Denizens of the Labyrinth

After Sadé and Charme had sold their items, the first and third attendants left the room, their presence now replaced by the more familiar figure of the second attendant, who entered with a calm, practiced stride. He set a large tray down on the table before them, the array of refreshments catching the light with a welcoming sheen.

The table was spread with an enticing assortment. There were delicate pastries filled with fruits and sweet creams, their golden crusts glistening slightly from a light dusting of powdered sugar. There were small, savoury pies filled with seasoned meats and herbs, the crust flaky and warm to the touch. Bowls of mixed nuts roasted to perfection were placed alongside some dark chocolates and honey-drenched fruit, which exuded a rich sweetness. A few loaves of freshly baked bread sat beside a selection of cheeses, their soft, creamy textures begging to be spread on the warm, pillowy slices. To wash it all down, there were chilled glasses of a sparkling fruit juice, along with a few decanters of dark wine, the deep hues almost glowing under the soft lights of the room.

The moment the scent of food hit the air, Kazumi and Paldane both appeared. Kazumi, the fire fox hound companion of Sadé, materialized first, her small, fiery form darting into the room with the grace of a whispering flame. Her usual size had been shrunk to fit the space, and she almost glowed with an inner warmth, her fur a vibrant orange that shimmered as she padded towards the table. Her sharp, intelligent eyes scanned the food, and she immediately nuzzled her snout into the nearest dish, her hungry eyes flickering to Sadé for permission.

Not long after, Paldane, the dragon bond of Jazmel, appeared, though his size had been reduced as well. His smaller form was still impressive, scales glinting like polished gemstones as he took on the appearance of a smaller, more compact dragon. His golden eyes sparkled with curiosity and hunger, and he, too, quickly made his way to the table, his tail flicking in excitement. He sat on his haunches next to Jazmel, giving him a soft, expectant look as his nostrils flared, savouring the scents of the spread.

Both companions, drawn by the promise of food, now happily situated themselves by the table, ready to indulge in the feast before them.

As the attendant stepped out of the room, his voice echoing slightly as he informed them that the auction would begin soon, the lights in the VIP room slowly dimmed. The atmosphere shifted, becoming more intimate and focused, with only the soft glow of the food and drink remaining to illuminate the room.

Moments later, the glass in front of them shimmered to life, casting a faint glow across the space. The once-clear surface began to display a detailed HUD display of the auditorium below. On it, the vast hall was filled with an eager crowd, their faces a blur of excitement and anticipation. The display zoomed in, and at the centre of the auditorium, a figure emerged onto the stage, instantly commanding the attention of everyone present.

The Master of Ceremony was a tall, poised man, his presence larger than life despite his smooth, almost calming demeanour. His appearance was impeccably polished, with neatly combed silver hair that cascaded back from his temples, giving him an air of sophistication. His eyes, sharp and observant, were a piercing shade of green, almost glowing faintly in the dimmed lighting. His features were defined and angular, giving him a regal, almost aristocratic look.

Dressed in an elegant black suit, he wore an embroidered silk vest that shimmered subtly under the lights, while a deep maroon tie completed his attire. The subtle glow of magical runes traced along the edges of his cuffs and the collar of his jacket, marking him as someone deeply attuned to the energies of the auction house. His voice was smooth, charismatic, and authoritative, a tone that effortlessly carried to every corner of the room.

"Welcome, esteemed guests," he said with a slight bow, his voice resonating throughout the hall. His lips curled into a small, inviting smile, exuding both warmth and control. "We are gathered here today to witness the unveiling of rare and powerful treasures. Let the bidding begin, and may the best bidder claim the prize."

The moment he spoke, the room seemed to buzz with anticipation, the air thick with the eagerness of those around. Jazmel and his group, still seated in their VIP room, watched the Master of Ceremony intently, each of them silently preparing for what was to come. The MC's command over the crowd was undeniable, and as he signalled for the auction to officially begin, the first item of the night was brought to the stage.

As the Master of Ceremony's voice filled the air, Jazmel turned to Colin, his curiosity piqued. "What are you looking for?" he asked, leaning in slightly.

Colin's lips curled into a sly smile, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. He winked at Jazmel before responding, his voice light but filled with intent. "Why, everything. Everything and anything." His words carried a weight of experience and knowing, as if he was always in search of something more, something valuable, whether it was for trade, for influence, or perhaps for his own personal agenda. His gaze flicked back toward the stage where the first item was being presented, the crowd already murmuring in anticipation.

Jazmel couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at Colin's answer. It was the kind of response that only someone deeply embedded in the merchant world would give. Colin wasn't just here to buy; he was here to collect, to gain, and possibly even to shape the world around him with his acquisitions.

Jazmel turned his attention back to the Master of Ceremony, his eyes sharpening as the man continued. The MC's voice boomed through the hall, confident and smooth as he laid out the auction's structure.

"We will begin with items from Tier I, followed by Tier II, III, IV, V, and VI," the MC explained. "Each tier will have a variety of items available for your bidding pleasure. However, once we reach Tier V, we will release several special items that will not only be of great value but of significant power. These will be exclusive and available only for a limited time."

