Chapter 25: The Sovereign's Return
The sun hung low in the sky as Liam emerged from the Sanctum of Eternity, the faint golden light casting long shadows over the Cragspire Mountains. The battle with the Warden of Eternity had tested his skills, pushing him to his limits, but the rewards had been well worth the struggle. His inventory was brimming with high-rank loot, and the Crown of Eternal Dominion now rested atop his head, its glowing jewels radiating an otherworldly aura.
Liam opened his quest log, his gaze settling on the completed mission.
[Quest Complete: Legacy of the Sovereign]
• Objective: Defeat the Warden of Eternity.
• Rewards: Title, Relic, New Privileges.
• Status: Report to Elder Hamil for final approval.
"Time to head back," Liam muttered, pulling up his map. The journey back to Ironshade City would take several hours even with his enhanced movement speed. With a deep breath, he began his trek, cutting through dense forests and winding mountain paths.
The Return to Ironshade
The bustling streets of Ironshade City greeted Liam as he passed through the gates. The city seemed more alive than ever, with players and NPCs alike crowding the marketplaces, inns, and training grounds. News of the upcoming Grand Auction had spread like wildfire, and every corner of the city buzzed with excitement and speculation.
Liam ignored the chatter and made his way to the Elder's Hall, where Elder Hamil awaited. The guards at the entrance, recognizing him, stepped aside without a word.
Inside, the Elder was seated in his usual place, his piercing blue eyes lighting up as Liam approached.
"You have returned," Elder Hamil said, his tone a mix of relief and satisfaction. "And by the look of you, I dare say you were successful."
Liam nodded and reached into his inventory, pulling out the Relic of Eternity, a glowing crystalline orb that pulsed with a soft, rhythmic light.
"I retrieved the relic," Liam said, placing it on the table before the Elder.
Elder Hamil's expression grew solemn as he carefully examined the artifact. "This is a treasure of immense power, one that holds the echoes of countless generations. You have done well, Sovereign."
[System Notification: Quest Submitted!]
• [Relic of the Sanctum]
• Experience Gained: 500,000
• Gold Gained: 5,000
• Reputation Gained: +2,000 (Ironshade)
• Bonus Reward: Sovereign's Seal (EX)
[Item Acquired: Sovereign's Seal]
• Rank: EX
• Effect 1: Grants the user the ability to summon an exclusive dimensional storage.
• Effect 2: Increases inventory capacity by 500 slots.
• Effect 3: Provides a passive 10% boost to all stats.
Liam's eyes widened as he read the item description. "This… is incredible," he murmured.
"It is a gift befitting your efforts," Elder Hamil said with a faint smile. "But be warned—the power you wield will draw the attention of many, both allies and foes. Use it wisely."
"I will," Liam promised, bowing slightly before leaving the hall.
Preparation for the Auction
With the quest completed, Liam's focus shifted to the upcoming Grand Auction. The event, set to take place in three days, had already drawn the attention of major factions, guilds, and even real-world corporations. For Liam, it was the perfect opportunity to offload some of his excess loot and amass a fortune.
[Liam's Inventory Highlights]
1. Mystic Wolf Pelt (B-Rank)
• Highly sought after by crafters and blacksmiths.
2. Ancient Fang (A-Rank)
• Rare crafting material used in high-tier weapons.
3. Arcane Gemstone (A-Rank)
• Essential for enchanting high-level gear.
4. Obsidian Core (SS-Rank)
• A priceless relic dropped by the Warden of Eternity, capable of upgrading weapons and armor by one rank.
Liam made his way to the Auction House, a towering structure that dominated the city's skyline. Inside, the atmosphere was electric, with players and NPCs haggling over entry fees, item appraisals, and auction slots.
Approaching the counter, Liam was greeted by an elegant NPC woman dressed in formal attire.
"Welcome to the Ironshade Auction House," she said with a practiced smile. "How may I assist you?"
"I'd like to register some items for the Grand Auction," Liam replied, opening his inventory and displaying his selected goods.
The woman's eyes widened as she examined the items. "These are… remarkable. Particularly the Obsidian Core. It's been decades since an item of this caliber has been listed."
She quickly processed the registrations, her hands moving deftly across a glowing console.
[Auction Registration Complete!]
• Items Listed:
• Mystic Wolf Pelt (B-Rank)
• Ancient Fang (A-Rank)
• Arcane Gemstone (A-Rank)
• Obsidian Core (SS-Rank)
• Starting Bids:
• Mystic Wolf Pelt: 5 Gold
• Ancient Fang: 20 Gold
• Arcane Gemstone: 50 Gold
• Obsidian Core: 1,000 Gold
• Auction Fee: 2% of final sale price.
Liam left the Auction House feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation. The auction would undoubtedly draw fierce competition, especially for the Obsidian Core, which had the potential to fetch a staggering price.
All Forces Prepare
News of the Grand Auction spread rapidly, igniting a frenzy among players and factions across the game. In every corner of Eternal Dominion, preparations were underway.
• The Azure Syndicate, a shadowy organization specializing in assassins and spies, pooled their resources in hopes of securing rare materials for their elite operatives.
• The Silver Legion, a top-ranked guild, issued orders for their members to gather as much gold as possible, prioritizing the acquisition of crafting resources.
• Real-world corporations, recognizing the potential of in-game items, began converting real currency into game gold at unprecedented rates.
• Government-backed factions, particularly in countries where Eternal Dominion had become a national pastime, allocated budgets to ensure their dominance in the auction.
Liam's Private Preparations
While the world around him descended into chaos, Liam retreated to his rented room at the Ironshade Inn, where he reviewed his progress and strategized for the days ahead.
[Player Panel: Liam's Stats]
• Name: Liam
• Class: Primordial Sovereign (EX)
• Level: 40
• Experience: 32% to Level 41
• Gold: 8,220
• Reputation: 4,500 (Ironshade)
[Attributes (Including Boosts)]
• Strength: 240
• Agility: 280
• Intelligence: 310
• Endurance: 200
• Luck: 150
[Skills (Top Tier)]
1. Shadowstrike (EX): Level 15
2. Primordial Insight (EX): Level 12
3. Blade Dance (A): Level 10
4. Ethereal Dash (S): Level 8
[Equipment]
• Crown of Eternal Dominion (EX): Boosts all stats by 50%.
• Starlight Plate Armor (B): Reduces physical damage by 20%.
• Iron Longsword (C): Temporary placeholder.
Liam leaned back in his chair, his mind racing with possibilities. The days ahead would be challenging, but they also held the promise of immense rewards.
As he drifted into sleep, one thought lingered in his mind: The auction will be the turning point of this world—and I intend to come out on top.