章 27: Chapter 27: Wyvern Bone

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our monthly auction ceremony! Hold your horses, folks, because we have a selection of treasures that you'll definitely want to claim for yourself," announced the middle-aged auctioneer, stepping confidently into the spotlight.

His voice echoed through the grand hall, commanding the attention of the diverse crowd gathered below.

The hall was abuzz with excitement. Ornate chandeliers cast a warm glow over the sea of eager faces, while the rich, red velvet drapes added an air of opulence to the venue.

Wealthy patrons, collectors, and curious newcomers filled the plush seats, their eyes fixed on the auctioneer and the treasures yet to be revealed.

With that, the ceremony commenced to a chorus of enthusiastic applause and cheers. The atmosphere was electric, charged with anticipation and the thrill of potential discoveries.

Ethan waited with bated breath, his heart racing in anticipation of the materials he was interested in. He sat towards the back, his eyes scanning the stage as assistants wheeled out the first items for bidding.

The flicker of gold, the shimmer of rare gems, and the gleam of ancient artifacts captured the attention of the audience, their murmurs filling the room.

While his primary goal remained paramount, Ethan couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity about the other intriguing items the auction might unveil. He noted the competition around him—seasoned bidders with steely gazes, their wealth and determination evident. Not to forget, the VIP nobles as well.

Yet, he was undeterred, his resolve strengthened by the 650 gold coins he possessed. It was not a low number. It should be enough to buy some materials, right?

The auctioneer, holding a small vial, announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, our first item is an A-grade health restoration potion. Crafted by a renowned alchemist, this potion can restore a dying man to full health in seconds."

Gasps and astonished murmurs filled the room as participants reacted to the high value of the potion. The sheer rarity of such an item sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd, and even the most seasoned collectors couldn't hide their amazement.

Ethan was also surprised. "An A-grade potion! Amazing!" he thought, his eyes widening as he leaned forward in his seat. The potion's shimmering liquid seemed almost magical, a testament to its alchemical perfection.

"The starting price for this precious item is 5,000 gold coins, with bidding increments of 100 gold coins," the auctioneer declared, his voice brimming with confidence and authority.

As soon as the emcee finished speaking, VIP guests jumped into the fray, bidding with fervor. An A-grade health potion was indeed a rare find, and for many, it was a lifeline. The atmosphere in the hall grew intense as guests from the VIP rooms raised their paddles, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of determination and desire.

"Five thousand gold coins!" shouted one VIP bidder, swiftly followed by another. Regular commoner could stared at the scene with envy. 5,000 gold coins were a lot to them. They counted the numbers in silver coins and bronze coins, reminding how high it was out of their league.

"5100!"

"5200!"

"5500!"

Ethan watched the escalating bids, his heart pounding. He marveled at the intensity of the competition, recognizing the potion's potential to tip the scales in any critical situation. His fingers drummed on his armrest as he calculated his own resources, and found out that he don't even qualify to bid for an A-Rank item.

Well, It's not like he won't get his chance to get one. They started with A-Rank item first, likely to make the venue exciting from the start.

As the bids soared higher, the auctioneer's hammer hovered, ready to strike.

As Ethan remained silent, the person beside Ethan seemed excited a little. "Wow! A rare item right off the bat! Looks like this auction is going to be something special. What do you think, dude?"

Ethan shrugged. "Who knows?"

"6,700," came a dignified voice from Room No 21.

"6,700 gold coins from Room No 21. Is there any higher bid?" the auctioneer called out, scanning the room for any remaining contenders.

No further bids came in. The price had already exceeded most people's budgets, and the air was thick with the realization that the first item had set a high bar for the evening.

The auctioneer began the final call, his voice measured and deliberate. "6,700, once. 6,700, twice. 6,700, sold!" With a decisive strike of the gavel, the A-grade health potion was claimed.

As the first item was successfully sold, a murmur of excitement and anticipation rippled through the crowd. The auction had begun with a bang, and expectations were now sky-high.

Ethan grew concerned about whether the auction would feature the materials he needed. He tapped his foot anxiously, recalling the detailed information he had gathered.

According to his sources, the rare and essential components he sought should be available here. But with such fierce competition and sky-high prices, he worried about his chances.

He adjusted his position, trying to maintain a calm demeanor despite the uncertainty gnawing at him. The thrill of the auction was undeniable, but for Ethan, it was more than just a spectacle—it was a crucial opportunity to acquire what he needed for his sword. His mind raced with strategies, ready to seize the moment when the items he sought would finally appear on the auction stage.

The auction continued, with rare items being presented one after another. Ethan's mood grew heavier as he failed to find any materials suitable for his needs. His eyes were glued to the stage, hoping for the right opportunity.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the item number 21 on our list is a set of five D-Rank Sentient swords, each with special effects attached. You know how rare it is to find this kind of weapons, right? So let's get started."

The auctioneer paused for dramatic effect before continuing. "The starting price is set at 350 Gold coins for all five swords, with increments of 10 coins each."

