The Gorgons are three hideous-looking sisters. They are half sirens that have been cursed due to their vanity. After longing to be more beautiful in appearance and singing, they began seducing sailors and manipulating them into giving them everything they had in exchange for their souls, maintaining their youthful, enchanting appearance.
Due to their narcissism, they began coveting the pearl of the Great water nymphs which grants the power to sing great songs of blessing and healing in the sea.
Nonetheless, they failed to acquire the pearl and instead received a curse that transformed their luscious, wavy, hair into venomous vipers; their voices sang screeching screams that can destroy one's soul.
After being banished by the Sirens, they began afflicting the Melusines, cousins of water nymphs residing in the empty lands at the York Sea, and exiled them at the deepest ends of the waters. They began reigning in the islands and gained a significant amount of power that allowed the place to be the center of commerce and illegal activities.
Dealing with the Gorgons has been a huge headache to the water nymphs and sirens but when the Worms began afflicting Regressia, their focus switched from dealing with the cursed sisters to dealing with the Damned. Though the problem with the Damned hasn't been dealt with, attacking the Gorgons without understanding the proper repercussions and effects it may bring may complicate matters and lead to another war. It will also affect the economy of the empire since the island is the center of all livelihood and commerce.
Zavier posed as a rich merchant from the empire, under the name of Creux Donquixote. It was the name the Seekers used to get a special invitation to the auction. When the meeting was held, Felix told him that the member who posed as such was wearing a mask and did a splendid disguise.
This is why the identity of Creus Donquixote is shrouded in anonymity.
The knights spread according to plan. Rein and Quincy were tasked to find the room where the resources to be auctioned were kept; Harlan would supervise the rear and ensure that the two could infiltrate without any hindrances.
On the other hand, Jonas and Fiore were tasked with locating Undertaker and monitoring his movements during the auction.
Captain Dainsley will accompany Zavier as his bodyguard and companion to the auction. Since the only ones who can enter the venue are the ones with the special invitation, Zavier asked Jonas and Fiore to go inside the venue in other ways.
"Once we go down this boat, we will go on our ways. As I said, stay hidden. If you need help, regroup. Don't try to fight them alone." Zavier told them before they went on their ways.
It was 9:00 in the morning. Zavier and Dainsley walked among the crowd yelling different things at the same time.
Some were selling jewels and ornaments mined from the seas; others stocks of fruits, seafood, and the like. There are even some gypsies who take their hands and entice them to a dance at the square. There were also busybodies on the sidewalks as well as prostitutes offering their bodies for a measly sum of 2 Zenos.
(2 Zenos = 1 silver coin and 6 copper pennies. 10 copper pennies is equivalent to 1 silver coin).
The two men in cloaks disappeared into a corner with fewer people.
Passing by a few beggars and seemingly lifeless men whose bodies are being surrounded by either stench, old or fresh wounds, and flies, Zavier immediately realized that behind the bustling port lies the extreme poverty of some people living in the Isles. This place reeks of danger,
malnutrition, and sickness on every corner. Only the strong could thrive.
If anyone would survive in a place like this, one must have the guts to do even immoral jobs.
Zavier and Dainsley took several turns in empty alleys until they caught a few men in black coats and top hats entering a shabby wooden door. From the looks of their attire, they seem to be nobles.
The two hid in a corner. watching the men show the invitation before entering the building. The two faced each other and nodded as they took the masks given by the Seekers before walking towards the door.
The two men stopped at the door. Zavier inhaled quietly before knocking at the door.
A peephole was opened, displaying only the eyes of a seemingly huge man as a deep voice echoed. Zavier spoke.
"I'm here for the auction."
"There's no auction going on here. Scram." He hissed.
Zavier then took the invitation from his coat and showed it to the guard. The invitation letter has a special seal that only they will know. The guard with widened eyes stared at the golden seal of the invitation letter.
"A VIP? I'm sorry mister…"
"Donquixote. But Sir Creux will suffice."
"Ah-I see. Forgive me, Sir Creux. The master is waiting for you."
The door opened, welcoming him. However, the muscled mercenary blocked Dainsley with his hand.
"State your name." He barred his teeth. Dainsley glared at the man under his mask yet controlled himself.
"Roan. I'm Master Creux's bodyguard."
The guard spoke in an intimidating voice. "Only those with an invitation can come here. Unless you can prove otherwise that you are really with Sir Creux…"
Dainsley gritted his teeth as he growled. "I am, now back off."
The tension between the two was heating up when Zavier spoke in a cold voice and glared at the guard. "He's my companion."
The mercenary looked at Dainsley with a suspicious gaze. Dainsley never took his eyes away from the guard. Zavier breathed out.
"I'm not one to back out on sponsoring an auction, but you're leaving me with no choice…" He said in a rather defeated voice, causing the mercenary to be shaken.
"S-Sir I beg you consider…"
"Do you want a word to reach your master's ear about this situation? How insolent of you to suspect my bodyguard." Zavier spoke in an authoritative, cold voice. The big, muscular guy's face paled at the accusation. He lowered his hand, struck his chest, and bowed his head.
"Forgive me Sir Creux. Please don't back out from sponsoring the auction."
According to Felix, 'Creux' offered Stroke a deal wherein he would sponsor the auction and grant 2,000,000 billion Zenos (2 million gold) and gift a rare artifact in exchange for the poison. Though the artifact was already handed to them, the gold was yet to be given.
However, as much as Stroke is a cunning man, Felix manages to fool him because the 'rare artifact' given is nothing but an old orb that Felix bought from an old man years ago who happened to deceive him by believing that the orb contains magical essence that may help people strengthen their martial arts prowess.
Felix fooled Stroke by telling him that the orb was an ancient artifact that granted forbidden knowledge of the magic of the elves.
Dainsley passed by the mercenary with a smug look under the mask. The two strode, their capes fluttering behind them as they left the guard on his own.
The two men paced inside the dimly lit hallway. Torches were hanging on both sides which lit up magically as if sensing their presence. Their steps echoed beyond the stony walls of the hallway.
The two never dared to converse. As they strode, they were alert for any dangers or any incoming ambushes.
Though Felix told him everything 'Creux' and Stroke discussed and how they got a hand with the VIP invitation, being complacent brings man to disaster. In the first place, Stroke is a sly, cunning guy, and according to his conversation with 'Creux', he can never be trusted.
It was a long and cautious walk. As they were progressing in the empty hallway, a servant in neat attire appeared before them. She put her hand on her right chest before politely bowing before him.
"Good evening Sir Creux. Your seat is waiting for you."
The servant guided them silently. No one dared to initiate the conversation until the servant opened her mouth.
"I heard that Sir Creux offered a rather special product to be auctioned today."
Zavier didn't speak. He listened intently as the servant blabbered.
"I have seen the product myself. I have no idea where you have such an artifact in your possession. It was truly an honor to have you as one of our sponsors today."
Soon, they reached an archway draped with velvet, thick, curtains. Pushing the curtains to the side, a balcony with a grand, velvet cushioned, chair and a round mahogany table with elaborate designs on the sides were seen.
Zavier sat by the chair and rested his arms on the armrest as he raised his right hand to his mouth.
"The auction will start soon. As for now, may you sirs take a rest." She then bowed and politely left.