After the auctioneer's dramatic introduction, the auction settled into a steady, less exhilarating pace.
Bulk lots of various pills dominated the early rounds, each box holding a dozen pills. The assortment ranged from basic Restoration and Ether Gathering Pills to more specialized types like Moonlight Essence. However, the array of items soon merged into a seemingly endless sequence of similar offerings.
Despite this monotony, the bidding remained lively. Most items consistently sold for at least double their initial price, a testament to the attendees' cautious but determined bidding. It appeared many were reserving their Survivor Points, possibly aiming for the highly anticipated Fruit of Ascension. Their strategy was evident in their reluctance to overbid, even as the auctioneer's voice, booming in their minds, announced lot after lot.
The monotony of the auction nearly lulled Giuliano into sleep, his drowsiness only interrupted by the constant undercurrent of murmurs and the jarringly loud mental announcements from the auctioneer. Each time Giuliano's eyelids drooped, the invasive voice in his head seemed to amplify, a tactic he couldn’t help but suspect was intentional.
Yawning, Giuliano's gaze drifted to Zac, who was absently fiddling with the armrest of his seat. Zac's initial attempts to scratch at it soon gave way to a look of disinterest, mirroring Giuliano's own waning attention. The endless procession of pills and potions being auctioned off had long since ceased to hold their interest.
Giuliano's mind wandered to what lay beyond the auction — the quests that awaited them. He pondered over potential strategies, considering the array of challenges they might face. Yet, deep down, he knew that all his plans could quickly become irrelevant once confronted with real action.
"It seems many of you fail to appreciate the immense discounts on such high-quality items!" The auctioneer’s eight golden hands fluttered about in a dramatic display of exasperation.
Giuliano, Zac, and many others in the audience jolted upright, startled by the sudden increase in volume and intensity of the auctioneer's mental broadcast. The voice took on an almost petulant tone, booming inside their heads.
"But fear not," the auctioneer continued, its hands now drawing closer to its metallic form, adopting a more dignified posture. The orb that served as its head gleamed brighter, catching the light in a dazzling display. "We now proceed to the final segment of our auction. This will be brief, as even the Great System's generosity has its limits."
The auctioneer's voice took on a ceremonious cadence. "We present ONE natural treasure corresponding to each basic element of cultivation represented here today. That makes 947 treasures in total. Featuring rarities such as the Star Heart and a Baby Kraken’s Liver, to the more esoteric items like a Sinner’s Soul, catering to those who specialize in enslaving the departed."
With a dramatic gesture, the auctioneer brought forth multiple items, one in each of its many hands. “Let's spice things up with multiple item segments, starting with the basic elements.” The announcement piqued everyone's interest, as it promised a departure from the previous monotony.
“First, behold the Typhoon’s Eye Dandelion, and the rather eccentrically named Star Core.” the auctioneer proclaimed, expertly maneuvering the items to ensure everyone had a clear view.
The Typhoon’s Eye Dandelion was enveloped in a perpetual miniature storm, making it appear as if a dandelion was cloaked in its own personal tempest. The Star Core, on the other hand, lived up to its name in Giuliano's eyes, resembling a dense ball of white, pulsating energy.
“The Typhoon’s Eye Dandelion is a rare phenomenon, emerging from the convergence of powerful winds, the more catastrophic the storm, the more potent the dandelion. It grants the wielder the ability to harness surrounding winds and, at higher mastery levels, even cloak themselves in a controllable gale.
As for the Star Core, despite its grandiose name, it's essentially a minuscule concentration of stellar energy. This item can be positioned near the heart or navel, each location offering different benefits. Placed near the heart, it will challenge the bearer with intense Stellar Ether, enhancing the refinement of one's Ether to extraordinary degrees. If situated near the navel, it will gradually integrate into the body, bestowing remarkable resistance to fire, heat, and such related Ether forms."
Following its explanation, the Auctioneer paused, letting everyone process the words before continuing, "Bidding will start at 30 points.”
"Thirty-one points!" shouted a voice from the far left, immediately followed by another.
