Friendly chats after a long time.
.
.
.
I took her hand gratefully, standing up with a sheepish grin. "Deal. I won’t make the same mistake twice."
Phew, that was hard… let’s not do this again…
Levina gave a small nod of approval, Zhao Yu barely glanced up from her tablet, and Victor stretched out like he hadn’t just been enjoying watching me squirm. I dusted off my knees, catching sight of everyone. The years apart hadn't been kind to me, but they certainly seemed to be thriving.
Sophia, her familiar smile lighting up her face, looked around at the group. "Alright, now that we’ve got that out of the way… let’s make sure we get the best stuff at this auction, shall we?"
The mood shifted instantly. Everyone nodded in agreement, the tension melting away as quickly as it had come, and I found myself grinning. It felt good to be back with them—even if I’d been scolded to hell and back.
As I leaned back in my chair, curiosity got the better of me. "So, anything interesting on the list this time?" I asked, scanning their faces for any hint of excitement.
Zhao Yu, without lifting her head from her screen, gave a small shrug. She looked almost the same as ever, still had that sharp focus in her grey eyes, her long black hair framing her pale face with that distinct beauty mark just below her right lip.
If anything, she seemed more composed, more in control of herself. “A few things. Mostly high-level materials, rare artifacts… the prize seems to be some alien journals found in the rifts. There’s a collection that seems mostly complete.”
She paused for a second, eyes darting back to her tablet. “Also, a few things related to rift cores… but the grown-ups will snag those, so not really our concern.”
I chuckled. Even after all this time, Yu-Yu was as focused and pragmatic as ever. Just like her brother, Zhao Zheng, the actual heir of House Zhao, honestly doesn't like that guy's heavenly king attitude. It didn’t stop her from being one of the sharpest minds in our group though that personality only occurs when fighting.
I mean what’s with Chinese people Heavenly…chaos…demonic body physique and stuff Yu-Yu herself is born with one of the highest physiques heavenly tribulation path physiques If I remember correctly… but their martial arts are scary
Victor stretched again, his red hair longer than I remembered falling into his face. I couldn’t resist quipping,
“What’s with the hair, Vic? Planning to start a new trend or are you just growing it out for the hell of it?”
He shot me a grin, his crimson-red eyes gleaming with amusement. His appearance screamed "edgy cool boy", the fiery red hair, the lean build, and the rosy skin that always made him look like he’d just come from a winter storm. Still being the heir to House Vanreispell and their intents and magecraft I would love to train and spar with him again.
wait on that note is this how I got into the habit of showing off…yeah let’s not be stupid this time don’t want Mom beating more sense into me
“What can I say, Lex? Gotta give the people something to talk about.”
“Yeah, I’m sure the people are thrilled,” I shot back sarcastically.
He laughed. “By the way, if you’re looking for my sister, Julis, she’s hanging out with Arisa.” He gave me a sly look. “Figured the two of them could catch up. You know how they are, terrifying in their own way.”
“Great,” I muttered, “two terrors roaming around together.”
Victor chuckled, leaning back lazily. "Oh, you’ll find something to blow your fortune on, Lex. You always do."
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips. "Good to know my friends have faith in my impulse control. Like you’d let me have anything without a fight, Vic."
Levina, always composed and ever the serious one, chimed in, "Just make sure you bid smart, Alexis. This isn’t just for fun. Some of the items are crucial for our vassals and their paths to power not to mention there are quite a few people from guilds and other organizations"
Her stern silver eyes bore into mine for a moment, a reminder that we weren’t just here for fun. She’d grown more commanding, more in control. The Levina I remembered was still there, but now she held herself with the weight of responsibility that came with leading House Silverine.
Sophia leaned in, her strawberry blonde hair spilling over her shoulder, and those striking crystal-like golden eyes of hers gleamed with mischief. The Saintess of House Celeste hadn’t changed much, still playful despite her serious reputation.
“Well, Levi, I’m only bidding on whatever this idiot bids on,” she teased, her smile widening.
I raised an eyebrow at that. "Guess that means I’d better keep my poker face on."
Victor snorted. "Poker face? You? Sure, Lex."
I shot him a glare, but couldn’t help laughing.
