Inside the luxurious room provided for him, a sophisticated holographic interface was projected before Lish, allowing him to participate in the bidding process with ease and discretion. The hologram displayed detailed images and descriptions of each item up for auction, with real-time updates on the current bids. The room was enveloped in a serene silence, thanks to a powerful silent spell cast to ensure utmost privacy for the bidders. The only sounds were the soft hum of the holographic projector and the occasional rustle of fabric as Lish shifted in his seat.
The room itself exuded opulence, with plush velvet chairs and rich mahogany furnishings. Soft, ambient lighting highlighted the intricate patterns on the walls and the luxurious carpet underfoot. A small table beside Lish held a selection of refreshments, including a crystal decanter of aged wine and an assortment of gourmet delicacies.
In this private sanctuary, only Lish and Gunnar were present, while the bodyguards remained vigilant at the entrance, ensuring no one disturbed their master.
As the minutes ticked by, the grand hall of the auction house began to fill with attendees. Nobles and wealthy patrons filed in, taking their seats on the plush cushions provided. The room buzzed with muted conversations and the soft clinking of glassware as guests settled in. Occasionally, a figure would slip into one of the exclusive VIP rooms, much like the one Lish occupied, each designed to offer privacy and a prime view of the stage.
The lights on the stage suddenly brightened, drawing the attention of everyone present. A charismatic man stepped into the spotlight, his presence commanding the room. He was impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, his hair slicked back stylishly.
"Good evening to our esteemed and honorable guests," he began, his voice carrying effortlessly through the hall. "I am Ed, your host for tonight's auction." He paused, offering a warm smile that conveyed both confidence and charm.
"Tonight, we have an extraordinary selection of items that we are excited to present to you," Ed continued, his eyes scanning the audience. "Each piece has been carefully curated for this event, and we are thrilled to offer you the opportunity to acquire these rare and valuable treasures."
Ed's voice rose slightly, infusing the room with a sense of anticipation. "Without further ado, let us begin with our first item of the evening," he announced, gesturing to the side of the stage where an assistant unveiled a striking artifact, illuminated under a spotlight.
The holographic display in Lish's room updated instantly, providing detailed information about the item. Lish's eyes flicked over the stats and description, weighing its potential value. He knew that tonight's auction was not just about acquiring objects of beauty and rarity; it was about securing assets that could aid him in his future endeavors.
"This is the first item for tonight, the Golden Pin, a B-rank artifact!" Ed announced with palpable enthusiasm, his voice expertly crafted to captivate the audience. The artifact in question was a finely crafted golden pin, elegantly designed to be worn as a hair accessory. Its delicate filigree work and embedded gemstones shimmered under the stage lights, making it a desirable piece for any noblewoman.
"The user can enhance their beauty with this pin," Ed explained, "and it also functions as a deterrence magic and a defensive charm, protecting against potential threats." The audience murmured appreciatively, the allure of both beauty and safety appealing to many.
Starting with a B-rank artifact demonstrated the high caliber of this auction house. "This place is certainly high class," Lish muttered to himself, impressed.
"The bidding will start at 500,000 stellar," Ed declared, the currency's value recognized and accepted across every continent.
"600,000."
"700,000."
"800,000!"
Excited voices of numerous women echoed through the hall, each eager to secure the artifact.
"This would make a perfect gift for Mother," Lish thought. As the bidding began to slow at 1.5 million stellar, he made his move.
"2 million," he called out confidently.
"2 million stellar!" Ed's voice rang out, laced with surprise.
"1, 2, 3, sold to room number 26!" The first auction was concluded.
Despite the wealth in the room, many attendees were holding back, knowing that more valuable items were yet to come.
Ed continued with the next item, his enthusiasm undiminished. "Our second item is the Silver Serpent Bracelet, a C-rank artifact!" The artifact was a slender silver bracelet shaped like a serpent, its eyes set with tiny emeralds. "This bracelet grants the wearer enhanced reflexes and the ability to detect nearby poisons."
"The bidding starts at 300,000 stellar," Ed announced.
"400,000."
"500,000."
"600,000!"
The bids climbed steadily until it was sold for 1 million stellar, to an eager nobleman in the main hall.
"Our third item tonight is the Flame Pendant, an A-rank artifact!" Ed's voice boomed, drawing gasps from the audience. The pendant was a fiery red gemstone set in a gold frame, resembling a flickering flame. "This pendant allows the user to conjure and control fire, making it a powerful weapon and a striking piece of jewelry."
"The bidding starts at 1 million stellar," Ed declared.
"1.2 million."
"1.5 million."
"1.8 million!"
The bids came quickly, reflecting the artifact's high value. It eventually sold for 3 million stellar to a cloaked figure in another VIP room.
