He led Ash through a side corridor, the walls shifting to reveal private viewing rooms where elite bidders lounged. The air grew richer, scented with rare incense, as they entered a plush chamber—shadow-silk cushions, holographic displays, a central table of polished obsidian.
"Present them all," the appraiser instructed, activating a recording array.
Ash obliged, releasing the full inventory in a controlled cascade. Thousands of items filled the room, hovering in organized tiers—Ultimate weapons glinting, Mythic armor shifting, Divine relics humming, Paragon peaks dominating the center like monarchs.
The appraiser's hands shook as he appraised, jade talisman glowing brighter with each scan.
"Un.... unprecedented," he muttered. "I must summon the higher-ups."
He tapped a talisman, and the room's aura shifted—powerful presences stirring beyond.
Minutes later, the doors opened.
Archie Vossmere and Layla Vossmere entered—husband and wife, owners of the Consortium, old monsters whose power was a whispered enigma. Archie, silver-haired and golden-eyed, exuded wealth incarnate, robes shimmering with mana essence. Layla, dark-haired and dagger-sharp, moved like a shadow given form, her presence a silent threat.
They paused, taking in the display.
[A/N: He would appraise them; however, the only thing he would see is that they are old monsters... A million years old standing at the Peak Cosmic Overlord Rank.... Once his power increases, I will show an in-depth screen.]
'Great… more old monsters…' Ash thought as he viewed their statuses, the weight of their unknowable power settling in the room like an unspoken challenge.
Archie Vossmere and Layla Vossmere—husband and wife, owners of the entire Consortium. Their auras were veiled oceans, depths impossible to fathom, but the subtle pressure told him everything: these two had lived through eras, seen galaxies rise and fall.
The two said nothing after entering the room, they acknowledged Ash with simple nods before turning their gazes to the artifacts.
Archie and Layla took their time examining the items one by one.
They moved with practiced grace—Archie running a jade talisman over a Mythic blade, Layla holding a Divine relic to the light, whispering assessments in low tones. Their movements were almost reverent, as if handling relics from lost cycles.
Layla paused at one of the Paragon peaks—the Nexus Heart Reliquary —her Cosmic Eyes of Truth flaring golden as she appraised not just the item, but Ash himself.
Her breath caught faintly.
'57 years old… at the Ninth Calamity… That's impressive' She thought as she then sent a mental message to Archie.
'Hey Arch, this individual... he's pretty interesting.'
Without stopping his task Archie replied.
'Oh? What did you see old woman?'
Layla's lip twitched a bit.
'Each of these items were created by him... each carrying his imprint. Not just that, he's merely 57 years old at the Ninth Calamity rank.'
'Eh? Are you sure... that's potential on par with Arch Eternal Scions...' Archie replied.
They continued appraising, but the focus had shifted—Ash was no longer just a seller.
Archie spoke first, voice smooth as polished gold. "I am Archie Vossmere, co-owner of this Consortium. My wife, Layla."
Layla inclined her head, dark hair flowing like liquid shadow. "A pleasure. And you are…?"
Ash smiled beneath the mask.
"I am Ash Originat," he said, voice smooth and unhurried beneath the mask. "Nice to meet you as well."
The moment the name left his lips, the room's atmosphere shifted—subtle, but unmistakable. Archie's golden eyes flickered with genuine interest, Layla's Cosmic Eyes of Truth narrowing slightly as she scanned him again, confirming what she already knew: 57 years old, Ninth Calamity, and a race that made even her ancient senses pause.
Elysia's voice whispered in his mind, calm but urgent.
[Master… they aren't simple people. Building a connection with them will open pathways beyond the Venia Galaxy.]
Ash acknowledged her silently, smile widening just enough to show fangs beneath the mask.
Archie leaned forward, resting his elbows on the obsidian table, fingers steepled.
"Ash Originat. A name we've never heard… yet the quality of your work suggests otherwise. These items—Ultimate to Paragon peak—carry an imprint that is… unique.
Forged by your own hand, yes?"
Layla set down the last relic, her voice low and probing. "And at 57 years old, Ninth Calamity. That's not just talent. That's something the Venia galaxy hasn't seen in eras."
Ash shrugged casually, leaning back in his seat, wings rustling softly against the shadow-silk cushions. "Luck, stubbornness, and a few good nights of inspiration. Nothing more."
Archie chuckled, the sound rich and genuine. "Modesty from a man who forges weapons that could arm an Eternal Clan's entire army. We like modesty… when it comes with power."
Layla's dark hair shifted as she tilted her head. "Tell us—how did you forge these? The Laws woven into them… they feel personal. As if the blade remembers its creator."
Ash's smile turned playful. "Well, that's a trade secret. But I'll say this: I don't make things that break easily. These will last—through wars, through eras. And.... these are only the beginning."
The couple exchanged a glance—silent understanding passing between them.
Archie spoke first. "Your items are exceptional. We have two options."
He gestured, and a holographic display appeared between them—golden numbers scrolling in perfect clarity.
"Option one: The Consortium buys them outright. 50 billion mana stones. Immediate payment. You walk away rich today."
Layla added, voice like silk over steel. "Or option two: You place them in our Galactic Auction. Four galaxies participate—Venia, Andromeda Fringe, Shadowveil Cluster, Outer Rim Coalition. Bidding starts in two weeks. We take a 10% commission, but the potential return is… astronomical. Likely 200–500 billion, possibly more for the Paragon peaks."
Ash leaned forward, mask hiding the gleam in his eyes.
"Option two," he said without hesitation. "It wouldn't be bad to have my items grace the eyes of numerous Galaxies."
Archie's smile widened—pleased but calculating. "Wise choice. Until then, allow us to offer hospitality. A private villa on Vossmere Prime—full security, no prying eyes. Rest. Prepare. We'll handle the auction details."
Layla's cosmic eyes lingered on Ash a moment longer.
"And perhaps… share a meal?" she added, voice low, almost suggestive. "We're always interested in talented forgers."
Ash chuckled softly, rising.
"I'll consider it."
He left the VIP room, items stored, the Vossmeres watching him go with eyes full of calculation and curiosity.
The auction would be legendary.
And Ash had just stepped onto a bigger stage.