It is inherent for the hue and consistency of mana to vary, contingent upon the object or individual attributes. However, there exists a discernible perception when a certain threshold has undeniably been traversed, culminating in a metamorphosed mana essence.
This alteration in the fundamental essence of mana becomes distinctly palpable to Lennok, who has attained a mastery over it.
In serene contemplation of an object radiating mana, Lennok grasps an adjacent pen and records a numeral beneath it.
Jenny verifies the identity of the object and displays a mildly astonished countenance.
“Van, you don’t need a lighter.”
A torch of flame, akin to a silver-shining finger. Can it rightfully be referred to as such, for its capacity to conjure dancing fires?
Though it radiates a faint aura of mana, ensconced within an antique gold frame, its allure is not particularly conspicuous.
Apart from Lennok, a handful of others have inscribed their numerals beneath it, ostensibly more captivated by its design than its intrinsic value.
Yet, Lennok managed to unearth a fragment of truth concealed within this subtle mana.
A transmutation in the essence of mana, specifically a finely honed manifestation of fire-based mana.
Likely, the flame that this lighter could yield is far from mundane.
‘Attribute-based transformation. Given how stable the essence of the mana is, it’s probably a product of Magic Tower.’
Should one embark on a quest for the Magic Tower, renowned for their expertise in fire magic, they could conceivably trace the origins of this artifact.
However, Lennok’s fascination lay more with the mystical essence harbored within the lighter itself.
‘If I study the transformation of this mana and reverse-engineer it, could I also touch upon fire-based magic?’
Fire magic stands as one of the most potent schools of magical energy, characterized by its capacity for destruction and incineration, marked by its potent firepower and extensive reach.
While labeling it magic from a utilitarian perspective might be cumbersome, its distinctive and formidable potency proves irresistible to wizards.
It’s no coincidence that pyromancers are the most sought-after in times of warfare.
Until now, delving deep into fire magic hadn’t seized Lennok’s interest, but there was no reason to spurn the opportunity that now lay before him.
Lennok continued to submit bids for objects that emitted an enigmatic aura of mana.
All the items on the ground floor were subject to a confidential auction, thus inscribing a reasonable price and obtaining whatever he could secure seemed sufficient.
Jenny, who had been observing Lennok, quipped with an astounded chuckle,
“It seems like you’re enjoying this auction more than I am.”
“Why not take advantage when I can? It’s an opportunity to get artifacts at an advantage.”
Lennok’s VIP status affords him the luxury of trading and bidding incognito, streamlining the acquisition of intriguing items without attracting undue attention.
Objects that stirred Lennok’s mana sensibilities were seldom ordinary.
Even if merely one among them could serve as a foundation for substantial magical inquiry, that alone would constitute noteworthy gain.
“It’s time. Let’s head to the third floor.”
While they had already achieved their initial aims by securing a ticket to meet a potion maker via Liam, the prices for first-floor items would only be revealed following the grand auction on the third floor.
Both Jenny and Lennok concurred that, given their VIP status within the auction house, they might as well savor the main auction on the third floor.
VIP quarters on the third level offered a panoramic view of the central auction unfolding on the second floor, affording a more leisurely perspective above the bustling throng below.
In case of a tie in bids at identical sums, VIPs held precedence. With this privilege, those visiting these quarters were unlikely to forfeit what they sought.
Lennok observed other attendees scattered around the chamber, all adorned with masks like his own, and he subtly acknowledged their presence.
‘What kind of power is this…?’
The ambiance exuding from each individual seemed to affirm that this assembly wasn’t open to just anyone.
It wasn’t solely their expansive mana; it was rather the distinctive, robust, or incisive aura each emanated.
This served as proof that they weren’t mere ordinary individuals but rather those who had tirelessly trained and refined themselves.
Curiously enough, Jenny, with her relatively modest mana, stood out in this setting.
As Lennok and Jenny entered the room, arms crossed, the gazes of the others briefly converged upon them before dispersing.
This was achievable due to both Jenny and Lennok concealing their mana to a certain extent.
Not even Evelyn Marcia could discern that Lennok was maintaining a concealed identity. As long as Lennok abstained from revealing his status, there was no peril of his identity being unveiled.
They located a suitably quiet corner and settled into their seats.
Once seated, they employed magic to block any sounds, ensuring their conversation remained private.
