Chapter 312 - Mendel
The sound of debris falling from the ceiling and the sound of electricity buzzing ringed throughout the area. Thankfully, it was just one of the entrances to the auditorium and the internals of the main section were reinforced, so the destruction didn't spread out.
Among the wreckage of the escalator, Kiba and Sophia stood opposite each other.
"Shameless scoundrel," Sophia said while deciding on how to handle the situation further.
"Don't slander," Kiba didn't like her choice of words. He was a man of great character and her words were putting doubts on his stainless reputation.
"Yeah right, you didn't listen to me so why should I listen to you?" Sophia asked in her innocent voice.
"Because---" Kiba's words trailed off.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a vigorous aura engulfed the conflict zone like torrential waves. Everyone felt as if they were being eyed by an ancient predator and chill crawled up their senses.
Kiba's eyes narrowed. His body flickered with golden fluctuations and he vanished from sight.
The moment he disappeared, his earlier location smashed into a deep crater. Splinters, metallic tiles, wires drew up in the air along with soil and dust.
Sophia wasn't harmed as she was not the target. She jumped a few feet back and raised her head above.
With a swoosh sound, a gigantic tail swept from the crater into the air. She looked further above and looked at the source of the tail.
It was an enormous, four-legged red dragon. Its claws were like steel hooks that could tear through any scavenger bird.
The dragon was vast but its body was illusory like a phantom. Only its tail carried materialistic existence but even that turned illusory as it coiled back.
Kiba appeared some distance away from the crater. He brought his eyes on an entrance of this area where a young-looking man was standing.
The young-looking man was clad in a dark robe marked with five stars. He has short black-haired hair and a tattoo of a red dragon on his left cheek. The tattoo was glowing with mighty vigor just like the illusory dragon in the air.
"Dark Star" Mendel Stoke.
Kiba has seen him when he chased Hollie after she stole his bracelet. Mendel and two other Dark Stars tried to interfere but failed after he blackmailed them.
Dozens of guards and drones also rushed in. The drones flew towards the ceiling and started reinforcing it with a protective barrier. The guards, in the meantime, planted what looked like-steel rods outside the conflict zone. Threads of light swept out from the rods that converged together to turn into curtains and ultimately into a transparent barrier.
"Well," Kiba looked around to see himself surrounded by a barrier. Only he and the illusory dragon were inside it.
"You have got guts to break the rules," Mendel coldly said.
"I do have the guts," Kiba replied, unfazed. "But I didn't break the rules. You know it and yet, you attacked me."
Kiba pointed a finger towards Sophia and said, "Of course, you wouldn't dare attack the true culprit."
The World Government didn't openly govern the forest or the fair. But its influence was rather obvious if one considers how the fair has turned into a trading zone.
Neville Family was the second strongest faction within the government. So unless Mendel wanted to spend the rest of life running, he wouldn't dare harm Sophia openly.
"Don't pass blame on others!" Mendel shouted angrily.
ROAR
At the same time, the illusory dragon let out a threatening growl that was so powerful the entire section started trembling. The onlookers felt their eardrums on verge of snapping and many of them collapsed down on the floor. They started bleeding from their orifices.
The dragon's mouth turned life-like and its sharp jaw glinted as it lowered its head. Every tooth was as large as a spear and gleamed brightly.
Just one look at them made it evident that they could shatter through the most powerful defenses and completely pierce through the strongest metal. Its entire body was radiating strong murderous intent.
At a speed that could not be described, the dragon head arrived above Kiba. It opened its mouth widely to smash Kiba between its strong jaws.
Kiba raised his right hand towards the incoming dragon. Telekinetic energy cascaded out of his palm and stopped the dragon head just a few centimeters from his hand. The dragon head snapped angrily but it could not move. The telekinetic energy has turned into a force field, sealing its head, and preventing it from making a single move.
Kiba pushed his hand forward and the dragon head felt a hammering pressure crashing on it, rolling it back by a dozen steps.
"You think some force field can stop me?" Mendel scorned and laughed with disdain.
More strength flew through the body of the illusory dragon and its neck turned life-like just like its head.
The air turned heavy from its mere presence and a suffocating pressure further engulfed the masses. Thin cracks appeared in the force field and rays of telekinetic energy swept out.
Kiba's eyebrows creased a bit as he saw the force field shattering into fragments of energy. The dragon head moved down with its mouth wide open.
Dark sticky liquid fell from its teeth and landed on Kiba's white sleeve as it brought its jaws to clamp down on his arm
"You are damn annoying," Kiba hated the ghastly smell from its mouth and the sticky liquid. "Let me guess - Your dirty master never clean your mouth?"
"You don't know just when to give up, do you?" Mendel stopped the dragon from ripping his arm.
Kiba was surprised as the dragon head moved up.
A Red orb of energy started concentrating between its open mouth. The orb twisted like a vortex as more energy streamed into it.
Just the ripples from it were strong enough to smash a level III mutant into a bloody paste.
The guards activated mechanical imprints on their dress and more protective shields swept out. The drones did the same to protect the crowd from resulting shockwaves. This ensured further protection along with the earlier barriers.
"Stop this. I'm the one responsible for the destruction here," Sophia called out from a distance. "Spare the shameless villain and I will pay for the damages."
"Pervert, stop addressing me in such a way!" Kiba was happy to see her trying to save him but he didn't like being called a villain, much less a shameless villain.
"You shut up!" Sophia snapped back at him angrily. "I'm trying to save your life so don't disturb me!"
"Miss Sophia, don't interfere," Mendel directly refused her request. "I'm here to punish a criminal and justice would be served."
The dragon head roared in response and moved above Kiba like it was the king of the world, about to punish a punny subject.
"There is only one time when I like someone above me," Kiba's eyes flashed brightly. "And that definitely does not involve a man or a beast."
"?" Both Sophia and Ashlyn looked at him in confusion. They didn't understand his words a bit but others in the crowd did, and they were left speechless.
"He can still bother to make such comments?!" A man in thirties was dumbfounded.
"Doesn't he realize the crisis he is in?!"
"Let him say anything he wants," A guard said while reinforcing the shield in front of him. "Soon, he won't even remain alive."
The crowd agreed and they looked forward to seeing Mendel killing Kiba. After all, it wasn't common to see a Level IV mutant in action!
Kiba opened his eyes and a bright glow flashed among them.
The space below his feet erupted into streams of golden brilliance while his terrifying aura rose up. The radiance was piercing to the eyes as it rolled out like surging waves, carrying the might of an ocean.