"Thirty-two!"
The bids climbed steadily as the auctioneer's descriptions rekindled a spark of enthusiasm in the crowd. As the Typhoon’s Eye Dandelion and the Star Core found new owners, the auctioneer deftly brought forward the next items.
"Next, we have the Obsidian Lotus and the Broken Sun Shard." The auctioneer's voice resonated with confidence as the items were displayed.
The Obsidian Lotus, a dark flower with petals that shimmered like polished onyx, exuded a cold, foreboding aura. "This flower blooms in the shadow of volcanic eruptions, absorbing the ambient energy to become a vessel of dark Ether. It enhances one's shadow manipulation abilities, providing a substantial boost to stealth and dark Ether cultivation."
Beside it, the Broken Sun Shard appeared as a jagged piece of crystal, glowing with a soft, golden light. "The Broken Sun Shard is a fragment of a celestial entity, embodying pure solar energy. It can be used to solidify one's Ether, creating a formidable defense or serving as an explosive weapon in dire situations. With each use, it loses some of its cultivation enhancement properties but never its raw destructive power."
As the Obsidian Lotus and Broken Sun Shard were claimed, the auctioneer continued, "Now, the Void Serpent Scale and the Ember Pearl."
The Void Serpent Scale, a sleek, dark scale with an almost liquid appearance, shimmered with an eerie light. "This scale, shed by a Void Serpent, allows the user to tap into the void, enhancing space manipulation abilities and granting a degree of intangibility."
Next to it, the Ember Pearl, a small, fiery gem, pulsated with a warm glow. "The Ember Pearl, formed in the heart of a dying volcano, amplifies fire-based Ether, making it invaluable for fire cultivators. It can be consumed to grant a temporary but significant boost in firepower or kept for gradual, long-term enhancement."
Excitement was restored to the auction as a hint of madness shone in the eyes of everyone present. The understanding dawned on most after the first item was sold at 48 points: the chances of getting the Fruit of Ascension were slim.
Zac was not one of them. He held firmly onto his points, even as some items, though not related to ice, could still prove useful, were ignored. He remained steadfast, his eyes hopeful.
Giuliano, never having any hope of getting a single item, focused his attention on the people around him. Most of the attendees had known each other for less than a week, yet grudges were already forming as items were sold to those by their side or above them. The auction house offered no privacy; all bids were made in full view of everyone else. Giuliano was certain this was no mistake.
It wants to incite people against each other, he thought, the realization solidifying further as subtle threats began to be thrown around. Whispers of retribution and veiled warnings filled the air, adding a palpable tension to the room.
Amidst this charged atmosphere, the auctioneer continued with practiced ease, "Next, we have the Celestial Moonstone and the Phoenix Feather."
The Celestial Moonstone, a smooth, luminescent stone, seemed to capture and reflect the light in a mesmerizing dance. "The Celestial Moonstone enhances lunar-based cultivation, aiding in the refinement of one's Ether and improving night vision and stealth abilities."
Beside it, the Phoenix Feather, a vibrant plume with fiery colors, seemed to radiate warmth. "The Phoenix Feather is a legendary item that can revive a fallen cultivator once, or be used to enhance fire-based abilities permanently. Its versatility and power are unmatched."
As the bids climbed, Giuliano watched the dynamics of the crowd with keen interest. Each bid was a potential catalyst for future conflict, every acquisition a possible source of envy and resentment.
"You should get something already," Giuliano whispered to Zac.
"No way! You heard what he said about that fruit. If I can get that, it's smooth sailing." Zac countered.
"If you get that fruit, everyone will hate your guts," he explained, glancing around the room. "Look around, death threats are already being thrown. And it's not like you'll have the points for that anyway."
Shaking his head, Zac responded, "You need to have hope, G. I'm not stupid; I know my points aren't much, but if you help me, we'll have 41 points. With everyone spending their points now, we have a higher chance of getting it!" There was a visible enthusiasm bubbling in Zac.