Jenny naturally began speaking as soon as she received the signal that the magic barrier was effective.
“Today, I heard that the items are especially good, so a lot of famous people have come.”
“You recognize them even with masks?”
“Of course. Just because they’re covering the upper part of their faces doesn’t mean they’re unrecognizable. VIPs wear masks to hide their identity from people on the lower floors, not from those gathered here. Look closely.”
Jenny discreetly indicated two men positioned diagonally behind them.
“See those two guys? They aren’t even bothering to hide the tattoos on their necks. They’re the Ju siblings of the Luohedan (六和團), famous in this city for their loan-sharking business. They’re competent and influential enough to sustain their operations.”
Lennok’s gaze deepened as he confirmed the presence of the two.
As Jenny evaluated, their emitted mana is extremely stable. They’re sitting in a casual posture, but their breaths showed no gaps.
Thoroughly trained warriors. Their skill is evident without needing verification.
Lennok wondered how many minutes it would take to kill them if confronted head-on.
They certainly didn’t appear as easy adversaries.
“Over there is the director of the Klaiburg Art Museum, one of the renowned illusionists. The woman leaning against the wall recently flowed into this city as a war mercenary. She’s decided on her destination after receiving dozens of love calls.”
“……”
“The woman sitting alone on the left is a famous pianist who can hold a solo concert at the City Council Hall. She has hundreds of thousands of fans, but she also has a twisted hobby of human collection. Those who need to know, know.”
Even when discussing unrelated individuals, Jenny managed to ignite intrigue.
As a broker, she adeptly utilized her extensive network and knowledge, transitioning seamlessly from one topic to the next, ensuring no dull moments.
Thanks to her, Lennok found himself engaged while awaiting the commencement of the auction, swiftly grasping the identities of the VIPs surrounding him.
They were either proprietors of their enterprises or affiliated with renowned organizations.
With a certain level of skill, lingering in the freelance realm didn’t offer a significant advantage.
A freelancing lifestyle couldn’t be sustained indefinitely.
At some point, Lennok would have to make a decision, whether to establish his own venture under his name or align himself with an organization.
As he lost himself in contemplation, Jenny resumed speaking.
“Sitting at the very back is… ah, the Arasha Expedition Team. They’re an artifact exploration team that has gained fame over the past few years with their accomplishments, although they haven’t achieved much this quarter. There were rumors that they were involved in a big dispute, so it’s been a while since they’ve appeared at such an event.”
As Jenny murmured, tilting her head slightly, the auction commenced.
The host, who had been animatedly addressing the audience from the stage, stepped aside, unveiling the first item from behind a heavy curtain.
[And now, we will begin the PG-47 regular auction!! The first item we’ll introduce to you is the ‘Scales of Twilight’!]
[This item was originally owned by a very renowned collector who decided to part with it just this once for some personal financial reasons. You all know what that means, right? This is a one-day-only opportunity.]
Lennok squinted his eyes upon beholding the gleaming gray scales unveiled by the host.
Despite being a bit distant, the scales appeared so intricate that Lennok struggled to readily discern their nature, seemingly composed of a fusion of mystical energies.
Particularly intriguing was the energy swirling around both sides of the scales—a variety he had never encountered before—making it arduous to fathom its attributes.
Given the scales’ inherent nature, they might serve as an instrument for gauging the value or concept of something.
As his contemplation unfolded, the bidding commenced.
“200 million cells.”
“300 million.”
“500 million.”
“850 million.”
Voices erupted from all directions, precipitating an instantaneous surge in the price.
Jenny, situated beside him, whispered in a hushed tone.
“They’ve brought quite a significant item to open the auction.”
“Do you know what those scales are?”
“A famous art curator owned them. They were generally used to discern the quality of artworks. I’ve heard it has a very high magical affinity, so many people coveted it. The price will probably go up even more here.”
“That’s crazy…”
The scales, having quickly breached the 1 billion Cells mark, eventually found their possessor—a middle-aged woman occupying a VIP seat on the third floor—her bid far exceeding the initial offers.
Buoyed by the unexpected price surge of the initial item, the host proceeded to introduce subsequent lots, and fervent participants continued to ardently engage in bidding.
A pocket watch meticulously crafted by a defunct artisan, an antiquated historical tome with over half its pages missing.
Even artifacts incorporating elusive spatiotemporal spells that Lennok had encountered during his freelance pursuits.