The metallic tiles burst open into pieces and the pillars shattered as the golden aura surged through them. The entire region started violently trembling if the ground was imploding from inside.
Hearts of the onlookers jostled in fright. They looked at golden brilliance in horror as if it carried the might to decimate mountains and evaporate rivers.
The blooming of his aura was both beautiful and deadly.
"Such a powerful aura!"
"It is not weaker than Dark Star Mendel!"
"Does it means he is as powerful as a Dark Star?!"
"How is this even possible?!"
Mendel was shell-shocked by this aura. He felt it was truly no less powerful than his. He passed a command to the dragon beast to launch the final attack now.
The red orb between its mouth boomed out into a blinding radiance. The entire area was shrouded into this blinding ebullition of destructive energy.
Sophia was rushing to help him but she was forced to leap backward and close her eyes. A crystal amulet around her neck flashed and the next moment, a barrier surrounded her.
She muttered a pray, "Shameless scoundrel, don't you dare die before apologizing to me! I haven't even taught you a lesson!"
Ashlyn stood far away with her usual cold expression. There was no traces of emotion on her face. She raised an arm to cover her eyes from the eruptive blinding energy but otherwise, she didn't take any action.
Kiba stretched his left hand into the air. Golden current coated his hand which concentrated on his hand into a volcanic flash and swept out.
An intense clash of energy broke out as two attacks slammed into each other. Terrifying explosive waves erupted out which broke through the protective barrier and shiels. The frightening waves crashed directly into the people.
Almost everyone was sent flying into the air as if they were ruthlessly crushed by a hammer.
Ashlyn remained in her place and so did Sophia. The energy explosion slowly calmed down as one of the attacks gained supremacy over the other.
The dragon head groaned loudly as the golden flash slammed into it like an imploding mountain.
It fell heavily towards the ground with a sad, deafening roar. Like a layer of frail glass, the dragon head scattered into tiny energy particles and faded into thin air.
Some hundred steps away, Mendel felt a severe pain coursing through his body. His skin crawled with a terrible sensation and he felt a strong urge to throw up.
"There is no way this is real."
His forehead throbbed violently and his knees started buckling.
He snapped his teeth and suppressed his pain. Blood streamed down from his mouth and the corners of his mouth but he refused to collapse.
He brought a hand over his face and wiped the blood. He raised his hand and looked at Kiba in shock and disbelief.
Mendel knew Kiba was strong as he was there when Anamarie fought him but he didn't show such power back then.
"You are still standing," Kiba said in praise.
Mendel has a bad feeling so he instinctively crossed his arms over chest. He was proved right as Kiba disappeared from sight like a puff of smoke.
The space in front of him blurred and Kiba appeared. As Mendel saw him raising a hand into the air, he believed a punch was coming so he put more power into his arms to block his vitals.
Strong energy waves boomed out as Kiba swept his hand.
Mendel looked up to see Kiba's movements. His body turned stiff while his chest moved up and down violently as he saw the form of attack. His eyes bulged outwards and he shouted, "No!"
He could handle any form of attack but not this. It would be the ultimate humiliation.
Slap!
Time seemed to come to a standstill for Mendel. He saw in slow motion as the slap made contact with his face.
A slap that sounded more like a thunderclap! It ringed so loudly that even those in the seating floors of auditorium heard it.
Mendel let out a miserable shriek. Intense vibrations rampaged through his entire body. He has concentrated on protecting his vitals but in the process, left his cheek exposed and he instantly regretted his decision.
With loud cracking noise, his jawbone fractured and a few teeth fell from his mouth like dry weeds. He flew outward like a kite with a broken string while spitting out a mouthful of blood. He ultimately slammed into a broken wall and collapsed into debris.
Chapter 313 - Temporary Peace
Inside one of the entrance zone, there was a pin drop silence as Mendel collapsed down after taking a slap.
The onlookers were stunned. The energy explosion from before has made them weaker even though they were protected by their own abilities and the preventive shields of guards and drones.
When the explosive energy disappeared, they wondered who has won. They felt it was obvious that "Dark Star" Mendel would be winning, but still, it was terrible that they would not be witnessing the golden-haired man into obliterating out of existence.
Now, when they finally gained their senses back, the reality was far too different. It was neither to their liking nor it made sense to them.
Everything took place so quickly that most of them did not see what had happened. All they saw was the final result of Mendel lying among broken pillars and wires. The development was the last thing they ever expected to see in the fair.
"What...happened?"
"What's going on with my eyes...I'm seeing something impossible!"
"Are you also seeing what I'm seeing?!"
"A Dark Star was defeated?!"
"Just like that?!"
"This is not possible!"
"We are talking about one of the Five Dark Stars here! There is no way that the golden-haired man could be this powerful!"
"Mendel is almost in mid-stage of Level IV! That would mean...!!"
The crowd was into an uproar as they discussed the present situation. Many opposite views were shared including Kiba using despicable methods.
Out of the entire crowd, the guards had the most dejected expression. They looked at their leader in utter shock and horror.
Mendel was someone they looked upto and admired from their hearts. They knew they lacked both the potential and resources to catch upto him, but they still had this dream.
Now, their subject of fascination was lying in a pool of his own blood and sweat. His jawline was broken and teeth were falling with blood.
"Mendel was defeated because he was holding back!" A guard said loudly. He was a devoted follower of Mendel and he refused to believe the outcome.
"Haven't you seen how he didn't summon the entire dragon?!" Another guard pointed out. They recalled how only a small part of the dragon has turned life-like.
"Right!"
"If the entire dragon body has materialised then the auditorium would have collapsed!"
Many of the onlookers readily agreed. The internal seating zones were strongly reinforced but they doubted it could handle the might of Mendel's full power.
"He was restricting the damage just to this entrance zone! He didn't want the auction to be hindered!" The guard from before added further. He fully believed his own words and the crowd could feel his confidence.
"That golden-haired took advantage of Mendel's predicament!" Another guard joined in.
There was no way the guards would allow their hero to fall in the graces of masses. The Dark Stars were sacred existence whose reputation ran the fair. Their fall would lead to massive destruction. So any sign of their weakness has to be prevented and shown as strength.
"How despicable of that golden-haired man!"
"He paid mercy in such a way!"
Kiba didn't care about the discussion. He looked at Mendel who was lying among a mass of debris.
"You should have stepped back while you still had the chance," Kiba slowly walked forward. "But you didn't and here we are now."
