Chapter One Hundred and Eighty-One
Crow stepped into the grand auction hall cloaked in a simple traveler's robe, his presence muted by a concealment spell. The golden chandeliers above sparkled with mana crystals, illuminating the extravagant dome-shaped room filled with nobles, guild leaders, and powerful factions.
Whispers filled the air—about the mysterious player "Crow" mentioned in server-wide announcements—but no one recognized the quiet man who took a seat near the back.
The auctioneer's voice echoed through the hall, magically enhanced. "Now presenting a rare batch—500 A-rank female dwarves, skilled in smithing, rune-carving, and combat engineering. Followed by 500 male A-rank dwarves with equal expertise."
Bidding surged like a tide. Crow didn't flinch.
He opened a discreet interface and transferred enough funds to crush the competition—casually, as if buying bread.
The room fell silent as the auctioneer called, "Sold… to bidder #73."
Crow leaned back as murmurs spread. No one saw his face, but the amount spent—enough to bankrupt small guilds—spoke volumes.
He smiled faintly under his hood. The dwarves would be useful.
Very useful.