AUCTION AT LOG HORIZON

"Serara, don't lose that bind. Touya, fall back for now. You need to rest for a bit. Rudy, it's your turn to attack." Minori commanded.

"Oh yeah! It's my turn to show my graceful skills to my compatriots. Be amazed by my magical prowess. Orb of Lava!" Rudy boasted as he casted his magic rendering the enemy to lose its balance and fall to the floor.

"Ahh! So magnificent magical strength. Did you see that miss Isuzu?" Rudy continued blabbering.

"Rudy! Don't be reckless, Get away from there. The enemy is going to crush you from falling." Isuzu warned.

Rudy ran away from his position and went near Touya who's MP is already depleted nearly to zero. On the other hand, I positioned myself near Minori taking watch of everyone's movement while Minori gives order as the field operator.

"Serara, just keep up the bind magic" Minori ordered.

"But I'm going to lose all my MP after a little longer" Serara replied in a worry.

"Don't worry, I got that solved. Sister Spade, please cast your MP restoration buff after 5 seconds. Touya, 2 seconds after sister Spade casts her magic, activate your intimidation skill to keep it away from the others. Rudy, just after Touya's skill activation, cast your strongest magic with Isuzu's amplifying magic. Counting down in two, one, and now!" Minori ordered.

"Mana Bless." I activated.

As the enemy rises up from the fall earlier, Touya ran near the enemy. Just as the timing Minori ordered, Touya casted his intimidating skill drawing the enemy's attention to him.

"34th melody, spell amplifier" Isuzu casted on Rudy.

"Thank you miss Isuzu. Now for the finale, my newly acquired magic. I cast thee:

Flames from the Earth, Blaze of the skies, Burn thy enemy in crimson Fire.

Helion's Blessing" Rudy chanted as a magic circle appeared above the enemy with huge flame pillars coming out incinerating the enemy.

"Amazing!" Touya said in awe. "We can defeat a lot of them with that skill of yours, Rudy."

"Yes, but strong magic caomes with a prize. My MP is almost depleted with just that skill." Rudy replied.

"Alright everyone, let's take a rest for a while before we enter the next chamber. We might not know but the next chamber might be the Boss lair. Let's take precaution first." Minori announced.

Together with Minori, Isuzu, Raundelhaus, Touya, and Serara, we entered a dungeon open for all levels. Since my first day in Log Horizon, I never had a party raid with anyone. I asked everyone for a place where I can fight monsters and gain considerable amount of experience and then these kids volunteered to accompany me in a raid. The group have camped just outside the dungeon's entrance with Naotsugu watching the place for us.

"If the next chamber will be the boss's lair, I will be fighting in front. We can't just let Touya handle the front by himself." I interrupted the silence as everyone is resting.

"Is it alright? You're a mage, aren't you sister Spade?" Serara asked.

"I'll be alright. I'll let you concentrate on healing only while the rest will keep their original tasks. Will that be ok for everyone?" I demanded.

"That's just fine with me. I want to see Log horizon's Berserk healer fight for real." Touya nonchalantly blurted.

"Berserk healer? Sister Spade is the berserk healer?" Serara curiously asked in surprise.

"Touya, we talked about this in the guild. You're suppose to keep it a secret from anyone else." Minori exclaimed at Touya.

"It is alright, Minori. Serara, can you please keep this information just a secret? You're our friend so I won't be worried about it but I can't allow outsiders know about this. I don't want the guild to be in danger just because of me. Will you do that for me, Serara?" I passionately asked Serara.

"Yes sister Spade. I won't tell anyone about Berserk healer." Serara replied.

"I'm sorry, sister Spade I broke my promise." Touya apologized.

"Don't sweat it. You never broke one because Serara is one of us." I comforted Touya who sincerely bowed in front. "Alright then, should we start for the next chamber?"