"The fourth item is the Whispering Wind Amulet, a B-rank artifact," Ed continued. The amulet was a delicate piece, shaped like a swirling gust of wind, with a faintly glowing sapphire at its center. "This amulet enhances the user's speed and agility, perfect for anyone needing an edge in physical pursuits."
"The bidding starts at 600,000 stellar," Ed announced.
"700,000."
"800,000."
"1 million!"
The bids rose steadily, with the amulet finally selling for 1.6 million stellar to a young noblewoman seated near the front.
"Our fifth item is the Obsidian Shield, an A-rank artifact!" Ed's voice carried a note of reverence. The shield was made of glossy black obsidian, engraved with ancient runes that glowed faintly. "This shield provides unparalleled defense, capable of withstanding both physical and magical attacks."
"The bidding starts at 2 million stellar," Ed declared.
"2.5 million."
"3 million."
"3.5 million!"
The bids surged, with Lish considering the shield's value as a gift for his father. As the bidding began to slow, he decided to act.
"4 million," he called out.
"4 million stellar!" Ed's voice echoed, excitement evident.
"1, 2, 3, sold to room number 26!" The shield was his.
Finally, the main objective for Lish's attendance at the auction arrived: an ordinary-looking robe with a wristband attached to it. The robe appeared plain, made of simple fabric, and the wristband was unadorned, lacking any notable features. Everything about the item seemed unremarkable, its only notable characteristic being its immunity to artifact appraisal. This made it a 50-50 gamble for most buyers, a risky proposition since nobody knew whether it was a hidden treasure or a worthless trinket. The exact value of these two artifacts remained a mystery until a famous appraiser from the World National Council, the most powerful organization in the world, created a special powder to stimulate the robe and wristband's latent properties.
The powder, a closely guarded secret, was known to activate the hidden potential of the robe and wristband, revealing their true power. Lish knew the recipe for the powder and could make it himself if he had the necessary ingredients. He recalled the significance of these artifacts: they were once used by Alexander Orsbourgh, the president of the world and the most powerful person on Earth. The discovery of their value had propelled Alexander to unparalleled heights of power.
Aware of the stakes, Lish knew he had to be strategic. He couldn't make a high bid from the start, as it would arouse suspicion among the other attendees. Instead, he planned to bid casually, pretending to be only mildly interested in testing his luck with an unknown artifact.
"This is the final artifact we retrieved from the depths of a dungeon," Ed announced, his voice tinged with mystery and allure. "Everything about it is unknown since it resists all forms of appraisal. However, this is precisely what makes it so intriguing. If you are lucky, it could be a legendary artifact!"
Ed's voice was filled with a seductive quality, managing to pique the interest of the audience despite the artifact's nondescript appearance. Murmurs filled the room, a mix of curiosity and cautious excitement spreading among the attendees. A few adventurous souls seemed willing to test their luck, drawn in by the possibility of uncovering a hidden gem.
"The bidding starts at 100,000 stellar," Ed declared, a low starting point that invited participation from even the more cautious bidders.
"150,000."
"200,000."
"250,000!"
The bids climbed steadily, each increment reflecting a calculated risk. Lish watched the proceedings carefully, waiting for the right moment to join the fray.
"300,000," Lish called out, his tone deliberately casual.
"350,000!"
"400,000."
The bids continued, with Lish occasionally raising the price in small increments. His strategy was to appear only moderately interested, blending in with the other hopeful bidders.
As the bidding reached 750,000 stellar, the number of participants began to dwindle. The uncertainty surrounding the artifact's value deterred many from pushing further.
"800,000," Lish said, maintaining his nonchalant demeanor.
"850,000," another bidder countered, their voice tinged with hesitation.
"900,000," Lish responded smoothly, sensing the growing reluctance in the room.
The hall grew quieter as the bids slowed, the uncertainty weighing heavily on the remaining participants.
"1 million," Lish declared, a final bid meant to test the resolve of the other bidders.
A tense silence followed, the anticipation palpable. Ed looked around the room, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
"1 million stellar, going once, going twice… Sold to room number 26!" Ed's voice rang out triumphantly.
Lish felt a surge of satisfaction as the gavel came down, securing the artifacts. He had successfully navigated the risky bidding process without drawing undue attention. The robe and wristband were now his, and with the recipe for the activation powder in his possession, he was one step closer to unlocking their true potential.
As the auction concluded and the attendees began to disperse, Lish reflected on the evening's events. He had not only acquired valuable gifts for his parents but also secured a pivotal artifact that could significantly bolster his power and status. The journey ahead, including the challenges of the academy, seemed a little less daunting with these new assets at his disposal.