Auction

"Do you want to go?" Nioh asked the twins, his gaze flickering between them.

They shook their heads enthusiastically, signaling their willingness to participate in the auction.

"Are you sure you're not too tired?" he pressed.

They shook their heads again, more emphatically this time.

"Alright then, lead the way!" Nioh said with a small smile, his tone indicating his readiness to assist.

"This way, please," the old man said, guiding them behind the store to a hidden elevator. Inside, he used his token to reveal a concealed panel with additional buttons. The twins exchanged amazed glances as the old man pressed the button for the lowest level.

The ride took five minutes, during which the atmosphere grew increasingly tense. When the elevator doors opened, they found themselves in a vast underground arena. The space was impressive, with multiple rooms, giant screens displaying information, and rows upon rows of seating. At the center, a young woman presented the auction items, her voice lively as she described the goods and narrated the bidding.

"All our VIP suites are booked, but I will take you to a regular suite," the old man explained as he escorted them. Once they were seated, he gestured to a sleek screen on the wall. "You can access the item list here."

From their vantage point, they could clearly see the presenter in the arena. Her voice carried over the speakers.

"This is an A-class shield made with a mechanical wood biocore and a steel-reinforced alloy. Ideal for Aegis-class corebinders, especially those with wood-aligned cores. It requires a three-star mech for optimal use. Details are available on your screens. Bidding starts at one million credits."

Nioh noticed Iris's eyes light up with interest. "Do you want it?" he asked casually.

"I do! But I can't afford it…" she admitted, her voice trailing off.

"Marsai, bid for it," Nioh instructed.

"1.5 million for cabin 150," Marsai called out.

The presenter paused, scanning the room. "Any counteroffers? 1.5 million going once… twice… sold!"

"Thank you, Prince Nioh," Iris said, her gratitude genuine.

"You can just call me Nioh," he replied with a grin.

The next item was announced: "A toolkit made of biocore energy-conducting coral. This box includes 206 tools, each forged with precision craftsmanship. Ideal for aspiring weapon designers. Initial bid: 10 million credits."

Nioh's eyes were immediately drawn to the toolkit. Its craftsmanship was exquisite—each tool a masterpiece. He could tell the forger was a true artisan.

"Marsai, buy it. No matter the cost," Nioh said, his tone unyielding.

The bidding escalated rapidly. "12 million for cabin 12." "14 million for cabin 15." "20 million for cabin 150." "21 million for cabin 60."

As the bidding stalled, the presenter called out, "21 million going once… twice…"

"30 million for cabin 150," Marsai declared, raising the stakes.

Gasps rippled through the arena.

"40 million from VIP suite 2," came a new voice, cool and confident.

Nioh's gaze hardened. "Double it," he said quietly.

"80 million for cabin 150," Marsai announced.

The room erupted into murmurs. "That's insane for a toolbox!" "Who does he think he is, going against the VIPs?"

"Sold to cabin 150!" the presenter declared; her voice tinged with astonishment.

The auction continued with less excitement until the next notable item: "An A-class Nightlight biocore. Ideal for light or dark affinity corebinders. Starting bid: 5 million credits."

"Buy it," Nioh said without hesitation.

"15 million for cabin 150," Marsai bid.

The presenter scanned for additional offers but found none. "15 million going once… twice… sold to cabin 150!"

The event soon lost its allure as the rest of the object presented less attraction, and Nioh instructed Marsai to collect their winnings. While they waited, Nioh and the twins chatted eagerly until a firm knock sounded at the cabin door.

"Yes? How can I help you?" Iris asked as she opened it.

A man in official military attire stood there, his posture rigid and his tone arrogant. "Tell your master that my mistress wants the toolbox. She's willing to exchange it for a biocore or a weapon of equal grade."

"No, thank you. Our master is not interested," Iris replied firmly.

The man's expression darkened. "Tell your master he might want to reconsider. My mistress is not someone to offend lightly."