Inevitably, Lennok joined the bidding, only to be swiftly outpaced by the skyrocketing figures.
“Tsk…”
Beside him, an exasperated Lennok received a rueful headshake from Jenny.
“To buy such items, you need to diligently gather funds and thoroughly plan. Otherwise, the wealthy gathered here will snatch them up.”
Even at this stage, nothing fell into Lennok’s lap with ease.
The financial currents in the sprawling megacity of Vulcan were astronomical, yet Lennok had yet to fully harness their momentum.
Merely toiling diligently as a freelancer wouldn’t remedy the situation.
A more foundational solution was imperative.
As Lennok drifted in thought, the auction, previously fervent, neared its zenith.
[We’ve kept you waiting!! We will now introduce the most valuable item in this auction house today……!!]
The announcer’s voice trembled with exhilaration, and other VIPs in attendance exchanged hushed conversations.
Lennok, too, inclined his head slightly, captivated by the emanation of magical energy from behind the curtain.
‘White… healing spells? It feels incredibly unfamiliar… but astonishingly refined. This is more than just a change in properties, it’s as if…’
As though embedding a domain directly into the artifact would generate such energy.
This intimated that the forthcoming item would merit the attention of a wizard of level 6 or above, by Lennok’s estimation.
With a flourish, the curtain was drawn wide, flooding everyone’s vision with brilliant white light.
For an instant, the sight of every attendee was engulfed, and the announcer’s jubilant voice reverberated loudly.
[From the Arasha Expedition Team Leader, Irina Pheffield, the artifact symbolizing her, the ‘Compassion of the Archangel’!!]’
What manifested before all present was a staff, its proportions akin to a forearm, suffused in pure white.
A divine white aura enveloped it, while a pair of iridescent white wings unfurled on either side of the staff.
Not illusory, but genuinely corporeal wings gently flapped, sustaining the staff in midair.
Its mere presence testified to its extraordinary nature, and the radiant gemstone nestled at its tip refined its aesthetic to the pinnacle.
Among the array of artifacts Lennok had encountered, this stood as a top-tier specimen. Its exceptional quality was unmistakable—it clearly embodied the most precious item within this auction house.
It is inherent for the hue and consistency of mana to vary, contingent upon the object or individual attributes. However, there exists a discernible perception when a certain threshold has undeniably been traversed, culminating in a metamorphosed mana essence.
This alteration in the fundamental essence of mana becomes distinctly palpable to Lennok, who has attained a mastery over it.
In serene contemplation of an object radiating mana, Lennok grasps an adjacent pen and records a numeral beneath it.
Jenny verifies the identity of the object and displays a mildly astonished countenance.
“Van, you don’t need a lighter.”
A torch of flame, akin to a silver-shining finger. Can it rightfully be referred to as such, for its capacity to conjure dancing fires?
Though it radiates a faint aura of mana, ensconced within an antique gold frame, its allure is not particularly conspicuous.
Apart from Lennok, a handful of others have inscribed their numerals beneath it, ostensibly more captivated by its design than its intrinsic value.
Yet, Lennok managed to unearth a fragment of truth concealed within this subtle mana.
A transmutation in the essence of mana, specifically a finely honed manifestation of fire-based mana.
Likely, the flame that this lighter could yield is far from mundane.
‘Attribute-based transformation. Given how stable the essence of the mana is, it’s probably a product of Magic Tower.’
Should one embark on a quest for the Magic Tower, renowned for their expertise in fire magic, they could conceivably trace the origins of this artifact.
However, Lennok’s fascination lay more with the mystical essence harbored within the lighter itself.
‘If I study the transformation of this mana and reverse-engineer it, could I also touch upon fire-based magic?’
Fire magic stands as one of the most potent schools of magical energy, characterized by its capacity for destruction and incineration, marked by its potent firepower and extensive reach.
While labeling it magic from a utilitarian perspective might be cumbersome, its distinctive and formidable potency proves irresistible to wizards.
It’s no coincidence that pyromancers are the most sought-after in times of warfare.
Until now, delving deep into fire magic hadn’t seized Lennok’s interest, but there was no reason to spurn the opportunity that now lay before him.
Lennok continued to submit bids for objects that emitted an enigmatic aura of mana.
All the items on the ground floor were subject to a confidential auction, thus inscribing a reasonable price and obtaining whatever he could secure seemed sufficient.
