Chapter 372, Auction
With the auctioneer's introduction, the woman behind him also began to show the skill book to the audience.
The book looked somewhat worn.
Its cover was mottled, with frayed and darkened edges, appearing as if it had been dug out of some ruin.
After letting the audience glance at it for a while, the auctioneer continued, "Though it looks old, the content inside is complete. There are no missing pages or signs of alterations, and it doesn't affect normal reading. The starting bid is 300 gold coins, with each increase no less than 20 gold."
After saying this, the auctioneer smiled and remained silent.
The crowd below immediately grew noisy.
Compared to the rights for mining that had previously gone for hundreds or thousands of gold coins, a starting price of 300 sounded rather reasonable.
However, skill books on the market also had their respective price categories.
For instance, a tier-three merit could be exchanged for an advanced skill book, which was priced around 500 silver coins.
This price, being multiplied so many times over, had already far surpassed the usual value of a skill book.
"Three hundred and twenty!"
"Three hundred and forty!"
"Three hundred and sixty..."
A few people in the audience began to bid.
But it was clear that the number of bidders wasn't high, and the price only rose in small increments; it wasn't a fierce competition.
Wu Heng listened to the bids, feeling tempted, but thought the price was somewhat outrageous.
Robbing would be easier, why bother with an auction?
Wu Heng complained to himself, while two people nearby began conversing in low voices.
A woman's voice said, "It's so expensive; with this much money, you could buy dozens of advanced skill books."
Beside her, a man's voice gently explained, "The fact that it's selling at this price means there are no other skill books like it on the market. It might not be the only copy, but it's definitely a skill not archived by any mage organization."
"Even so, it's still too expensive," the woman replied.
"Think of it this way: a book isn't a consumable. Once you buy it, many people can study it. You could even donate it to the Mage Guild or put it in a magic academy's library. Its value far exceeds a few hundred gold."
The man paused for a moment and added, "Mages are very dedicated to academic pursuits and knowledge. Even if it's not from their own school of magic, they'd want to buy it to study."
"That does make sense," the woman agreed.
Damn, it's them.
Wu Heng thought for a moment and quickly realized who the two people were.
They were the couple he'd overheard when boarding the ship.
And now they had crossed paths again.
From their conversation, Wu Heng gathered more context.
The reason the skill book was so expensive was because it was virtually unseen on the market; even libraries of some mage organizations didn't have it.
Organizations could buy it not just for themselves but also to place in libraries for others to study.
After they finished talking about the skill book,
The couple leaned into each other and resumed their romantic chatter.
Wu Heng refocused on the bidding.
The price climbed steadily to 550 gold.
The auctioneer glanced at the crowd and called out, "Five hundred and fifty gold, once! Guests, don't miss this opportunity."
"Five hundred and fifty gold, twice..."
Wu Heng raised his paddle, "Five hundred and seventy."
The auctioneer paused and immediately said, "This guest offers five hundred and seventy gold. Any other bids?"
The previous bidders hesitated and glanced back.
But no one continued bidding.
After three calls, the auctioneer declared, "Five hundred and seventy gold, sold to Guest 057. Congratulations."
The book was taken away.
Then another skill book was brought onto the stage by the staff, "Shadow of Moi, a Sorcerer spell book. Once learned, it cloaks the user in shadow, placing them in a state of deep concealment, and attacks are accompanied by shadow corrosion damage. The starting bid is 250 gold coins, with increments no less than 5 gold."
A Sorcerer's skill.
Sorcerers were also a relatively rare type of class.
Their abilities were similar to the clergy of the church, with their power derived from deities.
The difference lay in how they obtained power from these deities.
The skill seemed to focus on concealment.
Wu Heng wanted to hear what insights the couple might have, but a quick glance told him they were too busy with each other to talk.
Apparently, they had no time for conversation.
The bidding resumed, with the price inching upwards.
At this moment, a staff member bent down and spoke softly, "Guest, here is the item you purchased. You need to pay 570 gold coins."
Since the cloak concealed their identity, transactions were handled directly on the spot.
Wu Heng nodded and took out a pouch from his spatial ring, handing it over.
The worn-out book was now in his possession.
[Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion]
(Description: Allows the construction of an extradimensional space, which can be summoned as a residence within spell range.)
It was just as described, able to create a space in an extradimensional plane.
The name suggested it was originally meant as a comfortable living space.
But for Wu Heng, a mansion wouldn't be much use.
A barracks or warehouse would suit him better.
The staff finished counting the coins and left with a bow.
The auction continued.
The skill book auction was relatively brief, with only five books being sold.
Aside from the 'Mansion' spell Wu Heng bought, there were two Sorcerer books, one Guardian, and one Rogue.
The mansion spell fetched the highest price.
...