As the party entered the next chamber, we found ourselves in a wide arena-like place filled with skull minions. At the end corner of the chamber sitting on a throne is a monster twenty times larger than a regular goblin with a large butcher sword on its hand. On the monster's gauge, there was no name in it. It is a wonder for everyone about the boss's identity however we first need to worry about the thirty skull minions guarding the throne. The rest of the party are already above level 60 except me who's still level 45 but with my current level, I am able to equip my guard arm. With my guard arm, I can use an attack skill which is useful for fighting mobs. In this situation, I want to see what my skills can do.

"Everyone, after Touya will take the attention of the minions, I am going to cast an AOE spell and simultaneously cast my enhancement magic. Rudy, please be ready to back up Touya with your long range spells. The boss might take action when the numbers of the minions will considerably decrease so let's not be careless. Alright everyone, let us execute our plan." I said.

Touya approached the minions closer and activated his intimidation spell. As the minions took the bait, I jumped in front of Touya and began the onslaught.

"Everyone, this is going to be fun." I commented. Touya saw the grin I made as I made a pose with my left hand pointing the enemy with my index finger. I gave a snapping sound with my fingers and casted my magic.

"Ethereal Force"

The minions approaching who are on the range were pushed down to the ground and killed with an ethereal force from above that even created a small crater within a 5 meter radius. There are still 10 minions left on the enemy force. With Rudy's Orb of lava, he was able to kill another 5 minions leaving just 5 minions on the enemy's force.

From the far corner, a growl echoed all over the dungeon. The boss have awoken and the blank name from earlier was already filled with letters. It says "King of the Skulls" and it is level 80.

"This is going to be tough." Touya said as he tries to calm himself.

"Proceed with the dodge-counter strategy. The enemy is huge so it means its movements are sloppy but be careful. With just one hit, it may prove fatal or otherwise death. Rudy, take care of the rest of the minions." Minori commanded.

"Let's go Touya." I casted Sharp edge and Rebellion sword as Touya casted his intimidation spell. The boss took notice of Touya and faced in his direction. Rudy on the other side attacked the rest of the minions and killed them all. Suddenly, the boss acted strangely.

It was a total surprise for everyone. Just after the minions were annihilated, the boss summoned another pack of skull minions around it. I counted all of them and there were 20 skull minions surrounding the boss.

"Touya, fall back. Rudy, please prepare your strongest magic. Let's attack the enemy with AOE spell while they are still packed together. My spell will be able to immobilize the boss for merely 2 seconds. Use that for your preparations. Right after Rudy's spell will end, let's go berserk, Touya. " I commanded.

Just as I activated "Ethereal force", Rudy chanted his strongest magic; Hellion's Blessing. The skull minions were all engulfed in flames and killed while the boss's HP dropped by one-thirds. For another time, the boss summoned skull minions but this time, there were only ten of them.

"How's our status, Minori?" I asked.

"Rudy's MP is almost depleted so he won't be able to cast any magic spells for less than two minutes. Anything more than that is fine." Minori replied.

"Listen everyone. I'm going to cast my MP buff which will last for ten seconds. Minori, Isuzu, Touya and Serara, take care of the minions. We still have more than two minutes before anyone can cast an AOE magic so kill nine of them and bind the last one. Rudy, you are going to help me with the boss with your long range magic. Don't worry with me because I can handle healing myself. I'm sorry if I am being selfish but can you punish your sister later? I just want to see my extent in this situation." I said.

"Let's get going! Here I go." I commanded.

I casted Sharp edge, Rebellion sword and Mana bless simultaneously and dashed to where the boss is standing. I attack the boss from his back to distract it from attacking the others. I was successful to make the boss face the other way and face me. After a few seconds of confrontation with the boss, I learned that everytime the boss swings its sword, there is a 4 seconds time gap to when it would be able to strike again. I used that as my advantage and attack it after it strikes. On the other hand, the rest were able to defeat most of the minions and leaved one of them bounded with Serara's magic. Everytime Serara's magic wears off, Touya takes the last minion and parries every attack he receives. When Touya receives severe damage, Minori heals him while Isuzu supports Touya by casting a reducing damage magic. They are holding the enemy wonderfully while on our place, we were able to reduce the boss's HP to one-fourths of the original value.