Jenny, who had been observing Lennok, quipped with an astounded chuckle,
“It seems like you’re enjoying this auction more than I am.”
“Why not take advantage when I can? It’s an opportunity to get artifacts at an advantage.”
Lennok’s VIP status affords him the luxury of trading and bidding incognito, streamlining the acquisition of intriguing items without attracting undue attention.
Objects that stirred Lennok’s mana sensibilities were seldom ordinary.
Even if merely one among them could serve as a foundation for substantial magical inquiry, that alone would constitute noteworthy gain.
“It’s time. Let’s head to the third floor.”
While they had already achieved their initial aims by securing a ticket to meet a potion maker via Liam, the prices for first-floor items would only be revealed following the grand auction on the third floor.
Both Jenny and Lennok concurred that, given their VIP status within the auction house, they might as well savor the main auction on the third floor.
VIP quarters on the third level offered a panoramic view of the central auction unfolding on the second floor, affording a more leisurely perspective above the bustling throng below.
In case of a tie in bids at identical sums, VIPs held precedence. With this privilege, those visiting these quarters were unlikely to forfeit what they sought.
Lennok observed other attendees scattered around the chamber, all adorned with masks like his own, and he subtly acknowledged their presence.
‘What kind of power is this…?’
The ambiance exuding from each individual seemed to affirm that this assembly wasn’t open to just anyone.
It wasn’t solely their expansive mana; it was rather the distinctive, robust, or incisive aura each emanated.
This served as proof that they weren’t mere ordinary individuals but rather those who had tirelessly trained and refined themselves.
Curiously enough, Jenny, with her relatively modest mana, stood out in this setting.
As Lennok and Jenny entered the room, arms crossed, the gazes of the others briefly converged upon them before dispersing.
This was achievable due to both Jenny and Lennok concealing their mana to a certain extent.
Not even Evelyn Marcia could discern that Lennok was maintaining a concealed identity. As long as Lennok abstained from revealing his status, there was no peril of his identity being unveiled.
They located a suitably quiet corner and settled into their seats.
Once seated, they employed magic to block any sounds, ensuring their conversation remained private.
Jenny naturally began speaking as soon as she received the signal that the magic barrier was effective.
“Today, I heard that the items are especially good, so a lot of famous people have come.”
“You recognize them even with masks?”
“Of course. Just because they’re covering the upper part of their faces doesn’t mean they’re unrecognizable. VIPs wear masks to hide their identity from people on the lower floors, not from those gathered here. Look closely.”
Jenny discreetly indicated two men positioned diagonally behind them.
“See those two guys? They aren’t even bothering to hide the tattoos on their necks. They’re the Ju siblings of the Luohedan (六和團), famous in this city for their loan-sharking business. They’re competent and influential enough to sustain their operations.”
Lennok’s gaze deepened as he confirmed the presence of the two.
As Jenny evaluated, their emitted mana is extremely stable. They’re sitting in a casual posture, but their breaths showed no gaps.
Thoroughly trained warriors. Their skill is evident without needing verification.
Lennok wondered how many minutes it would take to kill them if confronted head-on.
They certainly didn’t appear as easy adversaries.
“Over there is the director of the Klaiburg Art Museum, one of the renowned illusionists. The woman leaning against the wall recently flowed into this city as a war mercenary. She’s decided on her destination after receiving dozens of love calls.”
“……”
“The woman sitting alone on the left is a famous pianist who can hold a solo concert at the City Council Hall. She has hundreds of thousands of fans, but she also has a twisted hobby of human collection. Those who need to know, know.”
Even when discussing unrelated individuals, Jenny managed to ignite intrigue.
As a broker, she adeptly utilized her extensive network and knowledge, transitioning seamlessly from one topic to the next, ensuring no dull moments.
Thanks to her, Lennok found himself engaged while awaiting the commencement of the auction, swiftly grasping the identities of the VIPs surrounding him.
They were either proprietors of their enterprises or affiliated with renowned organizations.
With a certain level of skill, lingering in the freelance realm didn’t offer a significant advantage.
A freelancing lifestyle couldn’t be sustained indefinitely.
At some point, Lennok would have to make a decision, whether to establish his own venture under his name or align himself with an organization.
As he lost himself in contemplation, Jenny resumed speaking.
