Chapter 30: Unleashing Chaos

In an effort to calm the overly intense atmosphere, the next few auction items returned to more typical offerings: a series of Extraordinary Sequence occupational marks, including Sword Dancer, Guardian Knight, Illusionist, and Alchemist.

These marks, enchanted items used to record and learn the core abilities of the Extraordinary Sequence, were single-use and required spiritual awakening to activate.

What surprised Ian the most was that the Alchemists' Consortium was auctioning both Primal Tree and Knowledge Tree faction marks simultaneously. While Alchemist marks weren't incredibly rare, they were almost exclusively distributed internally by the Consortium based on "favor." Seeing them in an open auction was nearly unheard of.

A sudden idea sparked in Ian's mind: Could he pose as a newly awakened Alchemist and join the Consortium to gain access to its vast knowledge? The more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. After all, the Consortium valued talent over background and might even appreciate his audacity.

"Next item: a fourth-rate frigate, a two-deck, three-masted mixed-rig sailing warship. The vessel is in excellent condition, 45.8 meters long, armed with twenty-two 24-pounder cannons and thirty 18-pounders, with a standard crew of 350."

"The ship is currently docked at Paradise Harbor's Second Fleet base. The buyer may take possession immediately."

"Starting bid: 30,000 gold coins, with a minimum increment of 100 gold coins per bid."

As the auctioneer's voice echoed, the room buzzed with heightened energy.

In an era where battleships were ill-suited for long voyages, fourth-rate frigates often served as flagships for overseas expeditions. Notable examples included the Whaling Fleet and the Kingdom's Third Fleet.

As the bids flew higher, Aranise straightened in her seat, her fox-like grin betraying a secret. This ship was no mere auction item; it was bait deliberately set by the Grand Duke of Emerald.

The Grand Duke had long foreseen the decline of sailing warships with the advent of steam power. Steamships were the future, while sailing ships, at best, would serve cost-conscious merchants. Emerald Duchy's advancements in steam propulsion were unparalleled on the Eastern Continent, and the latest steam warships of the Divine Grace Empire validated this vision.

Selling off an obsolete frigate to fund steamship development? A brilliant trade.

Ultimately, the Bema Principality, the weakest naval power in this coalition, claimed the frigate for an astonishing 65,000 gold coins—over double its actual value.

The auction continued with increasingly strategic items: water-generating artifacts, high-quality teak, slaves, and bulk grains. Many attendees became mere spectators as prices soared.

Finally, the highly anticipated Mind Mage Sequence-5 potion went on the block, fetching a staggering 74,000 gold coins. The First Prince of the Bodria Kingdom secured it, much to the delight of the Whaling Fleet, who would claim a 30% share.

The finale featured four alchemical cannons with unparalleled range and destructive power, surpassing standard 32-pounders. Though their recoil and upkeep made them impractical for most ships, they were perfect for coastal defenses. The Bodria Kingdom claimed these as well, paying 110,000 gold coins—a testament to its deep pockets.

Ian exited the hall with a light heart, carrying a heavy box. The cold night air sobered him, the auction's fervor fading into memory. He had only purchased a living rope, but the insights and intelligence he'd gained were invaluable.

The major powers were clearly aligning. Whether this would hinder his plans for avenging the Second Prince remained unclear, but it was a sign to pick up the pace.

When Ian returned to his tower in the early hours, he immediately noticed something was off: no lights, no sound.

Milta, ever diligent, had promised to stay awake until Ian returned. He wouldn't have gone to bed unless something had happened.

Placing the box down quietly, Ian cloaked his presence and approached cautiously. His unease grew—there were no traces of Wah Wah's spirit or Milta's presence.

Then, he stopped abruptly, focusing on the tower. The spire… was missing.

Suddenly, a massive shape rose from the roof under the faint moonlight. Dozens of short, writhing tendrils stretched from the creature's body, sprawling over what remained of the tower's top.

It seemed to notice Ian. With a slithering motion, it slid down the tower, moving rapidly toward him with earth-shaking steps.

Ian turned to run but froze when a familiar spiritual wave reached him.

"Wah Wah…"

He halted and turned back, watching as the monstrous figure approached.

Just as it reached him, the creature retracted its tendrils, sprawled flat, and slid the rest of the way, stopping half a meter from Ian. Two beady green eyes appeared on its metallic-silver surface, locking onto Ian's gaze.

"Wah…"

"That's… Wah Wah?" Ian was dumbfounded. He patted the creature's side, soothing its frantic energy.

That morning, Wah Wah had still been small, swaddled in enchanted and burlap cloth. Now, it had grown exponentially, sprouted bizarre tendrils, and turned into a midnight horror capable of draining sanity at first glance.

Through their spiritual connection, Ian found Wah Wah's intelligence had advanced to that of a seven- or eight-year-old child, much more coherent than before.

After consuming a drop of Life Water days ago, Wah Wah had entered a deep sleep. It had only now finished "digesting" the energy, resulting in explosive growth and enhanced potential.

When Wah Wah awoke to find Ian gone, it had panicked. Unable to locate him through the auction's warded barriers, Wah Wah had stood up to search—accidentally demolishing the observatory spire.

Hearing the commotion, Milta had confronted the "intruder," only to be promptly "swallowed" by the frustrated Wah Wah.

"Milta's an ally, Wah Wah. You can't do that!" Ian scolded.

Wah Wah whimpered, flipped its body, and opened a hidden compartment. Milta tumbled out, shaken but unharmed.

"Run! There's a monster!" Milta screamed upon seeing Ian.

"It's not a monster; it's our ship!" Ian explained, calming Milta and sending him off to rest.

Then, Ian turned to Wah Wah with eager anticipation. Having glimpsed its full form earlier, he could hardly wait to explore his new "battleship."