As the price soared, a tense silence enveloped the VIP suite. Lassim, without hesitation, placed a final bid of 28,000 high-grade elemental source stones, securing the exquisite necklaces. The auction hall buzzed with astonishment at the final price that was more than the armor just before.
As Lassim secured the bid for the necklaces, an attendant quickly arrived and entered their VIP suite. The attendant from the auction house, under the pretense of providing "VIP treatment" was timely, coinciding with the acquisition of such a high-value item. It was clear they were keen to finalize the transaction and to also deliver the items won so far while collecting the extravagant payment.
The attendant, with a practiced smile and courteous demeanor, carried a secure and elaborate magic pouch type case containing the necklaces, beautifying set and bracers Lassim had won.
"Congratulations on your successful bids," they said, presenting the case to Lassim. "We are honored to deliver these exquisite items directly to you as part of our service to VIP guests."
Lassim, sensing the underlying eagerness of the auction house to secure the sale, nodded and accepted the case while paying for the goods with his gold vault card that now had pretty much used the entire 30,000 high-grade ESS daily limit.
"Thank you," Lassim replied, his attention briefly shifting to the case’s contents, verifying the necklaces and the bracers. Satisfied with their authenticity and the swift delivery, he couldn’t help but feel the commercial efficiency behind the auction house’s "VIP treatment."
As the attendant facilitated the necessary arrangements to deduct the total from Lassim’s golden card, the exchange was completed with professionalism and a hint of urgency to capitalize on the evening’s lucrative sales.
Sirium carefully received the bracers with thanks to his friend, and Lustria, sitting beside him, was overwhelmed by the gesture when Lassim handed her the beautifying goods and the wave pendant. He kept the galaxy one as it reminded him of her more. The significant amount spent and the nature of the necklaces—a pair meant to be shared—sent her emotions into a whirlwind.
’Is this his way of just showing care... or does he...?’ she wondered, her heart racing. The thought that Lassim might harbor deeper feelings for her ignited a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
As he helped put the necklace on her, Lassim turned her around to admire the jewelry upon her nape, offering a shy but genuine smile. "I thought these could help us both, especially after what happened. I want to always keep fighting by your side," he said, his eyes meeting hers, filled with a silent promise, an intense gaze.
Lustria, caught in the moment, found herself at a loss for words. The action spoke volumes, and while part of her questioned the romantic implications. ’Could he like me?’ she pondered, her heart fluttering with the possibility as she had whole-heartedly accepted the necklace, her fingers brushing against it’s chain as she felt the wave-like energy inside hers calm her slightly.
Too shy to say anything, she stared back and nodded, leaving her head down as she went to give him a hug.
The two necklaces imprinted on their users mana and they could both suddenly feel each other’s strong emotions at the moment, leaving them both to turn bright red before quickly separating from the hug in embarrassment. Both now fully aware of the other’s feelings.
Siririum, standing by and fully smirking at the development of his friend’s situation, coughed lightly before returning to observe the next item’s bidding had almost concluded while they received their goods. Another piece of jewelry, a ring, of some sort was being sold for 45,000 high-grade ESS. Whatever it was, it was certainly more powerful than the set of necklaces.
The auction hall buzzed with anticipation as the hostess unveiled the penultimate item of the night, a set of scales from a Spirit Transcendent level Ice Dragon. The scales, shimmering with a frosty blue hue, seemed to emanate a chill that could be felt even in the far reaches of the room.
"This guardian of the sea trade route to the Frozen Continent," the hostess began, her voice filled with reverence, "was not only a mighty beast but also a creature of high intelligence and emotion, living in harmony with the humans of the north for millennia."
She continued, "Sadly, it passed away recently due to natural causes, but its legacy can live on. The villagers who cared for it are now raising one of its offspring and need our support. These scales are not only an attestation to the Ice Dragon’s legendary existence but are also invaluable for alchemy and enhancing ice martial battle arts."
A hushed silence fell over the crowd as the starting bid was announced. "We begin at 40,000 high-grade elemental source stones. A rare opportunity, ladies and gentlemen, to own a one in 100 millennia set of scales from a beloved guardian that protected merchant’s goods and travelers for it’s lifetime."
The bidding erupted immediately, each raise met with quick counteroffers, as the room’s temperature seemed to drop due to the scale’s presence, yet the energy rose to a peak with the rising valuation. The scales, with their intrinsic properties and historical significance, captivated everyone’s attention, sparking a fierce bidding war that mirrored the legendary dragon’s own formidable nature.
Lassim, watching the proceedings with keen interest, felt a twinge of desire to participate but remained a spectator, knowing the scales’ value far exceeded his budget. The excitement in the room was palpable as the value climbed higher.
As the bidding for the Ice Dragon Scales escalated, a pause hung in the air, anticipation building. The hostess, with a graceful nod, acknowledged the bid. "We have 116,000 high-grade elemental source stones from a distinguished guest in one of our esteemed VIP suites," she announced, her voice echoing the surprise and excitement that filled the room.
The crowd, buzzing with curiosity and admiration, turned their attention to the secluded suites, speculating about the identity of the wealthy and bold bidder who now owned the rare and precious Ice Dragon Scales.
Lassim, along with Lustria and Sirium, joined in the applause, impressed by the display of wealth.
