Desolate Mage: A Legend Reborn! 135 Auction 8

'I have no idea what type of beast has that skin, but from the fluctuations released, it's damn precious!'
'Wait a minute, what fluctuations? I can't sense any...! And how come it's priced so low if it's so amazing? People don't even know what it's use is!'
'Those fluctuations of power are only perceptible to direct contractors of the Abyss; that's how we evaluate how many Abyss Points you're likely to get from the item. Now, I don't know what it can be used for except that the Abyss seems to want it sorely... Comparing it to your necklace which should be worth 2 million Abyss Points, that piece of hide should get us upwards of 150 million AP!'
'150 million... What can we get?'
'Dammit boy! Be a little bit more excited! It''s enough to advance your bloodline with at least an AA or even an AAgrade inheritance! Right now your minotaurs bloodline is just a C-grade incomplete version that takes years to nurture, whereas if you purchase a full package for say 130 million AP, it could boost your physique up instantly to the World-class level and grow into even a Myth level body!'
'That good?!? But at the same time I don't have that much left... Let's hope no-one vies with me for it...'
Lars quickly recounted what he had left again at the purchases he had made.
He had spent nearly 200 million platinum coins on two sets of Void Armour, one for Charley and the other for Seline. These armours could completely dissipate any attacks of the World-class level and below, while impacts of the Legendary level would be negated by as much as 95%.
It functioned by creating a Void Space around the wearer, forcing any incoming attacks or spells to overcome the null-field before affecting the user!
The only reason such a powerful piece of equipment was not more expensive was that the very same null-field did not just defend against attacks, it also greatly restricted the user from making physical attacks as well as dispersing the mana all around, pretty much isolating the wearer from participating in a fight!
Another 80 million was spent on a set of flexible and sturdy Apprentice Robes for himself, though the defence ratio was much weaker at 70% armour reduction and the enchantments only gave a 10-20% boost to speed, strength, mana regeneration and spell amplification, it was affordable and comfortable.
The Apprentice Robes were also usable by Expert-realm practitioners, thus making it suitable for his "young form" as Lars in the upcoming Battle Through the Heavens.
Finally, he had been forced to spend the most for a suitable weapon!
It was not difficult to find a weapon that had low requirements for usage, enhanced one's power significantly and granted great attacking power.
What WAS difficult was finding one that did not cost a fortune.
He saw his chance when a high-tech magical weapon came on display: a 13th Generation Jethi Mana Saber, Mark IV model.
The weapon was merely a hilt with countless minute magical formations engraved within, while the outer surface was embossed with sturdy and hard materials. As there was no blade, the hilt could be made with heavier (and cheaper) materials, bringing down the price.
What brought the price down even further was that the blade and the power of this Mana Sabre depended entirely on the amount of mana one channelled into it - which meant that it would drain the user's mana incessantly just activating the weapon. Hence the low requirements for usage - pretty much anyone who could channel mana could activate it up to the level of one's abilities.
However, on the plus side, the glowing blue blade of light emitted by the Mana Sabre bore an amplification factor of nearly 10 times - making it an ideal cutting weapon for anyone who had an ample mana pool...
Someone like Lars!
After discussing with Charley on what they could afford as well as whether the weapon was the best choice rigjt now, Lars had grit his teeth and nearly grinded them in desperation as the bids for the item continuously rose until the bidding price breached 300 million platinum!
And Lars finally let out a great sigh of relief when it was announced that his bid of 307 MP was the winning bid.
However, that left him with barely 50 million platinum left to spend - and if he blew it on this piece of hide, then he might as well leave the auction right after rather than stare with envious green eyes at the majestic treasures that would be displayed!
As such, Lars nervously caressed the "BID" button and finally, after seeing that no one else seemed to be making the first move, input a bid.
A paltry sum of 1 million platinum coins; the bare minimum starting bid.
"Ahhh! Here we have it! Our first bid has been received for 1 million platinum! Do we have any other bids for this curio...? Else, I will be calling for the three counts now, starting... Now! 1 MP, going once...! One MP, going twice...! And..."
Aquino looked around lazily as he spoke when he suddenly paused a tick, his brows flickering slightly as he received notification of a new bid. Then he realised that, just maybe, this item could be milked for a good taking as well.
"Wow! Ladies and gentlemen, a good choice, a good choice indeed! Despite not knowing yet what the characteristics and usage of this hide are, I assure you that you will not be wasting your money on this item! Haha! We have a new bid of 2.5 million platinum coins! Any takers for 4 million? How about it?"
* * * * *
Everaldus in his room trembled as he instantly regretted what he had just done.
His fingers were still stuck in the gesture of pressing the "BID" button!
It was he himself who had pushed the price higher in a gamble that whoever made the first bid would take the challenge and raise the stakes even higher.
But right now he shook with anxiety as he realised that it was already a blessing if anyone even purchased the hide for 1 million coins - and now he could only pray for grace and mercy, that he wouldn't end up paying 2.5 MP and end up paying a commission to the Auction House for nothing!
"Please... Please make another bid... Please...!! Even if it's just to take this as a decoration, I'm sure it's worth more than just that to you, right...?? Please please please...! Come on and bid!!!"
Aquino down below was all smiles even as, to his disappointment and Everaldus' despair, there were no takers.
And so he began to count, "2.5 MP going once! Don't tell me that you're not even willing to spend some pocket change to figure out what this is for...?"
This was met by sarcastic mutters and disdainful voices.
"If even the owner couldn't identify it's use and is trying to offload it for a token sum, what makes us think that we could figure out what it's good for? What do you organisers take us for, fools!?? Hah!"
"Exactly! Why, we'd likely end up spending more money just researching and testing it than we could even get in return!"
Aquino pointedly ignored those criticisms and continued to smile as he progressed the count.
"2.5 MP, going twice...!"
He paused and swept his gaze across the crowds, giving one last moment for a raise to come in.
However, he was only met by condescending and impatient glares, urging him to hurry up and stop wasting valuable time with this fool's show!
It was with a sigh that Aquino drew in his breath and said, "2.5 MP going... No! We have a raise! Thank you, generous benefactor for your substantial raise..."
"To 10 million platinum coins!"
And in his room, Lars clenched his fists tightly as he cursed in his heart.
Who was it who was raising the bid so crazily??!

Chapter end