Upon returning to the box, Brintilmus says, "Thank you, everyone, for coming and participating in this wonderful auction. As a thank you, we will hold the reception in the ballroom. So, please come and join us!"
With one final bow, she leaves the stage, and people slowly start to trickle out of the bottom floor through the provided doors. We just turn around and select the ballroom before we are transported next to an attendant.
Turning to ask him if he has a list of the items, the amount, and the quality ready for us, they nod and hand us a list.
- Total Tally of Items Purchased:
Items:
1 X Tier 1 Settlement Advancement Token
2 X set of Tier 0 weapons
2 X set of Tier 1 weapons
3 X set Tier 0 armor
1 X set of Tier 1 armor
4 X sets of Tier 0 upgrade tokens
1 X set of Tier 0 generic outpost upgrade tokens
1 X set of Tier 0 lumbermill-specific outpost tokens
1 X set of Tier 0 mine outpost tokens
1 X set of Tier 0 quarry outpost tokens
1 X set of Tier 0 resource reduction tokens
3 X set of Tier 0 time reduction tokens
1 X set of Tier 0 Profession Level reduction tokens
1 X pair of Early Tier 2 Daggers
1 X set of Early Tier 2 Enchanter's Tools
1 X set of Early Tier 2 Blacksmith's Tools
1 X set of Early Tier 2 Alchemist's tools
1 X Mid Tier 2 Small Blade
1 X Mid Tier 2 Magician's Wand
2 X Tier 2 Resource Point
1 X set of random Tier 2 Crafting Building Blueprints
1 X Peak Tier 2 Variable Mana Affinity Bow
Total Items Purchased: 32
Total Cost of Items: 16,893 Gold -
Looking at the different items we purchased and doing some quick math, we bought just over 10% of the entire auction with the wealth we brought. Feeling ecstatic about the purchases, I hold my head high until I realize I must show this list to that witch of a woman, Gwilana.
Turning to the attendant, I asked, "Is there any way you can adjust the list since I have to show this to someone else for a bet we had?"
Smiling at me, they nod once more and provide another list, this one very similar but fundamentally different.
- Total Tally of Items Purchased:
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Tier 0 - 18
Tier 1 - 4
Early Tier 2 - 5
Mid Tier 2 - 4
Upper Tier 2 -
Peak Tier 2 - 1
Total Items Purchased: 32
Total Cost of Items: 16,893 Gold -
Seeing a shift in how things are displayed after Tier 1, I asked one final question: "What do the different tiers mean, and why is there a separation once it comes to Tier 2 items and not before?"
"Ah, the Hall-master thought you would have a question like that. He has provided a small booklet for you and the breakdown of the tiers once you get past Tier 1."
Nodding my thanks as the attendant handed over the booklet, I shoved it into my pocket.
While stepping away, Eleanor asks, "Can I see what we managed to win?"
After handing over the attendant's first list, I looked around the room. And what a room! It is extravagant in its decorations. There is gold all over the halls, from the chandeliers to the wall sconces and the handrail leading down a set of stairs. There are tables throughout the hall piled high with foods varying from traditional cuisine from my world to what I can only view as leeches in a bowl. Holding my breath as my gaze flashes past the buffet of bugs, I continue to let my eyes wander.
I saw people trickling out of the auction hall and slowly entering the ballroom. Based on what Eleanor and Narus told me, they are starting to gather in groups. It is mostly in clumps of races, but there is a clear divide between those of the living races and those of the unliving.
With us walking in as a group that has both living and unliving, we became the oddity for everyone in the room. Figuring it would be best if we tried to stick to one side or the other makes it hard since none of the groups appear to want to deal with us. That is until a burst of snide laughter reaches my ears.
"Well, look at that; you didn't try to leave while you could, probably knowing you couldn't even if you wanted to." Gwilana walked up to us as they had just arrived in the hall.
Behind her is who I can only presume is Throsdurgrash. His imposing stature put me a little off kilter as I didn't know what to think of him.
She waved a piece of paper in her hands in front of my face so fast that I could hardly make out what was on it; I wanted to slap her for being so frantic with her gestures.
"As you can see, we have easily won our little bet, " she sneers.
Eleanor steps forward and snatches the paper from her hands so we can see what is written on it.
- Total Tally of Items Purchased:
Items: Access has not been given.
Total Items Purchased: Access has not been given.
Total Cost of Items: Access has not been given. -
Looking at each other, Eleanor and I give Gwilana a look. "We would like to see, but it says we don't have access to the information, so maybe if you can cool your feathers, we might be able to resolve our bet," Eleanor states flatly.
At this point, a small crowd was gathering around us. Looking up from the paper at them, I asked, "Is there an open space where we could conclude this with witnesses?"
Laughter comes from the stairwell as Kazuz walks down with Xiphos and Lyndis. "What a splendid idea! I have just the thing." With a snap of his fingers, the tables around the edge of the room slowly float into the air, so the entire space is open, and there are no obstructions. Another snap and a small platform form in the center of the room, with Gwilana and me standing on it.
I was shocked at what happened; even though I had been working on magic, I never anticipated seeing such a performance so soon. This display continues for a few minutes while he sets up stands so everyone can see what is happening on the stage.
Sighing about the over-exaggeration that Kazuz is putting into this endeavor, I look across at Gwilana to see her hateful gaze glaring right at me. Turning around, I see that there is no one behind me. Instead, there are a couple of chairs on raised platforms alongside the stage that Eleanor and Narus are sitting on. Both shrug their shoulders, showing that everything is out of their hands.
Grumbling under my breath about how they couldn't help me directly, I turned to face the glaring woman. "It appears that it is just you and me now." She taunts.
Feeling my rage bubble up again, I try to push it down to appear more appealing to those who might want to work with us after this farce is over. "Yes, it does appear to be just you and I. I am curious, as it is you and not your backer, Throsdurgrash, on stage."
She retorts with a comically evil chuckle, "Of course, during the time we have been here, he has given me all the power to make the choices. That means I have the power and the responsibility for when we win."
"How can you be so sure that you will win?" I ask her, trying to figure out where her confidence comes from.
"That is easy. I have been working with Throsdurgrash for several months, and we have gathered lots of funding."
That piece of information throws my brain for a loop. "What do you mean you have been here for several months?"
"When I came into the world, I have been working directly with Throsdurgrash. There wasn't much in the territory he controlled, but he could build quite a place in this lonely world once I came along. He told me that if I won this bet, I would be allowed the first pick of my spoils from the auction. Not only that, but he said that when we go to conquer your settlement, he will leave your mother to me to deal with.
Still wrapping my head around her having been here longer, I snap back to myself at the mention of my mother, and I ask one more question through grit teeth, "And what if you don't win?"
"There is no way that we won't win. I have made sure of it. And Drake, not one single being on this world, living, dead, or a combination of both, has ever liked you." She sneers at me as she pulls out the list the attendant provided.