Alden exited the obsidian exchange as he stepped into the underground market's bustling streets.
He looked at his ManaSync.
30 minutes remaining until the auction.
There was still so ti.
With thirty-four million Eras in his account, he had more than enough to buy sothing good.
But he wasn't here to waste money—he was only going to buy sothing that would actually help him.
His first and foremost goal was to get movent art.
Well he also had to get a sheath. But he could just get it after the auction is done.
He walked through the busy streets toward the location of the auction house sent by Cipher.
The arenas and black market stalls were open to everyone easily.
The auctions were different.
They were held in hidden locations, and only those with an invitation could enter.
He looked at the black card Cipher had given him.
What was the catch?
Nothing from Cipher was truly free.
He didn't know what she ant by investnt.
But oh well, that is the problem for future .
Thinking such Alden followed the coordinates.
He soon arrived in front of an old building.
It looked like a normal warehouse from the outside. But the two guards at the entrance said otherwise.
Alden approached the building, but none of the guards even stopped him.
The reason?
The warehouse was covered by an illusionary mana barrier.
Nobody can find the location of it unless they have the invitation card.
The guards were there just for the decoration.
He walked inside as he found a reception desk.
He showed his invitation to the woman seated behind the table. The woman had brown hair and a small smile.
Her eyes widened as soon as she saw the invitation card.
She bowed imdiately.
"Welco to the Mystic Auction, sir."
Her already polite smile turned even brighter. She quickly called an attendant to guide Alden to the VIP section.
A man in a neat dress arrived soon. He bowed slightly towards Alden.
"Honoured guests, please follow ."
Alden followed the attendant quietly.
"Here it is, sir."
After walking for a while, the attendant pointed at one of the rooms to the side.
The room was numbered ten.
Alden soon entered the room following the attendant.
He was impressed as soon as he entered.
The room was screaming with luxury.
Red carpet, polished furniture, a small bar stocked with high-end drinks.
There was a large one-way viewing window stretched across the room, giving him a clear look at the grand auction hall below.
Just beside the couch was a bidding device.
"The device near the couch allows you to submit bids directly," the attendant explained.
"If you require any kind of help, please press the red button" He continued "We will imdiately send soone."
Alden gave him a small nod.
"The auction will start soon."
"Please enjoy your ti, sir."
Saying such, the attendant exited the room swiftly.
Alden exhaled slowly, walking toward the window.
From there, he could perfectly see the stage where the auctioneer would soon step out.
There were many rows of seats in the auction hall below.
Many buyers were seated there, dressed in dark suits and masks.
So were casually chatting while others focused on their own devices.
This isn't going to be easy.
He checked his balance again. 33,650,000E.
Would this even be enough?
Just as he was in his thoughts, a voice interrupted him.
"Welco, esteed guests,"
A woman stood in the centre of the auction stage,
She wore a plain black and white mask.
"The Mystic Auction is now in session."
"Let the bidding begin."
__
Sowhere Inside the Black Market
A couple walked through the bustling streets of the black market.
A boy and a girl.
Both were wearing masks on their faces.
The girl had black hair, while the boy had ordinary brown-coloured hair.
They both mixed in well with the crowd.
They were Seles and Lucien, currently under disguise.
Lucien adjusted the mask on his face.
His eyes were constantly scanning their surroundings cautiously.
The deeper they went, the worse the atmosphere beca.
"Sele—I an, Ciel, is this truly necessary?" He asked, his voice filled with hesitation.
"Yes, Luca." Seles responded without even looking back at him.
Lucien sighed.
He knew arguing was just useless, but that didn't an he had to like it.
"But why here?" His voice was steady.
The Black Market was filled with things he didn't want to think too much about.
Slaves, illegal potions, stolen artifacts.
The Black Market had everything.
He wasn't the sa naive person he was before—he now knew the world was corrupt.
But seeing it first hand was different.
What is Seles even doing here?
Why would a noble and innocent girl like Seles willingly enter a place like this?
He didn't know, but he still followed.
The reason was simple.
He couldn't let her go alone to such dangerous place.
"Luca, I told you before," Seles spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "We have to get that item at any cost."
Her voice carried a determination that made Lucien hesitate.
Item?
He had followed her out of worry, but she hadn't told him the exact reason they were here.
The truth was simple.
Seles was actually far more familiar with this place than she let on in front of Lucien.
She was a regular visitor of Black Market after all.
She had connections here.
Many people who owed her favours.
And most importantly—information.
A single piece of rumour had brought her here tonight.
A beast egg was going to be auctioned.
But not just any egg.
A high ranking beast Egg.
The mont she heard about it, she knew she had to have it.
If she could sohow ta that beast from a young age.It would beco her greatest weapon—one that could change everything once it reaches its full strength.
She wasn't the only one who knew. Many influential figures would be attending tonight's auction.
Each of them prepared to spend an absurd amount of money to buy that item.
Seles was prepared too.
She had bought all of her savings.
And even if that wasn't enough…
She looked at Lucien
Her 'ergency bank' was right beside her.
She was sure Lucien would have at least a few millions with him as pocket change.
They soon arrived at an abandoned warehouse at the edge of black market.
It looked no different from any other building in the Black Market.
But the two guards standing at the entrance told a different story.
Seles didn't even spare them another glance as she walked forward with the confidence of soone who owned the place.
Lucien hesitated before following her.
He was feeling awkward and out of place.
Once they were inside, Seles handed over their invitation card to the receptionist.
They were soon guided by a well-dressed attendant who greeted them.
"Honoured guests, please follow ."
They soon arrived inside of a luxurious private room.
The room number was eleven.
The attendant left after explaining a few things to them.
Monts later, a voice echoed throughout the hall. A woman was on the stage.
"Welco, esteed guests."
"The Mystic Auction is now in session."
_
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