Veins bulged out of Mendels' neck as Kiba repeated words similar to what he said a few minutes ago.
Kiba aimed a finger towards him. On his fingertip, golden sparks emerged out of which an intense flash bloomed out.
A golden beam shot out like a bolt of lightning, carrying a terrifying destructive might as it rushed forward.
"STOP!"
An enormous braid of hair whipped out towards Kiba from above. He leaned sidewards and avoided the drill-like braid that directly slammed into the ground and created an enormous hole.
It didn't stop as two more braids smashed from both front and back. Kiba leaped in the air and the two braids collided against each other, creating turbulent vibrations that were no less than a quake.
"Ugly duck...Anamarie!" Kiba identified the master of prehensile hair ability.
At the same time, dozens of braids appeared before Mendel and fused together in the form of a shield. The sharp end of the braid opened up to expose monstrous-looking fangs and a tunnel-like mouth.
As the golden beam struck the hair shield, the energy particles from the beam faced a sucking force. They were devoured by the end of the braids.
Anamarie landed in front of Mendel and the hair shield retraced back to her head. Her hair was like of a banshee, flowing in the air. Her every single hair was no weaker than a reinforced metal.
"Lady Anamarie!"
"She is here!"
"We are saved!"
The guards instantly rejoiced and cheered up. The crowd, on the other hand, was shocked to see another Dark Star.
"You have got nerves!" Anamarie raised her hands towards Kiba and ten braids shot out like nails.
They were thicker in size and the sharp ends were open, emitting a strong devouring force.
TRINGGGGG
Just then, a loud screeching sound rang in the air, and a blue disc came in sight. Even before anyone could register its movement, it left behind steam of blue ripples.
The air in front parted as if it was penetrated through as the disc rushed forward. Its sharp edges let out glaring blue sparks as it appeared before the braids.
Slash~
It cut right through the braids as if they were made of straws. The broken hair fell on the floor, listless.
"Urgh" Anamarie cried out in pain.
She looked up and saw the disc making a sudden curve in the air. At blinding speed, it flew back to a woman clad in a black suit.
Ashlyn.
Kiba smiled and stepped towards her. He knew why she intervened now so he decided to end it here.
After all, killing anyone now would ruin their chances of participating in the auction. Most importantly, Kiba has a use for Dark Stars so he suppressed his murderous intent for now and decided to leave.
"Unless you want everyone to learn your dirty secrets, I advise you to back off," Kiba's voice entered directly into Anamarie and Mendel's ears. "I still have an auction to attend so goodbye."
Their expressions turned ugly as they remembered how he blackmailed them a few days ago.
"Bastard!" Anamarie cursed in her heart. She wished she could strangle him with her hair and throw his corpse among wolves.
The newly arrived guards looked at her for her orders. They have barricaded the entrance to stop anyone from entering or leaving.
"Let them go," Anamarie's voice was filled with resentment as she continued. "They are our guests and we should not let things accelerate due to a misunderstanding."
The guards and crowd were dumbfounded by her words. It was totally against her earlier actions.
"You are an excellent host, Anamarie," Kiba waved her goodbye. "The world needs more people like you."
Sophia was startled by such a sudden end of the conflict. She didn't care much so she didn't ask but when she saw Kiba disappearing into the exit, she recalled her goal.
"Shameless villain! Stop right there and apologize!" Sophia shouted and rushed towards him. "Get ready to punished!"
Kiba's cheeks twitched as he heard her shout.
He glanced at Ashlyn and she nodded even before he could propose. Both of them dashed ahead and disappeared in the crowd, out of Sophia's reach.
Back in the destroyed entrance zone.
Mendel's hands formed into tight fists while his teeth gritted into each other so roughly that everyone could hear the sharp sound. His right cheek was marked with five red fingers that formed a strange contrast with the left cheek where he has a red tattoo.
"Don't worry," Anamarie placed a hand over his shoulder. "We will deal with him the moment he leaves the fair."
Mendel was trembling from anger but he nodded in acknowledgment. He looked forward to taking revenge for today's shame and paying it by countless folds.
Chapter 314 - Denisa & Ashlyn
The auditorium was large with many entrances and exits. There were many other sections besides the seating zones.
A few minutes later, Kiba and Ashlyn walked through a crowd and arrived in a fairly open space. The auction would be starting in an hour or two, so there was still time.
"I will check if private booths or premium seats are available," Kiba told her.
She nodded her head in understanding. He walked towards a booking desk for further enquires.
Ashlyn silently stood near a pillar. She closed her eyes for temporary rest.
Just then, a voice came from behind.
"He is your companion?"
Ashlyn turned towards the speaker. She saw a woman in either the late thirties or early forties with ivory skin tone, chocolate cherry hair, and a healthy but slender built.
Ashlyn's eyes focused on the jewelry on her earlobes for a moment. The jewelry was white, star-shaped earrings with red engravings in between.
"Cult of Asteria," Ashlyn identified what her earrings implied.
"You are well-informed," The woman smiled and stepped forward. "Forgive my manners. I'm Denisa."
Ashlyn looked at her for a moment before saying, "Ashlyn."
"I'm acquainted with Kiba," Denisa said. She was both right or wrong depending on one's definition of being acquainted.
Two nights ago, she had a one night stand with Kiba. They spent the entire night and a better part of morning together, getting really acquainted.
Of course, she didn't mention this.
Ashlyn didn't reply or responded in anyways.
Denisa let out a bitter smile. She was proud of her ability to read people but now she felt a headache.
Ashlyn's face was expressionless and cold, or poker to be precise. Denisa hasn't seen any change in her face even before she started a conversation so she knew it was her natural expression.
"I saw you two close so I wondered if you were companions," Denisa once again said in the hopes of getting a response.
Ashlyn observed her for a moment before nodding her head.
"Lovers?" Denisa asked. She has seen traces of warmth in her eyes when she saw Kiba leaving her earlier. Now, that warmth was missing so she asked.
Ashlyn shook her head.
"Ah!" Denisa was stunned but she secretly sighed in relief.
While she was sexually open-minded, she would have felt bad if Kiba was cheating on such a gorgeous beauty. Even she felt a desire for Ashlyn, much less a man.
She believed only a blind man would seek for a one-night stand if he has such a stunning lover with him.
"That's surprising," Denisa said. "I believe a lovely girl like you would not be lacking suitors."
Ashlyn ignored her comment and turned back.
Denisa was left in an awkward position. Suppressing her inner embarrassment, she stepped next to her.