‘What’s wrong with my poker face? Apart from Aunt Nora, none of them have ever seen through me.’
Still, I had to admit it felt good to be back, bickering and bantering with them like old times.
Divider [https://www.royalroad.com/dist/img/ornaments/11.png]
‘ Gong ’
As the soft gong reverberated through the hall, a hush settled over the crowd. The massive curtains hanging before the stage began to part slowly, revealing the grand centerpiece of the auction.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
Minerva Aurum, stepped onto the stage, her presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room.
I heard Victor speak, “Damn Levina you got Minerva herself… that’s crazy “
Whoa… was not expecting Vic to be a fanboy… maybe later I can tease him…
As I looked down at the stage Minerva Aurum, the sensational beauty with an otherworldly voice as she was called, was well known throughout the world. Her stan and army were crazy and her followers were on par with Levi, Sophia, and Yu-Yu.
Aurum huh… so she is from a vassal house, aligned with House Silverine. Minerva wasn’t just famous for her stunning looks. Her reputation as the Singing Maestro had earned her an almost mythic status. Her voice was said to soothe even the most hardened of hearts, and from the moment she appeared, it was clear the rumors weren’t exaggerated.
The hall was abuzz with excitement as the crowd caught their first glimpse of her.
Gasps and murmurs filled the space, but Minerva simply smiled softly and raised a hand to quiet them. Before uttering a word, she hummed a single, soft note.
That simple sound – ethereal, barely louder than a whisper – seemed to glide through the air and calm the entire hall. Silence followed almost immediately, her mastery over the crowd evident.
I leaned forward in my seat, watching the reactions of the attendees. Even though with my EXIRA, I could achieve similar results for her to do so with just a hymn of her voice is crazy.
There were three distinct seating arrangements in the hall, each reflecting the tiers of status and power within the room. Closest to the stage yet in a way the farthest were the open seats, a grand area where many prominent figures sat, though they didn’t hold the supreme power of the major Houses.
These individuals were still incredibly influential in their own right, ranging from high-ranking officials to heads of vassal houses. Being invited to Silverine Islands alone meant they wielded significant power, but here, they sat as spectators, hungry to see what items would be unveiled and what opportunities would arise.
Above them, in the more exclusive section, were the balconies' luxurious private boxes. These were reserved for the heads of notable families, high-ranking officials, and wealthy patrons. From up there, they had a perfect view of the stage and the proceedings, and I could see a few familiar faces scanning the auction with calculating eyes. These were the sharks, those who would bid with ferocity to get what they wanted, sparing no expense or subtlety.
And then, floating above it all like castles in the sky, were the VIP rooms, magically suspended chambers reserved for the heirs and leaders of the Supreme Houses.
I sat in one of those rooms alongside Victor, Zhao Yu, Levina, and Sophia. Each of us represented one of the five Supreme Houses, with our rooms granting us the best view and most exclusive treatment in the entire hall. Privacy, power, and influence are all bundled together in these suspended sanctuaries.
Truthfully apart from the journals I don’t think I need anything and I’m no longer a brat who would buy stuff just because I can
But all eyes were on Minerva now, Her ethereal presence drew everyone in. She moved with grace, her golden dress shimmering as she took her place center stage. Her silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the light in such a way that it almost seemed to glow. The air buzzed with anticipation, and I could see how the attendees in the open seats couldn’t contain their excitement.
A few of them leaned forward, eyes wide, as if hanging on her every movement.
Minerva began, her voice smooth like flowing water. “Welcome, honored guests, to this year’s auction on the Silverine Islands. It is my pleasure, as always, to serve as your host for what promises to be a truly unforgettable evening.”
The crowd erupted into applause. Even in our floating VIP room, the sound was deafening. I could see Victor smirking, clearly enjoying the spectacle, while Zhao Yu remained unbothered, still engrossed in her tablet. Levina, as usual, was composed.
Minerva raised her hand again, and the applause faded into silence. “Now, without further delay, let us begin the auction.”
With a dramatic sweep of her arm, she gestured to the first item, which was wheeled onto the stage by two attendants.
A large, ornate chest, its surface covered in intricate carvings of ancient runes, glistened under the lights.
