While many were searching for Liam in New York City, he managed to have his lawyer persuade a judge to sign off on his emancipation papers, thus securing his adulthood and preserving his Brooklyn home for his eventual return.
A warm breeze wafted urban scents to him, and the faint city sounds echoed from down the street. However, it was the magic shop plaza across the paved road that captured his attention.
Before venturing to the shops, Liam made his way to the Bank of New York (BNY), established by Alexander Hamilton, to withdraw additional funds for his impending purchases.
The Bank of New York loomed before Liam as a grand testament to both magic and wealth, nestled seamlessly within the heart of the city.
Its 22-story structure was a perfect blend of mundane and arcane—limestone and sandstone walls exuding age-old authority, while magical wards shimmered subtly along the edges, ensuring the building's safety.
The architectural design paid homage to the Italian Renaissance, its palazzo style evoking images of ancient banking families like the Medici, where money and power intertwined.
As Liam ascended the short flight of sandstone steps, the faint hum of magical protection fields buzzed beneath his feet. At the entrance, two Orc guards stood watch—broad-shouldered, dressed in meticulously tailored armor, their gazes as sharp as blades. One stepped forward, grasping the burnished iron door, and with a nod of acknowledgment, swung it open.
Inside, Liam was greeted by an enormous hall lined with limestone pillars, bathed in the soft glow of enchanted crystals and accented with elegant gold trim.
The hustle of activity surrounded him—Elven bankers in finely pressed suits worked diligently behind counters, balancing ledgers, inspecting gems, and counting coins.
The magical and mundane coexisted seamlessly, as artifacts and mundane ledgers were handled with equal precision.
Liam approached the nearest counter, where a stern-looking Elf with gold-rimmed glasses was engrossed in writing within a leather-bound ledger. Liam read the nameplate: Teller Theodore Carleth.
"Greetings, Teller Carleth."
Liam said, his voice calm and respectful.
The Elf's gaze snapped up from his ledger, sharp eyes quickly sizing Liam up before giving a polite nod.
"Good day to you, mister…?"
"I am Liam Kooth, but my birth name is Liam Noah."
A flicker of recognition crossed the Teller's eyes, and Liam could see him mentally connecting the dots—the Noah name was well-known, though rarely spoken in unkind terms. After a pause, Carleth returned to his professional demeanor and asked.
"What business brings you to BNY, heir Noah?"
"I wish to sell gold bars and exchange them for local currency."
Liam stated smoothly.
Carleth's brow raised slightly, though he quickly masked his surprise. The exchange of physical gold was not uncommon, but it was rare for someone so young to conduct such a transaction alone.
"That will not be a problem."
The Elf responded with a measured tone.
"If you have the bars with you, I will begin the appraisal immediately."
With a thought, Liam accessed his Merchant System and materialized several one-pound gold bars, each costing 50 MSP, and placed them neatly on the marble counter. Carleth's eyes widened briefly before he regained his composure and began his appraisal with a flick of his wand.
The gold bars glimmered as the Elf cast a series of identification spells, verifying their purity and weight. After a few minutes, Carleth looked up from his calculations, his expression neutral.
"The Bank of New York will exchange these at $34.50 per ounce—the standard rate."
Liam nodded, already expecting this. It was 1940, and the gold price had been fixed at that rate for years under the Gold Reserve Act. While he could try to haggle, doing so would only draw unnecessary attention.
"Agreed."
Liam said smoothly. He could see the faintest flicker of curiosity in the Teller's expression, but it was quickly masked by professionalism.
The elf's nimble fingers recorded the transaction in the ledger with practiced ease.
"We'll deposit the amount into your Liam Kooth account, under your adopted name, correct? How much of the gold would you like to exchange today, Heir Noah?"
Liam considered his options. He had no desire to draw too much attention—especially not from any magical factions sniffing around the Noah family name. His goal was to gather enough funds for his shopping spree across the plaza and save the rest for emergencies.
"Exchange everything, please."
Liam decided.
Carleth nodded, calculating quickly in his head with a satisfied nod, and gestured toward another Elf at a nearby counter. Moments later, a bag containing neatly counted cash bundles was placed before Liam. The transaction was complete.
Liam gave a slight nod of approval as Carleth continued.
"If you require further transactions, investments, or discreet financial services, BNY will be at your disposal. Shall I create a vault account for additional storage or future business?"
"Yes. That would be wise."
Liam replied smoothly.
"And I'll also need a personal debit ledger—something I can use without needing to withdraw in person."
The elf gave an approving nod, impressed by Liam's foresight.