As the hushed anticipation in the auction hall reached its peak, the final item’s unveiling turned the auction hall into a hall of shocked patrons, like a deer in headlights. Under heavy guard, a display case was brought forth, its locks and enchantments shimmering in the dim light. Inside, a small orb floated, pulsing with a raw, destructive energy that seemed to tug at the very air around it.
Lassim leaned forward, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Is that what I think it is?" he whispered, his voice barely audible over the collective murmur of astonishment that filled the hall.
Lustria, her eyes equally fixed on the floating orb, nodded slowly. "It must be..."
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Sirium, who had been silently observing the spectacle, finally spoke, his voice tinged with awe. "A Trial of the Gods, here?" He shook his head, his eyes never leaving the orb.
The hostess, with a tone of reverence and awe, addressed the captivated audience. "Ladies and gentlemen, you might have guessed it. Yes, the final treasure of tonight’s auction is not merely an item of great power but a gateway to your future destiny. Behold, the key to a newly uncovered elemental plane!"
She paused, allowing the weight of her words to sink in. "Yet, if you can recognize the elemental signature from afar, you’re aware this is no ordinary key. It serves as both a portal and an identity token, granting the bearer the right to participate in—a Trial of the Gods!"
A collective gasp swept through the hall. Trials of the Gods were the stuff of legends in Nexaria, rare and mystical events that offered unparalleled opportunities for growth and empowerment to those who braved their challenges.
Lassim sat back, his mind racing. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Whoever wins this auction could potentially change the power dynamics of the entire continent," he mused.
Lustria’s gaze shifted from the orb to Lassim, a speculative look in her eyes. "Do you think... we could stand a chance if we entered the trial?" she asked, her voice a mixture of hope.
Sirium chuckled, breaking the heavy atmosphere. "Uh, are you sleep walking right now? I’ve heard your evaluation is based on talent, but we’re all still learning how to swing our weapons. I think you’re dreaming a bit too much."
"The holder of this key," the hostess continued, her voice now imbued with a mixture of excitement and solemnity, "will not only gain access to this enigmatic realm but also become a contender in a celestial trial.
Such trials from the myths are crucibles where spirit warriors can attain immense leaps in their cultivation journey and, for the fortunate few, acquire legendary abilities that can redefine the limits of their elemental prowess."
The implications hung in the air like a tangible force, electrifying the crowd. When the bidding opened, the hall erupted into a frenzy. Numbers soared as attendees, driven by the prospect of divine trials and transcendent power, competed with fervent intensity.
Lassim, Lustria, and Sirium watched, spellbound by the spectacle. The idea of entering a Trial of the Gods was something they had only heard of in the most fantastical tales of Nexaria’s history their parents read to them as babies. The energy emanating from the orb, even contained within its enchanted case, hinted at the immense power and potential it represented.
Bids climbed at an astonishing pace, each new offer escalating the stakes higher into the realm of the extraordinary. The auction had transformed from a mere exchange of rare items into a battleground of ambition and desire, with the key to the elemental plane as the ultimate prize.
As the bidding began, figures skyrocketed, each bid echoing through the hall like a thunderclap. The competition was fierce, with every increase met by another, higher and more determined. The numbers soared, reaching into the millions of high-grade elemental source stones.
Then, a commanding voice cut through the escalating bids, silencing the room. "Three million high-grade ESS," announced a young looking man, stepping forward from his VIP suite towards the stage with a confident stride.
As he stepped out of his VIP suite, the Aurora Kingdom’s Prince appeared in full view of everyone, flanked by a retinue of elite guards, each one a formidable spirit warrior scanning the crowd to protect their charge. Their presence served as a barrier to protect and show value of his importance.
The prince was dressed in royal attire that was both luxurious and practical, blending the opulence expected of a prince with the functionality suited for a spirit warrior of high caliber. The fabric of his garments was of the finest quality, shimmering slightly under the auction house lights, with intricate embroidery that showed the wealth of his kingdom.
His cloak, which draped elegantly from his shoulders, bore the emblem of the Aurora Kingdom.
With a confident smile and a gracious nod to the assembled crowd, he expressed his gratitude, his voice resonating with the natural charisma and leadership that marked him as a true heir to the throne. His declaration of his bid was a final one, his authority and influence undisputed as the crowd murmured, a mix of admiration and surprise at his presence here rippling through the attendees.
Lassim and his friends watched in awe as the prince claimed the orb.
"Thank you for giving me face," he said, his voice resonant in the now-quiet hall. "This key is not only a path to my own personal power but also a symbol of our kingdom’s strength and future. I, Prince Leander Aurora, am forever indebted to you, my lovely citizens of the Aurora Kingdom and to those who have come from afar to tonight’s auction."
The trio exchanged impressed glances, their excitement palpable. "To be able to see the prince himself," Lustria whispered, her voice tinged with wonder.
Sirium nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "The kingdom really has deep pockets. To just throw out 3 million high-grade ESS out like it’s nothing!"
Lassim, still absorbed in the moment, felt a mix of inspiration and anticipation. "Tonight’s auction... it sure was fun," he mused.
With all the items won and delivered to their bidders, the audience slowly left the auction house. The night’s experiences lingered in their thoughts, with the last one being a surprise. The journey back to the academy was filled with talk of imagination of what a Trial of the Gods might entail.
The conversation filled with excitement as they each pondered what they might do in such a trials of legends, and the paths they would choose in such a situation.