He's not a dumb dumb. He actually has a plan, Giuliano's inner voice condescendingly noted.
Giuliano leaned closer, trying to keep his voice calm. "You ignored the most important part. There are thousands of people here, and everyone will know who we are if we get that fruit. We’ll have targets on our backs. This isn't just about getting something powerful; it's about surviving after."
Zac's enthusiasm didn't waver. "I get it, G, but think about the advantages. We could rise above all this, and secure our place. We need to take risks."
Giuliano's frustration grew, his voice rising slightly despite his efforts to keep it down. "This isn't just a risk, Zac. It's a death sentence. People are already looking for excuses to fight. The moment we win that fruit, we'll be marked."
Zac's expression hardened, his eyes locking onto Giuliano's. "Then we just have to be stronger. Together, we can handle it. Trust me on this."
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Giuliano sighed, the weight of Zac's determination pressing against his own caution. He'll fail, Giuliano's inner voice said with confidence, before continuing, Unless we dust off some old habits learned from you know who.
Uneasiness bubbled together with anger in Giuliano as he formed a plan in his mind. "Alright, fine. But just remember, if this goes south, we're both in deep trouble."
Zac nodded, a confident smile spreading across his face. "Don't worry, G. We'll make it through this. Just you watch."
As the auction continued, Giuliano couldn't shake the uneasy feeling in his gut. The stakes were higher than ever, and the path ahead was fraught with danger. But with Zac's unwavering resolve, there was no turning back now.
"I'll go look for a bathroom, see you later," Giuliano said to Zac, rising from his seat.
Giuliano reluctantly made his way out of earshot from Zac, feeling a knot of unease tightening in his stomach. As he moved through the crowd, he forced a friendly smile onto his face, opening his arms in an inviting gesture.
"Hey there!" he greeted warmly, patting a burly man on the shoulder. "Quite an auction, huh? Mind if I join you for a bit?"
The man looked wary, "Sure, I guess," the man replied, his eyes cautious.
Giuliano leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I've got a little proposition for you. Something that could give you an edge. All it would cost you is one measly Survivor Point."
The man's eyes narrowed. "What's the catch?"
Giuliano's inner voice chimed in, Smiling wider. Make him feel like you're his best friend.
Giuliano's smile stretched a bit too wide, and he could feel the disgust rising in his throat. "No catch, my friend. Just a little information on how to better pull Ether into your body. Something I've picked up that could really speed up your cultivation."
The man hesitated, Giuliano could see he was losing him. Touch his arm, make it personal.
Giuliano reached out, giving the man's arm a reassuring squeeze. "Look, I know we're all new to this, trying to figure it out as we go. But I promise, this tip is worth it. It'll make a real difference."
The man's eyes softened slightly as he seemed to consider Giuliano's offer more seriously. "Alright, but if you're lying..."
"I'm not," Giuliano said quickly, injecting as much sincerity into his voice as he could muster. "One Survivor Point and I'll share what I know."
Reluctantly, the man agreed. After giving him one of the tips learned from his cultivation manual which he was unsure would actually work on the man, Giuliano moved on to the next person, a nervous-looking woman standing by herself. He repeated the same approach, touching her arm lightly and speaking in a warm, friendly tone.
"Hey there, I noticed you seemed a bit lost. How about a little help with your cultivation technique? Just one Survivor Point and I'll share a trick that could really help."
The woman looked uncertain, and Giuliano's inner voice urged, Lean in, make her feel special.
He leaned closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. "I know it's tough, but this could give you a real boost. We're all in this together, right?"
The woman nodded slowly, handing over a point. Giuliano felt a pang of guilt, his stomach churning with self-loathing as he continued to work the crowd. Each interaction made him feel more disgusted with himself, but he pushed through, knowing he needed those points.
Dominate if needed. Show them you're in control.
With each person, Giuliano adjusted his approach, sometimes being more assertive, other times more empathetic. He could feel the desperation creeping into his voice, but it seemed to work, as people reluctantly handed over points in exchange for his dubious advice.