Jazmel listened intently, the words filtering into his mind with sharp clarity. He had no interest in the lower-tier items; they were beneath him, far from what he sought. His focus was unwavering on the items from Tier V and beyond the rare, the potent, the objects that could elevate him, empower him, or serve his long-term goals. As the MC continued, Jazmel's gaze flicked around the room, his mind already calculating, plotting which of the high-tier items he would claim for himself.

And so the auctions began. The Master of Ceremony gestured dramatically, signalling the attendants to bring out the first items for Tier I. The hall buzzed with murmurs and the occasional burst of enthusiastic bidding as the low-tier items were displayed.

Jazmel sat back in his chair, arms crossed, and posture relaxed, though his Mana-attuned eyes scanned the projected HUD with a casual air. Each item was briefly displayed, along with its description and initial bid price. The names of items rolled off the MC's tongue like honey Silverleaf Amulet of Lesser Protection, Traveler's Compass of Sure footing, Moonshard Lantern but none piqued Jazmel's interest.

He kept an ear tuned to the proceedings, noting the occasional spike in bidding wars but paying no more attention than necessary. These were items for novices and adventurers still finding their footing in the world. His gaze flickered to the room's walls, the subtle hum of the embedded defensive arrays catching his focus more than the lower-tier offerings.

Kazumi, Sadé's fiery fox-hound companion, lay curled at her feet, watching the proceedings with a flicker of disinterest in her ember-like eyes. Paldane, Jazmel's dragon bond, rested near his chair in its smaller form, tail flicking lazily. The atmosphere in the VIP room was calm, insulated from the more boisterous energy of the auction hall outside.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Occasionally, Colin would let out an amused chuckle or make a wry comment about the quality of an item, his ever-present smile glinting with mischief. Charme and Sadé watched the catalogue attentively, though neither showed interest in the current offerings.

Jazmel allowed his body to rest, leaning slightly against the arm of his chair. His mind, however, remained sharp, waiting for the tiers to climb higher and the real treasures to be revealed.

The auction stretched on, with what seemed like hundreds of items being called out in succession. Tier after tier of items passed, from the practical to the ornate, each finding eager buyers among the crowd. The hum of activity in the grand hall was a constant backdrop, punctuated by the occasional cheer or gasp as a prized item changed hands.

In the VIP room, Melle had taken a proactive role, bidding on behalf of the Black Wing faction. With a calm yet determined demeanour, she secured numerous items upgrade tokens for skills, enhancements for weapons, and other resources that would benefit the group as a whole. Her strategic approach ensured the faction's future would be bolstered, with even the smallest members given tools to improve their abilities.

Jazmel observed her efforts with quiet satisfaction. Though he was content to wait for the higher-tier items, he couldn't help but admire Melle's thoughtfulness. She wasn't simply amassing wealth or power for herself her choices reflected a desire to uplift everyone in the faction, ensuring their collective strength grew in tandem.

"She's always thinking ahead," Jazmel mused, leaning slightly forward in his seat. The faintest smile tugged at his lips as he considered the ripple effects of her actions. With each upgrade token or skill enhancement acquired, the faction's ability to hold its own in the ever-dangerous world grew stronger.

Colin, reclining comfortably nearby, gave Melle an approving nod. "Smart investments," he commented, his voice carrying a note of respect. "Your faction's lucky to have someone like her."

Jazmel simply nodded in agreement, his eyes returning to the HUD display. Though the auction still wasn't at the tier he was waiting for, he found the proceedings more bearable knowing the Black Wing faction's resources were being so wisely spent.

After what felt like an endless stream of items and bids, the Master of Ceremony announced a brief intermission. The lights in the auction hall brightened slightly, and a soft murmur rippled through the crowd as attendees took the opportunity to stretch, refresh themselves, or discuss their winnings.

In the VIP room, the attendants returned promptly, replacing the earlier refreshments with an even more lavish spread. The table now boasted an enticing variety of delicacies:

Golden-crusted pastries filled with savoury meats and fragrant herbs sat beside platters of jewel-like fruits glistening with dewdrops. A selection of fine cheeses, aged to perfection, was accompanied by freshly baked breads and butter whipped to a creamy consistency. Bowls of spiced nuts, honey-glazed figs, and rich chocolate truffles added a touch of indulgence. For beverages, there were decanters of chilled fruit nectars, spiced mulled wine, and a fragrant tea blend that sent curling wisps of steam into the air.

The aroma was inviting, a warm blend of sweetness and spice that filled the room. No sooner had the food been placed than Kazumi and Paldane appeared again, both in their smaller forms. Kazumi's fiery orange fur seemed to shimmer as her sharp nose twitched toward the table, while Paldane's sleek, silver-scaled form eyed the feast with restrained eagerness.

Melle chuckled softly as Kazumi padded over to her, eyes wide and imploring. "Go on, then," she said, offering a small piece of meat, which the fire-fox devoured with obvious delight.

Paldane, on the other hand, waited patiently by Jazmel's side, his intelligent eyes flicking between the dragon bond and his companion. Jazmel smirked and reached for a plate, setting aside a selection of treats. "Here," he said, placing the plate before Paldane. "Enjoy."