"Oh? And who might your mistress be?" came Nioh's voice from within the cabin.

Iris stepped aside, revealing Nioh lounging casually with the twins at his side.

The man's arrogance doubled when he saw the young trio. "My mistress is a junior weapon designer from the Union Military University, here under the invitation of Prince Pax Glev to craft weapons for the Summer Hunt."

Nioh's lips curled into a smirk. "I see. Then tell your mistress she can fuck off."

The man's face turned crimson. "You… you'll regret this!" he stammered before storming away.

 --

In the VIP boot four people were sitting watching the auction, while casually chatting. "Miss Minx if I knew there would be a toolbox that caught your interest, I would have tempered my spending."

The voice said. It was a twenty-year-old male with extremely well refined feature, a clear face, short hairs and a regal aura. "It's a bit embarrassing to invite you from so far and not be able to satisfy your needs."

"I know Prince Pax, You did acquire a lot of materials under my eye. I just hope the buyer is willing to exchange" The lady named Minx replied.

"With my brother's name there are very few people who will not want to owe a favor." Princess Kalix spoke eagerly. "Don't listen to her she likes to exaggerate" Pax retorted.

The attendant walked with a downward face while his mistress asked, "What did he say?".

"Mistress this teen is no good I told him who you were, and even mentioned the prince Pax, he said…" the servant hesitated, drawing annoyance from the group.

"What did he say?" Prince Pax asked with a frown.

"He said to tell you to Fuck off" the servant spilled.

Pax aura rose like storm before calming down again drawing fear from all the folks in the room. His four-star aura felt like a mountain crushing over the space. Thankfully it was a momentaneous feeling.

"I apologize I lost my temper. Take me to him" He said to the servant as he stood from his sit accompanied by the Miss Minx, his sister Kalix and his brother Leon.Chapter 22: Pax

As Nioh and his group exited the cabin, they found themselves face-to-face with another group in the narrow corridor.

Pax froze, his mind racing as he recognized Marsai, the Monarch's renowned planner, standing at the forefront. Behind her were Kol and Sol, the treasured twins of Empress Kol, known for being inseparable from her sight. Pax's attention then shifted to the casually dressed young man leading the group. His sharp eyes quickly pieced it together—this entourage could only belong to one person.

Miss Minx, standing beside Pax, immediately sensed the significance of the moment. The presence of such individuals meant this was no ordinary group, and the young man before her was not someone to underestimate.

As both sides took stock of one another, Nioh assessed Pax with an appraising glance. A four-star at twenty? Impressive. He must be capable, Nioh mused.

Breaking the silence, Nioh's voice rang out, calm but cutting. "They say when you want to beat a dog, you should consider its master. I sent the dog away, and here comes the master."

Miss Minx stepped forward, her tone measured and polite. "I apologize if my servant caused offense. However, I'm genuinely interested in that toolbox. If you're willing to negotiate, I'd be happy to offer something of equal value."

"There's nothing I need," Nioh replied without hesitation.

Kalix, standing just behind Pax, interjected, his voice tinged with indignation. "You're being unreasonable! Sister Minx has a legitimate need for the toolbox. Can't you show some courtesy?"

Nioh's gaze darkened as he took a step forward. "Why should I care about her needs? I paid for it, and what I do with it is up to me. I might toss it into a claw machine if I'm in a bad mood. A good dog doesn't block the road. Move."

Pax, unwilling to back down, stepped into Nioh's path and unleashed his four-star aura. The oppressive energy surged through the corridor, forcing Kol and Sol to instinctively retreat behind Marsai, who shielded them with her own energy. Nioh, standing his ground, countered the pressure with his own three-star aura, amplified by the guidance of Ekoh.

Pax raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised that a mere three-star could withstand his aura.

Nioh turned to Marsai with a wry smile. "Marsai, remind me—what's the punishment for attacking an elder?"

Marsai's reply came swiftly, her tone cold. "Execution."

