver Rank Alchemy, myself for Grandmaster Enchanter, Victor for Master Artificer." She gestured to the others with her. "We'd meet twice weekly, share knowledge, resources, and contacts. Interested?"
Marcus considered. Study groups meant social obligations, shared information, potential security risks. But they also meant legitimate networking, access to knowledge he'd have to purchase otherwise, and cover for why he spent time with high-achieving students.
"What's the cost?" he asked directly.
Elena blinked at the bluntness. "Cost? It's collaborative—we all contribute equally."
"Nothing is free. What do you actually want from me?"
She smiled slightly, appreciating the directness. "Honestly? Your alchemy knowledge. You create Legendary-grade potions as a Bronze Rank. That's not normal talent—that's revolutionary technique. We want to understand how, and in exchange, we'll share our specializations. Victor can enchant your equipment beyond standard commercial-grade. I can create custom artifacts. Others have different expertise."
"Who else is in this group?"
"Currently eight members, all second or third-year, all pursuing master-tier certifications. We're selective—only those serious about their craft. Lucian Ashford joined last week, actually. Said you were good enough to be worth studying with."
Marcus glanced at Lucian, who shrugged innocently. The genius was building connections, creating a network. Smart.
"Fine. Twice weekly. But I choose which techniques I share, and I expect equivalent value in return. If the exchange becomes unbalanced, I leave."
"Fair terms." Elena extended her hand. "Welcome to the Ascending Circle. We meet in the North Tower study hall, third floor, every Seventhday and Tenthday evening."
After they left, Lyra approached, having watched the whole interaction. "The Ascending Circle? That's basically the future elite of the kingdom. Every member is predicted to reach Gold Rank minimum. You're moving in powerful circles, Marcus."
"They're useful contacts for alchemy advancement. That's all."
"Sure. Just 'useful contacts.'" Lyra's violet eyes were knowing. "You know, for someone who claimed to just want to be left alone, you've become remarkably central to academy social dynamics. Tournament champion, genius alchemist, now member of the most exclusive study group. It's almost like you're building something."
"I'm building my alchemy career. Everything else is incidental."
"If you say so." She didn't sound convinced. "Just be careful. Powerful people attract powerful enemies. You've made friends, but you've also made people jealous. Daniel Ashford still hasn't forgiven you for humiliating him after that duel challenge you accepted."
Marcus remembered that duel three weeks ago—he'd finished Daniel in under thirty seconds, making the noble look utterly incompetent. It had been necessary to discourage future challenges, but Lyra was right that it created enemies.
"Let him be jealous. He's not strong enough to matter."
"He's Bronze Peak Stage now, same as you. And his family has money, connections. Don't underestimate him."
Marcus nodded, filing away the warning. Daniel Ashford was a complication he'd need to monitor.