Chapter 45 (bidding wars and silent scores)

On their way to the bidding room, the man began to explain. "You may call me Lamid. I apologise for not recognising you immediately. I was informed and instructed to ensure you receive the best the auction has to offer.Our building has four floors, each accommodating different levels of clientele." He folded his arms across his back as they walked.

"The grand floor or the first floor is for customers with bank books as tickets. The second floor is designated for bronze badge holders, mostly regular merchants and warriors. The sliver badge that the other boy holds is rare and granted to esteemed merchants, warriors, and prominent families with a long-standing relationship with us. And finally, the golden badge—this badge is exclusive and reserved only to high-ranking officials like your academy principal, the continent guardian, and now you."

As they reached in front of a door, Lamid

gently opened it, allowing Drake and his

friends to enter.

The room is spacious, with an open section at the far side where they can view and place their bid. At the centre is a round table with a jug and cups on it, along with five chairs near the viewing area.

Drake approached the base for a closer view. On the ground floor, clientele could be seen seated in a uniform arrangement, chattering as they found their seats. The upper floors are similar, though each clientele has its own private room with a white veil covering the bidding view to maintain the occupants' privacy.

Lamid was about to leave when he turned back to Drake. "Sir, there is vital information I need to pass on to you." Drake looked slightly confused. Lamid continued. "There's an advantage to using this badge beyond simply having a private room. As you already know, the badges are ranked from bronze to gold. The higher-ranked badge can outbid the lower one, preventing the lower-ranked holder from bidding further, even if they have enough money to counter.Right now you are the only golden badge holder here, so you can outbid and close any bidding." With that, Lamid left the room. Suddenly, sinister vibes filled the room as a devious plan came to Drake's mind.

He was still lost in thoughts when a bell rang, catching the attention of everyone in the auction building from the grand floor to the fourth floor. Drake joined the others around the table, watching through the veil. A womanin a stony white and deep blue gown, her deep blue hair cascading down her back as she stepped onto the podium with a bell in her hand. A lectern made of crystal and marble stands before her."Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, merchants and warriors. My name is Lily. I will be in charge of today's auction. Without wasting any time, let the auction begin." She said, ringing the bell once.

A female auction staff member ascended the podium, carrying a tray covered by a large cloth. Lily removed the cloth, revealing a round bottom flask filled with green liquid. "Ladies and gentlemen. Our first auction item for today is a Mana Restoring elixir. This elixir can restore 2000 units of mana to a mage's mana core." Murmured immediately filled the room, as such a quality potion is rear. "The starting price is 100 sliver coins. Let the bidding begin," Lily announced, ringing the bell twice.

"A man at the front seat on the grand floor raised his hand. "102 sliver coins." Another mercenary raised his hand. "125 sliver coins.""127 sliver coins." "130 sliver coins." The bidding continued until a man from the second floor called out. "150 sliver coins." Following auction rules, all other bidders from the ground floor stopped. "Anyone else. 150 sliver coins going three times... going twice... sold. The Mana Restoring elixir goes to room 5 on the second floor."

These rooms aren't physically numbered to protect the privacy of VIP customers, but the room numbers are known to the auction officials.

Another staff member ascended the podium with a tray covered by a piece of black cloth. Lily removed the cloth, revealing another round bottle filled with orange liquid. " The next auction item is the Elixir of Aether Surge. This elixir can expand the mana core storage by 1700 units, allowing a mage's mana core to hold more mana. The bidding price starts at 200 slivers." Nose roar from every corner of the room as the bidding began. "220 sliver coins." "230sliver coins."

People on the second floor continued to bid when a voice from the third floor intercepted. "300 sliver coins." Ronan placed his bid when a man from the first floor called out. "From your voice, you must be young. Can you please do me a favour and let me have it?" He pleaded. Ronan cleared his throat. "Apologies, but I can't accept your request. I won't forfeit this item."

He was feeling pleased with himself. when another voice bids from above. "311 coins." Ronan's heart raced instantly upon hearing this. "Please, sir, as someone from the older generation, could you let this younger one have the item?" Roman said coaxial.

Drake, who placed the bid, disguised his voice since Ronan failed to recognise it the first time. "The younger generations these days are bold. Didn't your parents teach you that it's rude to coax a stranger?" Laughter erupted around the room, bruising Ronan's pride and leaving him embarrassed.

The lady rang the bell to quiet the crowd and call their attention. "The next item is the Storm Flash Infusion elixir. This elixir strengthens the flesh, increasing physical attack and endurance to some extent, making it suitable for warriors. The bidding starts at 400 sliver." Lily announced. Everyone started bidding. "310 sliver coins." "320 sliver coins." One of the academy seniors, Malachai, was seated inside one of the rooms on the second floor. "350 sliver coins." He bid as a bronze badge holder, closing out the ground-floor bidding. Griffin, as a fist user, also needs this elixir, prompting Ronan to place his bid. "350 sliver coins."

Malachai was reluctant but forced to speak. "Young friend. From the way you bid, I can tell you're a student from my academy. Could you please forfeit this bid to me?" He spoke with a voice full of pity, but Ronan, arrogant as usual, refused, insisting on having the elixir.

Meanwhile, in Drake's bidding room on the fourth floor. Mark turned to him. "Drake, can I take advantage of your badge to bid?" Drake smiled, giving him a thumbs up. "What did you mean, can you?" I brought you here so you can bid along with me. And it seems you are targeting him, so do as you please.""351 sliver coins." Mark bid, following Drake's lead.

This time Griffin recognised Mark's voice, letting Ronan know. Ronan gritted his teeth, angrily slamming the table in front of him. "Where did those bastards get a golden badge?" He muttered to himself, feeling his pride wounded, especially after addressing Drake as'sir' and trying to coax him earlier. "Hey you bastard, where did you get that badge from?You criminals." Ronan lost his composure, pointing his hands out of his room's vail.

Inside Drake's bidding room, everyone started laughing, including Xena, but Drake remained unfazed, determined to see this game to the end.