Free Web NovelChapter 9: Chapter 9: The Grand Auction House
The Aurelis Grand Auction House dominated the entire district.
As Kai and Luna approached, the surrounding buildings gradually seemed smaller and smaller.
The auction house itself resembled a palace more than a business.
Golden pillars supported massive crystal arches.
Magical lights floated around the exterior.
Dozens of armored guards stood watch at every entrance.
Carriages and flying mounts continuously arrived and departed.
Gods, merchants, nobles, and adventurers flowed through its gates like a river.
Kai stared upward.
"That’s an auction house?"
Luna looked equally impressed.
"It appears wealthier than some kingdoms."
That assessment was probably correct.
The closer they got, the more obvious the scale became.
This wasn’t simply a place where items were sold.
It was one of the economic centers of Aurelis Divine City.
A place where fortunes changed hands every day.
After passing through the entrance, they found themselves inside a gigantic marble hall.
Crystal chandeliers floated overhead.
Beautiful fountains decorated the center of the room.
Dozens of reception desks served customers.
Large magical displays showed upcoming auctions.
The entire atmosphere radiated luxury.
Kai glanced at one of the displays.
His eyes widened.
Upcoming Auction
Void Crystal Fragment
Starting Bid: 5,000 Divine Coins
Five thousand?
Kai nearly choked.
He didn’t even possess ten Divine Coins.
The difference between him and the people who shopped here suddenly felt enormous.
Luna noticed his expression.
"We are poor."
Kai sighed.
"Painfully poor."
The fox maiden nodded seriously.
"Extremely poor."
For several seconds neither spoke.
Then they both laughed.
At least they understood their current situation.
A young receptionist soon approached them.
"Welcome to Aurelis Grand Auction House."
Her smile remained professional.
"Would you like to browse, participate, or register items for future auctions?"
Kai considered the options.
"Browse."
The receptionist nodded.
"Please enjoy your visit."
She handed them a visitor badge before returning to her duties.
The auction house interior was far larger than expected.
Numerous exhibition halls displayed valuable items.
Rare weapons.
Ancient artifacts.
Magical beasts.
Precious resources.
Everything imaginable could apparently be found somewhere within the building.
As Kai explored, he quickly noticed a pattern.
Many items originated from Divine Realms.
Special crops.
Monster materials.
Rare minerals.
Unique treasures.
Successful gods clearly earned significant wealth from their realms.
The realization encouraged him.
His realm might currently be small.
But given enough time, it could produce valuable goods as well.
Eventually they entered a hall displaying rare plants.
Immediately, Kai became interested.
Rows of magical flowers and herbs occupied crystal containers.
Information panels described each item.
Several customers were actively examining the displays.
Luna stopped before a glowing silver flower.
"What is this?"
Kai read the information.
Moon Spirit Flower
Grade: Rare
Enhances spiritual growth
Suitable for fox-type races
Both froze.
Fox-type races.
That certainly caught their attention.
The price appeared below.
Price: 280 Divine Coins
Kai immediately looked away.
Far too expensive.
Still, the flower itself intrigued him.
If resources existed that specifically benefited fox races, then similar opportunities might exist elsewhere.
His people could become much stronger through proper cultivation.
That knowledge alone made the visit worthwhile.
As they continued exploring, a commotion suddenly erupted nearby. freeweɓnovel.cѳm
Several people gathered around one display.
Curious, Kai moved closer.
A small crowd had formed around a crystal case.
Inside rested a strange object.
At first glance it appeared ordinary.
A black stone.
Roughly the size of a fist.
Nothing special.
Yet dozens of people were staring at it.
One merchant shook his head.
"Ridiculous."
Another laughed.
"Who would buy that?"
Kai frowned.
The reactions seemed odd.
He approached the information panel.
Unknown Realm Core Fragment
Origin: Unidentified
Properties: Unknown
Potential Value: Unknown
Starting Auction Price: 50 Divine Coins
An unidentified item.
Interesting.
Apparently nobody knew what it actually was.
Most people quickly lost interest and left.
Only a handful remained.
Kai, however, found himself staring at the stone.
Something felt strange.
Very strange.
Deep within his soul, the Divine Evolution Authority suddenly reacted.
A faint warmth spread through his body.
The sensation lasted only a moment.
Yet it was enough.
Kai’s heart began racing.
The authority had reacted.
For the first time since awakening.
To a specific object.
Luna immediately noticed his expression.
"My Lord?"
Kai remained silent.
His eyes never left the stone.
The authority’s reaction wasn’t random.
Something about the fragment had attracted its attention.
Which meant one thing.
The stone possessed value.
Potentially enormous value.
Unfortunately, Kai had no idea what that value actually was.
Nor could he reveal his authority.
For now, all he could do was remember the item.
The auction would take place tomorrow.
If possible, he needed to learn more.
As they left the exhibition hall, Kai’s thoughts remained occupied.
The stone.
The authority’s reaction.
The unknown possibilities.
Everything pointed toward something important.
Perhaps it was nothing.
Perhaps it was a hidden treasure.
Either way, he intended to find out.
Later that evening, Kai and Luna found accommodations within the city.
A modest inn near the Merchant District.
Far less luxurious than the auction house.
Far more affordable.
As night settled over Aurelis Divine City, lights illuminated the streets.
The city remained active even after sunset.
Merchants continued working.
Adventurers gathered in taverns.
Business negotiations continued behind closed doors.
The divine city never truly slept.
Kai stood near the window of his room.
Far in the distance, the Grand Auction House remained visible.
Tomorrow’s auction replayed repeatedly in his mind.
Especially the black stone.
The Divine Evolution Authority had remained silent throughout his life.
Yet today it had reacted.
That alone made the fragment important.
Whether it became an opportunity or a disappointment remained to be seen.
But Kai had learned something valuable.
Not every treasure announced its worth.
Sometimes the greatest opportunities were hidden beneath layers of ignorance.
And if his instincts were correct, tomorrow’s auction might become the first truly significant turning point of his journey.
