In the afternoon, after leaving the restaurant, they went sightseeing while taking some time to rest at central park. They had changed into black clothes with eye masks to hide their identity, the dress code for attending the auction. It was also good that it didn't look strange because many people passing by them seemed to wear something similar.

"This looks like a great place for a picnic." Linda said while looking at the fountain and surrounding park. "It's nice and green and everything."

Nathan was glad when he saw several groups of youngsters playing in the grass near the fountain at the center of the park. He nodded at Linda's words.

"Agreed, this is a good place to relax," Polly added, who was hiding behind Nathan's arm.

They sat on the bench and watched the kids play and laughed together.

"There are many people here." Nathan noticed while looking at the crowd of people walking around the park.

"What a refreshing atmosphere here, Oppa." Linda said. "I feel like I'm at the beach."

"That's because it is a day for fun, not work. People are enjoying themselves and relaxing." Nathan said. "I can feel it."

Linda took out something, a maroon color necklace. "Polly, see, I bought you a present."

"Kuh?"

"Pets need to be tagged."

"Kuh?"

"It's a tag that shows that you belong to someone."

The white fox, Polly, nodded and wore the necklace with Linda's help.

"I like it... Thanks Linda...."

Muramoto smiled broadly at what Linda was doing. "I don't understand. Are you being nice to Polly or just bullying her, Linda-chan?"

"I have a pet necklace for you too, Muramoto. Come, let me help you wear it."

"I don't understand what you are talking about, but I'm not interested. No, no, no...."

***

Northlake was a trading city, and it had a lot of things to offer. It was famous for its auctions and was the biggest auction house in the country.

The city of magic, Northlake, was famous not only for its trade business but also because of the huge number of talented mages living in that area. Most of them could control magic with great efficiency or some other special talents.

Most of the magical items found near these lands were valuable weapons or armor from the dungeons or items created by blacksmiths, mechanics, and mages from modern times. Therefore, it was the best place to find rare items that could be sold to the highest bidder.

In the auction house, many types of items like weaponry, enchantments, materials used by alchemists, food, clothes, jewelry... Everything could be bought and sold here at a high price, depending on what they are.

The auction started promptly, as soon as the sun had set below the horizon, around sunset. There was no exception today since many people had gathered just to watch this auction.

There were several levels of the auction houses. The most popular among them was the first level, where everyone could go inside and view all kinds of goods, and limited information about each item was displayed there. Items at this level will be auctioned for a few days. And then it would continue in order until someone wins it.

The second level was where only the people who had paid a fee to attend the auction could enter. This level was where the buyers could come to bid for the items they wanted.

On the next level, called the third level, which was for higher bidders and rich merchants, the audience wasn't allowed in unless they had a specific invitation. Only those who had won an auction before and had paid for it could enter the auction house and participate in the bidding process.

The last level was the highest and was reserved for the most elite of the elites, which was the most exclusive place in the auction house. This level was also called the fourth level. It meant that even more wealthy and powerful clients could bid against each other, much more than even the previous three levels combined.

Nathan only learned about that kind of auction level recently from Muramoto.

"So, can I get the item I want on the first level, Muramoto? You told me it's possible."

Muramoto nodded. "Yes, an elite grade item might be auctioned at the first level, but it will be easier if we participate at the second level. However, since this is your first time attending, you'll probably start at the lowest level." He said and was silent for a moment. "Hmmm, a new rising star would invite enemies, I think... Especially after being able to win an elite item for the first time... I'm afraid this might become a problem... Well, maybe not yet... Anyway... Welcome to the Auction House!" he added while looking at the auction building.

The auction house was located in the north part of central park. They had to go through a gate when entering the building. It was a distinguished building compared to the rest of the buildings in the park, and it seemed to be built to attract customers.

After passing through the gate, Nathan was amazed by the architecture of the building. The walls were made from a shiny stone that was black with textured gray. The roof was made of a metal that looked like a mixture of silver and bronze.

He noticed that the walls and ceiling were not made of regular stone but something harder and more solid.

Nathan was surprised by the beauty of the building. He was looking at it while thinking about its history.

"This place has a super high security system." Muramoto whispered to him.

"I guess so. I can feel that there are a lot of CCTVs and guards watching us." Nathan replied.

