EPISODE 137: REMEMBRANCE & AUCTION 1
— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.
The sky above was dark with heavy clouds that threatened to burst at any moment. The chill of the Final Ending was approaching as the season of Color Fading well and truly entered its middle point. The temperature change didn’t bother the magi-humans. Instead, they dressed appropriately for the colder weather. Hundreds, thousands, moved through the palace grounds. Some connected with [Priestess of Madris] to offer incense and worship to their ancestors, and others listened to speeches given in remembrance of key rulers of the Edryan State. King Darius — The Legend, Princess Carina — Carnage One, King Lord Deveni Kangius Edryani, King Ty Impex Roland Edryani, and much, much more were discussed in great relish by the [Scholars] and [Historians] in charge of keeping such records.
Food, dance, and even mock battles took place as scenes of the past were enacted. Yet, as the time reached noon, a change overcame many of the participants. Those of status and whose families were long since established in Edryan began to remove themselves one by one from the various halls scattered on the palace grounds. The population browsing through the grounds dimmed, but it was not significant enough to be extremely noticeable. Only those who wished to catch the attention of a Great House or any of the stronger middling houses noticed this departure.
The multitude of hair colors that signified a member of this house or that began to vanish. No matter, as they began to disappear all in one direction. Each entered a circular hall that was slightly removed from the main halls where the Ancestral Remembrance was taking place. Once they arrived at the doors, they would present a letter of invitation to the high-level guards at the hall’s entrance. A few of the more minor nobles attempted to weasel their way in, only to be strong-armed back. To enter this hall… was by invitation only.
Those who entered were greeted by exquisitely beautiful men and women, who led them to their assigned rooms. From there, these men and women would be at the beck and call of the room's inhabitants, ensuring that their needs were met.
An auction was taking place, one that excited every single Great House of Edryan to no end. The value of goods here would have friends turning to enemies, competitors turned into the fiercest of opponents, and these goods could very well change the power dynamic within the self-proclaimed Great Edryan.
Today was the Ancestral Remembrance ceremony, but it was also the Edryani Auction where the famed Edryani Honey and other variants would be sold. The famed honey, alongside items submitted by other parties, would be displayed one by one—the value only increasing as time passed.
Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani — Chosen of Madris, Forefather of Edryan Innovation, and much, much more stood at the very height of the building, watching. The only rooms beneath him were those occupied by the Great Houses. Beneath them were those middling houses whose history did not extend as far as the prior. Yet, even still, they too wished to participate in the auction at the slim chance of purchasing an item that would help elevate their family’s status.
Power was in the air, enough that the mana of the world acted erratically. Burst of lightning crackled through the sky and the atmospheres pressure seemed heavy in the direct area. The power of Edryan was gathered in one room—should anything happen to the people inside, then a significant portion of the countries rulers would vanish. Fortunately, the domains of three powerful women spread throughout the venue, ensuring that those who may hold any ideas discard them immediately. Outside of them, four other powerful auras were present as the Prestige [Heroes] made themselves known. Them, alongside a host of strong guards who patrol the outside, ensured that there would be no trouble present.
If all the aforementioned wasn’t enough, then the powerful aura the [Chosen of Madris] spread himself verified that even the eyes of the Goddess were present, although who knew which of Her Three Faces were watching.
“Y-y-your Highness Lawruthian,” Bucca said, strained from the intense aura’s present. “Perhaps we can lessen the…,” she paused, choosing her words carefully. “…aura of those present. It will affect the guest of the auction.”
“Goddess knows, it’s already affecting me,” Bucca whispered.
Immediately, the overbearing aura the [Chosen of Madris] radiated lessoned by a significant degree, and, following his example, many decided to withdraw their auras until it was only in a small circle encompassing their rooms.
“Thank you,” Bucca said, rolling her eyes at the mirth in Lawruthian’s eyes.
“Is everything ready?”
“Who do you think I am? Of course, all items are present and accounted for. We can begin the auction at any point unless you prefer to give one of your… impressive speeches beforehand,” Bucca finished sarcastically.
Lawruthian chuckled at the sarcasm of his [Vice-President of LSG], but the heavy bags covered by half-assed make-up showed the work and effort she put in to ensure the success of this auction. “The show is yours Bucca. After this auction, I wish to speak with you privately.”
Bucca gave an unenthusiastic salute before excusing herself. The Edryani Auction was something she’d directly set up and supervised, as she did with all monetary goods Lawruthian sold. Just as she was closing the door, leaving Lawruthian to himself, he called her.
“Wait,” he said, moving toward the sky-elf. “Here, our resident [The Alchemist] came up with this tincture a while back.”
Bucca took the small vial and examined it, both using the skill and her regular senses. The vial was almost the length of her middle finger, and a dark liquid was within.
