It took about half an hour before everyone was online.

The Chamber of Commerce's Chief Magical Technology Officer controlled the app. It had undergone countless tests and ran seamlessly.

Magical computers were expensive, intricate devices powered by masterfully crafted magical formations. These formations drew energy from pre-established mana reservoirs.

For a magic computer to function, it needed to be linked to a centralized magical mainframe. This central unit processed and synchronized all incoming data, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted video conference. Located at the Chamber of Commerce's headquarters, the mainframe drew its operational energy from mana sources maintained by the Chamber’s mages.

However, individual magic computers also consumed an immense amount of mana. Sustaining the formations and transmitting data to the central system required a continuous flow of energy—something not every participant could afford to provide on their own.

To solve this, most cities with a population exceeding 100,000—those directly governed by the Bloodstone family—had established mana reservoirs. These colossal arrays were designed to absorb mana from the atmosphere and refine it into a usable state. Citizens and businesses could subscribe to these reservoirs, receiving an allocated share of mana based on regulatory guidelines.

This was just one of the many advantages of living under the Bloodstone family's rule. With powerful magicians under their banner, they had pioneered advancements in magical technology, elevating the standard of living for those within their domain.

For centuries, the Bloodstones had sought to construct a nationwide mana network—a sprawling formation capable of transmitting both data and mana across vast distances at minimal cost. However, with only a single Golden Mage in their ranks and limited magical resources, progress had been painfully slow. Even after generations of effort, the project remained far from completion.

...

A few more minutes passed before the magical camera’s perspective displayed on the monitor shifted, revealing a man dressed in an immaculate white suit.

"Greetings, fellow members!" he declared, his voice steady and commanding. "Today, we hold our annual auction."

He offered a courteous nod before continuing, "I know everyone here is busy, so let’s get straight to it!"

"There are three tiers of items: White, Silver, and Gold. I will briefly summarize the details of the White-tier items and transmit all relevant information to you. You will have five minutes to review the data. Once that time is up, I will announce the starting bids."

His words were crisp, efficient—every syllable designed to maintain order and momentum. The auction had begun.

"For Silver-tier items, you will have ten minutes to review their details. For Gold-tier items, you will be given thirty minutes," the man in the white suit announced. "For each Silver and Gold-tier item, we will provide an extensive record, including its history, uses, analysis, experimental results, and any applicable restrictions."

"The identity of each bidder is strictly confidential. Rest assured, every bidder’s wealth has been verified by us, and we guarantee its authenticity."

Edric had visited the Chamber of Commerce a few days earlier and deposited his entire fortune—25,000,000 silver—for verification.

This system had been put in place due to past incidents where bidders placed offers beyond their means, causing severe disruptions. Now, with only a few exceptions, every participant had to confirm their wealth before participating.

The man in white continued, "Now, for our first item: a White-tier bottle containing one hundred Blood Purification Pills. The starting price is 100,000 silver!"

As he spoke, he gestured slightly, and the magic computer transmitted the detailed information to all participants. "You have five minutes to review the details!"

The items in the annual auction were never revealed beforehand. This rule had been implemented due to past complications. For example, members of the Bloodstone family had discovered an item they desperately needed in the auction listing. Unable to wait for auction day, they had gone directly to the Chamber of Commerce and purchased the item outright before bidding could even begin.

The Chamber, despite its power, could not resist the will of the Bloodstone family and was forced to comply. To prevent such incidents from repeating, a new system had been established—auction items would remain a secret until the event itself. Additionally, both buyers and sellers remained anonymous, with only one person—the Golden Knight overseeing the auction—knowing the true identities of the bidders. He was trusted beyond doubt and would never disclose such information.

Edric focused his mind, mentally commanding his magic computer to open the file on the Blood Purification Pills.

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100,000 silver was a steep price for a White-tier item. If it was this expensive, then these pills were far from ordinary.

Blood Purification Pills had a remarkable effect on Knights and Great Knights alike. Each pill could cleanse one’s veins, strengthen the body, alleviate internal injuries, accelerate physical training, sharpen the mind, and enhance overall health.

Beyond its role in knight training, the pill also had life-extending properties. When consumed by the elderly, it purifies their bodies, improves their vitality, and, in effect, prolongs their lifespan.

Although classified as a White-tier pill, its creation required magic and could only be concocted by highly skilled Great Mages.