"Finally, something affordable for people like us!" murmured the common hunters, excitement flickering in their eyes.

"Yes, leader, we should definitely get these swords," one of them urged, nodding eagerly.

The common hunters began discussing among themselves, their interest evident. Meanwhile, the nobles in the VIP rooms dismissed the swords with a wave of indifference, considering them less valuable compared to the more exotic items they usually pursued.

Ethan was surprised to see his swords being auctioned there. Then It also meant that he might be able to find his desired materials soon. He leaned forward, intrigued by the shift in dynamics. The auction had primarily catered to the elite, but this item opened the floor to a different group of bidders, bringing a new energy to the room.

He was also interested in seeing how his swords would fare in this auction. The D-Rank Sentient swords, though not the most powerful, were rare and useful. Their sentience meant they could potentially grow stronger and develop unique abilities over time, making them valuable assets for any hunter.

As the bidding commenced, Ethan watched closely. The common hunters' excitement was evident as they raised their paddles, their voices competing in a fervent but friendly rivalry.

"350 Gold coins!" a party leader bid.

"360," another bidder added with a fierce grin.

Despite the aggressive bidding, others were not deterred. The auction continued with increasing bids.

"370."

"400."

"450!"

"500!"

At last, the swords were sold to a party of six hunters for 600 gold coins. Ethan was astonished. He had sold each sword for 50 gold coins each, and here they had been auctioned for double that amount.

He wondered if he should have auctioned them instead, but given that he was a bulk seller, such a result was somewhat expected.

"Now, for the next item, we have a single chest bone from an adolescent Wyvern. It's a C-Grade material and highly valuable for crafting," the auctioneer announced with a smile.

The crowd gasped. Although Wyvern bones were not extremely rare, they were still considered valuable for weapon crafting. The murmurs of excitement and appreciation filled the hall as attendees discussed the potential uses for such a material.

Ethan's interest was instantly piqued. He had been looking for this type of material for his sword. If he could get it, his sword would receive a significant upgrade. His eyes focused intently on the bone displayed on stage, its smooth, ivory surface gleaming under the lights.

クリエイターの想い
Elias_Nightwalker

Like it ? Add to library!

コメント 3のコメント

投票

ギフトを贈る

章 28: Chapter 28: The Key to the Ancient Land

The auctioneer's voice echoed through the grand hall, "The starting price is 500 gold coins, with increments of 50 gold coins. Let the bidding commence."

Ethan's eyes widened at the announcement. He hadn't anticipated the item to be valued so high. He quickly calculated in his head—he only had 650 gold coins. Would it be enough?

Sensing Ethan's interest and uncertainty, the young man beside him leaned in, a sly grin spreading across his face. "So, you're eyeing that piece, but short on funds, huh?"

Ethan, caught off guard, nodded and replied firmly, "Yes."

With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, the young man produced a few banknotes from his pocket and handed them to Ethan. Ethan's surprise deepened as he realized he was holding notes worth exactly 600 gold coins. He stared at the young man in disbelief.

Why does he have so much money? At first he thought he was just a commoner, but now...Ethan began to doubt the young man's identity.

"Haha..." The young man's smile grew wider, sensing Ethan's curiosity.

The young man chuckled. "You can ask me questions later. Use this for now," he said, laughing.

Coming to his senses, Ethan accepted his help and quickly placed his bid. "500 gold coins."

The auctioneer's eyes turned to Ethan. "We have a bid of 500 gold coins. Is there any higher bid?"

"600," a burly man from the back raised his hand, glaring fiercely at Ethan.

"650," Ethan raised his paddle and said calmly.

"700," said a girl from the back.

Ethan looked at the girl, and shouted, "750!"

"770!" The girl raised once again, struggling a little.

"850!" Ethan said, not caring about the beautiful girl at all.

Hearing his bid, the girl backed down with a disheartened face.

"900 Gold... Coins..!" The burly man gritted his teeth, his gaze never leaving Ethan. He was also close to his limit. 900 is already a lot for a commoner hunter like him. His hesitation spoke the truth.

Ethan remained calm and composed.

"1100 GOLD coins," he declared, his voice steady.

"What! Is this guy mad? Directly raising it to 1100? What a moron!" Some guest whispered, taking Ethan for a fool.

On the other hand, Ethan had raised his bid to 1100 gold coins, intending to intimidate the burly man and discourage any further competition.

The room fell silent for a moment, the tension palpable as everyone waited for the burly man's response.

The burly man hesitated, clearly weighing his options, before finally shaking his head and lowering his hand in defeat.

"Congratulations to participant no. 987 for obtaining the adolescent Wyvern bone," the auctioneer announced loudly, looking at Ethan.

At long last, Ethan had secured the bone of a Wyvern for 1,100 gold coins. The burly man gave Ethan a fierce glare, but Ethan didn't care. It was worth the trouble.

He picked up the Wyvern bone from backstage and returned quickly. The bone was remarkably sturdy and etched with intricate runic symbols. It was about three feet long, so he had to place it in a large box. Taking the box, Ethan sat down and looked at the young man beside him with grateful eyes.