"Please forgive my behavior," Denisa rested her back against the pillar. "I usually don't interfere in the lives of others, much less being so outspoken but..."
Denisa felt she was going against her own natural personality. She liked people with no strings attached and that's what she admired in Kiba. He didn't ask for any details nor tried to restrict her in anyways when she was leaving after having a wonderful time together.
"Anyways, I thought you two had something so I came to check," Denisa offered a plausible explanation. "Not like I have any right... I was curious, I guess."
Ashlyn didn't reply but gave a slight nod of acknowledgment.
If it was a man, she would have been on guards, and most likely, kneed him in the crotch. She has found most men were only interested in "rocking her world" even though she has no clear idea on whatever it meant. She felt whatever it was, it wasn't anything good given the lewd expression the men would have when they would mutter those words.
Denisa looked in distance where Kiba was booking seats with a staff member.
"He is good, no, very good," Denisa remarked with a knowing smile. "If you know what I mean."
Denisa turned her head towards the twenty-one years old. She was dumbfounded to see a questioning expression on Ashlyn's face.
"What do you mean?" Ashlyn asked for the first time.
"..." Denisa was left speechless. She felt sweat rising up on her back as Ashlyn continued to stare at her for an answer.
If she didn't know it better, she would have thought Ashlyn was pretending to be innocent!
"Don't tell me she is a..." Denisa wondered in her heart with shock.
She refused to believe no man ever tried to get in her pants. That was just impossible as far as she was concerned.
She looked back in Kiba's direction and wondered why he didn't try. Recalling how he approached her for one night stand, she was sure he has skills in seduction.
"How can an irresistible girl like her remain untouched?!" Denisa started doubting the working of the world.
What she didn't know was that many have tried.
Even in the forest, more than fifty men tried to get in Ashlyn's pants. They failed but they didn't leave empty-handed. Ashlyn made sure that she smashed their nuts and left them breathless on the ground.
Her potential suitors were left in such a state, that in the future, they could never enjoy a woman nor have any descendant...
"There are different ways to live life," Denisa took a deep breath before continuing. "And no way is ever wrong as long as you live."
"?" Ashlyn stared at her again.
Denisa felt she was speaking to a teenager instead of a legal adult. She could have understood her clueless personality if it was previous eras, but it was 21 st century and an era of advancement and wonders.
She felt Ashlyn must have lived a confined lifestyle with restrictions to the outside world.
"Living is different than simply existing," Denisa explained patiently. "And I might be wrong, but I think, you are just simply existing. So I apologize if I'm overstepping my boundaries."
Ashlyn didn't reply but she has a thoughtful expression.
"What I want to say is - live your life. That's it," Denisa said with a low sigh. "Everyone has their own meaning of what living means but I hope you understand what I'm trying to say."
"What does it means for you?" Ashlyn enquired.
She recalled a few things in her life. Mainly her own cursed existence, her time in the orphanage, and the house of her adopted parents.
She then remembered the time she has spent with Kiba. She has seen him taking sadistic pleasure while toying with his opponents and wondered if that was also a way of living life.
"For me?" Denisa thought for a moment before saying further, "Falling in love; growing up; exploring the world, and making mistakes - both big and small. Honestly, it is hard to really explain since my priorities have changed from time to time just like everyone else in the world."
Ashlyn looked at her.
"I'm a different person than I was when I was in my twenties," Denisa explained what she meant. "You change with age and experience. At that time, for me, life was more about falling in love and having some fun with people I liked."
"Love...grow...explore... mistakes... fun," Ashlyn muttered.
It was the first time she had such a conversation.
Sure, she has experienced the virtual recording of Maiden's Love Circle, but for her, that changed nothing. She neither understood what Theresa said nor cared enough to know.
As for Kiba, he has tried to teach her in his small ways about living life, but he didn't get much success.
In the end, he was a male. Most things were restricted and out of his scope thanks to the barrier of gender and female experience.
"Live your life before it is too late," Denisa brushed away a strand of hair on Ashlyn's face. "Remember - An adventure is not an adventure if it doesn't concern your own happiness."
Denisa lowered her hand and looked at the breathtaking face again.
"See ya~" Denisa took her leave when she noticed Kiba walking in their direction.
Ashlyn looked at her fading figure in the crowd before saying, "Thanks."
Denisa was among a stream of people but she heard Ashlyn.
"As long as you learn something, that would be enough for me," Denisa said before disappearing.
Kiba arrived before Ashlyn and took a glance in the direction where Denisa disappeared.
"What did she wanted?" Kiba asked. He was secretly worried if she has said something that would spoil his honest reputation.
"Nothing," Ashlyn answered with a rare smile. "In fact, she wanted to give something,"
Her smile was beautiful like a ray of sunlight in cold winter. It carried traces of spring that could melt even the coldest heart.
Kiba felt his heart thumping loudly. She was truly more beautiful than any scenery he has seen in his life.
He controlled his emotions and closed his eyes. He didn't want to stare at her and make her feel uncomfortable.
Kiba was puzzled as well. He wanted to ask further about what she meant, but knowing her, he felt she has already spoken more than she would.
Ashlyn's smile didn't fade for a long time.
Sometimes you meet a stranger who makes the most profound impression on you. The words of that stranger feel more close to heart than that of family or friend.
Denisa was that stranger in Ashlyn's life.
Would this impression actually make a difference in her life? That was hard to tell.
It was a story for another day...
Chapter 315 - VIPs
Kiba was not able to book a private booth as they were already booked by others. As for the front row seats opposite to the stage, they were also booked or reserved as they were in equal demands as private booths. Both equally costly.
His only choice was either the premium seats on the first floor or the ordinary seats. It wasn't really a much choice so he purchased two premium seats for him and Ashlyn.
Their seats were towards the end of the first floor. Since the floor was raised, it offered a nice arrangement. The seats were not bad as they were sofas with total comfort. It more felt a movie theatre when he saw staff taking orders for food and other arrangements. Of course, one has to pay from own pocket.
Everyone has to deposit an amount to the auction house in good faith. It would be returned after the end of the auction as long as the amount wasn't used.
Kiba brought his eyes on the auction stage.
The stage was large. Currently, it was curtained by red drapes. On either side of the stage, there were large virtual screens. They would activate the moment the auction began and show the items on the stage so that everyone could witness them without any difficulty.
Kiba looked around and noticed a few familiar faces from the inn and shops he has earlier visited. He wondered if he would see Pythia here.
"Given her status, the auction house would beg her to have a private booth," Kiba mused with a smile. "But since she has the power of time, it is unlikely she would come unless she finds an irresistible item for sale."