"We offer a magic-bound ledger that tracks your account in real-time and allows withdrawal in multiple currencies, including magical tender."
Liam smiled, feeling things falling into place.
"Perfect. Set it up."
Minutes later, the vault account was opened, and the funds were deposited. Teller Carleth handed Liam the sleek black debit ledger bound in leather, with silver-etched symbols along the edges. When opened, it displayed his balance and transaction history, the ink shifting and updating magically in real-time.
"Your ledger is bound to your account and enchanted to respond to your touch."
Carleth explained.
"Merchants across the country will recognize the BNY mark. Should you need privacy, tap the lower corner, and it will conceal the balance."
"Is there anything else the Bank of New York can assist you with today, heir Noah?"
Carleth inquired politely, his tone suggesting genuine curiosity about Liam's next move.
"Thank you, Teller Carleth."
Liam replied with a polite bow of his head.
"I look forward to doing business with BNY again."
Carleth gave a small, formal smile.
"It has been our pleasure, Heir Noah. May your future dealings prosper."
Stepping back onto the bustling streets of New York, Liam slipped the ledger into his coat pocket. His sharp blue eyes scanned the cityscape, locking onto the magic shop plaza across the way.
Armed with a hefty account and no oversight, he was ready to stock up on everything he needed—whether charms, enchanted artifacts, spellbooks, or even weapons.
With every purchase, he would inch further away from the life the Noah family abandoned him to. And if they thought they could manipulate him back into their fold?
They were sorely mistaken.
Upon discovering the enchanting clothing store, Liam quickly entered, greeted by a petite, middle-aged woman clad in a stylish mauve dress. She approached him with a warm smile, cheerfully exclaiming.
"Oh, come on in, dear! What can I get for you today? We have a little bit of everything—robes, uniforms, and a few surprises, too."
Her voice was melodic, with the kind of cheer that suggested she genuinely enjoyed her work.
Liam gave her a polite nod, a little overwhelmed by the shop's cozy yet chaotic interior. The space was filled with mannequins draped in intricate, old-world designs—tailcoats, corsets, and long, flowing robes. Shelves sagged under bolts of enchanted fabrics, shimmering with iridescent light, while a faint smell of lavender and cedar filled the air.
"I'll need several sets of uniforms for the Founders Academy."
Liam explained, shifting the strap of his bag higher on his shoulder.
"And any regular and wizarding attire that can be enchanted for durability and comfort."
The woman clapped her hands together, her bangles jingling merrily.
"Ah, a student! The Founding Fathers Academy, I presume? You're in luck—we keep uniforms in stock just for your lot. But we'll need to tailor them just right for you. Come, come! Step onto the platform, dear, and let me get your measurements."
For the next hour, Liam stood awkwardly on the small wooden platform in the middle of the shop, while the woman—who introduced herself as Madam Portia—bustled around him. She waved her wand, and measuring tapes zipped through the air, twirling around his arms, chest, and legs with precision.
She worked quickly, never missing a beat, all while chatting animatedly.
"If you want young man, the uniforms can come with basics enchantments: temperature-regulation charms, stain resistance, and self-repair enchantments. But if you want any additional spells—maybe anti-wrinkle charms? Or water-repellency?—I can do that too and more."
Liam, already weary from the shopping experience, muttered.
"Just put everything you can into them, please."
Portia gave an understanding chuckle, sensing his fatigue.
"Don't you worry, dear. We'll make it simple but proper."
By the time they finished, Liam had chosen several complete sets: four formal uniforms, several everyday clothes, and a few Victorian-style suits and coats, all made from enchanted fabrics that shimmered slightly under the light.
He even managed to snag a couple of plain but magically enhanced socks and undergarments—items he suspected would come in handy during long Academy days.
With the clothing squared away, Liam moved on to his next objective. After paying for his enchanted wardrobe, he wandered through the plaza, eyes scanning the signs overhead. Eventually, he spotted a luggage shop tucked between two potion stores.
The place was filled to the brim with travel bags and cases, but the selection of trunks was surprisingly thin. Most were either plain or had only minimal magical enhancement—nothing close to the enchanted masterpieces he'd hoped for.
"Must be regulations."
Liam muttered to himself. It made sense that the Council of Archmages would limit the use of enchanted containers to prevent smuggling or illegal expansions. Still, it was frustrating.
After a bit of browsing, Liam settled on a sizable trunk—one that had four times the interior space of its exterior dimensions. It wasn't flashy, but it would do the job. More importantly, it left room for Liam to apply his own enhancements later, including an Undetectable Expansion charm when needed. He could always make improvements as his skills grew.