Denizens of the Labyrinth

As the final attendant gracefully stepped aside, making way for the next, the room fell into a tense silence. Jazmel leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, eyes sharp and focused. Even Colin, usually composed, shifted slightly in his seat, his curiosity piqued.

The Master of Ceremony, sensing the crowd's anticipation, strode confidently to the centre of the stage, his arms spread wide in a gesture of triumph. His voice rang out, amplified, and laced with excitement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, you have witnessed wonders tonight artifacts of unparalleled beauty, skill tokens of immense power, and treasures that will be spoken of for years to come. But now… now we bring you the true heart of this auction. The three pearls, the finest of our offerings, the very pinnacle of rarity and power."

He paused for dramatic effect, allowing the weight of his words to settle over the crowd.

"These pearls are not merely items they are legends in the making. Each one holds the potential to shift the tides of fate, to alter the course of history. And it is my honour, my privilege, to present them to you tonight."

The room buzzed with whispers, a mixture of awe and speculation. Jazmel's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind racing with possibilities. What kind of treasures could warrant such fanfare?

The MC gestured toward the next attendant, who stepped forward with the fluid grace of a dancer. Draped in elegant robes of shimmering gold and white, this attendant exuded an aura of majesty. Her presence alone commanded respect, her movements deliberate and precise. She carried a small, intricately carved chest, its surface inlaid with glowing silver runes that pulsed faintly, as if alive.

The crowd held their breath as the MC smiled. "And now, let us unveil the first of our pearls…"

The room was deathly silent as the Master of Ceremony stepped forward, standing beside the first pearl a weapon so foreboding it seemed to cast shadows that stretched far beyond its physical form. The attendant, still holding the spear reverently, remained motionless, her face pale from the oppressive aura emanating from the artifact.

Jazmel couldn't tear his eyes away from it. The spear was jet black, its surface almost liquid in its darkness, absorbing the light around it. The blade of the spearhead, dyed a deep crimson, shimmered like freshly spilled blood, giving the impression that it had been forged from ore infused with life itself. Jagged edges along the base of the spearhead whispered of brutality, and the shaft, etched with sinuous runes, seemed alive, pulsing faintly in sync with the heavy energy that filled the room.

The Master of Ceremony cleared his throat, his voice steady despite the suffocating pressure. "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the first of our pearls; Grimmfang."

He gestured toward the weapon, his expression solemn. "Forged from the tooth of a dragon slain in battle and bound with its spirit, this spear is no mere weapon. Its very essence exudes dragon fear, a primal terror that will grip the hearts of all who face it. You can feel it now, can't you?" He paused, letting the crowd soak in the palpable tension. Several attendees shifted uncomfortably, some even avoiding direct eye contact with the weapon as if it could lash out at any moment.

"This isn't just a weapon it's a force of nature. Wielding Grimmfang means commanding the presence of a predator at the top of the food chain. Every strike carries the rage of the dragon, and every moment in its presence reminds you of its unrelenting power."

Jazmel's hands clenched into fists as he stared at the spear. The sheer danger it radiated made his instincts scream at him to act to claim it, to keep it away from unworthy hands. But he resisted, forcing himself to breathe slowly, evenly. He had no need for a weapon like that; his Yoru No Tsubasa was enough. Still, the allure of Grimmfang's raw power was undeniable.

The bidding began, fierce and immediate, with voices rising from every corner of the room. As numbers skyrocketed, Jazmel sat back, his keen eyes observing those who dared to pursue the spear.

The bidding war for Grimmfang erupted with ferocity, voices clashing in a symphony of greed and determination. Jazmel sat back in his seat, his sharp eyes scanning the room as offers were shouted out, one after another.

"Two thousand platinum!" a voice boomed from the balcony, immediately countered by another bidder from the floor.

"Two thousand five hundred!"

The tension grew as the Master of Ceremony stood at the centre of the stage, letting the energy of the room swell. He gestured grandly toward the spear. "Grimmfang is not just a weapon, ladies and gentlemen it is dominion over fear itself. Who will claim this power?"

"Three thousand!" someone shouted, their voice tinged with desperation.

Jazmel watched silently, his lips twitching with faint amusement. To him, the spear's allure was dangerous but unnecessary. He already had a weapon perfectly suited to his style Yoru No Tsubasa but he couldn't deny the magnetic pull of the spear's raw energy.

"Three thousand five hundred!" The crowd grew restless, some falling silent as the stakes rose beyond their means.

"Four thousand!"

The bids continued, and Jazmel leaned forward, elbows on his knees as he observed the faces of those vying for the spear. The hunger in their eyes was palpable.

"Four thousand five hundred!"

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of escalating bids, a deep voice rang out above the fray. "Five thousand platinum!" The room fell quiet for a moment as the weight of the offer settled over the crowd.

