NOVEL NEXT Chapter 128: Claire's Sale
Magister Jace, a Third-Circle Mage, greeted everyone as he took the stage. He wore a red Magician's Robe with the emblem of the Obsidian Tower. He was familiar to all the people present here, and it seemed that this event was just another day for him.
Nonetheless, he knew that he would earn a lot of money for this.
He saw the representatives of nearby noble families. The House Dramos, House Mayore, and House Norton were easily recognizable since the ones they sent to attend this auction were actually famous figures within the Mage Society.
There were also other reputable figures. They were Baroness Ilris, who had her face hidden behind a fan, flanked by two mage-guards.
Then, Magister Jace also noticed his friend, Magister Orlan, who was the head of the Phyrexian Royal Armory.
Aside from them, he also noticed a hooded figure bearing the sigil of the Shadow Merchants' Guild.
'Good… This will be a fruitful event for sure…' Magister Jace mused as he felt glad seeing wealthy individuals participating in this event.
In the meantime, Killian was just watching this all from a distance, no longer the center of attention. Today, he was just another observer, hoping to be praised for his ability to teach these Sword Slaves.
After all, although the collars or the magic used on these slaves would make them loyal, it wouldn't be enough. Loyalty wasn't even their main concern… What they needed were skillful Aura Users who could become Aura Knights to serve their children forever.
Well, they were all loving parents, and they wanted nothing more than to give their children such perfect gifts.
***
After a few words with the guests of today's event, Magister Jace clapped his hands to start the event.
"Welcome, esteemed buyers… We have forty lots today. All Aura Users! All are conditioned for absolute obedience. The payment will be made for Low or Mid-Grade Mana Crystals only. No credit…"
Everyone was already aware of this simple rule, so they simply listened and waited for the first product.
Soon, Subject 40 was placed on the stage.
"Our first product of the day…" Jace announced, his voice echoing through the hall.
"Subject 40. 15 years old. A former student of Sacred Gate Academy… With enhanced reflexes, he can detect spell formations before they manifest. Starting bid: 80 Low-Grade Crystals."
A ripple of interest passed through the nobles since having enhanced reflexes meant that the young man could really be a good protector for their children.
"100," called by a minor noble from the back.
"120," countered a merchant guild representative.
The wealthier nobles weren't bidding at first, but after reaching a certain price, they started to join and end the bid.
Well, they knew that even if the slave was called Subject 40, it didn't mean that he was the weakest among the slaves.
As a matter of fact, it would be normal if the first slave to be sold was quite special.
Just like that, the bids climbed steadily until House Dramos secured him for 220 Low-Grade Crystals, Lord Celric himself nodded in satisfaction. Although Killian suggested Subject 18 for his daughter, he felt that having two or three Sword Slaves wouldn't be a bad idea at all.
In any case, the auction continued in a steady rhythm.
The second lot was Subject 39. He was previously a student of Tainted Sword Academy, one of the weakest of the 24 Knights Academies.
However, this person was still the strongest 15-year-old in that small Academy.
In the end, he was sold to Baroness Ilris for 150 Crystals after a brief bidding war with the other nobles.
Subject 38, on the other hand, was a skinny 14-year-old girl... She was purchased by the Shadow Merchants' Guild for only 180 Crystals. This hooded representative from the guild did not even bother to look at the Sword Slave after winning.
Next was Subject 37. He was a student from Dawnspire Academy, and House Mayore took him for 220 Crystals. Lady Ellaine was even whispering excitedly about "testing" his new toy to this Sword Slave.
Then came Subject 36—a slave whose entire left arm had burn scars.
"Special note," Jace said as he introduced the 15-year-old slave.
"This one survived a botched second-circle fire spell during training. His pain tolerance is… exceptional. Aesthetics might be an issue with the burn mark, but a good armor or bracer could fix it easily."
The nobles exchanged glances, intrigued by the kid's ability.
"Starting bid: 150 Low-Grade Crystals!"
"200!" One of the bidders immediately shouted.
"250," A bearded noble from the Mining Consortium said.
The bids continued to climb until Magister Orlan, representing the Royal Armory, secured him for 400 Crystals!
***
The auction progressed and the slaves grew more desirable—and the bids became higher and higher. This was especially true for slaves who had a good appearance.
Subject 31 was a former noble's daughter and a student of Solaris Academy. Once she grew up, she would definitely be a huge asset.
Unsurprisingly, the Shadow Merchant Guild, which was only targeting female slaves, fought hard. At 500 Crystals, the hooded representative of the guild was able to take the slave.
However, seeing the man's hesitations and how he reacted to the price, the others realized that this person might've already reached his limit.
It was a good thing for them since they were only at the 10th slave… There were plenty of slaves left.
As the Auction continued, Subject 26, a student noted with his ability to disarm traps blindfolded, was sold for 600 Crystals…
Subject 22, a young man who had incredible combat skills, was sold for 700 Crystals…
Then—Subject 21…
The hall fell silent as Claire Solstice was led forward.
She doesn't look defiant at all, but everyone could tell that this young girl was definitely the daughter of a high noble.
Jace smiled, seeing their reaction.
Although Subject 21 was wearing the same clothing as others, her aura was different.
"A rare gem. I confirmed that she was the Solaris Academy's prodigy! She survived three rounds of neural recalibration with… minimal degradation! A top-quality slave is now to be sold!"
Just like that, everyone felt that they needed to get her.
"Starting bid: 300 Low-Grade!"