The Fearless VIP

"Three hundred gold coins!" the auctioneer said. "This map was made after a group of adventurers ventured towards the ruins in the black forest, only one of them returned, but he too soon succumbed to his death. The map has been confirmed by other people who have visited the area, but were not able to go in because of the mist. Any more bids?"

The map, while not that old and weathered, had frayed edges and some drops of what looked like blood on its surface.

"Any more bids?" the auctioneer said. However, no one said another word. Of course, this was because the one who bid was Federico Lux. Federico had the option to hide his identity, but this time around, he showed everyone who he was. Perhaps, it was because the people who joined the auction this time were not comparable to the other times that the auction was held.

Naturally, this was because of the current predicament that the Aster Empire was facing.