Once the book auction ended.
The auctioneer smiled, bowed, then left the stage.
A female elf in a sky-blue gown walked to the center of the stage and spoke in a clear voice, "Next, we will auction off magical items and oddities. We hope our honored guests can find something they desire."
She clapped her hands lightly, and the staff members holding trays were replaced by elves.
They walked gracefully onto the stage, removing the silk cloth from the tray, revealing a pouch-like item.
The auctioneer introduced it, "Spatial Sachet, crafted by a master rune smith. It takes three years to complete just one. It holds an internal space of 100 cubic meters. The starting price is 2,500 gold coins, with minimum increments of 100. Please, guests..."
Beside him, the couple stopped their intimate exchange and spoke softly.
"They're even auctioning off a Spatial Sachet. The consortium must be short on money this year."
"Actually, the price is reasonable. If you use it for business, you could earn it back in a few years."
"I like it..."
"Uh, the price will go sky-high. When we get back, I'll buy you a larger spatial ring."
"Alright, I guess. Why did I fall for someone so broke?"
"Charm."
They exchanged a few words before leaning into each other again, returning to their conversation.
Wu Heng also looked at the sachet on stage.
He had seen such an item back in Rentam City, in the possession of 'Lecia' from the Snake Emblem Consortium.
Lecia was part of the consortium and, as the resident officer, had access to it.
He had even borrowed it from Lecia back then, knowing it had a large internal storage space, though he hadn't realized it was 100 cubic meters.
Cubic meters, not square meters. Though saying it could rival a cargo ship might be an exaggeration.
It could still carry a large amount of cargo, and running a few trips would definitely recoup the cost.
Bidding began shortly.
The price went from 2,500 to 7,500 gold coins almost immediately.
This was getting outrageous.
Wu Heng was surprised by how many wealthy people were present.
When the price reached 8,200, the bidding slowed.
Wu Heng decided to bid, "Eight thousand three hundred."
"Eight thousand four hundred," someone in front followed.
"Eight thousand five hundred," Wu Heng continued.
...
"Nine thousand."
When Wu Heng bid nine thousand, the hall fell silent.
The auctioneer maintained his smile, "Nine thousand gold, once. Nine thousand gold, twice... three times. Congratulations to Guest 057 for winning the 'Spatial Sachet.'"
The sachet was taken away.
Next, another item was brought to the stage.
The auctioneer announced, "Guardian's Gauntlet, once wielded by Grandmaster Fighter El. It can increase the user's speed and attack power, resist mental and psychic interference, and is inscribed with the skill 'Mountain's Protection.' When activated, it forms a petrified skin, enhancing overall physical abilities. Starting bid, 200 gold coins, with minimum increments of 10 gold coins."
The price was somewhat lower.
But still a bit exaggerated for a magical item.
The Thunder Warhammer he bought at the trade fair earlier, capable of discharging lightning, only cost two gold coins.
This was several times that price.
Wu Heng glanced at the others' reactions.
The couple beside him was still engrossed in their kiss, while others, after some hushed exchanges, began bidding.
The price climbed to 430 gold coins.
It seemed that everyone still valued this magical item.
Plus, under his command, Bagdong and Sharktooth were both higher-level fighters, and 'Minnie' could also use it in the future.
In any case, it wouldn't go to waste.
After making up his mind, he joined the bidding.
When the price reached 480 gold, no one else raised their bid.
After three calls, the auctioneer struck the hammer, "Congratulations to Guest 057 for acquiring the 'Guardian's Gauntlet.'"
The auction continued.
But something was clearly off in the atmosphere.
"Congratulations to Guest 057 for winning the 'Martial Phantom Dual Blades.'"
"Congratulations to Guest 057 for winning the 'Windthread Garment.'"
"Congratulations to Guest 057 for winning the 'Lion Armor.'"
"Congratulations to Guest 057 for winning the 'Holy War Radiant Armor.'"
The hall fell silent.
Everyone turned their heads, looking toward the back where the bidding had come from.
Though cloaks concealed faces and expressions, the stiffened bodies in their seats.
Made it obvious that everyone was curious and surprised.
...
"How much money did he bring? He won every single one without missing."
"Did he rob the consortium's treasury?"
"Judging by his voice, he sounds quite young. Based on his height, he's probably human or elven."
"From the Ecor Kingdom? I heard the royal family there is having issues, maybe the money's been moved."
"Why is he buying so much?"
Usually a quiet crowd, the nearby people started discussing.
Earlier, he spent 9,000 on the Spatial Sachet. Then he bought several items worth hundreds of gold each.
How much money did he bring to dare treat an auction like a regular store?
His extravagance was frightening.
All eyes were on him.
Wu Heng didn't mind; no one knew who anyone was, anyway.
