Light watched as the receptionist examined the document he had just signed. Her eyes lingered on his name, and a soft smile played on her lips.
"What a beautiful name you have."
It was the first time he had ever been asked to sign his name. More importantly, it was the first time anyone had called his name beautiful.
A blush crept onto his face, betraying his usual composure. He averted his gaze, trying to play it cool, and shrugged his shoulders.
"Thank you, but everyone calls me Light. Feel free to do the same."
"Thank you, Light."
For a split second, her eyes widened as if she had remembered something important. Then, with a playful wink, she continued.
"Oh, I'm Elise, by the way, but you can call me Elly."
Before he could respond, she leaned slightly forward, resting her arms on the counter. "All business is concluded. Is there anything else I can help you with?"
Once again, he avoided her gaze, shaking his head. There was nothing more he wanted than to leave.
"That will be all."
Turning on his heel, he strode towards the exit. Just as he reached the door, her voice rang out behind him.
"Hope to see you around soon, Twilight."
"Likewise," he muttered quickly, before stepping out into the bustling streets.
***
Sitting on a worn-out bench in the plaza, Light found himself replaying his encounter with the receptionist.
'She really was beautiful… although a bit weird.'
Shaking off his thoughts, he reached into his pouch, feeling the newfound weight of his earnings.
'Three small copper coins at the start of the day… and now I have five large coins and eleven smaller ones. This is the most money I've ever had.'
Should he invest in better equipment? A stronger weapon? He wanted to splurge his newfound wealth already. However, the words of his captain echoed in his mind, urging caution.
Glancing at the sky, he estimated that about an hour and a half had passed since he left the guild.
'Nothing better to do… might as well join Captain Sangiff at that auction house he mentioned.'
Standing up from the worn-down bench he headed off.
***
After asking around for a bit, he soon spotted the building. It was a simple structure, unassuming, yet something about it gave off an air of exclusivity.
Standing at the entrance, as if expecting him, was his captain. Only a handful of other mercenaries were present, the rest were likely attending to their own affairs in the city.
Light approached and waited patiently until the captain acknowledged him.
"Ah, kid, you're here. I assume everything went well?"
"Yes. I sold the Claw Stalker's corpse to the guild."
Despite trying to remain composed, he couldn't hide the excitement in his voice. His captain let out a small chuckle.
"Good. Here's the rest of your pay."
Extending his hand, Sangiff revealed five small copper coins. Light eagerly accepted them, his wealth now standing at five large and sixteen small coins.
"You look pleased, kid. Stick around for the auction. Maybe you'll find something that catches your eye."
"Sure, Captain." He barely let the words leave his mouth before his body began moving forward. He was eager to see what was inside.
Before entering, a masked attendant handed Light a black cloak and mask. He glanced at his captain, puzzled, but complied.
"It's an anonymous auction," Sangiff explained. "Standard protocol. If you win a bid, no one will know your identity."
Finally Inside, Light was taken aback by the sheer size of the hall. Rows upon rows of seats stretched out, occupied by all kinds of people. Following his captain, they found seats near the back.
Ten rows ahead, the auctioneer stood beside a small stand, where the items would be displayed.
"Buckle up, kid. This auction is a long one. You'll see all kinds of weapons, armor, and if we're lucky, rare trinkets."
As the auction began, Light quickly realized the disparity in wealth. The first few items sold for mere copper coins. Soon, bids escalated into large silver coin territory.
His captain made several purchases, acquiring a new knife and leather armor. Each time, an attendant would collect payment and hand him a receipt for later collection.
Curious, Light activated his blessing to inspect certain items. But to his disappointment, none contained mana—only healing potions imbued with magical properties. However, their prices skyrocketed beyond reason. Eventually, he stopped using his ability altogether.
***
Two hours passed. Light was growing restless, but his captain remained focused.
Just as he considered stepping out for a break, the auctioneer's booming voice cut through the murmurs.
"And now, for our next section… Human Slaves."
A thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd.
'Wait… did I hear that right? Human slaves?'
The words felt surreal. How could such a thing be possible?
Turning to his captain, he found him staring at the stage, expression unchanged.
"It's part of life, kid. You don't have to watch, but you shouldn't ignore it either."
Light hesitated. Then, slowly, he sat back down. His captain was right. If he was to walk the path of an awakener, he had to accept the reality of the world.
The auctioneer's voice boomed once more. The bidding war began.