Golden rays of the late afternoon sun reflected off the mansion's towering stone walls, casting an ethereal glow over the grounds.

The sprawling palace-like estate seemed to pulse with energy, the hum of Aetherium runes woven into every corner of its architecture.

Sprawled across massive stone pillars and winding up intricate arches, the glowing, translucent symbols whispered of power and elegance, an invitation only extended to the highest echelons of Aetheria.

Nobles and dignitaries, clothed in layers of splendour, moved through the estate's gardens and grand halls like living portraits, every motion and gesture reflecting years of refinement.

A young man in luxurious robes approached the mansion's entrance, his stride exuding both confidence and an infectious, bubbly energy that contrasted starkly with the formal stillness of the gathering.

He moved with a scholarly grace, his robes cut from the finest silk, shimmering with hues of deep blue and silver that echoed the mansion's grandeur.

The guards, stationed by the Aetherium scanning gate, gave him cautious looks, but he offered them a friendly smile that seemed almost out of place amid the rigid security.

One of the guards grunted, gesturing to the Aetherium scanner with a slight nod. "Aetherium bracelet, please."

The young man chuckled, lifting his wrist. "Of course, my good sir. Can't have people sneaking in with—what was it? Dragonweed? Or maybe even a clandestine batch of shrieking sea spuds?"

As he did, the bracelet lit up, and a series of runes flashed across the scanner. The guards watched, the tension building as they awaited the scan results. The young man on the other hand, couldn't be more relaxed.

Just then, his bracelet blinked, and a woman's amused voice whispered in his mind. "Shadow, did you know that the Zenith Moon Squirrel can store enough energy in its tail to power a small city for a week. Isn't that fascinating?""

He chuckled, murmuring back with his thoughts, "That's good to know. Maybe I'll bring one home for my fireplace. Just remind me why I need to know this right now, Lynette?"

On the other end, Lynette snorted softly. "Just making sure you're entertained while you pass all that impenetrable security."

"I'm positively fascinated," he replied, deadpan. "I'll make sure to remind the guards here how terrifyingly exclusive their establishment is. Now—what were we discussing? The real reason I'm here?"

Lynette's tone shifted to a murmur, the soft hum of tension slipping into her voice. "Have you spotted the target yet? Anything suspicious on display?"

"Not yet," he replied, keeping his tone light as his gaze swept the dignified guests milling about, each dressed in lavish fabrics, gems glinting from robes and adornments. "Give me a moment; I'll scout out the best-looking trinket I can find, maybe swipe a shiny apple off someone's platter while I'm at it."

Ding!

The guard finally nodded, passing him through with an approving, albeit puzzled, look.

With the same confident steps, he made his way to the largest building in the centre of the estate just like the countless others.

He gave a wink to an elegant lady passing by, who blushed and looked away quickly.

As he continued, a server approached him with a slight bow. "Duke Whizzal, right this way, please," the server said, his voice dripping with respect.

He hid a smirk as he followed the server into the building, watching the extravagant decorations lining the hallway—the marble pillars, chandeliers dripping with crystal, and artwork that seemed centuries old.

He felt like he was walking through a museum of wealth. 'As expected of the Shadowless Guild...' he thought.

They finally arrived at the main auction hall, a vast, grand room lit by golden light from enormous chandeliers overhead.

Rows of polished seats and private cabins lined the hall, and at the centre, a majestic podium stood ready to showcase the night's most valuable items.

With a slight bow, the server led him to a private cabin reserved for the highest guests. "Enjoy the show, Duke Whizzal," the server said, leaving him to his exclusive seating.

Inside the cabin, plush seats faced a large window giving a perfect view of the auction floor. He relaxed into his seat, stretching out and letting his gaze wander around the room.

An attendant brought him a glass of something sparkling and waited a moment, perhaps hoping for a word from the distinguished guest.

He flashed her a charming smile, raising his glass. "Thank you, lovely. Maybe later I'll get you to tell me all about this vintage."

The attendant's cheeks reddened as she hurriedly left, casting one last glance back as she closed the door.

Alone now, he leaned back with a grin, the excitement in his eyes unmistakable. "Showtime," he murmured, letting his gaze fall to the stage, ready for the auction to begin.