They walked straight into the first-level auction room. There were several auction rooms at this level, and Muramoto deliberately chose the one that might match what Nathan wanted to bid.

The auctioneer at the first level was a tall man with white hair as snow, dressed in a long robe of pure silk. He was standing on the stage, his arms crossed over his chest, examining everything that had happened before him.

"Welcome! My name is Vald. I hope everyone will have a good night tonight." He spoke loudly, with an accent that Nathan could barely understand. "Now, let's begin our grand auction..." As soon as Vald finished speaking, the auction started immediately.

A few minutes passed. Several items were on a bid, but not a single item has interested Nathan.

"I heard that was an item that many people are after tonight, Nathan-san." Muramoto said.

"Really?" Nathan replied without taking his eyes off one particular item that would be auctioned soon. It looked like a sword covered by a black sheath. The handle was made of red gold, and the blade was shining silver and was so sharp it seemed to be just about ready to slice through anything within its reach. "What kind of item is it?"

"I don't know... But I think it might be something related to the magic sword class. You can tell if you look at the handle of the sword. There will be a symbol of a circle inscribed with a square somewhere near the handle. That mark shows it has been enchanted with a spell called 'Elemental Breath' which will enhance its magic power."

"What's the difference between that and a normal sword?" Nathan asked.

"The skill has a shorter cooldown, and you'll be able to use more powerful spells." Muramoto answered quickly and quietly.

"I see." Nathan nodded."

"So, the next item..." The auctioneer began for the weapon that was going to be auctioned now. "Do we have a bid? A fine item here!" he shouted. "This is an item that no one could even dream of possessing before! A master blacksmith of the Northlake created this sword. It's called 'Breath of the Dragon Sword'. We all know what this thing does, right? It gives its wielder an additional level of magic spell enhancement when attacked! The price starts from three hundred thousand dollars. Who's got a bid on me?"

"Four hundred thousand dollars." An old man wearing a blue cloak said loudly.

"Five hundred thousand!" someone else added.

Muramoto tapped Nathan on the shoulder and whispered to him. "The opening price is unreasonable for just an elite-grade item."

"Is it too high?" Nathan replied.

Muramoto nodded. "Yes, the average weapon at elite grade ranges from three hundred thousand to five hundred thousand. But in this case, I can understand, because the weapon is made by a famous blacksmith."

"Six hundred thousand!" a young girl said with a voice that seemed like she wasn't used to talking loudly.

"This is crazy! It's already unreasonable for you to participate in the bid, Nathan-san." Muramoto whispered in Nathan's ear.

"Why didn't they mention in detail the skills of that sword?" Nathan turned to Muramoto. "This is supposed to be the best item here tonight?"

Muramoto smiled. "Well... The name of this item is called 'Breath of the Dragon Sword'. Maybe it can breathe fire just like any dragon?" He looked back at the auctioneer. "And actually, the reason its skills weren't stated clearly was because it would be at a disadvantage if the enemy knew exactly what one could do with the weapon they just obtained. In case they're able to counteract those skills..." He stopped talking when he noticed Vald was raising his hand, signifying that he would accept an offer for the item.

"Seven hundred thousand." Nathan raised his hand and showed his bid.

"Eight hundred thousand." Another bid came out instantly in response.

Everyone gasped as soon as they heard this number.

Vald nodded and waited until everyone had finished whispering their bid before starting again. "Do we have another bid?"

historical

"Nathan-san, I advise you to stop here. It won't be good if you keep pushing for that item." Muramoto warned Nathan.

"No, I'm going to buy it." Nathan replied. "I know the sword is not a bad weapon."

[Nathan Gardner]

[Greed Meter: 65%]

Muramoto turned to the auctioneer. "I think we should win that one. It would be really cool if you used it, Nathan-san."

"Nine hundred thousand," Nathan said without trying to hide how much he wanted the item.

The room was quiet. No one was willing to speak up. Even though they all had the same intention, none dared to bid against him.

"One million." A young girl's voice finally broke the silence.

Muramoto groaned quietly under his breath while shaking his head from side to side.

Nathan turned towards the voice, a girl with short blonde hair. She was wearing a mask covering her eyes, but her voice sounded familiar to his ears.

"Lily?" He muttered.

The girl turned towards Nathan, smiled, and waved at him.