He then thought of Denisa who was having a conversation with Ashlyn before. He was really curious about what she said for Ashlyn to have such a beautiful smile.
Kiba took a glance at her. She has her eyes closed and there was a serene expression on her face.
"As long as she is happy... it is fine," Kiba relaxed and made himself comfortable in his seat.
More people entered the auditorium.
The guests from the nine aristocratic families and other powerful factions were personally escorted by staff members. The male patrons were greeted by pretty women who were dressed in revealing outfits that left little to the imagination.
The owners of the auction house demanded the female staff to serve the rich patrons in every possible way. For the auction house, it meant happy guests which in turn would result in more profit. It was a win-win for the auction house so they spent a fortune in hiring beautiful staff. The fact that the fair wasn't governed by the government also helped. They could openly practice slavery - a right that was exclusive to very few factions in the world, unknown to the masses.
The men on ordinary seats looked at the VIPs and the female escort staff with strong jealousy. They desired to be treated the same guy.
The young male VIPs from important factions felt the gazes from ordinary seats. Their lips curled up in disdainful smiles and they hauntingly grabbed the ass of the female escort team. They even cupped the breasts of women staff while looking towards the common seats. A minute later, they turned around and walked towards their booths.
As the VIP patrons entered the private booths, the ordinary patrons couldn't help but wonder what type of services the VIPs enjoyed. When they saw the attractive female staff carrying trays of fruits and juices inside the booths, their minds instantly imagined an erotic scenario.
In the scene, the alluring female would personally feed the fruits to their patrons. The male patrons would ask for more and the women would open their robes to expose two tasty watermelons and a strawberry pie. The men then would ravish the sweetest fruits in existence...
The male onlookers outside the booths felt their blood boiling in excitement. Many of them started bleeding from their noses as they daydreamed about the exclusive service.
They wished their families had a strong heritage and then, even they could have beauties fawning over them.
Inside one of the VIP booths, the two guests laughed. They were seated on comfortable sofas while on the armrests, there was female staff. The females were all smiles as they gave a gentle massage to their patrons.
"Did you see that?" A twenty-something male named Maynard asked his friend. The transparent glass walls allowed them to see both the stage and the seats on the lower floor.
"Haha, yes," His friend named Vasco nodded. "They were so jealous that they were bleeding."
"They don't even realize the difference in status!" Maynard scornfully said. "They are only servants to our nine families."
He was aware of the workings of the government so he knew the image of democracy was created to deceive the masses. Neither the senators nor the president of the government had real powers.
All power resided with the World Council; among which nine seats were permanently reserved for the nine aristocrat families. It wouldn't be wrong to say the descendants of the nine families were any less than royal offsprings of the previous era.
"Had they begged me, I could have let them experience this," Vasco said while fondling the ass of a woman. "They could never feel such a cute ass anyways."
The woman named Marita smiled but deep in her eyes, there was helplessness and despair. She secretly reminded herself to not slack off and ensure her guests had the best time.
Vasco felt her ass cheeks more and pressed them tightly.
She was well-versed in the art of ego-stroking so she let out soft moans of pleasure.
"Ohhh! Young master, this feels so good," Marita said while biting her lips.
"You haven't experienced the real good," Vasco pointed to his pants. There was a barely noticeable bulge on his crotch area. "Soon, you would be screaming so loud that those commoners would hear you!"
"I couldn't wait, young master," Marita said excitedly while inwardly completing the sentence, "To get this boring fuck finished."
Chapter 316 - The Fear of Demoness & Traitor
Kiba glanced at the private booth occupied by Vasco and Maynard. The glass walls restricted surveillance from outside but for him, it was no problem. He saw Vasco and Maynard making fun of masses as if they both belonged to a superior race while groping female staff. There was complete disdain in their voices and actions as if those outside their families were nothing but ants.
"Before the era of evolution, the ancestors of these nine families belonged to the same masses they are making fun of now," Kiba smiled at the irony. "And when the world changes again, who is to say the royalty of today wouldn't be slaves of tomorrow?"
From the world's perspective, Kiba could no longer be considered to be a part of the masses. He was strong, rich, successful, and popular among the opposite gender. In fact, in his present form, he has to suppress the urge of treating human beings as ants.
As such, he has natural vanity and arrogance that comes with such existence. He might make fun of almost everything in this world except for the dreams and aspirations of others. Even the most outlandish dream wouldn't make him change his stance.
This was due to his own dreams. The dreams that have accompanied him when he had nothing...
And that was why he didn't look down at people in the normal seating rows when they envied the VIP patrons and desired their lifestyle.
After all, in this world, there is one thing that is free for everyone.
Dreams.
And they should be free from insults and oppression of others.
"Dreaming big is never wrong," Kiba cleared his thoughts and closed his eyes.
People around him were engaged in idle chatter while waiting for the auction to began.
A few of them glanced at Ashlyn from time to time. They were so fascinated by her beauty that their blood pumped vigorously. Many of them were on the brink of drolling.
A confident youth named Lambert wanted to start a conversation with her. He was handsome and his looks were fairly popular among women.
Lambert got up from his chair to walk to Ashlyn. He has already prepared a conversation in mind which has worked well for him till now. He was confident of getting even an unacquainted woman interested in talking with him.
"Don't disturb her," A young man named Pollard grabbed Lambert's hand to stop her. "Unless you want..."
Pollard trailed off in between. His throat turned dry when he thought of what he was about to say. Just the thought made his fine hairs stand up in fright.
"What's wrong in making a conversation with a hot woman?" Lambert pointed to his handsome facial features and said. "She would appreciate my interest, and who knows, maybe we can even become a couple."
Many adventurists would often fall in love after facing dangers together. This was rather very common so many believed nothing could bring a man and a woman together than danger.
Lambert has the perfect damsel-in-distress scenario in mind where he could rescue her from a ferocious beast and she would proclaim her love...
"Stop daydreaming, fool!" Pollard suppressed his urge to beat his friend. "Did you got kicked on your head or something for you to even dream such a thing?!"
"Pollard!" Lambert was angered by his friend's behavior.
He was sure his friend was just jealous of his luck with women and wanted to stop him from getting a beauty.
Pollard didn't need to be telepathic to know what his friend was thinking. He pressed his forehead and took a deep breath before saying, "Haven't you heard about The Great Disaster?"
Lambert knitted his eyebrows.
