NOVEL NEXT Chapter 131: Subject 1's Price
Hayden stood on the stage, and despite wearing the same gray uniform as other slaves, he had different shackles.
It was the Crimson Shackle gleaming around his wrist and there were even two armored guards flanking him.
Unlike some other slaves, Hayden didn't seem listless or unsure where he was... He didn't bow and looked directly in the eyes of his potential buyers.
Nonetheless, he didn't seem dangerous.
As a matter of fact, he even seemed to be smiling as if he was happy to finally be sold and serve someone.
Needless to say, the nobles liked this type of attitude. If they wanted their sons or daughters to have loyal dogs, Subject 1 was definitely the best option.
'Good reaction…' Magister Jace thought as he looked at everyone's expression.
Then, after allowing the magicians to observe Hayden with their Magic Sense, Jace finally introduced the young man.
"Subject 1. Ten years old. The only slave in this batch already at the peak of the Trainee Stage—guaranteed to break through to First-Level Aura Mastery at any moment."
With this first introduction, gasps rippled through the hall.
First-Level Aura Mastery.
It was the threshold where Aura could be projected beyond the body, infused into weapons, and turned into a tangible force. Any warrior who reached that stage was no longer just a servant, they were a living weapon, a status symbol, a shield that could stand against zero-circle mages and with the right equipment, they could even fight against first-circle Mages for some time.
But Jace wasn't done yet.
"And for those who doubt his potential…" He paused for a moment as his gaze swept the crowd.
"He has already killed two First-Circle Mages in direct combat."
The nobles erupted. It was outrageous… An Aura User who was so young and wasn't even an official Aura Knight was actually able to kill Mages. They couldn't believe it.
However, after recalling the rumors about Prince Helcurt and the hints that Mage Killian told them, they could only accept this as the truth.
Now that they had processed the information, the bidding began.
"Starting bid: 30 Mid-Grade Mana Crystal!" Jace declared.
Silence.
Then—
"50 Mid-Grade and 500 Low-Grade!" Lady Ellaine and her fan were actually trembling in her grip. This amount of money was her own savings. She had already spent her House's money on the slaves she bought. She was hoping that others would find this amount too expensive for a slave already.
Unfortunately, the others had been waiting for this final slave since they had already heard the news about him.
"80 Mid-Grade! And 500 Low-Grade Mana Crystals." The hooded figure from the Shadow Merchant's Guild countered immediately.
"10 High-Grade Mana Crystals." Magister Orlan said. Although it was previously announced that the bid would only be made through Low-Grade and Mid-Grade, it no longer mattered at this point since Subject 1 wasn't ordinary either.
Magister Orlan also didn't bring enough low-grade and mid-grade Mana Crystals. He had already spent them on others.
Then, realizing that Magister Jace had no complaint, everyone else started using their precious High-Grade Mana Crystals.
As soon as it reached 15 High-Grade Mana Crystals, Magister Jace knew that this was no longer about Subject 1.
It was already about the prestige they'd get after obtaining the best slave being sold by the Obsidian Tower.
The bids, however, continued to climb up.
"16 High-Grade and 20 Mid-Grade Mana Crystals!"
"17!"
Then—
"50 High-Grade Mana Crystals."
Every head turned and saw an old butler.
His voice was quiet, yet it carried the weight of absolute authority.
Magister Jace blinked for a moment as this amount was beyond his expectations. As a matter of fact, he was already satisfied with 15 High-Grade Mana Crystals.
It was already expensive since First Level Aura Knights weren't that expensive. They're only worth about 20 High-Grade Mana Crystals. They were already experienced, strong, and better options for bodyguards or labor.
On the other hand, although Subject 1 had potential, it required time, and they had to spend a lot of money to make him grow.
For a moment, Jace's practiced smile faltered. This was too unexpected!
"Ah… the bid stands at 50 High-Grade. Do I hear—?"
No one moved.
The nobles stared at the old butler, and then, they recognized the insignia pinned to his chest—a silver raven clutching a lightning bolt.
The mark of House Farrell.
One of the few families in Phyrexia Kingdom with a living Archmage.
Lady Ellaine's fan almost slipped from her fingers. Magister Orlan's face paled. Even the hooded merchant from the Shadow Guild stopped writing in his ledger about his expenses for the day…
None of them realized that such a prestigious family sent a representative to this place!
After all, there should be other Towers selling Sword Slaves that were taken from various places aside from the Austere Kingdom.
Nonetheless, it doesn't matter now.
Jace recovered first. "Going once…"
Silence.
"Going twice…"
Not a single counteroffer.
"Sold! To House Farrell for 50 High-Grade Mana Crystals!"
The gong finally rang as it also signaled the end of the event.
***
The old butler didn't wait as he approached the platform.
From his coat, he produced a small spatial pouch and handed it to Jace without ceremony.
"Count it if you wish," the butler murmured.
Jace didn't. No one dared to doubt House Farrell. Instead, Jace gave the crystal or control to the butler. It was the crystal capable of controlling the slave's shackles and collar.
With a nod, the butler turned to Hayden…The old butler then studied the boy for a brief moment before gently nodding his head.
"Come, child," He said.
Hayden silently followed. He had several questions in his mind, but for now, he wanted to leave the Obsidian…
As they walked outside, however, it was the old butler himself who asked.
"Do you have any questions?"
Hayden, still wearing that polite, empty smile, tilted his head. "May I ask… what my duties will be?"
The butler blinked and shook his head. "You should be aware of it already... You're all being prepared for months by the Tower, right?"
As he said this, the old man patted Hayden's shoulder and guided him toward the exit.