But the affectionate couple beside him had grown stiff, wanting to lean together but feeling guilty as all eyes turned their way.
A few staff members approached.
Carrying the recently purchased items.
"Guest, here are the items you won. The total is 3,570 gold coins," a staff member said softly.
Four items, each priced between two and three hundred gold.
Apparently, the Spatial Sachet from earlier was the priciest, and it had been the first item among the magical artifacts.
Wu Heng nodded, "I'd like to exchange some more gold."
"Of course, guest. Would you like to trade items or exchange raw gold?"
"Raw gold."
"Please wait; I will arrange someone," the staff member said.
Meanwhile, the auctioneer loudly introduced the final oddity.
Yet everyone's attention remained on Wu Heng, curious whether he would really pay for everything.
The auctioneer paused midway, seeing no one paying attention, and smiled awkwardly.
The auction was temporarily paused as Wu Heng arranged for the exchange of gold.
Soon, two gnomes approached.
They smiled, "Guest, you wish to exchange gold, correct?"
Wu Heng took out two backpacks and handed them over.
Opening them revealed piles of gold and silver jewelry.
The gnomes nodded, "Please wait, guest. We need to weigh them. For intact and high-quality pieces, we will add a 10% premium."
Wu Heng nodded in agreement.
The two backpacks weighed roughly over a hundred kilograms of gold.
With the premium, it should be sufficient.
...
As the gold was being weighed,
The others were even more astonished.
"All gold, and in such quantities."
"It must have come from a royal vault. There's no other way to explain the quality of these pieces."
"Makes sense. Who would bring out finished jewelry like this?"
"He's really rich, clearing out the consortium's auction."
The crowd continued their chatter.
The gnomes completed the verification and weighing.
"Guest, including the premium, it comes to 4,211 gold coins. After deducting what you owe for your purchases, the remaining balance is 641 gold coins."
"That's fine."
"Please wait a moment."
Shortly, two pouches of coins were brought over.
The golden jewelry was also taken away.
Wu Heng put away the purchased items and the remaining gold.
The auction resumed.
...
The female auctioneer smiled again, "Next, we have the final item of tonight's auction. If you haven't yet found something to your liking, this is your last chance."
She gestured towards the item beside her, "An oddity, the Cursed Sword - Silent Edge. Any living entity moving within the vicinity of the wielder will be attacked by the weapon, including the wielder. It has no special side effects."
Upon hearing the name, the audience erupted once more.
"A cursed sword, and they're putting it up for sale."
"A few days ago, Keramu brought a cursed sword to the island and got killed by Imiro."
"Keramu's was called ′ Mist Condensing,′ not this one."
"What's going on lately? Even cursed swords are hitting the market."
"Maybe ′ Mist Condensing ′ will be for sale soon too. Imiro wields the elven holy sword, he wouldn't care for such a cursed item."
"True!"
The crowd murmured among themselves.
The auctioneer continued, "The starting bid is 1,000 gold coins, with minimum increments of 50. Guests, please begin."
"The starting bid is high."
"Sword-type weapons always sell well."
"They must be counting on that one guy to bid; the consortium has inflated the price."
"Cursed swords are inherently expensive."
"One thousand fifty."
"One thousand one hundred."
The bidding began.
Wu Heng immediately called out, "One thousand one hundred fifty."
The others hesitated.
Again, heads turned back to glance at him.
As expected, he was at it again.
Most people ceased bidding once Wu Heng offered a price.
Only one or two others remained, but when the price reached 2,150 gold coins, they stopped bidding.
Once again, it was won by Wu Heng.
The auctioneer repeated the familiar phrase, "Congratulations to Guest 057 for winning the 'Cursed Sword - Silent Edge.'"
A staff member brought the weapon to Wu Heng under everyone's gaze.
After exchanging some gold, the transaction was completed.
Wu Heng put away the oddity.
The auctioneer said again, "Thank you to all the guests for participating. The auction is now concluded. You may return to your respective cities aboard the ships that brought you. Wishing you all a pleasant life."
The woman bowed and left the stage.
The guests rustled to their feet and began to make their way outside.
As Wu Heng stood up, a staff member quickly approached.
They whispered, "Guest, the steward has requested to see you."
Wu Heng paused, tensing up, thinking trouble was brewing again.
But then it didn't seem right; having bought items from the consortium, it was unlikely they would be looking for trouble.
Moreover, with so many witnesses, the consortium wouldn't risk its reputation by causing an incident here.
"Lead the way."
The staff member nodded and led him to a side chamber.
...
Entering a room.
A faint fragrance lingered. The female auctioneer from earlier sat inside.
Seeing him enter, she stood and smiled, "Guest, please sit."
Wu Heng took a seat and, curious about why she had called for him, directly asked, "What do you need from me?"