Within a few minutes, the hall dimmed as the murmuring crowd settled, their attention fixed on the podium where a breathtaking hostess stood. Her gown shimmered under the golden lights as she greeted them with a dazzling smile.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Grand Shadowless Auction, where only the rarest treasures and artifacts await their new owners."

Shadow watched from his private cabin, eyes sharp but relaxed as he sipped his drink. The show had begun.

With a smooth motion, he retrieved a slender artifact—a delicate brush with a gleaming, almost magical bristle—and knelt on the cabin floor, his every movement steady and deliberate.

The brush met the polished floor, leaving behind faint, luminous lines as he began to draw, each stroke forming intricate patterns.

Every line, every symbol was precise, as if drawn from memory alone. The formation he created seemed to pulse with a faint light, resonating with the mansion's aetherium-powered security.

Just then, a voice buzzed through the aetherium bracelet on his wrist. It was Lynette, her tone laced with a touch of teasing amusement.

"You're not actually drawing on the floor, are you, Shadow? You do know these security guys obsess over rune-checking."

His lips quirked into a smirk. "Relax. I'm being subtle. Who would expect the honourable Duke Whizzal to be drawing on his hands and knees?"

Lynette chuckled. "I'm surprised. I thought your hands were only for holding a knife or maybe a fine wine."

"Versatile skillset," he replied with a wink, though no one was there to see it. "And keep your eyes peeled. We're looking for something... special tonight."

Below him, the auction began. One by one, rare items were displayed: flawless aetherium shards, glistening gems, ancient relics whispering with forgotten magic.

But he barely glanced at the luxurious wares, his focus honed on the formation he continued to draw, his movements swift and practiced

Finally, after a series of escalating bids and excited gasps from the crowd, the hostess raised her hand.

A hush fell over the audience as she announced, "Now, for our grand item tonight—The Soulstone. A gem that strengthens life-force and grants one immunity against all taboos."

The crowd collectively gasped, the rare item casting a haunting blue-green glow, like lightning suspended in crystal. Shadow's eyes narrowed as he took in the Soulstone's beauty, a grin breaking across his face.

He muttered, "Right on time."

With a steady hand, he pulled several small red crystals from his robes, placing them precisely around his formation.

Each stone flared with a crimson glow, connecting with the formation and amplifying its power.

Next, he reached into his robes and carefully pulled out a small talisman, which he attached subtly to the wall beside him, the thin paper pulsing with energy.

The auctioneer started the bidding, and numbers soared as guests clamoured for the Soulstone. Shadow leaned back, raising his hand in a calm but determined gesture as he entered the fray, upping the stakes.

Through the bracelet, Lynette's voice returned, this time amused but a little more serious. "Shadow, are you actually trying to buy this thing?"

"Not exactly. Just raising the stakes so our dear Oriom Group feels compelled to win. They'll thank me later."

The competition intensified. Shadow leaned back, each of his bids placing him in direct rivalry with the Oriom Group's representative.

Guests glanced his way, whispering amongst themselves about the unknown individual's fascination with the Soulstone.

As the bidding narrowed to three serious contenders, Shadow turned his gaze toward the third bidder. Based on his Intel, the occupant of that room was a pompous nobleman named Rowen.

Shadow waited until he placed a bid again, then activated the transmitter and raised his voice loud enough for the hall to hear.

"Oh, Lord Rowen," he drawled, his tone mocking. "Rumour has it you lost an emerald to a sewer rat last month. Perhaps the Soulstone would be too much of a challenge?"

A murmur of laughter rippled through the hall. Although Shadow couldn't see, he was sure Lord Rowen's face had reddened as the insult landed, his pride wounded by the clever jab.

Indeed, Lord Rowen withdrew from the bidding competition immediately after.

With Rowen out, the Oriom Group had a clear path to victory. Their representative gave a final bid, and the auctioneer's hammer fell. "Sold! To the Oriom Group!"

Shadow's smirk widened as the formation beneath him hummed with power, every line and symbol charged and ready. He took of his robes and stepped onto the glowing lines, feeling the energy rise as he whispered, "Time to steal the Soulstone."

The symbols flared to life, and with a single, subtle tap on his bracelet, Shadow activated the formation.

In a flash, his cabin emptied, the teleportation sequence transporting him directly.

_____

[Humble Entry Into The Beast Taming Contest. Let's win this! ]