The Master of Ceremony paused, scanning the room for further bids. When no one else dared to counter, he raised his hand. "Sold! To the distinguished bidder for five thousand platinum coins!"

Applause rippled through the room, though it was tinged with envy and awe. The winning bidder, cloaked and hooded, stood briefly to acknowledge the crowd before retreating into the shadows.

Jazmel exhaled slowly, shaking his head. "Five thousand platinum," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else. "A price worthy of its power."

Baek leaned closer, smirking. "Not tempted to outbid them, Jazmel? You'd look quite the figure wielding Grimmfang."

Jazmel chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "It's not my style. But that spear… it's going to change someone's destiny."

The stage was cleared, and the crowd's murmurs subsided as the Master of Ceremony prepared to reveal the next pearl. The energy in the room remained electric if Grimmfang was the first pearl, the following items promised to be nothing short of extraordinary.

The Master of Ceremony stepped forward, his expression solemn, signalling the unveiling of the second pearl. With a deliberate flourish, he gestured for the attendant to bring it forth. A robed figure stepped into the light, carrying a long, elegant staff that radiated an aura so powerful, the air itself seemed to hum.

"This," the MC began, his voice rich and commanding, "is Eclipsebane, a Tier VI mage's staff of unparalleled potency. Forged from the core of a celestial tree that grows only under the light of eclipses and imbued with the essence of Starfire, this staff is a masterpiece of arcane craftsmanship."

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The staff was a thing of wonder. Its shaft was carved from a silvery-black wood that seemed to shimmer as if tiny stars danced across its surface. The top of the staff was crowned with a crystal orb, swirling with light and shadow in a mesmerizing dance. Runes, faintly glowing, were etched along its length, whispering promises of untold power to anyone who dared wield it.

"Eclipsebane," the MC continued, "has a storied history. It was first wielded by the Archmage Lysander Solryn, a figure who turned the tide of the last beast tide that almost broke through five gates. With this staff, Lysander could summon celestial flames, shield entire cities, and channel the very forces of the cosmos. It is said that even after his passing, Eclipsebane has retained his touch of mastery, waiting for a new hand to claim its brilliance."

The crowd leaned in, captivated. Even Jazmel, who had little use for mage staves, found himself drawn to its beauty and presence. The Mana emanating from the staff was overwhelming, like standing in the presence of a storm just before it broke.

The MC allowed the room to absorb the weight of the artifact before delivering the final details. "Eclipsebane is not merely a weapon; it is a legacy. A tool for mages to shape worlds, protect kingdoms, or burn them to ashes. I do not exaggerate when I say this staff is capable of altering the fate of its wielder and those around them."

Jazmel glanced at Baek, who raised an eyebrow. "That's quite the speech," Baek muttered, though even he couldn't hide his admiration for the artifact.

The MC gestured grandly. "Bidding will begin at six thousand platinum coins!"

Gasps filled the room, and the first bid was immediately called out. "Six thousand!"

Jazmel sat back, crossing his arms as the auction erupted into a frenzy. Eclipsebane, steeped in history and power, would undoubtedly fetch a staggering price.

The room was electric with anticipation, a collective tension filling the air as the Master of Ceremony stepped forward once again. This time, his usual flair was tempered by an almost reverent tone. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have come to the pinnacle of tonight's auction. This final item is the pride of the Grand Lyceum, a treasure so rare and coveted that it is said only a handful exist in the entire world."

Jazmel leaned forward, his eyes locked on the stage as the final attendant appeared. She moved with a grace that commanded attention. She was tall, her sleek black hair tied in an intricate braid adorned with golden threads that shimmered under the light. Her eyes were piercing, the colour of molten amber, and her gown, a deep emerald green trimmed with silver, gave her an air of regal authority. Every step she took seemed measured, deliberate, as if she were carrying the weight of the world.

In her hands, she bore a single item: a talisman shaped like an ornate card token. It glimmered faintly, inscribed with intricate golden runes that pulsed faintly with power. The edges of the talisman shimmered like liquid light, and the space around it seemed to distort, as if reality itself bent to its presence.

The Master of Ceremony gestured to the talisman, his voice brimming with pride. "This, my esteemed guests, is a Gate Token, a relic of unparalleled significance. With this talisman in your possession, you hold a guaranteed path to ascend. It is not merely a trinket but a direct conduit to power itself. When used, this token will activate two gates, transporting the bearer directly to the Hundredth Floor the threshold of Monarch Tier."

The room erupted in whispers and gasps. Even Jazmel, usually composed, stood up in his VIP room, his expression betraying his astonishment. A Gate Token was no mere artifact; it was a legend. Such an item was the stuff of dreams, a shortcut to the pinnacle of strength, bypassing years if not decades of effort.

The MC paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the crowd. "I will not lie to you," he continued, his tone sombre. "This item was not easy to procure. It cost us dearly, for such power always comes with a price. But we live to serve, to bring you the finest and the rarest, and tonight, you have the chance to claim this unparalleled treasure."