“Espresso… Shot,” she said slowly, examining the item. Her eyes widened at the effects. “You’ve been holding out good stuff on me Lawruthian… do you know how much I could sell this for?”
Immediately she downed the contents of the vial and the dark, heavy bags under her eyes faded until a bright, nearly jumping sky-elf stood before him.
“Better?”
“Much, I knew that bastard Prirro Nepos held out on me.”
“He’s unable to make much as it’s extremely complicated to extract the necessary caffeine and energize it with mana in that manner, but he’s working on a solution—don’t blame him too much,” Lawruthian said, smiling. “The floor is yours Bucca, but be careful.”
Bucca’s face took on a serious expression. “I will. Give me ten—no, five minutes, and we’ll begin.”
“Take as much time as you need. Those who know what they are here for will wait.”
Bucca nodded and slowly she left—this time her shoulders were held high and a pep was in her step. Now, the [Chosen of Madris] was truly alone as he gazed down on the stage.
The hall was arranged into a half circle with a center stage in which the speaker of the auction would be stationed. The lights pointing to the stage were dim, as many of the lights within the hall were. Lawruthian took his seat, his fingers calmly tapping the armrest of his chair.
Tap.
…
Tap.
…
Tap.
…
Tap.
…
Ancestral Remembrance, to remember and honors one's ancestors. There were several who helped shaped Lawruthian’s impression of Edryan and what a leader of this great state was supposed to be. As Lawruthian watched the auction proceedings he thought of these great figures and offered them thanks and worship.
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The lights of the hall brightened ever so slowly and the chatter that was taking place began to decrease. The inhabitants of the venue excited about the actions within the hall knew this could only mean one thing. The auction was beginning.
King Darius — The Legend, he was killed in the year 3456 at the hands of Ogun, but not until he slayed the God's son in battle. It was proclaimed they fought against one another for days as the earth and sea churned and the armies of magi and sea giants clashed.
“Welcome Ladies, Lords, all of sufficient renown to appear at the great Edryani Auction. You may address me as Bucca Skywalker—some of you have met me in person and know me to be the Vice-President of Law’s Sweet Golems, know that today, I will be the representative of your host, His Highness Lawruthian Edryani — Chosen of Madris.”
The Battle of Oceans Depths was a tale Lawruthian relished in during his youth. For it told a tale of heroism like no other. King Darius, standing at two meters tall, faced against the sea giant Oogoon, who stood at twelve meters. Together, they fought as each ascended into demigod-hood. The start of the conflict wasn’t clear, long-lost to the sands of time, but it was well known the Musa Clan called for aid from the Edryani. This was during a time the Edryani didn’t fully rule the vast territory of Edryan. A time when different groups of magi-humans formed city-states and governed themselves. That governance and mentality was part of the reason Edryan was in its current form.
“Our first item for today’s auction is a small troop of aquatic type golems,” Bucca moved to the side as a troop of fifty golems marched forward. They were aquiline-blue with armor ridges descending downward like waves that served as patterns in their construction. Each golem held what appeared to be a spear gun as one arm and a trident in the other.
“These are exquisitely crafted golems by House Carter, using the (Carter Infusion) to give each life. It is well known their proprietary infusion spell allows the golems to gain greater intelligence than what is usually seen throughout Edryan lands. These golems can do multiple tasks—from defense, securing rare and precious sea materials to slaying aquatic beast, and more. They can form several formations and together can use synergistic skills. The starting price of these golems all together will be one large platinum coin.”
Lawruthian watch closely. “It seems the Carters won the honor to starting us off. One large platinum… hmm… just a bit under a hundred and fifty grand back on earth. Let’s see how much we can drain from these fat sheep.”
Immediately after Bucca stopped talking, the bids began.
“Thank you, King Darius… may your Promised Land be everlasting. May you find a new journey… a new start.”
Lawruthian thank King Darius for teaching him what it meant to be strong. For how could one battle for days, slay their opponent and achieve demigod-hood, not be strong? King Darius held various ideals and principles that Lawruthian followed today. Like him, they both shared a spirit of adventure.
“Sold for four large platinums to room one hundred twenty-nine. Our next item is the core of a peak platinum ranked beast—slain before it could begin its transformation into a calamity. Many of you may wonder the nature of this core, know that it belongs to the rarest of them all, Life!”
Immediately, the people in the room began to shift. A beast that specialized in the life affinity was exceedingly rare as most possessed more… destructive elements.
“This core belongs to a [Slehp Basilisk — ★ ★ ★ ★ ]. The starting price of this will be one large platinum.” The crown did not showcase anything of little value within its auction. Everything that would be displayed would have similar starting prices.
This time the calls were much more urgent for the core of the basilisk. A creature of its might could easily take out a town of ten thousand solely based on its strength alone.