"Of course, I have," Lambert nodded and said. "The Great Disaster is kind of sexist as it only targets men in the forest... Those targetted by this disaster can never expand their family name nor they enjoy the greatest pleasure since-----"
Lambert stopped and his entire face started soaking with sweat. With great determination, he took a glance at Ashlyn. She was resting with her eyes closed, a peaceful smile on her face.
"There is no way she is that disaster!" Lambert recalled the details he has heard from the poor victims. "Sure, she is as beautiful as the demoness they mentioned and wearing a similar outfit but that's no proof... Most importantly, there is a big difference you failed to notice!"
"Difference?" Pollard was startled. He wondered if he has assumed things wrongly. If he had, then he felt he was wrongly taking away his friend's chance for such an amazing conquest.
"Yes," Lambert said with a confident smile. "The evil demoness only sports a cold expression and she never smiles! No, that evil demoness does smiles when she is about to shatter treasured jewels but that's it!!"
Pollard was stunned by his friend's answer. He glanced at Ashlyn and noticed the serene smile that was completely different than what the rumors have mentioned.
For a moment, Pollard felt his friend was right. After all, the devil is in the detail and he has made a strong point.
But then Pollard once again looked in Ashlyn's direction. He now started believing his friend was delusional and wrong!
"Check the person next to her!" Pollard pointed towards the person.
"Hmm?"
Earlier, Lambert didn't check if Ashlyn was accompanied by someone. He believed that was unnecessary as he has total faith in his capabilities.
But now, since Pollard pointed out and the topic was important, he looked on the seat next to Ashlyn. He saw a golden-haired man resting with eyes shut.
"Traitor of our gender!" Lambert exclaimed in shock. He collapsed down on the floor and his body started trembling from horror.
"Yes! The traitor!" Pollard agreed with the identification. "The one who taught the demoness the greatest evil art the world has ever seen!"
Lambert felt chill crawling through every bone.
He wouldn't have believed Ashlyn was the demoness as long as he hasn't seen Kiba but now that he did... he wanted to slap himself!
"How could I be so stupid?" Lambert placed a hand over his crotch area. He felt the outline of Treasured Jewels Guard and he felt a little better.
He secretly sighed in relief knowing he has spent his money wisely when he purchased Treasured Jewels Guard from the famous Byron's Charm Shop.
The shop was overpriced with the cheapest guard costing $9999 but he no longer thought about the cost.
"Pollard, thank you so much for saving my life," Lambert was crying in joy as he leaned in to hug his friend in gratitude. "I survived a disaster thanks to you."
"It is fine," Pollard calmed him a bit. "Nothing is going to happen to you."
Lambert wiped his tears and sat back in his premium seat.
"I was truly deceived by the smile of that demoness!" Lambert said after he got his act together. "Why is she smiling like that?! It is totally different from the details we have heard!"
Lambert felt his friend was smart so he asked. After being rescued from a crisis, he now fully trusted in him.
Pollard placed a hand over his chin and contemplated a bit.
"I think the reason is simple," Pollard said after some time. "The demoness knows she is the most beautiful being here... So she is expecting to find some victims and this is making her smile."
"Damn! As expected of the demoness, she is truly frightening!" Lambert felt his skin crawling.
"The truly frightening figure is the traitor," Pollard corrected his friend. "He must have known the high probability of finding victims here... so he intentionally brought her in the auction!"
"Fucking hell! That traitor is truly sinister!!" Lambert now felt the demoness was saintess compared to the traitor of their gender.
Back in his chair, Kiba smiled ruefully. Since Lambert and Pollard were looking in his direction, he felt their gazes and then heard their conversations.
"Just like I feared... my honest reputation is being tainted by those damn storytellers," Kiba wanted to cry but he had no tears to shed.
He glanced at Ashlyn and saw her in the same condition as before. He wondered just how her smile was connected to her meeting with Denisa.
Kiba turned his head towards the stage and sighed.
"Just start the auction already."
The auction stage was large.
Currently, it was curtained by red drapes. On either side of the stage, there were large virtual screens. They would activate the moment the auction began and show the items on the stage so that everyone could witness them without any difficulty.
RUSTLE
The rustling sound of the curtains opening up ringed out.
"The auction is starting!" Many noticed the curtains sliding away.
The chatter in the auditorium immediately stopped and everyone focused their eyes on the stage. At the same time, the virtual screens also started displaying the projection of the stage.
On the stage, a middle-aged man named Wassily Brown appeared. He was mostly bald with a few strands of black hair behind his ears.
He was accompanied by a woman who has a slender waist and tempting curves that were half-visible. She was his assistant and also a psychological mean to entice male patrons during bidding wars. Wassily was sure as her figure was just too sexy to resist especially among hot-blood youths.
Her name was Yasmine and she stood alongside him.
Wassily donned a professional smile and rubbed his hands.
"I welcome you to 57the grand auction. Every year, we host two auctions; one before the opening of the core region and another afterward. Both auctions offer life-changing opportunities and I hope you make the best of them!"
Chapter 317 - Fantasy Land
The stage was long and wide enough to be considered as grand. The front end of it was wrapped by a transparent force-field that didn't restrict people on the stage. The force field was programmed in such a way that the fluctuations from the items in the auction wouldn't be sealed.
The chatter in the auditorium has completely died by the time Wassily made the introductory speech. Yasmine continued to stand beside him, sporting a seductive smile.
"Everyone knows the rule so let the auction began," Wassily said to the audience. "The first item for auction is Misty Spring Flower. Let me describe its scientific classification for those who don't know it by its popular name..."
At the same time, Yasmine showcased the flowering plant.
Surprised gasps and audible exclamation ringed throughout the auditorium as the flower was introduced.
It has trumpet-shaped six mist-like petals that were glistening with radiance. Its leaves were alternate, ovate to lanceolate, with toothed margin, just like a hibiscus.
The vital essence and the potent strength of Misty Spring Flower formed an important component of the liquid gell used in experiment pods. It wasn't restricted to just experiments but also to cloning and other genetic engineering fields.
Most people here were either directly or indirectly affiliated to corporates or organizations who backed scientistic research. Misty Spring Flower was a valuable component and everyone knew it.
"Please start the bidding," Yasmine requested the audience. "We don't have a minimum starting price as we trust the wisdom of our guests."
"$1000!" A young man in ordinary seating rows called out.
"$3000!"
Kiba looked on as people bid excitedly.
Many of them had no interest to buy it as they had reasonable confidence that even if they bid at the start, they wouldn't win. They did it so that they could tell it to their friends and acquaintances on how they participated in a bidding war for a precious and valuable item.
