Paraj's Big Auction (6)

The volunteers were all regretting their decision to act valiant, but even so, ten high quality spirit gems was a hefty price for most of them. Almost all of the volunteers were vagrants who knew that they couldn't afford to bid on anything besides the cheapest items, and were mainly here for the experience. Therefore, even if they did spend their hard-earned spirit gems here, it couldn't be for something like this.

The man who wanted to give up stayed silent and pondered, but encouraged by their poverty, three more men attempted to withstand the pain brought by the pike. However, none of them were better off than the first man, in fact, one tried to commit suicide and had to be stopped by the auction house staff. Even so, another volunteer stepped forward, this time, it was a Master. Everyone wondered if he would be able to break the trend, so the atmosphere grew particularly tense as they watched him approach the pike.

This time, force had to be applied on the pike for it to pierce his skin. It was a cut so shallow that no blood poured from it, but the Master still felt a sharp, prickly sensation at the tip of his finger that rapidly spread throughout his body. He was the first to hold back a scream, but his expression still contorted. Initially, it was just an overwhelming sizzle like being thrown on a frying pan, but it was at this first stage that the other volunteers gave up. However, after enduring this initial stage, the Master was rewarded with the next level of pain. The sizzle transformed into countless insects that crawled under his skin and through his blood vessels. Some insects chewed up his flesh, while others tore up his insides just by moving. The Master tried to endure for longer, but when he felt the sensation starting to reach a new intensity, he immediately shut off his sense of pain. Even then, there was a dull pain affecting his soul, but it was bearable.

The Master was the first to resist the urge to scream, but the cold sweat that covered his face was frightening in its own way. With such clear demonstrations before them, the rest of the volunteers obediently paid the cancellation fee even if they had to give up precious items to do so. Most believed that the auction house set this up on purpose in order to wring out more money from the attendees, but there was no one who could fault them for it. With a show like that, even if they feared the pike being used on them, or exactly because they feared that possibility, everyone who could bid was prepared to do so. The guest in room 8 was especially eager to win this item as he suspected that it was made using a sinister artifact that should have been sold at the auction that he oversaw. Although he wasn't punished heavily for the incident, it was still a major blight on his record that destabilized his status in the organization.

He briefly considered buying it directly from Coin Storm, but he knew how arrogant they were. Even if they agreed to his request at this ridiculous time, he would likely have to pay a sky-high price that would make it impossible for him to bid on the main attraction. It would be unfortunate if he couldn't win the item, but in that case, he planned on making arrangements with the winner so that he could investigate the pike and hopefully obtain clues that would lead him to the thief who stole it.

The bidding started at 50 high quality spirit gems, which was average price of a tesora-rank artifact, but by the time someone blinked, it had already climbed to 200. Shui hid a smile as he watched the bid rise and quickly surpass the amount of money he had spent at the auction. It began to slow down at 300 as more people couldn't afford to keep going or had to prioritize a different item, but there were still many who decided to give up on buying anything else.

The price continued to go up before stopping at 460 high quality spirit gems, which was record high for a tesora-rank artifact. Shui celebrated on the inside, but Emily frowned beside him.

"I hope whoever bought it doesn't go on a rampage."

Alex nodded in response, "Depending on whose hands it falls into, we might be witnessing the birth of a new real life horror story."

Shui agreed with them, but honestly he was more interested in the profit he earned. Provided that he didn't incur any ridiculous expenses, he determined that it would last him until he reached Ashen Star City. He also planned on selling more of the loot he got from the underground auction after leaving Paraj, so the future seemed bright.

After the Avenger's Pike, every item was targeted at Masters and True Masters so few were useful for Shui, but there was a bit of a surprise when the penultimate item was brought out.

"I know many of you are waiting eagerly for tonight's main attraction, but allow me to present to you all, an opportunity."

Her introduction grabbed the attention of the audience and captivated them like a sly mistress.

"Not many may know this, but over ten years ago, a certain item appeared on the market. No one, including the owner knew what it was, but it was promoted through rumours of its extraordinary toughness. When it first appeared, word floated about that it could resist all attacks and remain unscarred, so it caught the attention of forge masters. Many reputable experts attempted to melt it or change its shape in some way, but it was all fruitless. It was around this time that it was said only the fated one would be able to peek into its secrets."

A fist-sized oval gem with the appearance of diamond was then revealed. Shui had never heard about it before, but this item was well known because those who bought it would eventually sell it after being unable to get any use out of it. Even so, there were always people who thought that they were special.

Shui felt an odd ripple in his chest when he looked at the gem, but he didn't think much of it and watched indifferently as the bidding began. However, Alicia carefully examined. This wasn't the first time she had seen the gem, but for some reason, she sensed something new from it. She stared at it in an attempt to obtain a hint that would lead her to the answer, but that wasn't going well. Furthermore, she didn't want the bidding to end before she figured it out, so she reluctantly activated her ocular ability for a moment. Luckily, she finally managed to solve the puzzle.

"Shui, do you recognize it?"

"No, why do you ask?"

Alicia didn't respond, but she joined the bidding.