History: This pill was crafted by the renowned Bloodstone Pill Workshop using exceptionally rare ingredients, which were both difficult to procure and limited in quantity. Typically, these pills were reserved for Knights of the Bloodstone family, rarely making their way into auctions or open markets.

Restrictions: Consumption was strictly limited to one pill per week. Excessive purification of the blood could lead to adverse effects, including overstimulation, which might ultimately harm the body. Other possible side effects included itching, headaches, and other minor discomforts.

Edric skimmed through the rest of the details but didn’t bother reading further. He quickly deduced the true reason behind the steep price—the pill’s life-extending effects for the elderly.

As for its benefits in knight training, they were decent but nowhere near 100,000 silver in value. For Edric, the pill held no real use.

...

The five-minute review period ended.

The man in the white suit straightened and spoke with authority. "Now, we begin the bidding! Each bid must be at least 10,000 silver higher than the previous offer!"

The moment he finished speaking, a bidder wasted no time.

"110,000!" announced Bidder No. 18.

Edric sighed. "Spending 110,000 silver for just a few White-tier pills…"

To put this into perspective, the average Great Knight earned around 5,000 silver annually. That meant this single bottle of pills was worth the salary of a Great Knight for twenty years!

Clearly, no one was purchasing this for knight training. It was obvious—the pill’s true value lay in prolonging life. After all, not everyone had the means to hire talented mages like Renata.

"120,000!" bid No. 6.

"150,000!" bid No. 64.

A brief pause, then—

"500,000!" bid No. 18 again.

After the last bid of 300,000 silver, no one else placed an offer.

The auctioneer gave a final glance across the room.

"500,000 is the highest bid. Any challengers?" He paused dramatically. "Going once… going twice… Sold! To Bidder No. 18!"

A soft chime echoed, sealing the deal.

Edric exhaled. 500,000 silver—for a White-tier item. He shook his head. If nothing else, tonight's auction was proving to be more interesting than he had expected.

Seeing the prices soar, Edric felt foolish for thinking he could make a real impact with his 25,000,000 silver.

These were just White-tier pills, yet they sold for 500,000!

If a spellbook were to appear in the auction, he couldn’t even begin to imagine how high the bids would go.

"These people are absurdly rich," he muttered to himself. Compared to them, the Darkwind and Windwalker families were practically destitute.

The auctioneer's voice echoed through the magical transmission.

"The next item is another White-tier treasure—fifteen seeds of the Magic Apple Fruit! The starting price is 15,000 silver!"

He gestured slightly, and the magical system sent out the detailed description.

"You have five minutes to review the information!"

Edric opened the file.

Magic Apple Fruits have slight healing properties, refresh the mind, and—most importantly—are delicious. Regular consumption enhances spirit and mental clarity, while also reducing the risk of contracting common illnesses…

Edric stopped reading.

"Completely useless."

Five minutes passed.

"Now, we begin the bidding!" the auctioneer announced. "Each bid must be at least 1,500 silver higher than the last!"

"20,000!" bid No. 64.

"22,000!" bid No. 17.

…

"59,500!" bid No. 100.

A few seconds of silence followed. No one else raised their bid.

"Sold! To Bidder No. 100!" the auctioneer declared.

Without pause, he moved on.

"The next item is another White-tier treasure—Blue Soil, an enriched magical earth capable of cultivating rare fruits and plants…"

And so it continued.

For over four hours, the auctioneer presented White-tier items one after another. Some were intriguing, but Edric wasn’t here for interesting trinkets—he wanted spellbooks and nothing else.

At last, the man in white raised a hand.

"We will now take a one-hour break before resuming."

...

An hour later, the video conference restarted. The air felt charged with anticipation.

The auctioneer's voice rang out with renewed energy.

"Everyone, the moment has arrived!" he declared.

"I will now announce our first Silver-tier item!"

"The first Silver-tier item is the Ring of Shadow!" the man in the white suit announced.

"With this ring, the wearer can create one shadow clone per day—without any mana cost!" His voice carried weight, ensuring every participant understood the significance.

"Even those without knight or mage cultivation can use it! A truly rare artifact!"

He let the moment sink in before continuing.

"I will now provide an extensive record, including its history, uses, analysis, experimental results, and any applicable restrictions. You have ten minutes to review the details and decide whether to bid!"

Edric's eyes sharpened as he opened the file.

His interest piqued immediately.

A shadow clone could be useful… very useful.