"Good," Nioh said, pointing at Pax. "I want his head."

Pax immediately withdrew his aura, his composure slipping. "Wait! I didn't attack you. It was a misunderstanding. I only wanted to introduce myself."

He took a small step back, bowing slightly. "I am Pax Glev. Little Uncle."

Without warning, Nioh slapped him across the face, the sound echoing down the corridor. The surrounding onlookers froze in shock.

"Nice to meet you, Nephew," Nioh said with a smirk. "I appreciate this new way of greeting—it's all in the aggression." With that, he walked past Pax without a backward glance.

Marsai, the twins, and Iris followed close behind, their expressions ranging from disbelief to silent amusement.

As they exited the hallway, a loud boom erupted behind them, followed by angry screams. Nioh shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. That nephew of mine has completely lost it.

--

Back in the car, Iris was the first to break the silence.

"You shouldn't have done that," she said, her tone sharp.

"Why not?" Nioh asked, leaning back with a relaxed expression.

"Pax is too well-connected," Iris explained. "Even his father has begun to see him as a rival. In the fiefdom, no one commands as much popularity and support as he does."

"And why is that?"

"His ability—Primal Roar. It's said to be the ability of the Second Glev Monarch. It can enhance his body and those of his allies indefinitely. Because of this, Duke Duval has been grooming him carefully to inherit the throne. You've just managed to offend three-thirds of the fief."

"Well, there's still one-third left," Nioh replied with a smile.

"Are you not afraid?" Sol asked cautiously.

"Are you afraid of Pax?" Nioh countered.

"Yes," Sol admitted. "Last year, he broke Kol's arm just because I bumped into him!"

"You don't need to be afraid of him anymore. Little Uncle is here. He won't hurt you," Nioh said firmly.

"Really?" Sol asked, his eyes wide.

"Yes," Nioh replied with confidence. "I'll build you a godlike weapon, and you'll be strong enough to handle him."

"Me too!" Kol chimed in eagerly.

"Yes, you too," Nioh assured him with a chuckle.

Then, turning his attention to Marsai, he asked bluntly, "I told you to kill him. Why did you hesitate?"

"The Monarch instructed me not to interfere in the fight for the throne," Marsai replied calmly.

"Good," Nioh said with an edge in his tone. "You can return to the Monarch. I don't need your service anymore."

Marsai raised an eyebrow, her voice taking on an arrogant lilt. "Are you sure? I'm your best chance of securing the remaining third of the fiefdom."

"I'll take my chances."

"Don't regret it," she warned with a faint smile.

"I love going against the flow," Nioh replied. It was the last thing he said for the rest of the ride.

The day passed uneventfully until there was a knock at Nioh's door that evening.

As soon as he opened it, X stormed in, his face a mask of frustration.

"I was gone for one day, and you slapped Pax and expelled Marsai?" he ranted.

"Calm down," Nioh said, closing the door behind him. "Have you found the leak?"

"No! I've combed through everything," X replied, pacing the room. " Not everything, Marsai is the leak." Nioh said.

"Why do you think that?" X asked, his tone growing serious.

"Just because her faction supports the Monarch doesn't mean they support Me as heir," Nioh explained, his frustration evident.

"Tsk. Those purists," X muttered. "What are you going to do about it?"

"If I can't form a faction here, I'll have to build one outside," Nioh said, his voice steady.

"That place? You can't get in. Your achievements aren't enough, even with your identity," X said, skeptical.

"Isn't the perfect opportunity to earn those achievements coming soon?" Nioh asked, his eyes gleaming.

"The Summer Hunt? How devious of you," X said, catching on. "What do you need?"

"All the information you can find about previous hunts," Nioh replied. "An empty room where I can work and train."

"Time is too short. Some people have been preparing for years," X warned.

"You don't need to worry about that," Nioh said confidently. "Just compile the information and find me a workspace. Oh, and bring your brother back."