***
With each item Milly held off on bidding, a new knot formed in her stomach. "Hold yourself. Who else would be crazy enough to randomly accept the highest possible difficulty when the world seemed to be ending?" Milly said out loud, her voice muffled by a chicken leg.
Despite her attempts at reassurance, her resolve weakened with each mystic item. The 88 Survivor Points seemed to burn a hole in her non-existent pocket.
She glanced around out of the window from her private booth, noticing the fierce competition and the determination in everyone’s eyes. It was a brutal reminder of the stakes they all faced. Milly had learned early on that in this new world, hesitation could mean death.
Her gaze shifted to the latest item on display, the Thousand Rivers Jade. She bit down harder on the chicken leg as if the act could stave off her growing temptation.
"Patience, Milly," she whispered to herself. "Like waiting for the right moment to strike. One wrong move, and you lose it all."
A sudden knock on her window startled her. She turned to see a figure standing outside, peering into her booth. Currently, the screen was designed to be see-through only from her side, giving her a clear view of the man while denying him a view of her.
He had eyes bordering on black, faded brown skin, and short hair. A prominent scar ran down his cheek, adding to his intimidating appearance. He knocked again, his expression friendly despite his rough exterior.
Milly hesitated for a moment before willing her voice to be projected out, "What do you want?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
The man smiled, "Name's Giuliano. I noticed you got one of the limited booths. Figured someone with your status might be interested in a little... collaboration."
Milly narrowed her eyes, "What kind of collaboration?"
"Something that could help guarantee that the Fruit of Ascension falls into our hands," he said, his voice steady. "I'm not asking for much. Just hear me out."
Milly's mind raced. The Fruit of Ascension was the ultimate prize, but it also painted a target on one's back. She weighed the risks, "Speak."
Giuliano leaned closer to the window, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I have a plan. It involves a bit of coordination and some clever maneuvering. If we work together, we can outbid everyone else and split the benefits."
Milly chewed on her lip, the hunter in her wary but intrigued. "And why should I trust you?"
His eyes, dark and intense, met hers through the glass. "Because I'm desperate, just like you. And in desperation, we find honesty. I'm willing to take the risk if you are."
She studied him for a moment longer, noting the earnestness in his eyes and the slight tremor in his voice. He was putting on a confident front, but there was an underlying edge of anxiety. She'd seen the same look in the eyes of prey caught in a trap. He was desperate but not necessarily deceitful.
"What do I have to lose by listening? I can always refuse" she muttered to herself before projecting her voice, "Alright. I'm listening."
Giuliano outlined his plan in hushed tones, careful to keep his voice low. Milly's expression remained impassive, but inside, she was already calculating the potential benefits and pitfalls. She could see the pieces falling into place, much like a hunter setting a trap.
When he finished, she nodded again, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "You've got yourself a deal."
***
Giuliano made his way back to Zac's side, his steps quickening as he navigated through the rather narrow stairs. He couldn't shake the unease in his gut, but he knew they needed every advantage they could get.
Zac looked up as he approached, "So? How'd it go?"
"No luck with the bathroom," Giuliano said, sitting himself while his stomach churned with guilt.
"Shame," Zac answered, unaware of what was about to unfold.
The auction rolled on for hours, the lively bids slowing as everyone spent their hard-earned batch of points in hopes of creating better chances of surviving whatever would come next.
"And now," the Auctioneer started as the latest item, the Baby Kraken Liver disappeared in a puff of light. "For the final item and the gutting of my personal collection of invaluable treasures. One of you shall steal the Fruit of Ascension from my still live hands." The auctioneer’s voice dripped with sarcasm and barely concealed rage.
"This will bring even more pain to me than any of you can ever imagine. There’s no starting bid on this item. Just throw your pitiful points until one of you gets it. I can't wait to see how cheaply you value this treasure." its voice was sharp and biting, any sense of grandeur replaced by petty and palpable anger.
The room fell silent, the tension so thick it was almost tangible. Finally, someone broke the silence.
"Thirty points," a tentative voice called out.