"Thanks for that. My name is Ethan Smith. What's yours?" Ethan asked softly, extending a hand for a handshake.

The young man chuckled lightly before replying, "You're welcome, Ethan. My name is Leon. Forget about my family name for now. Nice to meet you." He flashed a bright smile.

"Yeah, same to you. But can you tell me why you helped me?" Ethan asked, curiosity evident in his voice. No one helped for no reason, right?

Leon leaned back in his chair, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Because you needed it. Aren't I right? Moreover, I can tell you won't cheat me. I observed you closely earlier. You don't look like someone who cares about money."

Seeing Ethan's confusion, Leon elaborated, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Look at these people," he said, gesturing subtly to the crowd around them. "Whenever they hear a large amount of money, their faces glow with greed and desire. They whisper, plot, and scheme. But you? You're different. Your focus is on something far more significant than gold."

Ethan's gaze followed Leon's gesture, taking in the eager faces, the eyes that shone with avarice at every bid. He saw the truth in Leon's words but still couldn't shake off his doubts. "What if I ran off with your money? What then?"

Leon's laugh was hearty, drawing a few curious glances from nearby bidders. "If that happened, my character judgment would be a joke," he said, his smile widening. Then, his expression turned steely, eyes sharp as daggers. "But trust me, no one can cheat me out of my money. I have ways of ensuring that doesn't happen."

Ethan felt a chill run down his spine at Leon's sudden change in demeanor. It was clear that this young man had layers he couldn't yet fathom. "I see," he said slowly, nodding in acknowledgment. "Well, I'm grateful for your help. I will return the money for sure."

Ethan became curious about this stranger's background. Leon looked so confident, as if he were some kind of lord or something. At first, Ethan thought him a minor character with a meddlesome personality. But now, Leon seemed entirely different.

"Is he one of those low-key protagonists, or some kind of mysterious side character?" Ethan wondered.

Deciding to find out more, Ethan cast Appraisal to uncover Leon's identity. To his shock, it didn't work. That could only mean one thing: Leon was at least above level 50. How frightening! What was he doing here?

Ethan's mind raced with possibilities. "Why would someone so powerful be at the commoners sitting area? It isn't normal at all," he thought, glancing at Leon with newfound respect and caution. The young man beside him wasn't just a generous stranger; he was a formidable presence, cloaked in mystery.

Leon seemed to notice Ethan's scrutiny and raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Trying to figure me out, huh?" he asked lightly, his tone teasing yet gentle.

Ethan coughed and turned his attention to the stage, looking at different items with intrigue, as if there was no overpowered character beside him. After more than an hour, the auctioneer left the stage, leaving everyone confused. Soon, a grey-haired old man appeared on stage, bringing a hexagonal-shaped box with him.

As the ordinary participants quieted, excited sounds from the VIP rooms became more evident. What was so important inside the box that made these nobles so excited?

"Ethan, you might meet an unexpected event today," Ethan heard Leon mutter excitedly, with a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

The old man on stage cleared his throat, commanding the room's attention. "Honorable guests, I am Gresham Bel'or, the owner of this glorious auction hall. I am here to present the last precious item of today and witness the joy it will bring. This is a salvation for mankind, a historical relic, and a piece of our glorious past. We are honored to present it to you after so many years of darkness."

Ethan's curiosity piqued even further. What could be so significant? He glanced at Leon, whose eyes were fixed on the stage, a fierce intensity burning within them.

Gresham Bel'or continued, his voice reverberating through the hall. "Alright, let the finale of this auction begin."

With enthusiastic applause, the old man opened the hexagonal box, revealing an ancient-looking key that glimmered faintly under the stage lights.

"This," Gresham Bel'or announced, his voice filled with reverence, "is the key to the ancient land of treasure, where our legendary hero Libros once obtained the famous Demon Slayer Sword."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in as the crowd murmured in awe.

"You must be wondering," he continued with a sly chuckle, "why I didn't keep this treasure for myself?" His tone carried a hint of irony. "The answer is simple—it would require an astronomical amount of energy to activate. So, keep that in mind, honorable guests, as you consider its true value."

The room buzzed with astonished whispers. The legend of Hero Libros and the Demon Slayer Sword was well-known, but the key to that ancient land had been thought lost forever.

"Wait! Is the key real, Gresham? Tell me honestly." Suddenly, a deep and imposing voice boomed from one of the VIP rooms.

The old man stiffened slightly before replying, his tone respectful and reassuring. "Yes, my lord. I vouch for it with my honor."

"Okay then. Proceed!" the overbearing person said arrogantly, his authority palpable.

Ethan's eyes widened as he realized the gravity of the moment. The key to the ancient land of treasure was not just a relic; it was a gateway to untold power and wealth. He glanced at Leon, whose eyes were alight with a mix of anticipation and a fierce grin spread across his face as if he was waiting for some kind of prey to appear.

"It should be in any moment," Leon whispered, his voice extremely calm all of a sudden."

コメント 2のコメント

投票

ギフトを贈る