The dragon bond dipped his head in a gesture that was almost regal before delicately sampling the offering.

As the group enjoyed the replenished spread, the atmosphere in the room grew lighter. Conversations flowed more easily, and even Jazmel allowed himself to relax, though his mind remained on the tiers yet to come. The intermission was a welcome reprieve, but the anticipation for the auction's continuation lingered, a subtle undercurrent to the camaraderie in the room.

As the intermission ended, the auction hall grew quiet once more, and the lights dimmed in preparation for the unveiling of Tier IV items. The Master of Ceremony returned to the stage, his voice resonating through the hall with practiced authority.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we now present the Tier IV items treasures of exceptional regard, coveted for their rarity and power. Let the bidding commence."

The first item displayed was a Token of Vitality, a small but radiant medallion that seemed to pulse with life itself. The attendant explained its function: it would significantly enhance the vitality of its bearer, fortifying them against ailments and exhaustion. Jazmel leaned forward slightly, intrigued by its potential, though he decided against bidding for now.

Next came the Sword of the Barbarian, a massive great sword that dwarfed the attendant presenting it. Its blade was a thick, wedge-like slab of steel, etched with runes and wrapped in a handle bound with rough leather. Jazmel raised a brow, wondering how anyone could wield such a monstrous weapon. His question was answered when a bidder emerged victorious: a young man with the build of a bear, draped in the furs of one as well. His sheer size made him a living embodiment of the weapon's namesake. Jazmel watched him with curiosity, noting the primal strength and confidence radiating from the unknown figure.

Then came a Crystal Gem in the Shape of a Bird, a stunning artifact sculpted to resemble a divine bird mid-flight. It shimmered with a soft, iridescent glow, and the attendant explained its nature it housed the spirit of a divine bird, a guardian entity bound to the crystal. The bidding for this item was fierce, as its power and mystique drew significant attention, and it was sold for a staggering amount of white gold.

An Imoogi Core followed, the preserved heart of a lesser dragon, brimming with potent energy. Jazmel's eyes narrowed as his Mana-attuned vision traced the spiralling streams of energy contained within. Its untapped power was evident, and its rarity made it a prized possession.

The next item, an Owlbear Beast Core, also drew gasps of admiration. It radiated primal energy, the essence of one of the most feared hybrid creatures in existence. Jazmel could sense the raw strength and ferocity it held, though he knew its applications would likely require skilful manipulation.

Finally, a Platinum Dreadnought, a gleaming suit of enchanted armour, was brought forth. Towering and imposing, it was a masterpiece of craftsmanship and magic, promising unparalleled protection to its wearer. The runes carved into its surface glowed faintly, indicating active defensive arrays woven into its very construction.

One by one, the items were claimed by eager bidders, the prices climbing higher with each passing moment. Jazmel watched with interest, noting the bidders' fervour and the sheer wealth being exchanged. White gold coins flashed alongside rare platinum tokens, and the air buzzed with excitement as fortunes changed hands in pursuit of power.

Though Jazmel refrained from bidding on any of the Tier IV items, he appreciated the spectacle and found himself impressed by the calibre of treasures on display. He leaned back in his chair, waiting patiently for the tiers to ascend to what he truly sought.

As the final Tier IV item was claimed, the Master of Ceremony returned to the stage, his voice rising with enthusiasm. "And now, esteemed guests, we ascend to the treasures of Tier V. These items are the pinnacle of power and craftsmanship, each one a marvel that could reshape destinies. Prepare yourselves for wonders beyond compare."

Jazmel felt a thrill run through him, his anticipation building. Tier V items were known for their unparalleled rarity and power, often imbued with unique properties that could rival legends. These were the artifacts that could tip the balance in battles or unlock mysteries long thought forgotten.

He leaned forward in his seat, his Mana-attuned eyes flickering with energy as he scanned the room. Even the very air seemed to shift as the attendants began preparing for the display of Tier V items. The faint hum of hidden arrays grew louder to Jazmel's senses, signalling the heightened security measures in place to protect these priceless treasures.

"This is where things get interesting," Jazmel murmured, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Charme, ever watchful, spoke without turning her gaze from the exits. "Don't let your excitement cloud your judgment. Stay sharp. If these items are as valuable as we think, trouble might not be far behind."

Baek, calm and assured, added, "The defences here are formidable, but there is no such thing as impenetrable security. Let us remain vigilant."

Jazmel nodded, appreciating their caution even as his excitement grew. He could feel Paldane stirring on his shoulder in her smaller form, her golden eyes reflecting his anticipation. "What do you think, Paldane? Will we see something truly worthy tonight?"

The dragon bond huffed softly; her tone playful yet wise. "If the Tier IV items were a taste, the Tier V will be the feast. But remember, Jazmel, not every jewel is worth its price."

As the attendants prepared to reveal the first of the Tier V treasures, Jazmel's hands rested on the armrests of his chair, his gaze fixed intently on the stage. For the first time in a long while, he felt a spark of genuine curiosity and excitement. What lay ahead could very well define the next steps of his journey.