"$12000!"
"$15000!" A middle-aged man working for a medical corporation called out.
The flower was valuable but not valuable enough for bidding to go out of scale. As such, he has enough confidence in acquiring it at this price.
"$50000."
A nonchalant voice ringed in the auditorium, making everyone silent by such a brazen jump in price. Many of them peeked in the direction from where the voice came.
"The companion of the demoness!" Lambert muttered. "
"Why is she bidding such a high price..." Pollard wondered aloud. "Does he not know the value of the money?!"
Kiba did know the value of money but since he acquired it from others, he didn't mind spending it freely. He has no shortage of money cards thanks to the owner of Byron's Charm Shop and a few unlucky people he met before arriving to the fair.
As for why he bided so high from the start, well, it was because he didn't want to engage in one bidding after another. Such a high bid would prevent the hassle.
It wasn't like he was losing his own money so he decided to be open-hearted and generous.
Just like Olly once said, Kiba always enjoyed using the wealth of others as if it was his own. It didn't matter if the wealth was monetary or something even more valuable.
In Olly's case, well, he was referring to the way Kiba made himself comfortable at his father's house while drinking their whiskey and making out with his father's wife in their marital bed!
In the auction hall, no one made subsequent bidding. This was to be expected given the bid.
Wassily looked at Kiba as if he was the god of wealth. He rubbed his hands excitedly and proclaimed Kiba as the winner of this round.
A female staff walked to Kiba with an enchanting smile. She was holding the wooden box inside which the bid item was stored.
Kiba retrieved a money card worth $50000 as she arrived in front of him.
"Please check," She said, still smiling, as she handed the box.
"No need," Kiba replied while taking the box. "A beauty with a smile like yours can not be deceptive."
"Oh my! You are naive!" She took the money card from him and left after giving him a wink.
Meanwhile, Sophia entered into a private booth reserved for her. She was accompanied by a middle-aged woman.
Sophia sat down on a sofa. She looked through the glass wall as Kiba took the box containing the flower.
"I missed a chance to ruin his chances!" Sophia was angry at herself for getting late. "Oh well, there would be more items and I'm sure there would be things he would want... He would have to beg and apologise, only then I might spare him."
The middle-aged woman looked at her eighteen-years-old miss and smiled bitterly.
"Miss, if you do such a thing, you will be only making the auction house rich," The middle-aged woman reasoned.
"It doesn't matter!" Sophia relaxed on the sofa while looking forward to messing up with the shameless villain...
On the stage, a female employee brought a flower pot.
People were surprised as there was no flower growing on the pot. Instead, there was a misty-blue seed that was emitting cold fluctuations.
The seed was germinating with misty-like threads stretching in the medium. Everyone instantly noted the medium could not have been any different from soil.
The medium was glassy, brittle, and shining like a diamond.
Dendritic ice crystals.
The entire surface looked a dazzling frozen dessert. The cold fluctuations, in the form of diamond dust, passed through the force field covering the stage and swept through the audience.
Everyone instantly felt refreshed and energized. The cold energy was like water to a thirsty man, it felt them desiring for more.
"This is a seed of Icy Dew Flower," Wassily informed the audience.
A discussion erupted among the crowd and even the conversations were loud, there was not much interest. Sure, it has the ability to nourish the body with a refreshing and cooling sensation but that wasn't enough to arouse interest.
The curiosity further dipped when a few botanists explained the properties and uses of this flower. Basically, it was a top flower one can have in their garden. It was pleasing to the eyes and a delight to the senses. Most people were here to improve their chances in the core region and the seed didn't seem to offer enough incentives.
This didn't mean there weren't people who were interested in the seed of Icy Dew Flower. There was a good amount but it was just that they would not bid a large amount.
Wassily could easily grasp the thoughts of his patrons. He wasn't worried though. If anything, he knew the moment he said his next sentence, the crowd would go in a frenzy. He just wanted to build up momentum for the final result.
"The seed is from Eden," Wassily slowly said.
As soon as his voice entered people's ears, the entire auditorium turned pin-drop silent. Not a single person moved a muscle as the gravity of the sentence struck their consciousness.
Eden!
Just as Wassily expected, the audience went into a frenzy. Everyone, especially men, looked at the flower pod as if it was the most treasurable item in the entire world.
"Eden," Kiba thought of the legends he has heard about this mystique land. "The masses know it by its other name - Women's Island."
The legends indicate the island is only inhabited by women. There has never been a man who has even come close to the island.
Even the strongest and wicked men didn't dare eye the island despite the beauty of its natives.
It was a fantasy land in the territory of the World Government. Not only due to its legendary inhabitants but also by the fact that it wasn't actually ruled by the government!
Eden has complete autonomy.
The island, in fact, has a monarch. A queen, to be precise.
A queen who brought complete freedom to her land and turned it autonomous by earning a seat in the World Council.
No one knew her name or the extent of her true strength. All they knew was her title - The Ice Queen.
No one besides the members of the World Council has met her and yet, everyone in the world agreed on one thing.
She was the most beautiful woman in the entire world.
The lucky few who have seen her reflection remembers her as a goddess in the world of mortals.
Chapter 318 - Rich Miss
"The seed of Icy Dew Flower is from Eden?!" The audience was in chaos.
The flower pot became the center of attention. The ice crystals and the seed germinating in the crystals now seemed more beautiful than any natural scenery they have witnessed. It was like just the mention of its origin has added a charm they have never known before.
The diamond dust flying out of the icy seed was now truly worth a diamond in the eyes of the audience. No one could stop themselves from admiring its beauty as they thought how the seed was first caressed by the fairies of Eden.
Wassily got the desired effect. In reality, Icy Dew Flower wasn't really that precious despite its refreshing effect. It might be a delight to the senses and a great attraction in a garden or house but that was the end of its good qualities. That might be the truth but from one perspective, it was just a cynical thought process.
Just like how beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the same was for the worth of any item or object. The additional background has just enhanced the worth in the eyes of the beholders. By how much, Wassily was about to see.
Wassily excitedly rubbed his hands. He worked on commission so greater the bid, the more profit he earned. He signaled to his gorgeous assistant who smiled seductively and said, "Please feel free to start the bidding," "
"$10000!" A young man in the premium seating zone shouted the first bid.
"$15000!" Another bid came from the normal seating zone. No one wanted to miss the chance of participating in an item that has originated from Eden.
