Free Web NovelChapter 66: Pleasant Surprise
The Succubus held a thin book in her hand that radiated an ancient aura. The moment it appeared, the entire crowd fell silent for an instant; only the sound of a collective deep breath could be heard. freёwebnovel.com
Priam had heard from Flaris before that this auction almost always offered an Earth-Class Magic Art as its final item.
That was the reason her grandfather always participated in the auction. However, he had never managed to buy one because the final prices always far exceeded what he could afford. After all, these auctions always made people spend everything they had and more to obtain one.
The book containing the Magic Art was also special. It had been created by a Mage Inscriptionist and was meant to be read using Ether. After being read half a dozen times or fewer, the entire book would be destroyed and the information lost.
To create the runes of Magic Arts, Mages required absurdly detailed and precise information, because even the slightest mistake could be fatal. Therefore, even if someone knew how to create one, it wasn’t reliable to replicate a Magic Art using words alone.
That was why Jade Slips and books like this were essential, as they contained vast amounts of information within them. Selling them in the form of special books like this was also a safe way to sell a Magic Art to a single buyer without allowing that buyer to freely resell and distribute it afterward.
In the world of Mages, knowledge was extremely valuable, so tactics like these were quite common.
"I’m happy to see so many people interested. Yes, this is an excellent Earth-Class Magic Art: Celestial Aeolian Steps!" the Succubus said slowly, causing everyone to swallow nervously.
For most people on the mortal plane, Earth-Class Magic Arts were things they had only heard about. At best, some clans possessed techniques that were close to that level. But now that they had a chance to obtain one personally, even knowing it wouldn’t come easily, their hearts still raced.
"The origin of this Magic Art is a humanoid Fighter Mage from the divine plane. He personally came to us and sold it. Furthermore, this book carries no marks from any sect indicating that it was stolen."
Hearing that, everyone snorted in relief.
She looked around and smiled.
"Hehe, this book was discovered within an ancient inheritance from the divine plane. Whoever acquires it won’t face any problems because of it. The opening bid this time will be 5 million!"
*6 million!*
The shout erupted the very next second after the Succubus finished speaking. That offer was nothing more than the beginning.
Priam became thoughtful as his heart began to race.
The name of this Magic Art clearly indicated that it was related to the wind element. At present, Priam was stuck between the fifth and sixth stages of that unknown technique he possessed.
He was convinced that his mysterious wind Magic Art was something above Earth-Class. He already had a theory regarding the sixth stage, but his control and mastery of the element were still far below what was required.
Over the past few years, he had repeatedly returned to the clan’s training field to try and make progress, but he hadn’t achieved even the slightest improvement. In the end, he could only sigh and focus on other things.
But now...
A high-level Magic Art like this was practically a Supreme Artifact to him.
By studying it, he might learn important things he was missing about the wind element and perhaps advance through the stages of the unknown technique he possessed. ƒгeewёbnovel.com
*30 million!*
A powerful elderly voice echoed through the chamber, snapping Priam out of his thoughts.
*35 million!*
This time, the voice was extremely sharp and unpleasant, like metal scraping against metal.
*50 million!*
A soft female voice filled with energy rang out.
Now the crowd had become extremely quiet. The price had reached a level that very few people present could afford to compete with.
That was because most of them had come for the first treasure. They couldn’t afford to spend too much on the second item.
*60 million!*
The elderly voice from earlier shouted another bid.
*65 million!*
The price had already reached a shocking level, but it was immediately followed by the female voice adding another five million.
Then...
*80 million!*
Hearing that, everyone became somewhat gloomy at the outrageous price.
Without hesitation, all eyes turned toward a corner, staring at a short, thin humanoid figure. It took them a moment to determine whether the person was male or female.
However, by sensing his Yang, his gender became obvious.
A white mask covered his face, preventing anyone from discovering any other details.
Priam had offered, in a single bid, the maximum amount he was willing to pay.
Any more than that, and he felt it could hurt him later.
At that moment, both the mysterious old man and the woman were hesitating.
"Mr. Bruno has offered 80 million. Does anyone have a higher bid?"
Silence.
"80 million once, 80 million twice..." the Succubus said, her voice slightly excited as she began the count.
The profit from this auction had already exceeded her expectations. Clearly, something around 60 million had been expected, which, even for high-level clans, was already a scandalous amount.
A Magic Art of this class was never sold openly because it always brought disaster with it. Even though it could only be read a few times, if it were sold publicly, the buyer would be hunted down and robbed 100% of the time. Therefore, the only safe way to obtain one was through a hidden auction like this.
"SOLD FOR 80 MILLION BLACK DIAMONDS!!!"
Priam let out a deep breath in relief.
He had obtained it for a very reasonable price.
Seeing that Priam didn’t leave his seat, the Succubus nodded. He clearly intended to stay for the final treasure and wouldn’t rush away like the previous buyer.
Everyone remained silent, now completely anxious for the final treasure.
After a few seconds, once everyone’s anticipation had reached a satisfactory level, the Succubus chuckled softly and said:
"You are all the most important and respected guests of our clan, and we would never dare disappoint any of you. Finally, I will reveal this delightful surprise at the end of the auction."
When she finished speaking, she slowly raised her hands and softly clapped four times.
*Buzz*
After a faint humming sound, another stone platform rose from the floor beside the Succubus.
It resembled a small square cage covered by a dark runic cloth.
This merchandise appeared to be a living being, which surprised everyone.
All eyes were fixed on it.
The Succubus remained silent while a mysterious smile spread across her face. She lightly touched it, and the dark runic cloth instantly vanished, revealing semi-transparent screens and...
’A child? That’s a child curled up into a ball in the corner of the cage!?’
Priam’s eyes widened.
He could only see one side of her face. She was a little girl who was probably around ten years old, and her features were extremely distinctive. She had red hair, and her skin possessed an enchanting, mystical silver glow.
Those characteristics matched the recorded descriptions of someone from the Pristine Wild-Spirit race.
When a bright light struck the little girl, she unconsciously turned slightly toward the crowd. Her exposed ears were quite pointed, and her pupils shimmered with multiple colors.
She was definitely a Pristine Wild-Spirit!
When the little girl saw the terrifying gazes fixed on her, she clenched her teeth and trembled like a leaf.
Her eyes carried deep fear, yet no tears flowed from them...
There was, obviously, profound hatred mixed with that fear.
Seeing this...
At that moment...
Priam felt as if a poisoned dagger had pierced deeply into his chest.
Looking at that little girl in such a situation, he couldn’t help but be dragged back in time.
He remembered himself when he had been a slave, used by the alchemists like nothing more than property, with no right to do anything except suffer in silence.
