Chapter 58: The Scorching Auction Item

After Anna left, Chu Yun rested briefly before resuming his study and practice of spells. Time slipped by swiftly during his training, and by the time he finished, dusk had settled once again.

“Tomorrow at noon is the festival. Things are likely to become unsettled after that. Tonight’s auction items should fetch good prices,” Chu Yun mused, already planning his list of equipment.

First and foremost, a dimensional pouch with storage capabilities was essential. It didn’t need to be large—just enough to hold valuables. Miscellaneous items could be entrusted to Paimon for transport. This alone would consume most of Chu Yun’s funds.

Aside from that, a proper mage’s robe was necessary, and if he could find a fire-type magical artifact, it would be worth considering. For lightning-based tools, he could simply have someone process the thunder bones. Boots, hats, jewelry—all these would depend on circumstances, but Chu Yun aimed to purchase second-tier gear, and his resources were limited.

Leaving the mage’s inn, Chu Yun mounted Paimon and set off towards the auction house.

Along the way, he saw many decorations prepared for the Life Goddess festival, and the hope still lingered in the eyes of the people.

Soon, Chu Yun arrived at the entrance of the main auction hall.

“Honored mage, please show your entry pass,” the receptionist at the door said respectfully.

The auction wasn’t open to just anyone; those without money couldn’t even get a glimpse. Entry passes alone sold for substantial sums at every event.

Chu Yun produced the certificate from his previous sale of the thunderwater ray. “Will this suffice?”

Upon seeing the information, the receptionist quickly responded, “Mage, so you are the seller providing tonight’s centerpiece for the mid-session auction. We have prepared a private box for you. Please follow me.”

Normally, the receptionist wouldn’t personally lead guests, but Chu Yun’s status as a mage warranted special treatment.

“My item will be auctioned in the mid-session? Can I immediately use the proceeds to bid on the subsequent items?” Chu Yun inquired.

“Yes, sir. As soon as the auction concludes, the funds will be delivered to you and you may freely use them in the following events,” the receptionist replied.

Chu Yun nodded with satisfaction; this arrangement would significantly increase his available funds.

Guided by the receptionist, Chu Yun entered his private box.

The boxes were located on the second floor, encircling the auction stage. The side facing the stage was fitted with floor-to-ceiling one-way glass, providing excellent privacy for distinguished guests. When leaving, there was also a special passage to ensure one’s identity remained concealed from others on the same floor.

The first floor was the general seating area, far more crowded than the second, and the closer to the stage, the higher the price of the entry pass.

Among the second-floor guests were wealthy merchants, celebrities, and powerful professionals. Most had not concealed their identities but opened the one-way windows, and many knew each other. During bidding, unless the item was essential, they often deferred to one another.

Of course, if enemies met, it would become the auction’s most entertaining spectacle.

Chu Yun arrived somewhat late; most of the distinguished guests were already seated, including some “acquaintances”—Commander Haig of the Blackstone Knights, Vice Commander Matthew, and several fellow mages wearing their badges. The rest were unfamiliar to Chu Yun, as he had only recently arrived in Blackstone City.

There was still time before the auction began. The box was stocked with fruit and snacks, and a cat-eared demi-human girl stood ready to attend to any instructions.

“Honored mage, this is tonight’s auction catalog. Please have a look. If you need anything, feel free to ask Emma,” she said.

Chu Yun took the booklet casually. The cat-eared girl seemed nervous, and the slave mark on her forehead indicated she had only recently become a slave.

There were no secret finale items in the catalog. The auction aimed to attract as many wealthy clients as possible, so any good treasures were advertised far and wide.

Most rich buyers only attended after learning that something they wanted would be auctioned; otherwise, they wouldn’t waste their time.

This month’s grand auction was divided into three sessions: the first for slaves, the second for monster materials and rare curiosities, and the third for magical equipment.

Each session concluded with a special auction for a centerpiece item. Chu Yun’s thunderwater ray skin was the finale of the second session, so after selling it, he could properly choose his magical equipment.

As for the first session’s slave auction...

Chu Yun glanced at Emma in the box. According to the rules outlined in the booklet, if a guest in the box bid on the finale item, the attendant slave would be included as a bonus.

This session’s slave auction finale was rather special—it featured a dragonborn girl.

The description revealed she possessed the bloodline of a white dragon. She had assisted Shivana in attacking and killing a noble in Blackstone City, but unlike Shivana, she failed to escape.

Although she hadn’t contributed much to the crime, her capture resulted in enslavement. The auction proceeds would be given as compensation to the affected noble family, and slaves who had committed crimes could not be freed from servitude. They required a special contract as prescribed by the authorities.

The white dragon girl, when not transformed, exhibited dragon traits only in her eyes; otherwise, her appearance was nearly indistinguishable from a human, according to the photos and description. However, the white dragon bloodline kept her body at a constant low temperature. For some, acquiring her might offer novel experiences.

“Honored mage, are you interested in her? I can provide a detailed introduction,” Emma offered proactively.

Chu Yun possessed a high charisma attribute. For Emma, whose only wish as a slave was to find a good master, she fervently hoped Chu Yun would purchase the white dragon girl and take her along.

If she failed to become someone’s personal slave, she faced the prospect of belonging to countless masters in the future.

“No, I’m not interested.”

Chu Yun had no desire to bring trouble home. Shivana was still alive, after all. She had reportedly gone to the Carlos Mountains in search of high-grade fire crystals, and who knew how she might retaliate against Blackstone City in the future?

Buying the white dragon girl would inevitably make him a target for Shivana’s revenge, and Chu Yun had no intention of making an enemy of a third-rank dragonborn.

If not for this, the slave auction featuring the white dragon girl might have been scheduled as the grand finale. Now, few dared to purchase her.

Emma’s eyes dimmed at Chu Yun’s answer, but she forced a smile and continued, “Honored mage, would you like Emma to give you a massage? I am skilled and can ease your fatigue.”

She had not given up hope; if the handsome young mage took a liking to her, he could purchase her as well.

“No, thank you.”

Since being ambushed, Chu Yun had become much more cautious. Even seemingly harmless Emma was not allowed to approach too closely.

Who knew if she might suddenly lash out and tear his throat with her claws? Some slaves, after all, might reach a breaking point.