"It is time to go all out. Rudy, please watch where you cast your magic. I'm going to continuously attack the enemy." I warned to Rudy.

I jumped near the enemy's face and gave a multiple jab on its eyes. Rudy on the other hand is attacking opposite to where I am. The enemy is losing its HP fast and it already reached the red HP gauge. Everyone became more motivated when they saw the boss's HP dropping nearly to zero. Without any more delays, I jumped high enough above the boss and aimed at its head. With my staff, I gave the enemy a last swing hitting its forehead and lose its entire remaining HP. Gold coins and some equipment fell to the floor and everyone rushed near it.

"Awesome loot we got here. I never saw this much drop ever since I entered this world." Touya said in awe.

At that moment, I saw a similar talisman like the ones I acquired before half buried on the coins. I picked it and read its effect. It is a level 60 weapon talisman that gives +30 STR points when equipped.

"Everyone, can I have this talisman? I actually collect this kinds of equipment ever since." I asked.

"I don't really mind but do you know what that equipment is for, sis?" Minori replied.

"Yes. It is a level 60 talisman that can only be equipped in level 60 and above weapons. I actually have two others that are similar to this and the reason I am levelling up is for me to use this on my real weapon. But of course, I can't still use it for the moment because I am still at level 49."

"It seems that item is really for sister Spade. I don't think anyone of us aside from sis has a level 60 weapon anyway." Touya said.

Everyone agreed that I will be taking the talisman and as for the others, they are going to discuss among themselves when everybody gets out of the dungeon.

"As for the coins, you five should be sharing with each other without me. I have a considerable amount of gold coins in my inventory anyway." I announced.

"Are you sure sis? Even if you'll be sharing with us, it is still a huge bounty and in the first place, you are the one who finished the business." Serara interrupted.

"It's fine. I know you lots have worked harder than I did and you deserve better than how I treated you today. I'm really sorry if I acted like a boss earlier. Commands should be coming from you Minori but I got excited and never considered about everyone's role." I apologized.

"I don't really mind following orders from you sister. It is a knight's pleasure to be at your disposal." Rudy said trying to please.

"I don't mind it either." Minori added. "It is an honor to learn commanding tactics from you, sister Spade."

Beside from Minori and Rudy, the rest also felt the same about my selfishness that I have displayed earlier. As we come out of the dungeon, we were greeted by Naotsugu who seemed to be happy eating our meal he prepared. We spent the night talking and sharing our insights and experiences during the fights inside the dungeon. The happiness displayed by this youngsters were like the clear beautiful dark skies illuminated by the shimmering stars beyond the galaxy.

It was late morning when we returned to our guild house. The rest of the guild greeted us being successful in our dungeon quest and they even prepared a feast. After finishing the meal prepared by chief Nyanta, Serara bid goodbye and returned to Crescent moon alliance guild.

"Ahh. That was so good. I can't really get enough of chief's cooking." Tetra joyfully said.

"Talking about something good, Minori, you want to talk with everyone regarding the items from the boss we fought from our quest, am I right?" I called unto Minori.

"That's right. Brother Shiroe, everyone, we actually want to ask about these items we got from that quest. We want to give these items to anyone of us who can be benefited the most. Can you help us with these?" Minori asked.

Minori showed the items to everyone. Shiroe, Nyanta, Tetra and Naotsugu scanned the items and they came up with common output.

"First is this head accessory ribbon which reduces the MP use by 15%, it is best for MP based characters like mages, cleric or healers. Second is this wrist band that increases the buff magic by 5%. This is best for support type characters like enchanters and bards. Third is a circlet that increases healing potency by 3% and the last, this belt that gives +10 STR to whoever wears it. I think it is best for any warrior class characters like swordsman and samurai." Shiroe ended with a smile.

"Well, how about that. Touya is the only warrior class so I believe he should take the belt." I said. "And maybe, the ribbon is probably pretty good with Minori while the wrist band complements Isuzu. For the last one, I think we should give it to Serara. What do you think guys?"

