I couldn't help but smirk at Tress's reaction as I displayed my current stash of tokens. If only the video recording feature was available, I'd have captured this priceless moment. Unfortunately, it won't be added until the second Sandurk expansion, which is at least a month away.
Tress remained in disbelief, his eyes needing constant reassurance. He rubbed them repeatedly as if to confirm the reality of what he was witnessing.
"Please, check their authenticity. I need to be sure I'm not just seeing things," Tress urged one of his staff members.
The staff member swiftly assessed the tokens, their authentication process impressively fast. A few seconds later, they delivered their report.
"Sir, these tokens are 100% legitimate. They're not counterfeit and are ready for use."
Though Tress was just a virtual character, he wiped away virtual sweat and smiled at me.
"Mr. Bladeheart, you seem to be more important than I initially realized. Since you've chosen to sell these tokens, I'd be willing to pay 5,000 gold per token for them. In return, I'd like to feature them in today's bidding section highlights. What do you say?"
"Sure, no problem."
With that, the deal was struck with Tress. While these tokens held little value for me, I knew that money would flow in sooner or later. Guild tokens were highly sought after by others, and each one would become the talk of the game among tycoons. The next thing that I needed to do was make business and make money.
"Alright, process complete. Are you going to participate and watch the auction? We will make sure to make a profit using your item and it might be a good thing to watch."
"Eh, I am not too much of a fan of an auction bidding war. Are there any items that can be seen beforehand before the bidding wars?" I asked.
"No. Unless it does not get sold and someone gets an interest in it then you can see it. But for now, there's not much to see here unless you join. Don't worry, you will be treated as a VIP. We can even offer you a VIP room that can allow you to see the situation unfold below."
"Nope. I shall pass on this one. If there's nothing I can see and buy immediately then, let's finish the transactions yes?"
After finalizing my arrangement with Tress, I swiftly exited through an inconspicuous backdoor, ensuring no one among the bustling crowd caught wind of my escape route. At this early stage of the game, the backdoor remained a well-guarded secret, and anyone stumbling upon it would likely dismiss it as intended for staff use.
I distanced myself from the crowd, taking a seat on a nearby bench and surveying the incoming players. As the Auction commenced, players from prominent guilds fervently dispatched their respective Gate Guardians in a race to access the capital.
The majority of players in the vicinity ranged from level 10 to level 13, their equipment revealing hasty preparation as many donned gear with only a single point of durability remaining, and some had already lost their weapons.
Nonetheless, my focus wasn't on these adventurers, but rather on their resources. While observing the crowd, I spotted Dolly, effortlessly navigating her way into the event. Her prowess as a magician was evident, having soloed the Gate Guardian, an achievement deserving of admiration. It wouldn't be surprising if she continued down this path. She was the kind of talent I'd consider recruiting into my party in the future. To change her destiny, I'd have to step in at the right moment. She wasn't someone who deserved death; she was someone who deserved life.
However, the time for such interventions had not yet arrived. Dolly needed to continue growing on her own, and I had personal objectives to pursue. The auction house gradually filled with players, resembling a bustling flea market. Once I was confident that everyone was engrossed in the auction, I left the scene, eagerly anticipating the ensuing discussions on the internet blog. I don't need to be there personally to see the commotion. I would rather have the peace and quiet for myself.
....
...
...
At first, I tried to look around the stores of the Capital and see any worthwhile investments here and there. I know all of the things that will happen here so investing in some of them would make a good way to harvest my fruits of labor later but as I surveyed the place, I sighed and shook my head. There are many places that look new but there are none that would become totally prominent in there.
Now that I'm free with nothing else to occupy my time, I decided to head for Lesser Purgatory and embark on a dungeon raid. As everyone's attention is tied up in the auction, it's the perfect opportunity for me to slip away unnoticed. It'll serve as an excellent diversion for my discreet activities, and the timing couldn't be better.
I summoned Leona, and she began to flutter her petite wings. Though she's currently weak and diminutive, with enough leveling up, she'll become a formidable companion. Strengthening her is a priority, especially with the impending dungeon dive on my agenda. I navigated to my menu's Follower tab, found Lina's profile, and placed the call. This feature makes contacting distant follower NPCs a breeze, and after a few rings, Lina answered.
"Hello, Master?"
"Are you available today?"
"I'm free and without any tasks at the moment. Is there something you need, Master?"
"No, I'm hoping you'll accompany me on an immediate dungeon raid. It's the fastest way to level up, and I'd like to assist you with that."
"That sounds great. Where should we meet, Master?"
"Meet me at the Crossroads of the Starlight Forest, near the signpost. Please also purchase 20 Extra Large Advanced Health Potions and 20 Extra Large Advanced Mana Potions. I'll transfer you the money, so don't worry about the cost, and you can keep the change as your fee."
"Advanced Health and Mana Potions? Those can be pricey!"
"Don't fret about it, and don't forget to buy Water Grenades from the Alchemy shop. We'll be facing fire-type enemies. Get at least 100 of them."
I ended the call and initiated the currency transfer. In the game, spending on these items was inconsequential, given the abundance of money in my purse.