One by one, relics of power were brought forth, enchanted swords, rare artifacts, the cured meat of magical creatures, and potions with potent, rare ingredients. Bids flew through the air, each announcement met with a surge of excitement from the crowd. The open seats were especially lively, with figures competing fiercely for these items, their voices overlapping in a chaotic symphony of bids.
From our VIP room, I watched with mild interest as the artifacts and enchanted blades were taken off the stage. While these items were valuable, they weren’t what I was here for, and it seemed my friends shared the same sentiment. Victor, ever the opportunist, lazily eyed the proceedings but didn’t make a move. Zhao Yu occasionally glanced up from her tablet, her fingers tapping a rhythm on its surface, but even she wasn’t biting.
I leaned back in my chair, feeling the soft hum of anticipation building in the air. The big-ticket items were still to come, but my mind drifted to another event on the horizon – the World Gala. The event was where the powerful gathered to network, celebrate, and award pioneers who’d made significant strides in their fields. I couldn’t help but wonder what my friends were thinking about it.
“So,” I said, my voice breaking the comfortable silence, “what’s everyone wearing to the World Gala?”
Victor smirked, his crimson eyes lighting up with amusement. “Really, Lex? You’re asking about fashion now?”
I shrugged. “Just curious. It’s supposed to be a big deal this year, especially with the Pioneer status being awarded.”
Zhao Yu, without looking up from her tablet, muttered, “Something simple. A traditional robe, likely. I’m not going there to show off.” She finally glanced up at me with a wry smile. “Besides, I doubt the Gala will be more important than this auction.”
I chuckled. “I’m sure you’ll still make waves with whatever you wear, Yu-Yu.”
Victor stretched, running a hand through his semi-long flaming red hair.
Should I grow out my hair too
I raised an eyebrow and quipped, “Speaking of making waves, Victor again what’s with the hair? Trying to look like an ancient hero or something?”
He grinned. “Jealous, Lex? Figured I’d try something different. Besides, someone has to look dashing at the Gala, and I’m not letting you steal that title without a fight.”
I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t suppress a laugh. “Right. I’ll be sure to watch my back then. What about your sister? Is she coming?”
Victor’s expression softened slightly. “Yeah, Julis is coming and will be attending with Arisa If that’s okay”
I nodded, making a mental note to check on my sister later. Sophia, who had been quiet up until now, suddenly leaned forward, her crystal-like golden eyes glimmering with interest. “As for me, Lexi,” she said with a grin, “I’m going all out. It’s going to be a custom gown, obviously, but with a bit of celestial flair - stars and moons stitched into the fabric. You know, something saintly to keep up the title.”
I grinned. “Of course. Saintess Sophia Celeste can’t just walk in wearing anything less than perfection, right?”
She winked. “Exactly.”
“That was sarcasm, Sophie..”
Levina, who had been sitting quietly, finally spoke, her tone as precise and controlled as ever. “I’ll wear something formal, tailored. Black and silver, as always. It’s not the dress that matters—it’s what the event represents. The Pioneer Award, especially, could shift power in significant ways this year.”
Victor nodded in agreement. I leaned back, thinking.
The World Gala was more than just a fashion show, Every single House Head would be in attendance… just imagining 6 more people similar to Mom’s power level together in a hall was mind-boggling. The Event World Gala started last decade and happens every 3 years. I remember this event served as a place for publicity and a beacon of peace.
All the House Head together bestows a title to anyone who has shown exemplary performance in any field be it groundbreaking research, medicine, biology, or in the combat and power fields.
And this time for the 4th World Gala they announced a pioneer would be coming. Aunt Nora was excited but still kept a tight lip on who the person was.
“Well,” I said, glancing at my friends, “looks like we’ll have more than enough entertainment at the Gala, whether it’s the outfits, the politics, or the Pioneer Title. Just make sure you all save me a dance.”
Victor snorted, “You can dance?”
Sophia burst out laughing, while Levina gave me her signature icy stare, which, if you knew her well enough, meant she was slightly amused. Zhao Yu, of course, was back to her tablet, seemingly unimpressed by my lack of coordination.
“Well, I guess we’ll see at the Gala,” I said, smirking, knowing full well they wouldn’t let me live it down until then.
Divider [https://www.royalroad.com/dist/img/ornaments/11.png]