"Brilliant, sister Spade." Rudy proudly claimed.

"Is it alright for you, Rudy?" Isuzu asked.

"I was the first one to receive a gift from everyone, remember? I have this with me and I treasure it with all my pride." Rudy claimed as he shows the arm guard on his wrists.

"Alright, I believe we settled everything. We just need to deliver this circlet to Serara. How about we go there now?" Minori asked.

"I'm coming with you. I want to see Serara's guild, Crescent Moon Alliance and the people she's with." I requested.

Everyone decided to visit Crescent moon alliance guild except for Shiroe and Nyanta who stayed at the guild house. First, bought some foods from the different stalls we came across as we walk heading to Serara's guild building. As we waltz the streets, I noticed that people are not being suspicious of me. Thanks to everyone, they accompanied me to find clothes that would make me look more of an adventurer though my get-up is still girlish I am a bit uncomfortable. It is good, I have a robe that conceals much of my clothes and I have gotten use of this physique for quite some time now.

After a few turns we had on the streets, we reached Serara's guild building. It is bigger than our guild building and it looks classier like a woman's place. Inside are decorations that created a warm ambiance for anyone who enters it. We were greeted by a woman whom Minori identified as Marielle, the guild master of Crescent moon alliance.

"Good morning everyone, how can I help you?" Marielle asked as she hugs Naotsugu, then Minori, then she caught notice of me. "Oh, a new face. Who is she?"

"Please allow me to introduce myself, miss Marielle. I am Spade, a new member of Log Horizon. Pleased to meet you. I heard so much good things about you from Serara." I greeted.

"Pleased to meet you too, Spade. So you are the rumoured new member of Log horizon everyone is talking about in here." Marielle commented.

"Well, I would be glad to say some things about me if you'll ask. I came here to get acquainted with Log horizon's friends in the first place but of course our main objective is to give something to Serara. We also brought some food." I cleared out.

"Of course we would love to have chat with you guys. Please wait in our lounging area while I call for Serara and the rest of the gang." Marielle said.

While we waited, we prepared the foods we bought along the way. One by one, some of the members of Crescent moon alliance came and lounged with us. There was Shoryu, Liliana, Eizel and Hein. After some time, a woman in glass came rushing and hugged Akatski like a baby. She is the secretary and the brain of the guild as Touya described. He added that she is obsessed with anything she considers as cute. After her was Serara coming with Marielle behind.

We gave the circlet to Serara and without a doubt, she liked it. While we were munching the food, Marielle asked a question about me.

"So Spade, can you tell us something about you?"

"Well, I am a staff user and I am at level 49. Before I joined Log Horizon, I wandered far west from here. There, I met someone and told me some stories and told me about the guild I am in right now. That's actually how I managed to arrive in this place and joined Log horizon." I introduced.

you say you are a mage? What kind of magic do you use?" Shoryu asked.

"You can put it like that. I use support magic but I have also an AOE attack spell that I can use against large crowd." I replied.

Before anyone can ask a question, someone came and said something to Marielle. From her reaction, it must be something that bothers them a lot. We followed the Crescent Moon alliance members outside of the guild house. There, I noticed two familiar voices begging.

"Ah, if it's not you two, Borte and Shanks. What are you two doing here?" I asked the two who changed a bit with their new suits.

"Boss! Is that you? We hardly recognized you with those new clothes you have." Borte exclaimed.

Everyone from the Crescent moon alliance was puzzled. They looked at me with questions in their eyes which in return, I gave everyone a smile.

"We both came here because we want to join Crescent moon alliance guild. We were inspired on how diligent they are during work, they are also kind with everyone and most of all, we are envious of their close ties. Please accept us in your guild. We will accept any task you'll give us, just accept us in your guild. Please." Shanks bowed.

"But we can't just accept someone we don't even know. How can you assure you don't have any ulterior motives in joining our guild? Henrieta asked.

