Chapter 516.8: Auction ( Part 8 )
The sight of the Spirit Warding Stone ignited a spark of excitement in everyone's eyes.
However, it didn't take long for them to realize that if the stone truly possessed its rumored effects or had the potential to be repaired, it would never be sold in a public auction.
The truth dawned upon them, dampening their enthusiasm as they understood that the stone was most likely irreparable.
With this understanding, the crowd gradually settled down, accepting the fact that the broken Spirit Warding Stone was simply a relic with limited use. At most, they could probably use it as a replacement for their Sealing Methods. As for research, they weren't too inclined to do that since they don't have a long lifespan.
They don't think they could waste dozens of years conducting research for something that they do not have a use for aside from earning money.
Soon, the auction officially commenced, and as Eustace had anticipated, Isaac's interest in the item became evident. He wasted no time in making his bid, displaying his determination to claim the artifact for himself.
'Aren't you being obvious? They're going to raise the price if you look so interested in it.' Eustace mused, and as expected, the 30,000 yen bid was immediately increased.
As the bidding intensified, the price soared to a staggering 120,000 zen!
Isaac was certainly not going to give up. This guy probably intends to take this item without caring for the price.
"Sold for 120,000 zen"
This was a considerable sum for a broken item that could only serve as a replacement for Sealing Techniques. Many attendees could only sigh in resignation, realizing that they were not prepared to invest such a significant amount of money.
Rosella, the auctioneer, couldn't hide her satisfaction at the outcome of the bidding.
She happily continued with the remaining items, all of which were Mystical Artifacts of incredible value. Most of these artifacts were of the Support-Type, a rarity in public auctions.
The event drew to a close, and Eustace confirmed that the two items he had sold for his Summons were never put up for auction. As expected, they were sold privately to undisclosed buyers.
It didn't take long as the auction winners were escorted backstage to collect their items...
After a few moments, Eustace couldn't help but notice a few individuals casting furtive glances in his direction. They weren't threatening or showing hostility like before, but they must be thinking and planning something.
"Are they thinking of stealing my items?" Eustace mused, his mind alert to the possibility of foul play.
Although he wasn't afraid and was even looking forward to it, he remained vigilant as he made his way through the backstage area.
He kept a watchful eye on those who seemed to take an interest in his possessions.
He then handed over the 7,500 zen he had spent to secure the Crystallized Essence of the Fire Elemental. The moment his fingers made contact with the artifact, a familiar notification from the System resounded in his mind.
It confirmed what he had suspected: he had the ability to extract the essence from the crystallized form.
However, he didn't proceed with the extraction.
Instead, he continued with his next deal.
He retrieved the Dragon Scale he had brought with him.
As he revealed the scale, the surrounding individuals, including the other auction winners, turned their attention to it, their gaze fixed on the mystical artifact.
Feeling the genuine aura emanating from the Dragon Scale, those in proximity couldn't help but instinctively enter their magic zones, seeking protection from the scale's aura.
Of course, they also used this opportunity to scrutinize the item.
Eustace smiled as he understood their reaction. Even the mere presence of the Dragon Scale possessed an intimidating and commanding energy.
Nevertheless, the attendants maintained their professionalism as they swiftly handed Eustace the Third Phase of the Darkness Possession Potion, completing the transaction.
Eustace knew that he had achieved his objective, and it was time for him to make his exit.
Aware of the lingering gazes and the potential for unwanted attention, Eustace made a calculated decision to leave promptly.
He had so many things to do right now. Aside from making use of this potion, he also wanted to explore a few things about his Extraction Space, especially the Fusion Function.
Currently, he had way too many spells, and fusing them up to get a better one was definitely the right thing to do.
He wasted no time and swiftly utilized his exceptional Agility to make a quick exit from the premises.
His movements were fluid and purposeful, leaving the onlookers who had speculated about the presence of another Dragon Scale astonished by his decisive escape.
"Ahhh..."
"He's going to leave just like that..."
"Tsk... We need to ask him where he got that scale."
"That's obvious. Follow him..."
Realizing that they had little time to ponder, the curious individuals made a collective decision to follow Eustace discreetly, eager to uncover more about him.
Their intentions were not malicious; rather, they harbored a genuine curiosity to learn more about the mysterious artifact trader.
However, among the group of followers, there was one middle-aged man with a vindictive agenda. This man happened to be the Combat Arts Practitioner who had unsuccessfully attempted to bid for the Crystallized Essence. Fueled by resentment, he relished the opportunity to witness Eustace's downfall.
"Hmph... Now you're running. Let's see where you'll go," the middle-aged man muttered with a touch of malice, harboring ill intentions towards Eustace.
Clare and Teresa also didn't hesitate to follow Eustace... They even sent him a message through their telepathy.
They wanted to bring Eustace to their side at all costs!
'We need a Half-Spirit on our side before the invaders come...' Teresa silently thought as she used a spell to stop the other pursuers trying to tail Eustace.
***
Meanwhile, Isaac, having successfully obtained his desired item, remained unaffected by the unfolding events.
Nonchalantly, he observed the direction in which Eustace had fled, shaking his head in disapproval, perhaps disapproving of Eustace's hasty departure or the potential troubles that may lie ahead for him.