Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 505: Can I Get It?

“SOLD! For forty-six thousand gold!”

DONG, DONG, DONG, DONG!!

The next cart was unveiled and the auctioneer was already describing it over the microphone, “We have yet another battle art! This one is light-based and focuses on healing, called Light’s Warmth. Wielded to full mastery, it can even reattach the severed limbs of anyone weaker than the user! So of course we’ll have to start at thirty thousand gold!”

“Thirty-one-”

“Thirty-three thousand!”

“Thirty-six thousand gold!”

Freele looked at the scroll with great greed. But Oli spoke up before she could even turn to ask about it. “No. Sorry, but I can’t afford this one.”

.....

“... I understand. There’s no need to apologize.”

The team watched as the bidding continued on and on. When it finally came to a close, everyone in the room was astounded.

“Fifty-two thousand gold going once! ... Going twice! ... SOLD!”

DONG, DONG, DONG, DONG, DONG!!!

For the first time, the bell rang five times while the entire crowd on the first floor applauded the purchase. But after only a few words the auctioneer had already moved on to the third cart.

“Yet again, it’s a high-perennial battle art, specializing in fire!”

After seeing Oli pass on the light art, Trenk and Trantor didn’t entertain the thought of even touching the scroll. It was made clear that Oli could no longer afford the items so they didn’t push any further.

“... Forty-nine thousand gold going once! ... Going twice! ... SOLD!”

DONG, DONG, DONG, DONG!!

Everyone in the room silently watched as the three carts were replaced with a single covered item. Smiling wide, the auctioneer quickly uncovered it, shouting, “Here we have it! Our final high-perennial scroll, a dark-based cultivation technique, Murky Haze! For anyone with dark essence and a misty essence nature, this is an absolute must!”

Trenk and Trantor inhaled sharply as they heard that. And Oli, verbally groaned, showing the entire room how badly he wanted the scroll. ‘Are you sure we can’t buy this one too?’

“Again, we’re starting the bidding at thirty thousand gold!”

As the bidding went wild, Oli waited for the telepathic response.

‘... The other scrolls are more important, and you won’t be able to afford all three with how much gold-‘

‘But if I’m allowed to use some oxite coins, then that won’t be a big deal,’ Oli reasoned. ‘This would be perfect for both the foxes and the Forell Family. Hurry and decide.’

“Forty-five thousand!”

“Forty-six-”

“Forty-eight thousand!”

Eeole hesitated. ‘... I’d prefer if oxite coins aren’t revealed here. That’s why-‘

‘But you already told me a way to deal with that,’ Oli interjected. ‘So, please, let me get this.’

“Fifty-three thousand gold! AMAZING! A worthy bid!” shouted the auctioneer. “Going once!”

‘Come on, Eeole. Give me an answer.’

“... Going twice!”

‘...’

“SOLD!”

DONG, DONG, DONG, DONG, DONG!!!

That cart was taken backstage and instantly replaced with two others. As both were revealed to be more of Rykard’s “final” pieces Oli focused again on Eeole. ‘... Why not?’

‘Because there are two essence types you don’t need to worry about gathering scrolls for: earth essence because of your father and clan, as well as everything I’ve given your father from the past, and dark essence,’ Eeole stated without any remorse.

Curious, Oli asked, ‘I have plenty for myself, but what about the others? Isn’t Netra’s technique only mid-perennial grade? And we want to get one compatible for the Forell Family and the other foxes as well, one no weaker than mid-perennial.’

‘Yes. But that’s not difficult for me. Just focus on what matters most. The moment the peak-perennial items hit the stage is the moment we’ll know what to do.’

The tension in the booth eased up thanks to the high-perennial weapons being of no use to any party members. They both sold for over fifty thousand gold and then the stage was cleared once more. However, no more carts were brought out.

“... Ladies! Gentlemen! It’s time! We’re finally down to our final five items! Let’s hear a round of applause for everyone here and the many victories that have been had thus far today!”

Most of the crowd followed along, filling the auction hall with thunderous clapping from hundreds of people. But the auctioneer suddenly threw his hands to the side and cut the crowd off, “ALRIGHT! There’s no use waiting any longer! BRING THEM OUT!”

Everyone watched in full anticipation as four carts were brought forward, startling everyone.

“EVERYONE! These are our four peak-perennial items! Today, in honor of this year’s second equinox and our very own Provincial Qualifier, we’re going all out!” declared the auctioneer. “SHOW ‘EM!”

All four carts were unveiled at once. And at that same moment, Eeole let loose a dragged-out, depressed sigh, ‘You have my permission...’

Oli wanted to mentally celebrate but now he was far too curious about that strange development, as were most people in the lounge and private sections. They had all seen the catalog and they all knew what five items were left. And for the only item without an illustration to not appear on stage, it left a deep impression of both excitement and anticipation.

“The fifth of the final five items is this beautiful glacial mantle, formed from the core and hide of a peak-perennial beast! With this, so long as you can protect it from receiving major physical damage, anyone would be safe from ninety-nine percent of all blizzards across the province! And we’ll start at thirty-five thousand gold!”

“Forty thousand-”

“Forty-one thousand!”

Those in the lounge section fought the hardest for this item. For some reason, no one in the booths bothered to bid or show interest. But even without the bids of the private section, the glacial mantle quickly became the most expensive item thus far.

“Fifty-eight thousand!”

“Fifty-nine-”

“Sixty thousand!”

“... Absolutely amazing!! Sixty thousand gold going once! ... Going twice!” The auctioneer glanced at Oli’s booth but didn’t have the crowd wait too long. “... SOLD!”

DONG, DONG, DONG, DONG, DONG, DOONG!!!

For the first time, the auctioneer gave the audience a moment to breathe and cheer for the purchase. He took his time personally dragging the next item slightly closer to the stage’s edge.