The two were silent and won't even move from where they are. I thought I may be able to help these two since they were good companions when they were with me. I approached the two and bowed in front of Marielle and the rest.

"Please allow me to speak for these two. These two idiots are actually diligent and loyal to their friends. I can attest to that because they are the ones who accompanied me from the west cities until I reached Akihabara. They protected me with all their might during ambushes. We got almost P'ked but these two brave companions drove those p'kers in the end. I, Spade of Log Horizon plead to consider accepting these two in your guild. I know I am still a stranger to everyone but if anything happens, I will take responsibility of their actions." I ended.

Everyone looked at Marielle who seemed to be moved by the words I uttered. With her kindness, she responded with something positive.

"Alright, as the guild master, I will allow you to join the guild but not yet a permanent member. You are going to follow everything I say and you are to help in every work you are asked to do. We will provide you two accommodations and after two weeks of stay, I will ask every member of this guild to evaluate you if they want you to become permanent members. That is my deal. Will you two accept it?" Marielle asked.

"Thank you very much, miss Marielle. We will do our best to deserve you kindness." Borte and Shanks cried in chorus. "Thank you also, boss. We owe you this opportunity."

"Well, you both turned fine after I left. I'm happy both of you have not strayed on the other way." I responded.

After the ordeal, the crescent moon alliance welcomed the two inside their guild house and introduced them to everyone. As for us, we bid our byes and went home to our guild house.It was late in the afternoon when we arrived at the guild. When everyone is sitting inside, I was struck with a question.

"I'm just curious, if Serara's guild has the Crescent burger, what is our guild's business?" I asked everyone.

"None at the moment but we always help Crescent moon alliance with the burger. The money that we collect is used for the monthly maintenance of our building and the building that holds the round table and bank." Naotsugu replied.

"I see. How about we establish also a business that will be prominent only for Log Horizon?"

"Shiroe is busy with the round table council and other matters so we can't really do something that is too taxing." It was Touya this time.

"But we have Minori with us. I noticed she has a great aptitude in dealing numbers and in the first place, I have something that is not so taxing. In fact, we already have the place. We just need the proper materials needed for the display."

"What do you mean Display?" Nyanta asked.

"I am thinking of having an Auction room here where we can auction items or any valuable things that may prove something to others. It would be a self-bid manner where we will just leave the item with a bidding price. The customers have the power to raise the bid to their liking so they can be sure it will be them who will take the item. We can also accept items from other people to display their items and we will take at least a percentage of their profit. What do you think?"I explained.

"That is a good idea but we don't have the money to build such materials. We need budget to hire workers to make the display cases. We can't touch the money we have for the maintenance of our building's rent." Shiroe interrupted as he comes out from his room.

"If we are talking about money, I can provide it. Minori and Shiroe, will you be able to come up with the tentative budget we need from redecorating the place to the materials needed for the display cases?" I asked.

After minutes of calculations, the two came up with the amount needed for running the plan. According from the two, we need roughly 50, 000 gold coins for the plan.

"I can provide 50, 000 gold coins if it is all we need. I'll take care of the budget that we'll need in running this plan. I'll be the investor for this project." I claimed.

"How much do you have in there? You sound really confident about financing this project." Tetra asked.

"I have actually few millions in my inventory.

"Millions? How much exactly?" everyone exclaimed with surprise.

I opened both my palm showing all my fingers and said: "More than this."

Everyone screamed in surprise that it even echoed throughout the building. After learning about my financial capacity, everyone was worked-up on making the project successful. Minori went straight to her room claiming she would calculate more precisely and consider other things that might be needed. Rudy, Isuzu and Touya huddled together and were already planning of the room's layout while I and the rest were completely frozen by their actions.

I speak with Shiroe and the rest about the security of the building and Shiroe gave thumbs up. He claimed there will be no problem because being the owner of the building, he has control on everything that is inside.

The group continued discussing about working out the plan until the night came. After a heartfull dinner, everyone said their goodnights and rested their minds from the exhaustion of overexcitement.