NOVEL NEXT Chapter 85: Auction [2]
The auction began with a flourish—velvet curtains pulled back as assistants presented the first item: a twin-edged obsidian dagger, said to be forged with trace amounts of Wyvern fang.
The starting bid was 40 gold.
"Panel No. 61 bids 50!"
"Panel No. 14 raises to 65!"
"Panel No. 88—80 gold!"
The dagger ultimately went to Panel No. 88—a tall adventurer seated in the common rows, who grinned smugly as attendants carefully wrapped his prize.
Next came a bottle of "Moonshade Elixir," a rare potion that boosts mana regeneration for three days.
"Starting bid, 100 gold!"
"Panel No. 29 — 110!"
"Panel No. 67 — 120!"
"Panel No. 12 from VIP — 160 gold!"
The crowd gasped. The elixir was quickly sold to the bidder from Panel No. 12—seated two booths across from Kai's, their identity hidden behind a beaded curtain.
An ancient map rumored to lead to a minor ruin came next. Bidding was calmer this time, and bidder No. 36—a weathered adventurer sitting near the back bought it.
A few more items followed—enchanted boots, a scroll of minor teleportation—until the announcer's voice suddenly shifted in tone.
"And now… to conclude the first half of tonight's auction… an item that's sparked interest across three territories."
Drums boomed lightly as two attendants rolled out a crystal case containing a beast egg — its surface smooth, dark silver with faint pulsing lines.
"A Mystic-class beast egg, confirmed to have lightning affinity and strong vital signs!"
Gasps and murmurs echoed across the room.
"Starting bid — 500 gold!"
"Panel No. 19 — 500."
"Panel No. 46 — 600!"
"Panel No. 2 — 700."
"Panel No. 43 — 800!"
Kai's gaze sharpened.
'No. 43?'
He tilted his head subtly, recalling Dante's exact words in his mind:
"If Panel 43 bids, you don't interfere. Understood?"
Kai leaned back into the sofa, arms crossed, silent.
The bidding continued—a brief clash between Panels 2, 46, and 43—but in the end, Panel No. 43 claimed the egg for 1100 gold.
Applause erupted as the auctioneer declared a short break. Servants moved through the halls, offering trays of light refreshments and drinks.
The nobleman beside Kai took a sip from the small porcelain cup brought to him, then glanced sideways at Kai and said casually, "If you see something you want, feel free to bid. I won't stop you."
Kai's brow twitched beneath his mask as he accepted his own cup.
As the break ended, Kai took a deep breath, fingers resting on the number panel in front of him. He was still surprised by the nobleman's word.
'Dante told him to let me bid freely?' That wasn't something he expected.
"Don't mention it," the noble had said with a shrug. "Dante told me to do so. Guess he trusts you more than you think."
Kai gave a small nod, then the announcer returned to the stage, voice booming, "And now, the second half begins! A special treat for all beast tamers among us!"
The first item was a Beast Communication Charm — a small, crystal pendant that temporarily enhanced a tamer's ability to understand their beast's emotions and intent.
"Starting bid: 10 gold!"
Kai pressed the panel.
"Panel No. 35 — 10!"
"No. 12 — 12!"
"No. 35 — 15!"
"No. 88 — 18!"
Kai let it go. Not worth pushing for temporary empathy.
Next came a Spirit-Touched Feeding Orb, known to double a beast's recovery speed when fed essence-infused food through it. Kai bid again.
"Panel No. 35 — 10!"
"Panel No. 19 — 12!"
"35 — 14!"
"19 — 15!"
Kai raised calmly, "20."
The hall paused. No more bids.
"Sold to Panel No. 35!"
Next up was a Tamer's Utility Kit — a collection of specialized tools like beast collars, taming scrolls, minor binding salves, and basic stimulant vials.
Starting bid: 30 gold.
Kai went in at 30. Another panel — No. 21 — raised to 35.Kai: 37.Then Panel No. 43 lit up.
Kai's finger froze over the panel. Remembering Dante's warning, he calmly withdrew.
'Fine. You can have that one.'
The kit was sold to Panel No. 43 for 40 gold.
Kai leaned back but didn't stay quiet for long.
Next came a rare herb pouch used to calm nervous or aggressive beasts—can slightly improve a beast's innate potential if used carefully. precious item.
He got it for 8 gold after light competition.
Then, a Runed Feeding Bowl that increased essence absorption by 10%.
He won it for 12 gold.
The final item he bid on was a Lesser Beast Bloodline Vial—used to
He fought briefly for it but claimed it at 25 gold.
When the second half ended, Kai had secured:
Spirit-Touched Feeding Orb — 20g
Runed Feeding Bowl — 12g
Rare Herb Pouch — 8g
A Lesser Beast Bloodline Vial — 25g
Plus minor items like a binding charm and stimulant scrolls — 20g
Total: 85 gold coins.
The hall dimmed slightly as a hush fell over the crowd. The auctioneer stepped back onto the stage, eyes glinting with excitement as servants rolled back a thick crimson curtain.
"And now, esteemed guests…" His voice dropped to a reverent tone. "The final item of the night. One that even we at the Vendric Auction House had to acquire with… significant risk and negotiation."
Gasps and whispers spread among the audience as a group of armored officials walked in with a small, rune-inscribed pedestal. Floating above it was a dark, swirling orb — pulsing faintly, like a heartbeat.
The entire hall went still.
The auctioneer took a deep breath.
"Ladies and gentlemen… we present to you—the Legendary Beast's Essence!"
"The starting bid is—five hundered gold coins!" he announced, slamming the gavel lightly on the podium.
The room exploded.
Chairs scraped. Voices rose. Panels shot into the air like arrows.
"35 — 500 gold!"
"21 — 650!"
"19 — 700!"
Kai raised his panel, "800."
Surprisingly, No.43 remained silent. Kai's eyes narrowed.
'Did they blow all their gold on the beast egg?'
The auctioneer pointed at him. "Eight hundred gold to the Panel number 35 in VIP Room!"
Another bid came instantly from a different section."Nine hundred!"
Kai narrowed his eyes but lifted his panel again. "Nine-twenty!"
The auctioneer laughed heartily. "Ah! A fierce spirit! Nine-twenty from Panel number 35!"
Another bid snapped the air. "Nine-fifty!" a woman from below shouted.
Kai immediately raised his panel. "One thousand!"
The auctioneer pointed at him dramatically. "One thousand! Is there anyone willing to challenge him?"
A tense silence hung.
Then—Another panel lifted, one that hadn't moved the entire night. High in the darkest VIP box.
"5000." a lazy, almost bored voice echoed across the hall.
The hall fell silent.
Even the auctioneer blinked, before laughing heartily. "Well, well! We were wondering if you'd show interest, Sir."
Kai's grip on the panel tightened. The aura from that booth made his skin crawl.
"Going once… going twice… sold! To our VIP—Panel No. 7!"
A round of hesitant applause followed. The orb was covered again and escorted away with heavy security.
The winner chuckled, the sound carrying eerily through the hall.