“Sitting at the very back is… ah, the Arasha Expedition Team. They’re an artifact exploration team that has gained fame over the past few years with their accomplishments, although they haven’t achieved much this quarter. There were rumors that they were involved in a big dispute, so it’s been a while since they’ve appeared at such an event.”
As Jenny murmured, tilting her head slightly, the auction commenced.
The host, who had been animatedly addressing the audience from the stage, stepped aside, unveiling the first item from behind a heavy curtain.
[And now, we will begin the PG-47 regular auction!! The first item we’ll introduce to you is the ‘Scales of Twilight’!]
[This item was originally owned by a very renowned collector who decided to part with it just this once for some personal financial reasons. You all know what that means, right? This is a one-day-only opportunity.]
Lennok squinted his eyes upon beholding the gleaming gray scales unveiled by the host.
Despite being a bit distant, the scales appeared so intricate that Lennok struggled to readily discern their nature, seemingly composed of a fusion of mystical energies.
Particularly intriguing was the energy swirling around both sides of the scales—a variety he had never encountered before—making it arduous to fathom its attributes.
Given the scales’ inherent nature, they might serve as an instrument for gauging the value or concept of something.
As his contemplation unfolded, the bidding commenced.
“200 million cells.”
“300 million.”
“500 million.”
“850 million.”
Voices erupted from all directions, precipitating an instantaneous surge in the price.
Jenny, situated beside him, whispered in a hushed tone.
“They’ve brought quite a significant item to open the auction.”
“Do you know what those scales are?”
“A famous art curator owned them. They were generally used to discern the quality of artworks. I’ve heard it has a very high magical affinity, so many people coveted it. The price will probably go up even more here.”
“That’s crazy…”
The scales, having quickly breached the 1 billion Cells mark, eventually found their possessor—a middle-aged woman occupying a VIP seat on the third floor—her bid far exceeding the initial offers.
Buoyed by the unexpected price surge of the initial item, the host proceeded to introduce subsequent lots, and fervent participants continued to ardently engage in bidding.
A pocket watch meticulously crafted by a defunct artisan, an antiquated historical tome with over half its pages missing.
Even artifacts incorporating elusive spatiotemporal spells that Lennok had encountered during his freelance pursuits.
Inevitably, Lennok joined the bidding, only to be swiftly outpaced by the skyrocketing figures.
“Tsk…”
Beside him, an exasperated Lennok received a rueful headshake from Jenny.
“To buy such items, you need to diligently gather funds and thoroughly plan. Otherwise, the wealthy gathered here will snatch them up.”
Even at this stage, nothing fell into Lennok’s lap with ease.
The financial currents in the sprawling megacity of Vulcan were astronomical, yet Lennok had yet to fully harness their momentum.
Merely toiling diligently as a freelancer wouldn’t remedy the situation.
A more foundational solution was imperative.
As Lennok drifted in thought, the auction, previously fervent, neared its zenith.
[We’ve kept you waiting!! We will now introduce the most valuable item in this auction house today……!!]
The announcer’s voice trembled with exhilaration, and other VIPs in attendance exchanged hushed conversations.
Lennok, too, inclined his head slightly, captivated by the emanation of magical energy from behind the curtain.
‘White… healing spells? It feels incredibly unfamiliar… but astonishingly refined. This is more than just a change in properties, it’s as if…’
As though embedding a domain directly into the artifact would generate such energy.
This intimated that the forthcoming item would merit the attention of a wizard of level 6 or above, by Lennok’s estimation.
With a flourish, the curtain was drawn wide, flooding everyone’s vision with brilliant white light.
For an instant, the sight of every attendee was engulfed, and the announcer’s jubilant voice reverberated loudly.
[From the Arasha Expedition Team Leader, Irina Pheffield, the artifact symbolizing her, the ‘Compassion of the Archangel’!!]’
What manifested before all present was a staff, its proportions akin to a forearm, suffused in pure white.
A divine white aura enveloped it, while a pair of iridescent white wings unfurled on either side of the staff.
Not illusory, but genuinely corporeal wings gently flapped, sustaining the staff in midair.
Its mere presence testified to its extraordinary nature, and the radiant gemstone nestled at its tip refined its aesthetic to the pinnacle.
Among the array of artifacts Lennok had encountered, this stood as a top-tier specimen. Its exceptional quality was unmistakable—it clearly embodied the most precious item within this auction house.
