Chapter 44 Golden Opportunity

The party spent almost an entire day hunting undead soldiers. Their formation didn't get affected that much because of the recent incident. The only difference now both Cleo and Leah are being more cautious since her Reaper's Shroud is on cool down. They rely more on Valerie's Sacred Shield though they didn't really need it.

After a fruitful day, they amass 5,000 gold and 10 Undead Soldier Fragments which Cleo put up to the system's auction immediately. In total Cleo and Leah have gold close to 15,000 after subtracting Valerie and Anna's share.

Cleo guides Anna on what she need to do at the auction day. Unlike before the flirty woman can no longer be seen which Cleo find more convenient. While both of them are busy rehearsing, the perpetrator is happily munching on some elven snacks.

A day passed by and its time for the auction day. The party heads out to the Hollows' auction house. The three beautiful women wear a one piece dress that accentuate their prominent features while Cleo wore a set of suits that is native to the Zirracania Region.

"That looks good on you Leah." complimented by Cleo while Leah's cheek turn as bright as her scarlet hair.

"Same goes for the two of you." he added. Valerie slightly blush as well while Anna felt goosebumps and try hard to not imagine yesterday's incident.

"Let's go so we can choose our seats early." says by Valerie trying to get out of the awkward situation.

Different races comes to view as soon as the party reach the venue. A simple status check was being enforce at the entrance. Since all four of them are not wanted criminals they easily bypass the security.

Upon entering the venue, countless red seats encircle the stage. The seats were made of high grade materials to make it comfortable for prolong sitting since a single auction session takes a long time to finish. Dozens of maids and butlers patrol the area as well to hand out free drinks and snacks to the participants.

"Remember the signals? Our priority are armors that have slots." says by Cleo before they part ways with Anna. The three of them will sit two rows in front of her so she can see the signal Cleo will give.

Anna just nods silently and avoids eye contact as much as possible. The party make themselves comfortable after exchanging a few words. Leah grabs another elven snack and a glass of drinks from one of the maid. She felt giddy for some reason but she ignores it and continue her munching marathon.

The lights dimmed. A few minutes went by. A flamboyant young man that wears almost the same suit as Cleo enters the stage. He clears his throat by force coughing a few times getting the attention of the participants.

"Welcome to the Hollows' Auction House!" shouted by the excited young man. His voice reverberated around the room with the help of voice enhancing magic.

"Without further ado! The first item will be a box of high grade potion that was concoct by the famous Biochemist Alberto!" explained by the young man. "The box contains 12 high grade health potion and 12 high grade mana potion. The starting price will be 200 gold!" he added.

A bunch of Alchemist and Biochemist started to fight over the potions in the hopes they can use it as a catalyst or reverse engineer it for their own gains.

"300"

"400"

"500"

"800"

"Is there anymore higher than 800? Going once, going twice, sold to the handsome gentleman at the front row!"

"Moving on to the next item! This'll be a long day so make yourselves comfortable ladies and gentlemen!" says by the host.

Seconds passed by an alluring woman came out wheeling in the next item.

"This next item came from the elite monster Zaraza the Medusa!" says by the host while lifting the blanket covering the item. Its a white long coat that has a skull insignia on the left chest area.

"It has two armor slots and the unique skill Medusa's Gaze that can petrify monsters and person alike that are 20 levels below you!" explained by the host. "Don't use it inside Venundarr though." he added while giving a playful wink.

Hearing the announcement Cleo gave a signal to Anna using his hand that she can only understand. This is the perfect armor for him or Leah the skill is just a bonus for them. It'll not be an easy fight though since some of the mid to high tier guild are also interested with the armor.

"The starting bid will be 1000 gold!" shouted by the host with excitement.

"1100"

"1200" raised by Anna.

"1300"

"1400" raised by Anna.

"2000" shouted by the frail old man with two huge orc on each of his side.

Cleo gave another signal to Anna.

"3000" raised by Anna.

"4000" raised by the old man.

"5000" raised by Anna

The old man click his tongue in frustration and stops bidding.

"Going once, going twice! Sold to the elegant young woman for a whopping 5000 gold!" shouted by the host while pointing at Anna.

For a moment Anna forgot her dire situation and bask with the attention she's getting. She almost looks like a proud spoiled noble daughter. Her two huge mountains caught the attention of the young and some of the old participants in the venue. This fueled her ego even more.

The next few items worth nothing to Cleo and Leah so they didn't bother bidding. A bunch of elite weapons that they can't use, fragments that doesn't pair well with their chosen jobs and some armors that doesn't have slots.

"For our esteemed guest I hope you all are ready for the next item! This is a rare drops from Dragons!" says by the excited host.

"The next item will be a Golden Egg that can boost your level by 5 by consuming it!" revealed by the host. "The starting bid will be 1000 gold!" he added excitedly.

This caught Cleo's attention. He remembers what Valerie says to him when they were on the forest. That the higher level you get the slower you level. Some took more than years to increase a single level.

After discussing it with Leah. They decided to bid for the golden egg. He then give a signal to Anna with his hand.

Multiple participants bid for the item. All came from different races and walks of life trying their chances to get the Golden Egg. From 1000 the price escalates to 5000 in a blink of an eye.

"5500" raised by Anna.

"7000" raised by the elf that exudes an aura of nobility.

"8000" raised by Anna.

"9000" reluctantly raised by the elf. He knew that this item is expensive but base on previous records, Golden Egg sales only averages between 5000-6000.

"10,000" raised by Anna. The amount caught the attention of some participants especially this is the second time this young girl won an item. Some even doubt the legitimately of her claims however the event is being monitored by the Hallows' Guild so they can't really do anything.

"Going once, going twice! Sold to the lovely young woman!" shouted by the host. "Don't worry our esteemed guests this will not be the last time!" he added noticing the disappointed guests.

The bidding proceed as usual. The party chose to stay even without a budget not only because they need to claim their price after but to also have an idea about the market's price ranges. It turns out buying the Golden Egg is the right choice since after that there is no other slotted armor came out.