The auctioneer's voice resonated through the room, announcing the next item up for bid—an exquisite pair of gloves known as Fist Blast. Crafted specifically for adventurers skilled in close combat, these gloves were made from the silk of the elusive Four Eyes Spider, and enchanted with the mystical Earth Song Emerald. The starting bid was set at 5,000 gold coins, with an increment of 500 gold coins for each subsequent bid.
Devin was well aware of the reasons behind the gloves' high price. The silk of the Four Eyes Spider was exceptionally rare and challenging to obtain. These spiders hunted and fed in groups, and if one were careless, it could quickly ensnare its prey in a cocoon. This made their silk a valuable commodity. Additionally, the Earth Song Emerald, a gem pulsating with the energy of the earth and nature, was renowned among the Exclusive Elves.
The Elves were a reclusive race, preferring to keep to themselves and abstaining from interfering in the affairs of other races. Consequently, any items originating from the Elves were highly sought after and considered rare treasures.
After a spirited round of bidding among the buyers, the gloves were eventually sold for the substantial sum of 20,000 gold coins. Their unique materials and enchantment had indeed made them a highly coveted item, demonstrating the willingness of the auction participants to pay a premium for such extraordinary craftsmanship.
The auctioneer's announcement brought a hushed anticipation to the room as the next item was introduced—an extraordinary energy source known as the Energy Source Water from the Elves. Even before the auctioneer revealed it, Devin's eyes widened with awe at the sight of a luminous, transparent blue vial. He knew immediately that this was no ordinary item; it was one of the primary ingredients required for the creation of secondary genes potion—the very foundation of immense power and potential. In that moment, Devin's regret for his modest status deepened, as he yearned to possess such a profound source of energy.
The Energy Source Water held within the vial originated from the purest springs concealed within emerald forests, where the reclusive Elves made their home. Its true power lay in its unparalleled ability to restore and rejuvenate. When consumed, it coursed through the veins, providing a surge of vital energy that replenished not only physical strength but also revitalized magical affinities. Those fortunate enough to experience its restorative properties found themselves invigorated, their senses heightened, and their minds clear, ready to face any challenge that lay ahead.
Moreover, when used in incantations or rituals, the Energy Source Water amplified the natural abilities of the Elves, empowering their magic and allowing them to craft formidable spells and enchantments that shaped their reality. Its mere presence evoked awe and desire, and the bidding frenzy that ensued reflected the fierce competition to secure this invaluable prize.
"The starting bid is 50,000 gold coins," the auctioneer's voice carried throughout the room, setting the stage for an intense bidding war. The young master of the city lord's family made the first bold move, calling out, "50,000 gold coins!" Even Harrington, unable to resist the allure, joined the frenzy, confidently countering with "51,000 gold coins."
Then, to the astonishment of those present, the young city lord himself raised the stakes dramatically, declaring, "100,000 gold coins!"
The response was immediate. Gasps of disbelief rippled through the general area, while whispers filled the air. One hundred thousand gold coins was an astronomical sum, enough to leave many in awe of the city lord's wealth and determination to possess this coveted treasure. The bid had reached unimaginable heights, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats, curious to witness the outcome of this intense competition.
With no other bidders daring to challenge the young city lord's extraordinary offer, he secured the coveted vial of Energy Source Water from the Elves as the room fell into a restless silence. Ethan let out a sigh of resignation, feeling the weight of his own poverty limit his aspirations. Devin, sharing the same sentiment, responded empathetically, "You and I both, brother."
In a lighthearted attempt to console their disappointment, Harrington chuckled and offered some perspective, "You two are still young, don't dwell too much on this. They are simply spending their family's wealth."
Devin, however, couldn't help but add a touch of bitter truth to the conversation, saying, "True, having a good family is also their strength."
Ethan, though, agreed with a nod, "No one can deny that."
