Carrying almost 30,000 gold coins, Thunder felt like a big shot. He couldn't help but smirk under his hood as he strutted through the slums.
This was his first real payday! Compared to selling scrolls to George, this fortune seemed like a lifetime's worth of work.
After some window shopping, Thunder realized he had no idea what to buy for his magic-wielding friends. Magic staves were the basics, but decent ones cost tens of thousands of gold each. He did the math: even low-tier staves for everyone would cost around 30,000 gold.
Life was full of crazy twists!
Thunder asked George, "Any quick ways to make more money?"
"Gambling! There's a huge casino here. Wanna play?" George suggested.
"Nah. Not my thing." Thunder shook his head. The original body's gambling debts were still fresh in his mind.
"Robbery then!" George grinned. "Imagine hitting rich merchants on dark nights. You could make hundreds of thousands in one go!"
Thunder laughed it off. He needed a more…legitimate solution.
George gave him a tour of the slums, pointing out different spots. Finally, they headed out.
"Here's the secret handshake for the slum entrance," George said, teaching Thunder the gesture.
Back at Maria's, Thunder mulled over money-making ideas until he bumped into a soft body.
"Deep in thought?" Maria tapped his forehead.
"Money troubles!" Thunder admitted, then pulled her into a hug. "Grant me strength, teacher!"
Maria blushed and squirmed. "How…?"
"Just hold me." Thunder nuzzled into her chest, breathing in her calming scent.
Maria's heart raced as she tentatively stroked Thunder's hair. He seemed to fall into a peaceful slumber.
The scent…scent…wait! Thunder's mind lit up. Perfume! Women loved clothes, makeup, and perfume. He knew a thing or two about making perfume.
"Teacher, have you heard of perfume?" Thunder looked up, eyes sparkling.
Maria shook her head, still flustered. "No, what is it?"
"It's a liquid that women apply to smell lovely." Thunder explained, excitement building.
Maria's eyes widened. "Really?"
Thunder knew he had struck gold. Perfume could be his ticket to wealth! Time to cash in on the vanity of the noble ladies.
"Teacher, you are my lucky charm!" Thunder playfully pecked her cheek, feeling a surge of energy. This was going to work!