The Blazewing Leoquila

Oliver shook off the irritation from downstairs and followed Professor ARcanus and the others up the creaky staircase to the second floor of the Crimson Vault Consortium. The air carried the scent of polished wood and faint spices, hinting at the wealth packed into this place. Shelves brimmed with treasures—glowing vials, rune-etched swords, shimmering cloaks—that tugged at Oliver’s curiosity. He resisted the urge to buy, though. The second floor was the Consortium’s own stock, full of wonders, but the real prizes awaited at the auction upstairs.

The event would run four hours, auctioning over a hundred rare items. Oliver climbed to the third floor, where entry required a crimson-sealed invitation. Inside, the air buzzed with power. Red-tier mages and scarred knights filled the room, alongside familiar faces: Lord Talbot, the stern castellan; the Lady of the Woods, her green cloak trailing; and Isabella.