“One large platinum, two small.”
“Two large platinum.”
“Two large platinum, one small.”
“Six large platinum.”
“Seven large…”
Princess Carina — Carnage One, was by far the most important historical figure Lawruthian studied during his childhood. Even without the close connection of her being his great-grandmother, the [Chosen] would have sought more knowledge about her. She was the closes demigod Edryan held in recent history. Of course, today that was no longer the case, as not one but three figures rose to such status.
“Sold for ten large platinums to room two hundred four.”
The item was quickly taken away and an exchange between its new owner and the auction personal would happen shortly. Bucca continued passionately. She seemed to get more fired up as each item was sold, and her aura was visibly becoming stronger.
The reason Lawruthian took such a strong interest in his great-grandmother was for her class, title, and mindset in a time when such ways of thinking were rare. In the seven thousand years of history Edryan held, very few rulers truly attempted to help [Commoners] rise out of their status and their namesake. These men and women, who constitute the vast majority of the population, only gained two class attribute points per level—only the greater six attributes kept them afloat in the world. Their bloodlines were thin and at most these people would gain ten attribute points in total per level up. In the eyes of most nobles, they were only useful for menial tasks and no more. Thus, the [Worker] class was born.
“Now,” Bucca paused for emphasis and to build anticipation. “…we will auction just five bottles of[Edryani Honey]. Please note that different amounts will be sold throughout the auction AND every house is only allowed a single winning bid. Should you bid now and win the five bottles, no other bid will be accepted from your room. The starting price for these bottles is one large platinum.”
“Twelve large platinum,” a voice called, barely allowing Bucca to finish.
It came from one of the lower rooms and showed that no great house offered a bid. The price was astronomical, and immediately exceeded any of the previous bids, yet another voice spoke just as quickly.
“Fourteen large platinum, two small.”
“Fifteen large platinum, one small.”
Competition was fierce and unlike the goods submitted by various houses to be sold on this grand stage, all proceeds would go to the prince himself. The very prince who ignored this minor bid to focus on giving thanks to his ancestors. The reason behind this competition was the bottlenecks people faced. The higher one level was, the harder and harder it became to progress farther. A bottle of this famed honey was able to create a realistic illusion related to their class and help them proceed to the next level. To some this bottleneck would be broken afterwards and they would excel far until the next one. To others it would take multiple bottoms to progress—no matter, so long as they secured attribute points that feeling of ecstasy the long missed would be returned. Their Vitality would extend and give them a few more months, if not years of living.
“Seventeen large platinum.”
The crowd grew silent at this call and Bucca took this as her cue. The item she just sold could fund a barony for a year. Her eyes flashed the color of coins, and she struggled not to rub her hands together deviously. During her enslavement under the Oni, it was Bucca who was responsible for managing some of their finances. Once she was gifted to Lawruthian and became the Vice President of LSG, the legendary class offered skills that accelerated her to an entirely new stage.
When Princess Carina looked at the [Commoners], what she saw was an untapped market waiting to be explored. Did these people receive the worst classes because they were not as smart as a noble? Was it their lack of ability in a sole class type that held them from breaking the shackles of the [Commoner] status? No. Attributes did enhance your mental capabilities but as Lawruthian learned and continued to learn… they only enhanced what was already there. Given the chance, commoners children could achieve some of the same results as noble children, if not better. They only lacked the opportunity and ability to gain the knowledge of hirer tiered classes. Princess Carina dedicated herself to improving the life of the lowest rung of people in Edryan… and for that, she was beloved all the way until she reached demigod-hood. At least, that was what Lawruthian believed.
“What an exciting deal that just occurred. Our next item is one that its next possessor must be cautioned on. For it is a vehicle only in its theoretical phase—let me present to you the Imp Aero Generation Zero.”
Intrigued whispers sounded through the hall as a small craft was displayed. It held four small vertical wings that formed a sideways X-shape. It was painted in sky-blue and golden colors while its name was printed on the sides in large, white fonts. An oval glass dome covered the top but showed enough room within for two passengers.
Bucca’s blues eyes showed with passion, and she rose into the air as the platform underneath her began to levitate. The sky-elf adjusted the circular glasses she wore, her large blue-blonde braid moved to the side.
“This is the Imp Aero, the first-ever, small passenger, aerial vehicle developed in Edryan. It’s able to reach a top speed comparable to that of the [Wyvern Riders],” Bucca stated. A large crystal appeared in her hand and a silent image emerged before the crowd backing up the woman’s claim.
“Thank you great-grandmother… thank you, Princess Carina, for showing me that those at the bottom of our society can thrive with a bit of help. I’d also thought so as I reviewed the history of the magi, but you saved me years of experimental work.”
It was nearly imperceptible, but Lawruthian thought he heard a faint… “You’re welcome.”