NOVEL NEXT Chapter 130: Top Sword Slaves
"1,500!" Another noble made their bid as there was no way such precious charms would only be sold for 1,000 low-grade Mana Crystals.
However, this merchant was decisive… Without waiting for other bidders, he immediately raised the price to 2,500 low-grade Mana Crystals!
With that increment, the others immediately hesitated, realizing how serious he was about those low-grade Artifacts.
These items were only good for minor injuries. That was why most wealthy nobles here weren't really that adamant about winning it.
Perhaps, if the currency they could use was actually gold coins and not Mana Crystals, they would be able to spend a lot.
However, Mana Crystals were also cultivation items used for advancement or simply for refilling mana. No matter whether you have one mana circle or more, you would need Mana Crystals for various reasons.
In the end, they decided to just give the charms to the merchant, who was probably desperate to obtain them.
As soon as the third item was sold, Magister Jace observed the nobles with satisfaction.
These bulk sales served three purposes. First, it was a good mental reset before the high-stakes slave bidding resumed. Then, it also added more profit to their yearly event. After all, even "low-grade" artifacts added up when sold in bulk.
Lastly, it was simply his psychological play. The act of spending—even on minor items—loosened purses for the main event.
And it worked.
By the time the final batch of magic items called Earth Prison Talisman was sold to House Norton for 4,500 low-grade Mana Crystals, the participants were already re-energized.
Jace was already glad about this result as their Obsidian Tower had already earned more than 10 times what they initially spent to train and feed these Sword Slaves.
Well, if not for the deaths of several First-Circle Mages, it would really be an event worth celebrating.
Jace could only sigh as he recalled Prince Helcurt's failure… The fact that several First-Circle Mages were killed in such a simple mission showed how incapable Prince Helcurt was.
He could only hope that this good-for-nothing kid would no longer use their Obsidian Tower's Mages ever again.
'Now, back to the real merchandise.' Jace thought as he turned to Subject 20.
With the artifact sales concluded, a gong was rung through the hall to announce the continuance of the previous bidding for the Sword Slaves.
"We now return to our featured Sword Slave," he announced. "Subject 20—A greatsword wielder! He can use other types of swords, but with a greatsword, his Aura is sharper! With our numerous tests, he's guaranteed to reach the first level of Aura in less than five years!"
The first level of Aura, or the movable Invisible Aura, wasn't easy to achieve… Below this level, an Aura User could only control their Aura within their bodies. Only once they reached the First Level could they control their mana and truly infuse it into swords or other things.
Knowing that the advancement of the Sword Slave could be in less than five years, ignited everyone's passion.
An Aura User who had reached the first level of Aura Mastery was the best kind of guard or servant!
"900!"
"1,000!"
"1,200!"
In less than a minute, another noble secured him for 4,000 Low-Grade Mana Crystals!
But the true spectacle came with Subject 13 after several more minutes of bidding.
He was a lean young man of fifteen. His posture was relaxed, but his gaze on the crowd seemed like he was calculating them... Unlike the others, he felt like a true warrior…
"Ah," Magister Jace said as he saw the young man. "A rare specimen. Subject 13. Natural prodigy—mastered three aura techniques before capture. Survived direct hits from second-circle spells. His Aura Control is already at the top and…" He paused for effect. "He's guaranteed to reach the first level of Aura Mastery in just two years!"
The nobles were definitely excited as soon as they saw him…
Hayden, who was just behind the stage, knew that it was Ulysses's number. Although Ulysses was one of the priority targets and should be in the top 7, Killian decided to put him at number 13 for some reason.
Well, it was probably because he wasn't that beautiful in the eyes, unlike the rest of the Sword Slaves.
Or perhaps, Killian just wanted to excite the crowd like what they did to Claire, who had become Subject 21.
Just like that, the bidding started before Jace could even announce the minimum amount.
"1,500!" Lady Ellaine immediately said. Although she had already bought two Sword Slaves, this young man fit her taste. Furthermore, her nephew would probably need at least three Sword Slaves to serve him.
However, this wouldn't be an easy one since everyone wanted an Aura Knight!
"1,800!" Another noble bid.
"2,000!" Magister Orlan even joined
The bids climbed up so quickly as the Sword Slave on the stage was definitely a good choice.
"2,500!"
"3,300!"
Then—
"5,400 Low-Grade Crystals!" Lord Celric's voice boomed across the hall.
It seemed that he was planning to spend all his money just to get Ulysses. Well, as long as he obtained a true Aura Knight, he knew that his expenses would be worth it.
Jace's smile widened after hearing this bid... "Going once…"
The Shadow Merchant's representative hesitated, then shook his head.
"Going twice…"
No one moved.
"Sold! To House Dramos for 5,400 Low-Grade Crystals!"
Just like that, the crowd erupted into murmurs.
This was simply too high. A slave fetching more than 10 High-Grade Mana Crystals in value seemed like a bad investment...
However, Lord Celric wasn't listening to them as he had already discussed this with Killian. Since he failed to get Subject 18, the next option that Killian gave to him was Subject 13…
The bidding continued, and the other priority targets were also sold for a high price.
Adrian, Trina, Haien, and others were sold for at least 4,000 low-grade Mana Crystals…
Then, it was finally Hayden's turn…