"The skill book Pluto's Army is up for grabs. Any mage could use it but beware of the possible effects it might bring to your class change."
Brook knew that Pearl was a mage, and a strong one at that. Pearl's eyes shimmered intensely as she eyed the skill book in front of her. Again, skills were essential to one's arsenal no matter how common it was. She played with her hair as the enthusiasm in her built up.
"I gotta have that," she strongly said. "Finally, one strong skill book I could use."
"How'd you know it was strong?"
"It's the last piece for this auction," she answered. "Plus, Pluto's destructive power is deadly. As a mage, I must have that. I need that."
The bidding war started. Of course, the whole venue has its eyes on that one item, and Brook had to admit that a skill book with a God's name must contain great power. However, he was contented with what he got, titanium. Deirdre would feel elated once she knew that this metal on his hand existed on the human plane. Brook was adamant whether he would tell Deirdre about it or not because a while back there, they basically strangers. He couldn't immediately trust her nor could he trust David with such information. David was a loudmouth. His tongue might slip even if there was a promise between them.
"One gold," somebody said.
"One gold for the gentleman right there," the auctioneer said.
The atmosphere became extreme as the bids got higher. The less rich had backed down as the more influential figures started to dominate the bidding war. The Bonum Dynasty sure had its fair share of powerful leaders, along with Pearl at the frontlines.
"Ten gold," the man with a sharp fedora increased the overall bid.
"Eleven gold," Pearl countered. "Give up, Victor. Give this to me."
"You?" He laughed as he looked down on her. Victor was a misogynist at heart. Women for him weren't suitable to be at the frontlines because they feeble and emotional. He's known for publicly humiliating and shaming women. Although many women and men stood up against him, he would use the goodness and will of the gods as reason. One of his arguments was that women are to be taken care of. Contrary to this, he once asked his men to throw a lady away from the cart they were on because she bumped onto him when the carriage had stumbled on a steep and rocky road on the way to the city.
"Twelve," another voice said. This time, it was a feminine voice that exuded mysteriousness. "Oh, hi Pearl!"
"Veronica," she glared at her. "Do you really want to fight with me?"
"Why wouldn't I?" She plastered a devilish smile. "Even Victor here is standing up against you. I doubt another competitor would hurt your sorry little ass."
"Both of you," Victor coughed loudly. "Give this to me girls."
Victor was foolishly confident today. He knew Veronica and Pearl were women with one of the highest positions in a guild, and yet he's about to anger them. Veronica was known to be the best whip master in the Bonum faction. She has subdued enemies in both close an "d long range. She's also the guild leader of the Martyrs, one of the top 5 guilds in the Bonum faction. The Martyrs were vicious in fighting against the Malums. They had the highest kill count.
"You're so going to regret saying that Victor." Veronica sharply gazed at him. Pearl snickered from the side, knowing that she wouldn't give up this matter easily. He had offended her, and now the tables have turned.
Victor settled down and sat down in defeat. He was sweating so much that it was visible for everyone, including those far away from him.
"Thirteen," Pearl raised the price. "Veronica, I must say. Don't you owe me a favor?" She looked at her, expecting an answer. Veronica frowned deeply when she remembered what happened. Veronica and Pearl were fighting along the frontlines when a Malum warrior had almost hacked her to death. It was Pearl that saved her life, and she has verbally promised that she would return the favor.
"Why did you have to bring that up? That's unfair, you know?" Veronica grunted. She scratched her head, annoyed at the fact that she probably won't get the item.
"Teehee." Pearl widely smiled.
"Pearl," Brook called out. "How manipulative." He complimented her. Well, at least according to her, it was a compliment. Brook and Pearl had this sort of connection that was formed ever since they had met. They just knew that they were compatible and will get along from one single stare.
"Thanks," she replied heartily. "I'm glad you noticed."
There really is no right or wrong, good or bad. Even in the Bonum cities, hypocrisy was evident. Most try to hide it because they've been labeled to be good, but people like Victor were vocal about their true nature. To say the least, he was better than most of them, hiding their true nature and intentions in the dark. This was also applicable to the Malum sponsors. Many would ooze demonic aura, but they actually care about the others and some would even have a silent advocacy regarding deforestation.
"Fifteen," somebody had raised the price against Pearl. She didn't know who the other person was due to the unfamiliarity of his face. At this time, Pearl had thought nobody would stand up against her because she has already shown her status and ability. Yet, here is a stranger opposing her power.
"Seventeen," she shouted. "Bite me."
"You're funny Pearl," he said creepily. "Twenty."
"Who are you?" She asked meticulously.
"Twenty-one. You don't know me, but I know who you truly are."
He put emphasis on the word truly.
"Right," Pearl dismissed it as it was growing on her. "Twenty-five."
"I give up," he suddenly said out of nowhere. "I have no more money and I'd rather stay neutral. Neutral, right."
Pearl's eyes widened when she heard the word neutral. She thought it was just a plain coincidence and that he was bluffing or something. Even Brook who had been suspicious of the man was shocked. He knew that the man knew something, and he's definitely up to no good. They had to do something because their identities were at stake.