As Isaiah was getting crushed under the pressure released from Richard's Rank 2 aura, he released his own which was immediately pushed back and as it was about to disappear completely, "Sigh, seems like I have to make things turn dirty", just as a formation was about to form in Isaiah's hand, another Rank 2 aura joined the clash of auras, managing to push back the pressure on Isaiah and Lily until it slowly disappeared.

Isaiah, without even needing to confirm the source of the Aura, said, "Thank you, Terry". He then turned to look at Richard, "If you hadn't interfered, you wouldn't have a brother anymore." He chuckled while at the same time helping Lily up. His words made the crowd turn silent. They had by now all heard of the reputation of the Greedy Devil, Isaiah Dominus, who would do anything to protect his profits, even going as far as to join a battle with multiple Rank 2s, but seeing it in action was something else entirely. His words caused flames to burn within Richard's eyes. "Did this guy lose his fucking mind?" He, a revered Rank 2, the future Duke of the Incendio Family, was getting his life threatened by a mere Rank 1 businessman.

Just as he was about to talk back, he was cut short, "Enough of your unsightly behavior, Richard", with his aura spiraling forth, Terry continued, "How dare you treat my guests like this?". His hands were lit aflame. He was acting based on the confidence of Isaiah. It was actually a signal between the two.

While neither of them could really hurt Richard on their own, when they came together, they could hold their own pretty well. Just that was enough to put Terry a few ranks up in the succession race.

As the temperature of the room rose and blinding light took form, suddenly all was lost as a voice echoed, "Behave yourselves." The voice was gentle but gave a deadly feeling. It clearly wasn't a suggestion.

The room went back to its lukewarm to slightly cold temperature as everyone acted as if nothing had happened, obviously having taken mental note of this event.

Isaiah looked at Terry with a smile. He didn't need to say much in words as they both knew the original plan and how it failed.

They were originally supposed to fight Richard here and now, fighting against him to make him lose his ground within the race for the Duke Title. However, their plans had failed with the involvement of the main organizer of the event, Sir Isaac, a Rank 2 Initial mage who was on the brink of entering Rank 2 Middle Stage.

♪ruuuu, roooo, ru ro ru ro♪, as if to pour water over the heated environment, the sound of a violin surrounded the lobby. ♪badam, bust, dam, dam, dam♪, the drums followed soon, each drum was akin to a beat that fixed the tempo of the people within the lobby.The song playing was recognized by many as their eyes searched for the source of the sound but couldn't pinpoint it, as it seemed to originate from all directions.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

The truly perceptive ones, however, could sense the man's location, right next to the large stage, playing his most famous song, "Broken Trust" by Roman Shuza. All the eyes soon found the man, a renowned musician within the empire and a Peak Rank 1 sound mage.

While others were occupied by Roman, Terry came closer to Isaiah and whispered into his ear, "Something seems off." He then acted like nothing had happened, not even telling what was amiss with the auction.

His warning was just for Isaiah to be ready, just in case something did happen. Isaiah looked around and once again noticed the sheer number of guards around this place, various Rank 1s and even Rank 2s as the captains of the squads guarding the auction palace.

Not being accustomed to the norms of an auction within the Silvershine Empire, it at first didn't strike him as weird, but now having heard Terry's warning, there indeed seemed to be overprotection for a yearly event like this one.

Soon, each group was guided to their rooms amongst the numerous rooms that spanned the expansive auction house.

Isaiah, Lily, and Terry were guided by a beautiful young lady in a plain but beautiful dress. She let them inside the room where Terry's younger sister, Grace Incendio, was waiting for them.

She first got up and hugged her big brother, then went next in front of Isaiah with her hand extended, "Mr. Isaiah, it's an honor to meet you." She had the courtesy of a noblewoman, her words serene, seemingly soothing.

Isaiah shook her hand with a smile. He always purposefully shook women's hands more gently, a practice which cost nothing but one he had seen benefits from. "The honor belongs to me, meeting the genius of the Incendio Family."

His words were directed right at Terry as a lighthearted, mocking joke. It was pretty obvious that the genius of the Incendio Family was Terry, no matter the metric... Well, maybe except business.

His words caused Grace to let out a chuckle. "You are as funny as my big brother told me." Terry's eyes turned dead hearing his little sister. "I said he was annoying, not funny."

Grace, without even looking at Terry, responded with a whisper towards Isaiah which was audible for everyone within the room, "He always says that about things he finds funny." She then chuckled and added, "He even calls clowns annoying, can you believe that?"

Isaiah didn't know how to respond, as clowns were indeed annoying and not remotely funny.They all got seated in the incredibly comfortable sofa that was present, facing the glass panel that had a great view of the auction below that was about to start, befitting of being a VIP room.

Obviously, a Rank 2 like Terry wouldn't be given any ordinary room. While he might be a newly ascended one, he still got the respect he deserved for it.

A woman, drop-dead gorgeous with vibrant purple hair that matched her mesmerizing dark purple eyes, a body akin to each curve having been sculpted by an artisan with a great sense of beauty, ascended the platform below.

Applause took the place with each of her steps. She was the empire-wide famous entertainer, Suna Aroma.

Once at the right center of the stage, she took the applause for a moment, then started speaking, "I thank you all for being here today in this great yearly event held by Mister Isaac." Another round of applause roared as she continued, "This year, however, it is a little special, as the items presented are of a league of their own." She was incredible at pacing herself. "Auctioned items this year are the highest in total value that has ever been auctioned in this auction house's history!"