Chapter 150: Crystals (2/2)

”Why did you leave, grandmaster?” Arthur asked with bewilderment. After all, he saw how eager the king was to recruit the old man back to his side.

”Oh,” The grandmaster paused. With a cough and a grin, he flicked his sleeve. ”For the money, of course.”

Arthur was speechless.

***

After his items were sold, the rest of the auction proceeded as scheduled. Drinks and snacks were handed out for the guest as the host got ready to introduce the last item on today's agenda.

”Please, ladies and gentlemen. Make sure to swallow your food lest you choke on it. The next item is the one you were all dying to see.”

The host grinned as he jested. The audience laughed relaxedly but their tense bodies showed otherwise. As the lights went out and the center of the stage was illuminated, music was played to build the tension in the auditorium.

”Angel Wings.”

The host's voice traveled in all directions as the fabric was removed from the case in the middle of the stage. A set of two wings presented itself with snow-white feathers. They were made of metal, bones, and the feathers of some creature.

”An artifact that has been found in one of the Sins Dungeons.” The host said and Arthur flinched at the sudden mention. He had died once, or almost died, in such a dungeon.

”It allows its user to fly unhindered. The speed of the flight is determined by mana with no limit to how fast it could go. Furthermore,” The host paused for suspense. ”Every person would fall for whoever wears such a cool artifact.” The joke was so unexpected that most people let out a nervous laugh.

Like a spark that ignited a forest fire, the host's last words made the bids go on before the last one died down. Lights flashed as people shouted. Arthur watched the bizarre scene of people threatening, coaxing, just to get their hands on this artifact.

Flight has always been an advantage in a fight. Arthur remembers how difficult it was to fight the Dark Queen at that time because of her ability to fly.

This was even a genuine artifact. If Arthur could study it, given his ability evolved, he could probably learn it and make the rune his own.

Sadly, the prices were so high that Arthur gave up after a minute. Without slowing down, the price reached a hundred million. Then it started rising until it was sold to the Royal Family of the Yalveran Union for 473 Million.

As Arthur saw with disdain how much the royal family paid for the artifact, the auction came to a close. He bid the two farewells before finding a place and teleporting away. After a few times of using the rune, he was at the company.

He sat in the room they used the other day as he waited for Idris. The large, scarred man came in after a while to find Arthur seated inside.

”Truly full of mysteries, newbie.” Idris sighed in a tired voice before pulling a flask of whisky and pouring himself a drink. ”You want some?” Arthur shook his head.

Idris nodded and sat in front of Arthur. As if conscious of his image, he took small sips from the glass before placing it down.

”I'm sorry, I needed this. The last few days were busy ones.” He said as he massaged his temples. ”You should have already seen how much they were sold for.”

Arthur had sold artifacts with the fire rune before, but they weren't worth this much. After all, he used cheap weapons to inscribe the rune. That's why he can only sell it for a fraction of today's price.

The lucky ones who managed to get a genuine artifact for less than a hundred thousand at that time were truly fortuned by the heavens. Arthur had no plans on chasing after them since they were all small-time awakeners.

”I've also secured the crystals. Twenty, as you asked. The rest of the money was transferred to your account already.”

Idris waved his hand and a box appeared on the table. Arthur pulled the box and opened it to reveal a multicolored set of crystals. With this, he can finally break through. The world's most overpowered breakthrough will take place.