"Thirty-one," another quickly followed.
The auctioneer’s orb vibrated, it's frustration mounting. "Is that the best you can do? Thirty-one points for the Fruit of Ascension? Pathetic! I've seen dust mites with more ambition. Step it up, you miserable sacks of entropy!"
Zac’s eyes lit up with hope. "We might actually have a chance," he whispered to Giuliano.
"Thirty-two."
"Thirty-three."
The bids climbed steadily, each one raising the stakes and the tension in the room.
"Thirty-five."
"Thirty-six."
Zac clenched his fists, leaning forward in his seat. "Come on…"
"Forty," a voice called, and the room buzzed with renewed energy.
Zac turned to Giuliano, eyes wide with excitement, "We have a chance!"
"Forty-one," Zac shouted, his voice firm and confident. Giuliano felt a pang of guilt but remained silent.
The bidding paused, and for a moment, it seemed like Zac might actually have a shot. Then, from a private booth, a calm voice shattered his hopes.
"Fifty."
Zac’s face fell, the color draining from his cheeks. "We… we can’t match that," he muttered, looking down at his hands.
"Sixty," another voice called, and the numbers started to jump rapidly.
"Seventy."
"Eighty."
Zac turned to Giuliano, his voice cracking. "I’m sorry, G. I thought—"
Giuliano cut him off, his voice cold and sharp, "Don't." The single word was delivered with a bite, leaving no room for argument. Zac recoiled slightly, guilt washing over his face. Giuliano's focus was unyielding, his eyes fixed on the auction stage with a steely determination that bordered on ruthlessness.
"One hundred," a voice boomed from another booth, the room falling silent once again. The bid was staggering, almost incomprehensible.
Giuliano took a deep breath, preparing himself. "Ninety," he called out, deliberately undercutting the previous bid. The auctioneer’s reaction was immediate and explosive.
"YOU DARE MOCK THIS AUCTION?!" the auctioneer's voice thundered, filled with fury. It felt like Giuliano's head was being crushed between two mountains, the force of the mental scream overwhelming him. "WE ARE AT ONE HUNDRED POINTS, YOU PUSTULES OF MEDIOCRITY! Does anyone here have the guts to bid properly, or are you all as useful as a paper umbrella in a meteor shower?"
A hush fell over the room after the outburst. The tension was only broken by a cool, calm voice from a private booth.
"One hundred and twenty points," the disguised voice bid, clear and steady. The room erupted in whispers and gasps.
The auctioneer's orb head gleamed with a sinister light as it scanned the room, waiting for more bids. The silence stretched on, thick with tension and anticipation.
"No more bids?" the auctioneer sneered, its voice dripping with condescension. "Pathetic. I expected more from you supposed cultivators. One hundred and twenty points. That's the best you can muster for the Fruit of Ascension? I've seen scavengers with more fight in them. Clearly, the standards of this universe are lower than a termite's belly."
The auctioneer's many hands folded in a dramatic, dismissive gesture. "Very well, this pitiful farce of an auction is hereby concluded. The Fruit of Ascension goes to the highest bidder, if you can call it that. I pity the fool who thinks they have achieved anything here."
With a final, scornful look over the crowd, the auctioneer declared, "The auction is over. May you all find some semblance of competence before the next one."
Giuliano placed a hand on Zac's shoulder. "We got it."
Before Zac could react, both he and Giuliano began to dematerialize, their forms dissolving and then reforming inside Milly's private booth. The atmosphere was immediately different – quieter, more isolated. Milly sat on a newly formed throne that seemed to emanate authority. Her blonde hair cascaded down her back in gentle waves, framing a face that was both stern and serene. Her eyes, glowing like emeralds, radiated an intense confidence as she held the Fruit of Ascension with a triumphant smile.
Zac’s eyes widened in shock and confusion. "What… how…?"
Giuliano smiled, a mix of relief and satisfaction washing over him, "We had a little help."
Milly nodded, holding out the Fruit of Ascension. "Looks like we’re all in this together now."