Chương 34: Aelina Starfire
"Looks like we've got quite a group here," Kuber observed, his eyes scanning the slaves Alistair had brought.
Alistair produced a paper with writing on it. "These are the names and statuses of the slaves," he offered.
Taking the paper, Kuber examined it carefully. The total count was 35 slaves, among which 19 were at levels 8 to 14 with unawakened bloodlines, and the rest ranged from levels 15 to 20 with awakened bloodlines.
Curious, Kuber asked, "What's the cost for those with awakened bloodlines?"
"Slaves with awakened bloodlines are priced at 20 iron credits, while those with unawakened bloodlines go for 10 iron credits, regardless of their race, class, or level," Alistair explained, a professional smile gracing his face.
Leaning back on the sofa, Kuber gazed at the slaves before him. Taking a closer look, he meticulously assessed each one to verify their status as provided by Alistair. Among them, all slaves had the expected statuses except for one.
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[Level] – 16
[Name] – Aeliana Starfire [Cursed]
[Race] – Valkyrie
[Bloodline] – Bloodline of the Celestial Dawn
[Title] – Astral Guardian, Wielder of Voidreaper
[Lifespan] – 1253/100,000 Years
[Class] – Astral Warlord [Sub Class: Barbarian]
[Unique Skill] – Valkyrie's Oath (Undetermined)
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A woman with flowing red hair and tattered attire caught his attention. Her ocean-blue eyes, white wings on her back, and well-toned physique exuded an otherworldly beauty. Just beneath her status screen, another prompt appeared.
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[Would the user like to explore "Aelina Starfire's" hidden background?]
[Yes] [No]
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With little hesitation, he chose to delve into Aelina's hidden background.
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[Aelina Starfire]
The true heir to the ancient clan of Astraforge Citadel. She was banished from the clan and cursed due to a wicked plot orchestrated by her sister. She is also a descendant of ???
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Kuber's mind raced with excitement. 'This information is remarkable! With all of this, it's evident that she's like a lucky star sent for me,' he thought, a mischievous grin forming on his face. His predatory gaze remained fixed on Aelina.
Sensing Kuber's unsettling grin and intense stare, Aelina grew uncomfortable, displaying an annoyed expression.
"It seems you've taken an interest in Aelina," Alistair chimed in, his hands rubbing together greedily while a sly grin emerged.
"Yes, indeed. How much for her?" Kuber inquired.
"Despite her mysterious curse, Aelina belongs to the Valkyrie class and possesses a beauty that's second to none. I would suggest a price of 30 iron credits," Alistair proposed.
Kuber was taken aback by Alistair's offer. Given Aelina's abilities and cursed condition, she should easily be priced at a minimum of 50 iron credits.
Perplexed, Kuber quickly reviewed the paper detailing the slaves' statuses. Surprisingly, only Aelina's level, name, and race were mentioned; the rest was marked as undetermined, likely due to the curse she bore.
Seeing Kuber's puzzled expression, Alistair grew anxious, thinking that perhaps Kuber wasn't willing to pay the proposed 30 iron credits for Aelina.
"If 30 iron credits feel too steep, I can bring it down to 25 iron credits. What do you think?" Alistair offered, hoping to salvage the deal.
A pleased grin spread across Kuber's face. "Deal," he agreed.
"A wise choice. Is there anyone else you're interested in?" Alistair's excitement was palpable; he was thrilled to secure such a high price for Aelina, given that not many were inclined to purchase a cursed slave.
"I'll also take those elven triplets and the tiefling girl," Kuber added.
Aric, Elden, and Kael, the three Elven triplet boys, all at level 12, caught his attention. Alongside them was Elowen, a level 11 tiefling girl—a hybrid race despised for its demonic lineage—making her one of the most marginalized races.
"You've got quite the keen eye. All of them are priced at a mere 10 iron credits. Do you accept the deal?" Alistair inquired.
Kuber nodded, indicating his agreement with Alistair's offer.
"Excellent! I'll fetch the slave contracts right away," Alistair said and swiftly retrieved five contracts from a nearby drawer. "Please sign here, good sir."
Without hesitation, Kuber promptly signed all the contracts, sealing the deal. "That will be 65 iron credits," Alistair stated, his excitement evident in his expression.
Kuber subtly nudged Darryl's elbow to get his attention. "Give him your iron credits."
Darryl, who had been peacefully enjoying the fruits laid out on the table before them, looked surprised by Kuber's request. "What do you mean?" he questioned.
"I mean exactly what I said," Kuber replied, his eyes determined.
Observing Kuber's determination, Darryl reluctantly retrieved his credit coin. With a shaky hand and beads of sweat forming, he handed over the credit coin to Alistair.
Alistair efficiently completed the iron credit transaction before returning the credit coin to Darryl. "Thank you for completing the necessary procedures, gentlemen. These slaves now belong to you."
Announcing the end of the formalities, Alistair's eyes gleamed with excitement, having successfully sold multiple slaves to a single customer.
"If all the formalities are concluded, we'll take our leave then," Kuber declared, prompting both him and Darryl to stand up and exit the room. The newly acquired slaves followed closely behind.
As they emerged into the hallway and headed for the exit, they encountered Luna and Leona, who had been waiting patiently. "You're back, Kuber. How many slaves did you purchase?" Leona's eyes sparkled with anticipation at Kuber's return from the slave market.
"These individuals are now members of our clan. If they ever need assistance, please offer your help," Kuber instructed as he introduced the newly acquired slaves. Among them, Aelina's exceptional beauty caught Leona's attention.
"Hello there, lovely sister," Leona greeted Aelina with enthusiasm.
Aelina responded hesitantly, "Uh... It's nice to meet you too." She felt uneasy in the unfamiliar situation, uncertain about Kuber's intentions toward her.
Kuber addressed the slaves with a friendly smile, trying to come across as approachable. "Feel free to ask any questions you might have."
Elowen, the tiefling girl, voiced her concerns with a worried expression. "Um... Are you planning something harmful for us?"
Kuber quickly reassured, "No, I have no ulterior motives. You're all now part of my family."
His reassuring words prompted the slaves to release sighs of relief, exchanging relieved glances as they realized they were safe and welcomed into their new home.
"Why did you buy us then?" Aelina asked Kuber, annoyance evident on her face as she stared at him with a suspicious glare. Her expression made it clear that she wasn't fond of Kuber, either due to her general mistrust or because she disliked being someone's slave.
"I saw potential in all of you," Kuber responded, a claim that brightened the faces of the other slaves, but Aelina remained skeptical. Folding her arms, she continued to observe Kuber, still uncertain about his intentions.
"So, where are we headed now?" Darryl inquired with a worried expression. Not just Darryl, even Luna and Leona shared a similar concern about where Kuber was taking them this time.
"It's nothing too remarkable—just a bit of hunting to gain some experience," Kuber answered, immediately causing Darryl, Luna, and Leona to exhale with relief. This time, it seemed Kuber wasn't leading them into a situation akin to the slave market.
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