The crowd was on edge, some already clutching their bidding devices. Jazmel could hear the murmurs even from his vantage point, the hushed voices of nobles, merchants, and adventurers alike speculating about the talisman's potential.

The Master of Ceremony raised his hand. "The bidding for this Gate Token will begin at ten thousand platinum coins."

The room exploded into chaos. The first bid came almost instantly, then another, and another. The numbers climbed at an astonishing rate: twelve thousand, fifteen thousand, twenty thousand. The energy in the room was frenzied, the bidding war a clash of wealth and ambition.

Jazmel crossed his arms, shaking his head slightly as the bids soared higher. "Thirty thousand platinum coins!" someone shouted, their voice cutting through the cacophony like a blade.

A stunned silence fell over the room. The Master of Ceremony raised his hand, his expression triumphant. "Sold, for thirty thousand platinum coins!"

The room erupted into applause, and Jazmel let out a low whistle. "A direct path to Monarch Tier," he muttered. "Whoever won that just rewrote their future."

Baek chuckled beside him. "If only we were so desperate."

Jazmel smirked. "Desperation or ambition it's hard to tell the difference sometimes."

The Master of Ceremony stepped forward one last time, his arms outstretched to signal the conclusion of the night's unforgettable event. The excitement still hung in the air, an almost tangible buzz of energy from the spectacle of treasures unveiled and fortunes spent.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice steady and warm, "what an extraordinary evening this has been! You have borne witness to some of the finest artifacts, relics, and wonders the world has to offer. Each item, a piece of history or a path to greatness, has now found a new home among the most discerning of owners you."

He gave a sweeping gesture toward the crowd, a smile tugging at his lips. "Our auction may have ended, but our service to you does not. Remember, our catalogues remain open for further inquiries. Should you find an item that captures your heart or piques your curiosity, do not hesitate to contact one of our attendants. We live to bring your ambitions to fruition."

As the murmurs of the audience began to pick up, he added with a flourish, "All items purchased tonight will be brought directly to their rightful owners by our trusted attendants. Please remain seated or retire to your rooms, and we will ensure the prompt and secure delivery of your treasures."

He paused, letting his gaze sweep the room. "On behalf of the Grand Lyceum, I thank you for your presence, your enthusiasm, and your patronage. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Until then, may fortune favour you and may your newly acquired treasures lead you to greatness."

With a deep bow, he stepped back, signalling the end of the night. The crowd began to stir, some departing with satisfied smiles, others still abuzz with conversation about the incredible items they had just witnessed.

Jazmel remained seated for a moment, his thoughts swirling as the attendants began moving through the room with purpose, delivering items to their respective owners. He couldn't help but think about the power and responsibility tied to such artifacts. But for now, he simply leaned back, watching the room slowly empty, knowing this was just the beginning of greater things to come.

As the group waited, their newly purchased items being carefully delivered by attendants, another figure stepped into their VIP room. The attendant was a young man, impeccably dressed in the golden and white livery of the Grand Lyceum, his demeanour exuding professionalism. He bowed politely before addressing Jazmel, Sadé, and Charme.

"Honoured guests," he began, his tone calm and respectful. "I am here to finalize the transactions regarding the items you entrusted to the auction house earlier this evening. I am pleased to inform you that all of your items have been successfully purchased by the auction house itself."

Jazmel raised an eyebrow, intrigued, while Sadé and Charme exchanged quick glances.

The attendant continued, "In light of this, we would like to present you with two options regarding the proceeds from these sales. First, you may choose to retain a line of credit with the Grand Lyceum. This credit may be used for future purchases at any of our auctions, at your convenience."

He paused briefly, giving them a moment to consider before presenting the second option.

"Alternatively, the items you sold have been appraised for further auctioning in our regional or private events. In acknowledgment of their value, we are prepared to add a 10% increase to the overall sum as an additional seller's premium. This would be paid out in full, in gold or platinum coin, as per your preference."

The room fell silent for a moment as the three of them considered the offer. The attendant remained still, his hands folded respectfully in front of him, awaiting their decision.

Jazmel leaned back in his chair, glancing at Sadé and Charme. "Well, that's a fair deal," he said, his voice thoughtful. "What do you two think?"

Sadé smirked, her fingers drumming lightly on the table. "I'd rather take the payout. Credit's nice, but cash in hand speaks louder."

Charme nodded in agreement, her martial pragmatism showing through. "I agree. Better to have the funds and decide later how to use them."

Jazmel chuckled. "Looks like we're all on the same page. We'll take the payout with the seller's premium," he said, looking back at the attendant.

The young man inclined his head, his smile polite. "Very well, honoured guests. Your payments will be prepared immediately and delivered to you shortly. If there is anything else you require, please do not hesitate to ask."

With that, the attendant excused himself, leaving the trio to await their earnings and the delivery of their purchased treasures.