Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 482: [Bonus chapter] End of the Auction

“Oh, definitely! He’s the only person in the territory’s history to not only reach the Quadrant Finals but also ascend to the second round of the Quadrant Finals,” Fulkar answered with eyes filled with admiration. “Trenk and I are some of Hurman’s only pupils outside of the Practor Family since most people couldn’t afford his private lessons.”

Nodding slowly, Oli asked, “Then why didn’t he just sell more lessons to get his family out of debt?”

Shrugging slightly, Fulkar reasoned, “Probably because he didn’t want to stunt his reputation, because it was only his reputation that allowed them to cling to their status.”

Oli took a second to think that over while the auction continued. But Fulkar suddenly asked, “Oliver... Is there a way for me to ask you to bid?”

“Why?” Oli quickly asked, making sure to not take long while the bidding was underway.

“Because if we’re migrating and asking for support, then having such an item would be some of the greatest support we could receive,” stated Fulkar.

Squinting through his eye holes, Oli asked, “But why this item? Does your father wield spears? And wouldn’t your father be stronger than a low-perennial?”

.....

“That... He wields a long-pole battle axe. But that spear is close enough-”

“Then the spear won’t due,” Oli answered outright. “And what’s his cultivation?”

“He’s finally on the cusp of becoming a high-perennial.”

“Then why get such a low-level weapon?” Oli questioned, baffling Fulkar as Oli talked down a perennial grade spear. “He needs at least a high-perennial grade, if not a peak-perennial grade weapon. So why settle?”

Fulkar’s sense of shock disappeared before he could blink, leaving behind complete confusion. “W-what? What do you mean by that?”

“After this, we’re going to pay a visit to your old man to verify a few things,” stated Oli, following Eeole’s latest advice. “Or would that cause you trouble?”

“Really?! We’re going to visit him?” Fulkar was startled but seemed more excited than anything. “Does that mean you’re willing to offer such a weapon?!”

Oli understood what had gotten Fulkar excited but didn’t feel insulted or offended at all. If anything, Oli was glad that Fulkar didn’t shrink back after mentioning the necessary discussion with his father. It was a good sign that Fulkar wasn’t lying about his status within the Libarn Family.

“We have twenty-two thousand gold going once!”

The auctioneer’s voice filled the auction hall but neither Oli nor Fulkar were paying it any attention. Oli just sighed and chuckled, “... Depending on what your father agrees to, then we’ll see what I’m willing to offer.”

“Thank you, Oliver!” Fulkar dropped into a full bow, catching Oli off guard. “I truly didn’t make a mistake allying with you!”

“You’re welcome, now get up and calm down. We haven’t even begun the real negotiations yet,” laughed Oli.

“Yes, sir!”

Oli could only laugh as Fulkar called him that and returned to his usual posture. The duo watched as the spear was sold for over twenty-two thousand gold, a price far beyond what that weaponsmith had thrown out during their visit to the local weapons shop.

They continued to wait patiently as the auction came to a close and never again paid the stage any attention. But the duo was approached by a few people from the lounge section. The first group stopped outside the duo’s silent formation, seeking permission to speak. But Oli just shook his head and waved them away since that group was also wearing masks to conceal themselves.

The second group, however, had no such masks. It was Karos’s group, led by the man who had been bidding against Oli. They also waited outside the silent formation. But when Oli waved them away, the leader took a single step inside, saying, “Excuse me, but we’re representatives of Rhyner Region and wish to-”

“Get out.”

The man shut up but only from a moment of frustration. “... I’ll pay whatever price for those gauntlets-”

“Thirty thousand gold,” commented Oli, shutting the man up in the best way possible. “Pay that, or leave.”

“I can offer up to fifteen thousand gold, thousands more than what you paid for them-”

“Get. Out,” Oli demanded, still not bothering to look the man in the eye. “Or must I call for you to be escorted away?”

The man’s fury grew but he didn’t lash out. “As representatives of Rhyner Region, we came here with specific goals. I believe the price I offer is more than fair-”

“Only you’re not respecting me, therefore either pay double for such disrespect or leave. That’s all. No more explanations or groveling,” Oli stated clearly. “I’ll give you three seconds to act on either option. Otherwise, I’ll speak with Icicle Palace and find out whether or not you’ll be barred from entry.”

“Th-that... Sir-”

“Three...” Oli started counting. “Two...”

The man groaned and abruptly bowed. “Sorry for bothering you. Goodbye.”

As the man stepped out of the silent formation and led his group away with disdain riddling his face, Fulkar broke out in laughter inside the formation. “Amazing!”

“What?” Oli laughed as well. “Just because a dog comes barking doesn’t mean they’re saying anything worth listening to.”

Fulkar laughed even harder as another person approached. It was the server that had been helping them all day. So Oli waved into the silent formation without a second thought. “Sirs, congratulations on your winning bids! Also, there’s something I must inform you of before bringing you to your exchange room. One of our private clients has offered you twenty-five thousand gold for the frosted mantle, should be willing to part with it. And Icicle Palace will not take any cuts from the price.”

Oli nodded and stroked the chin of his mask. He thought, *At least they know how to properly ask for the item, unlike some people...*

“Tell them that I appreciate the offer, but I won’t be parting with the frosted mantle,” answered Oli.

“Very well,” the man lifted his head with a smile as if expecting the answer. “Then, please follow me to your exchange room?”