Chapter 47 (the Starmap Scepter)

The Starmap Scepter. a 2.5-foot-long rod, 2 inches thick, with a 5.6-inch grip. Made of grey metal, it's named for the intricate lines wrapping around it like a star map and for its high conductivity to elemental magic.Lily picked it up, raising it towards the crowds.

"The moderate resonance-grade weapon once belonged to the late Mercenary King Kal, who died protecting students during the academy's darkest days," she explained, igniting murmurs of excitement throughout the room.

"The bidding price starts at 400 gold coins, so let's the bidding commence." She barely finished her statement when Drake placed his bid. "400 gold coins." He called out. Instantly, the room fell silent. No one dared to place a bid since against him, as it's against the rule to bid against a higher badge holder, and with that, the auction came to an end.

Later, the auctioned items were delivered to each winning bidder's room. InDrake's bidding room, three auction attendants, led by Lamid, entered, carrying trays with his newly acquired items. Seeing them, Drake and his companions stood, moving closer.

"Sir, here is what you bid on." Lamid said, gesturing towards the trays. "Thank you." Drake responded, stepping directly to the traybearers. He opened the first tray and picked up the Elixir of Aether Surge. "Freya,' he called, tossing her the elixir.

"That for you," Drake said. Freya caught the elixir reflexively. "This is too much. I haven't done anything to deserve this." She said, protesting. She attempted to refuse his offer. Drake smiled. "Which is exactly why you should accept it. As our only healer, we will be relying more and more on your healing abilities."

Freya hesitated, lowering her head, feeling the weight of her perceived weaknesses. Mark placed his hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile. "Just accept it." He said it warmly. She gazed at him, smiling with tears slipping down her checks. "Thanks everyone. I'm truly grateful," she said, gripping the elixir tightly to her chest.

Drake, meanwhile, turned his attention to his next item. The Starmap Scepter. He lifted it with appreciation. "Wow, it's beautiful." Curiously, he decided to test it by infusing his mana. "Mana release." He muttered, channelling his mana into the Scepter.

Sudden, his raised hand was pulled downward with a surprised force, slamming the sceptre vertically into the floor and embedding it halfway, sending out ripples of shockwave outward that shook the entire auction building.Luckily, as Drake let's go, the Mana flow cut off, preventing any further damage that could have compromised at least 30 to 40% of the building.

In that moment, Drake understood the uniqueness of the weapons that both surprised and intrigued him. Its unique effect is to absorb mana to increase its own weight.

Drake attempted to pull it out but was unsuccessful. Mark joined him but only managed to shift it slightly. They were struggling with the sceptre when Malachai opened the door and entered the room, arriving to collect his promised elixir.

Everyone paused and turned, staring at him. "Hah, I'm Malachai, the one you promised the Storm Flesh Infusion Elixir." He introduced himself while offering a slight bow of gratitude. "Oh, you were the senior from the second floor." Mark said and walked over, clasping both Malachai's hands. "It's an honour to meet one of the seniors.

Please come and take your elixir." Mark guided him towards the auction attendants but then noticed the sceptre embedded in the ground. "Is this what caused the entire building to shake?" Malachai inquired. "Ah yes, it's a bit embarrassing for the senior to see our distractive side right when we meet." Drake said, scratching his head. Mark retrieved the Elixir and handed it to Malachai.

Thank you very much." He tried to pay, but Mark and Drake declined. "Alright, since you both refused my payment. Let me help share some of your burden." Malachai moved over to the Starmap Sceptre, gripping it firmly. He lifted the sceptre from the ground, pulling it slowly, effortlessly, surprising everyone. "Wow!" they all exclaimed. "Have it." Malachai handed the sceptre back to Drake.

Mark rushed over, examining Malachai's hands. "Are you a fist combatant?" He asked, still astonished. "Yes, which is why this elixir is crucial to me." He replied. Mark immediately thought of an idea. "Can I come to you for sparring sessions from time to time?" He asked, rubbing his nose with his index finger. "Sure, no problem." Malachai responded and then turned to everyone. "Thank you all very much." He nodded in farewell. "With this, I won't disturb you any longer." And left the room.

They exited the auction building, but surprisedly, the area was still crowded as a result of the auction's recent conclusion and the incident Drake caused. As they stepped outside, Drake spotted Ronan and his team sneaking through the crowds, attempting to avoid being noticed.

"Ronan, why are you hiding from the crowd now? Weren't you acting all mighty before?" Drake taunted, drawing attention from those crowds nearby. Drake and his friends moved closer to Ronan's and his teammates. "Have you forgotten your promise to ensure that I'd leave the auction empty-handed? But look at you right now; not only did you leave left empty handed but also lost some money." Drake mocked him.

The crowd began murmuring, piecing together that Ronan had been the one acting arrogantly. They gestured towards him as they whispered among themselves. "What are you talking about? If not for you criminals stealing the golden badge, how could you have been worthy of bidding against him?" Griffin retorted angrily.

Mark stepped closer. "It seems you have eyes but can't see, or maybe accepting the truth is just too hard for you." He snapped, cutting him off, embarrassing him. Griffin tried to argue back, but his teammates pulled him away, leaving the scene in defeat.