"$30000!" A cold-blooded mercenary doubled the bid. As he looked at the icy seed, his senses smelled the fragrance of the fairies of Eden. Having the seed was coming close to the hot-blooded fantasy he has.
"$50000!" A female hunter participated in the bidding. The tales of Ice Queen and Eden were a source of inspiration for her and women around the globe. Naturally, she fancied the item which has originated from the pure land.
"Don't insult Eden with such low bids! $100000!" A middle-aged man in a private booth said with disdain. He hated how the commoners were bidding such a small amount for a great treasure.
"I'm bidding $150000! A voice came from another private booth.
"$180000!" Vasco declared his bid from his private booth. His friend Maynard cheered for him excitedly.
The bidding didn't stop here.
Even those who reasoned they were here to improve their chances for the core region began participating in the bidding war.
The psychology of humans was something truly interesting. The worth of an item is amplified depending on its background even if a much cheaper but same quality item is available elsewhere.
A wasted cloth worn by a famous person is sold in millions...
Eden was a sacred land, something both men and women alike desired for their own reasons. Eden was more than just some hot-blooded fantasy of youths... The present bidding war was just a glimpse of this.
Wassily fully exploited the psychological principle behind this working of the human mind.
Finally, the seed was sold at a sky-high price. The cost was so high that it made everyone's heart bleed and yet, the winner was smiling from ear to ear.
He wasn't the only one smiling. The auctioneer was far happier than him.
One after another, items continued to be sold. Not every item's bid went to such a high degree and the upcoming items were more related to their use in the forest.
Medical ingredients, weapons, explosives, armors, and portable energy shields. The auction has no limit of them and there was no end to the buyers either.
Most of the items were purchased by Level I or Level II mutants. Items worthy of enticing higher level mutants didn't appear yet so most of the audience got a chance to bid now.
Kiba purchased Misty Spring Flower in the first round because he himself was a researcher. He didn't have a shortage of the flower essence in the lab but he didn't a fresh fruit since it really didn't cost him anything...
As the auction moved forward, the worth of money cards became less. The items now costed more than just money. They could be purchased with only extraordinary items such as herbs, fruits, minerals and so on.
"Our next product is a flower which is extremely rare and valuable," Wassily said with a professional smile. "A grade III - Seven-petal Golden Rose."
Yasmine opened a box and showed it to the audience.
As soon as the box opened, a strong but sweet medical aroma swept through the auditorium.
The rose was a thing of beauty with a golden glow emitting from both its stem and petals. Each petal was divided into two distinct lobes; one letting a soft glow while other a piercing glow.
The rose could boost the immune system to such a high degree that even poisons wouldn't harm the body. Besides the immune response, it was used in genetic experiments due to its antioxidant and antimutagenic properties.
Seven-petal Golden Rose was born in an extremely rare environment, protected by ominous beasts. It was hard to find and its demand was never low so getting a chance to purchase it was very hard.
Many in the audience gasped. They have heard about the rose and knew its practicality. All parts of the rose were edible but it was far more useful in genetic engineering.
For those participating in the core region, the flower was useful though not greatly compared to the worth it has in the eyes of researchers and scientists. There were many who have come only to purchase such valuable genetic items with no interest in exploring the dangerous core region.
Kiba's eyes brightened. This flower was one of the main reasons why he arrived at the fair. The rose was a side component in the solution he has in mind for Felicity.
"Honorable guests, please start the bidding," Yasmine requested the audience. "Make sure you bid with a mutated fruit, herb, flower or minerals along with money."
"$20000 and a grade I - Fire Cloud Fruit."
"$25000 and a Golden Thorn Fruit of grade I."
"$100000, Dustless Yarrow and Three-colored Cherrymist. Both are borderline grade II," Kiba's voice ringed in the auditorium, bringing an absolute silence.
Fucking hell! Why does he have to increase the bid by so many times?!
The crowd erupted in curses and exclamation. Many who wanted to bid just for the sake of it were angry at his sky-high bid. He wasn't giving them any chance at all to show-off to their friends and family.
"Is he from some top faction?"
"Even if he is, he should treat his wealth carefully!"
"He would go bankrupt if he wastes it like this!"
"Does he think money and those flowers are some vegetables that he can give without any care?!"
People on both floors were still cursing when a soft, feminine voice came from one of the private booths.
"$200000 and whatever the items he mentioned," The voice said as if Dustless Yarrow and Three-colored Cherrymist were worth nothing.
Everyone in the auditorium was dumbfounded.
"What the hell?!"
"Just what's going on here today?!"
"Has the definition of wealth changed?"
Such extravagance from both Kiba and the feminine speaker was beyond their scope of understanding!
"Young pervert!" Kiba bitterly smiled as he thought of the owner of the soft voice.
He pressed a hand on his forehead as he contemplated her possible intentions and instantly realized he was going to have a hard time.
In a private booth, Sophia cheerfully smiled as she saw Kiba's bitter reaction.
"Shameless scoundrel, the last thing I lack is wealth," Sophia said with happiness. "Even if you go bankrupt, you wouldn't be able to defeat me in this game."
The middle-aged female servant beside her sported an awkward smile. She looked at her young miss and thought of how the family doted on her.
She was a jewel of both her parents' eyes and she only came to the forest for the core region. It was not due to a shortage of resources but something different.
Before the family sent her here, they stuffed her with protective charms, defense devices, hundreds of pill bottles, antidotes, countless rare herbs, fruits, and god-knows-what.
As for monetary wealth, she was the only daughter of one of the most important persons in Neville Family. So she was in no lack of money.
"She has always lived a guarded life," The middle-aged woman thought. "As such, she is pure as snow. For her to be acting in such a way, that golden-haired man must have offended her deeply."
She wondered why he calls her a pervert and she calls him a scoundrel and villain.
Kiba let out a soft sigh before saying, "$300000, Dustless Yarrow, Three-colored Cherrymist, and a low-grade mutated Echinacea."
He hasn't brought any herbs and flowers from Delta City. All he has what he acquired in the forest. He could only pray it was same for her otherwise the auction house was really going to get rich today.
Sophia gave a cold snort.
"Only if you beg for my forgiveness then you still might have a chance," Sophia said from her sofa seat. "I'm bidding double of whatever he said."
Her servants have acquired low-grade fruits and herbs from the forest so she was in no shortage. And if she used her own personal wealth, then even Kiba would feel poor despite his wealth in Delta City.
The auditorium was abuzz with loud shouts. Many frugal-hearted men and women almost had a heart attack as they saw her casually increasing bid multiple times.