Amidst their conversation, it seemed that Devin's assistance had influenced Ethan's opinion of him. The message "Player Devin has gained 100% favorability of junior apprentice pharmacist Ethan" appeared, indicating a shift in Ethan's perception of Devin.
Devin, however, couldn't help but roll his eyes at Ethan's sudden change in attitude. He had helped Ethan without any expectation of favorability, yet now it seemed that his impoverished status was the factor that influenced Ethan's favorability towards him. Devin's mouth twitched in response, not bothering to entertain Ethan's peculiar shift in opinion.
Ethan, sensing Devin's reaction, simply smiled to acknowledge their shared understanding. Devin, choosing to disregard Ethan's unpredictable mindset, moved on from the exchange without dwelling on it.
The auctioneer's voice echoed through the room once again, introducing the next item up for bid—three Elves' Magic Contracts, priced at 10,000 gold coins. However, as the auctioneer announced this item, a note appeared stating that Elf contracts were not yet available to players. These contracts held immense significance within the world of Oasis, being revered for their connection to ancient wisdom and magic. The Elf contracts bore the weight of the world's will, and breaching them carried grave consequences. This made them highly respected and trusted across the Oasis world.
Amidst the anticipation, Harrington emerged as the successful bidder, willing to pay a significant sum of 30,000 gold coins to secure the trio of Elf contracts. With this acquisition, Harrington had added a valuable treasure to his inventory. The subsequent items up for auction were equally alluring, ranging from spiritual fruits to weapons to magical arrays. The flow of valuable items continued to captivate the bidders, each item holding its own allure and potential for power.
The auctioneer's voice rose with excitement as he presented the last and highly anticipated item of the evening. Two burly men appeared, carefully carrying a grand box onto the platform. As the lid was lifted, revealing the magnificent sword within, a collective gasp filled the room. The sheer beauty of the weapon immediately captured the attention and imagination of the crowd.
"This, ladies and gentlemen, is the Sword of Kings," the auctioneer declared with reverence. "It is a legendary weapon with a storied past, having been passed down through generations of ancient kings and queens. With its intricate design and potent magical properties, this sword stands as a symbol of power and noble lineage. Possessing it may hold the key to tapping into the revered legacy of noble kings and queens—a chance at immersing oneself in the ancient tales of glory and honor."
The significance of this sword as a potential link to powerful lineages and noble heritage left the crowd in awe. The starting bid for such a legendary item was set at a staggering 100,000 gold coins, perfectly highlighting the immense value and rarity of the Sword of Kings.
Devin's excitement reached its peak as he laid eyes on the magnificent Sword of Kings. Its beauty and historical significance fascinated him deeply. However, his enthusiasm was swiftly dampened as the exorbitant price tag brought him back to reality. Devin knew all too well that not all the information provided by the auction house could be completely trusted.
In reality, the sword held a different truth—it was not meant for humans. It was, in fact, one of the relics of the Elves, with a poignant history tied to their lineage. The sword had once belonged to the first king of the Elves, lost during a time of war that brought great suffering to their kind. As a result, no human possessed the ability to activate the sword and access the legacy contained within it.
However, fate had intervened when a player, by chance, obtained the sword from a merchant at a relatively low price. Their subsequent encounter with a stranded Elf in the wilderness triggered a task that allowed the activation of the sword. Retrieving the relic and returning it to the Elves would forever render them indebted to the player, granting them access to the Elves' abundant resources and earning their eternal favor.
Knowing that he lacked the funds necessary to purchase the sword, Devin contemplated an alternative plan. He saw an opportunity to convince Harrington, who possessed the means to acquire the sword, to do so in exchange for valuable information. Devin would promise Harrington a share of the benefits that would accompany the retrieval of the relic, thereby mutually benefiting both of them.
With a determined resolve, Devin would approach Harrington and propose their partnership, hoping that their combined efforts would lead them to uncover the power and resources hidden within the Sword of Kings.