The next morning, Marcus woke to find three messages waiting for him.
First: from the Alchemist Guild, congratulating him on breaking through to Silver Rank (news traveled fast somehow) and formally inviting him to attempt Silver Rank Alchemist certification. The test would be in two weeks, requiring creation of three Silver-grade potions under observation.
Second: from Headmaster Thornsworth, requesting a meeting to discuss his "remarkable advancement rate" and potential participation in the upcoming Inter-Academy Competition.
Third: from an unknown sender, simply stating: "We know about Phantom. Meet at the Old Harbor warehouse three, tonight at midnight, or your secret gets revealed to the academy. Come alone."
Marcus stared at the third message, his mind racing through possibilities. Blackmail. Someone had connected him to Phantom and was leveraging it. The question was who, and what they actually knew versus what they were bluffing about.
He had twelve hours to prepare for either negotiation or elimination of whoever sent this message. First things first—attend the Headmaster's meeting and maintain his student persona.
Thornsworth's office was as imposing as ever, filled with ancient texts and magical artifacts accumulated over fifty years of teaching. The Platinum Rank headmaster sat behind his desk, studying Marcus with calculating eyes.
"Sit, Mr. Aldrich. We have much to discuss."
Marcus sat, maintaining his usual casual demeanor. "You wanted to talk about my advancement?"
"Among other things. You've gone from Iron Rank to Silver Rank in three months. That's not just fast—it's unprecedented in modern academy history. The last person to advance that quickly was..." Thornsworth paused, "...myself, sixty years ago. And I had the advantage of being a duke's son with unlimited resources."
"I've been fortunate to earn good money through alchemy commissions. House Thornvale's patronage helped significantly."
"Yes, Lady Thornvale speaks highly of you. Apparently the elixir you created saved her husband's life. She's quite grateful." Thornsworth leaned forward. "But even with unlimited mana crystals, your advancement speed suggests exceptional talent or... other methods. I'm curious which."
Marcus met his gaze steadily. "Exceptional talent, built on a solid foundation. I didn't rush my early ranks. I cultivated carefully, built strong channels, and only advanced when I was truly ready. That preparation is paying off now."
"A diplomatic answer. Very well, I'll accept it for now." Thornsworth pulled out a folder. "The Inter-Academy Competition occurs every three years. The kingdom's five major academies send their best students to compete in combat, alchemy, enchantment, and various other disciplines. Winners receive substantial prizes, including Gold-grade mana crystals, rare artifacts, and recommendations to prestigious positions."
"You want me to represent Luminaris Academy?"
"In the alchemy division, yes. You'd compete against the best alchemist students from the other four academies—all Silver or Gold Rank, all certified experts. It's an opportunity to showcase your abilities on a kingdom-wide stage."
Marcus considered. More attention, more scrutiny, more risk of his dual identity being discovered. But also legitimate recognition, valuable prizes, and enhanced reputation as an alchemist.
"What's the timeline?"
"Three months. The competition occurs at the Royal Capital. You'd spend two weeks there, competing and networking with the kingdom's elite. Win or lose, it's an invaluable experience."
"I'll think about it and give you an answer next week."
"Fair enough. One more thing..." Thornsworth's expression became more serious. "Professor Blackthorne informed me about your study group, the Ascending Circle. Eight of the academy's most talented students, all pushing for master-tier certifications. I approve of collaborative learning, but be aware—such concentrated talent attracts attention. Not all of it friendly."
"I understand."
"Do you? Because talent breeds jealousy, success breeds enemies, and power attracts predators. You're making yourself visible, Mr. Aldrich. Ensure you can defend what you're building."
After leaving the office, Marcus found Lyra waiting outside. Her violet eyes were concerned. "I heard you broke through to Silver Rank. Congratulations."
"Thank you."
"I also heard you're being blackmailed. Word travels fast in academy politics." She lowered her voice. "Someone's spreading rumors that you have a secret, something worth hiding. Daniel Ashford's faction, probably. They've been trying to dig up dirt on you since you humiliated him."
Marcus filed that information away. Daniel Ashford might be the blackmailer, or might be a convenient scapegoat. Either way, tonight's meeting would clarify things.
"I can handle it."
"I'm sure you can. Just... be careful. People who rise too fast make enemies of everyone they pass. Right now, you've passed a lot of people." Lyra hesitated. "If you need help—real help, not just friendly advice—let me know. You've helped me before with tournament preparation. I can return the favor."
"I'll remember that."
After classes, Marcus attended the Ascending Circle meeting. The group was excited about collaborative projects—Victor wanted to create artifacts that stored spell matrices from each member, creating a shared magical arsenal. Elena proposed enchanting equipment with combined techniques. Sarah offered to create healing arrays that could be deployed in emergencies.
"We're building something unprecedented," Elena said, her green eyes bright with enthusiasm. "Individual genius is valuable, but collaborative mastery could revolutionize how magic is practiced. Imagine artifacts that combine alchemy, enchantment, and healing in single items. Impossible for individuals to create, but achievable for our group."
Lucian caught Marcus's eye during the meeting, a silent question: Are you okay?
Marcus nodded slightly. He'd handle tonight's blackmail meeting himself.