Rebirth System: Blood and Ash

The auction house slowly began to fill. After a few moments, it was clear the demographic of people for whom the basic section was reserved—common merchants, adventurers, and opportunistic bidders hoping to make a fortune on the lower-end auction items.

The section had dim lighting, the seats were plain and packed very closely together. Soon after it was filled, conversation began to hum through the hall, along with a subtle tension.

Those seated here could only hope that what they wanted would not be eyed by those above them, as they would swiftly be outbid by those in the higher-tier sections.

Aric’s gaze swept over the crowd, studying each face. Although most were unfamiliar to him, a few caught his attention. He recognized a lord’s steward from the conquest profile, noting how they seemed out of place among the others.

"Hmm, is this going to be more than it should be?" the prince muttered.

Lerai, who had been standing just behind Aric, moved closer to the glass.

"They look like vultures," he remarked.

"More like scavengers," Aric said thoughtfully. "They will pick at the scraps left behind by those higher, but they are still hungry… that’s worth noting."

Soon, everyone below had settled. Aric had no way of seeing those who sat in the elite section, as their seats were raised higher and just under the room they resided in. Although he could see the prestige section, the glass appeared to be one-way, unable to be viewed from the outside.

The auction began. A tall, slim figure stepped onto the auction stage below, dressed in elegant robes. His voice boomed through the hall, magically amplified, with an air of authority that instantly silenced the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" he raised his arm in greeting. "Welcome to tonight’s event. We begin our auction with items that may interest those of discerning taste."

Following the man’s words, the light in the auction hall dimmed slightly, focusing on the stage. A buzz of excitement flowed through the crowd as everyone present below anticipated the first item.

A woman walked to the stage, a covered item resting atop a cushioned platter in her hands. She glided to the center of the stage and placed it on the platform. As the light focused on the covered item, anticipation began to rise.

The auctioneer then pulled the cloth, revealing a dagger. Its blade was silver, while its hilt was an ashy grey.

"A fine weapon for those in need of a truly reliable blade. It has been enchanted, and its edge can never dull. This dagger’s blade is so sharp it can cut through wood like butter."

As the auctioneer finished explaining the blade’s properties, everyone prepared to bid.

"We shall start the bidding at 100,000 silver coins."

Aric simply stood and watched with his hands crossed behind his back. He was not remotely interested in the item. However, a flurry of bids began to shoot from those below.

"115,000."

"140,000."

"143,000."

Merchants and adventurers began to shout their bids. This was not an overly valuable item, but so far, the bids were well below the price one would pay for such a dagger at the weapon house.

"275,000!"

As the bid was offered, silence followed. The auctioneer gave a couple of moments to see if it would be challenged, but none did. It seemed the dagger had already reached close to its market value, making it no longer worth pursuing.

"Sold to bidder B134!" the auctioneer announced.

Soon, they moved on to the next item, another magic-infused weapon. As before, a bidding war was held between those in the basic tier until a winning bid was given. This continued for a few more basic items, but soon, the items grew more valuable.

The auctioneer lifted the cloth, revealing the next item to be bid on.

"A magical amulet that allows the wearer to detect magical and ki-type illusions within a certain radius."

"We will start the bidding at 500,000 silver coins."

There were not many in the basic section who could afford such an item. But before the few who could had even a chance to place a bid, a voice shot from the back, where the elite sat.

"800,000 silver."

Aric watched as heads turned slightly upward toward the elevated seating area of the elite section. As much as he wanted to see who placed the bid, he was unable to.

Silence followed, everyone waiting to see if the absurd jump in bidding price would be challenged, but after moments of silence had passed, it was clear none would.

"Sold to bidder E11."

"Next, the Smesarina plant, from the southern desert. It is used to create high-grade healing potions, invaluable to alchemists and healers."

"Let’s start the bidding at 10,000 gold," the auctioneer announced.

"Oh, Your Highness, you should get that… maybe it can be used in treating your illness," Lerai suggested.

"No, I drank about seven potions made from that plant from different healers when I was younger. None worked."

Aric had explored many healing methods, even in his last life, moving from one healer to the next, and none had suceeded. There was something unique about the illness that plagued him, something more profound. If it were normal, reconstructing his body while gaining the martial god foundation would have cured him.

As the starting bid was announced, no one in the lower section offered an amount, and for some moments, it seemed nobody at all was interested. Perhaps the price far outweighed its use.

Then, resounding loudly from one of the prestige sections, a bid was made.

"40,000 gold."

In expected fashion, all turned their heads to cast their gaze at the prestige booth from which the bid had come.

It was an absurd bid, and quite obviously a blatant show of wealth and power. It was clear the item had no contesting bids, yet the bidder decided to pay an extra 40,000 gold—equating to a staggering four million silver—for an item nobody else seemed to want.

"Sold to bidder P4."