BXBX NOVEL Chapter 45 Dark Auction (2)
"Fucking bugs..."
I muttered, swatting at the tiny creatures that had found their way into my clothing while I squeezed through the narrow pathway.
While I didn't particularly hate the bugs, I certainly felt no joy in their presence, nor in the sensation of their tiny legs crawling across my skin.
Once I had brushed off the bugs from my clothes, I surveyed my surroundings. Ahead of me stood a darkened street, The path was deserted, and the few people I did see were all wearing something to cover their faces.
I quickly unrolled my black scarf and wrapped it around my face, leaving only my piercing golden eyes visible.
"..."
To blend in with the crowd, I had suppressed my Mana to a significant extent. It was difficult for anyone to discern whether I was an Awakener or just a normal human being.
As I made my way through the street of dimly lit shops, I scanned the numbers written beneath them, searching for the one I knew from the game. Finally, I spotted the number 72 and quickened my pace.
Thud... Thud...
Approaching a nondescript metal door, I knocked on it three times in a specific pattern. A small window slid open, and a pair of crimson eyes peered out at me.
"Password..."
Came the gruff voice from behind the door.
I took a deep breath before reciting the password that I had used thousands of times.
"Daudilus"
The eyes scrutinized me for a few tense moments before the window shut with a metallic clang, and the door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit corridor beyond.
"Come in, customer..."
A middle-aged man in the butler outfit and old fedora said, bowing and gesturing for me to enter.
As I stepped through the doorway, I found myself in a dimly lit corridor, its walls adorned with elaborate tapestries and antique furnishings. The butler followed closely behind me, his red eyes fixed on my back as if scrutinizing my every move.
I couldn't help but feel slightly uneasy as I made my way down the corridor.
The air of the room was thick with the scent of incense, and the soft glow of candles flickered against the walls.
As we continued down the corridor, the butler led me to a door at the end of the hallway.
"Please wait here..."
He said, bowing once more before disappearing back down the corridor.
"..."
As I waited, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the Icy Wyvern Core in my Spatial Inventory. I felt very happy to finally get rid of the thing that caused me more trouble than rewards.
After what felt like an eternity, the butler returned and motioned for me to follow him. He led me into a lavish room, furnished with plush sofas and ornate decorations. A single figure sat at a desk in the center of the room, his face obscured by the shadows.
"Welcome...I trust you have something of value to offer me?"
The man went by the name Nothing, and he was one of the most powerful people in the entire Dark Auction.
Despite the ominous name, the Dark Auction was not a single event, but rather a district with numerous shops where people could buy and sell various items. The area was perpetually shrouded in darkness, which added to its mysterious and foreboding atmosphere.
Nothing had a reputation for being shrewd and ruthless in his business dealings, and he had amassed a significant amount of wealth and power in the district. He was known for his connections and ability to obtain rare and valuable items for his clients, as well as his willingness to use any means necessary to protect his interests.
I took a deep breath and pulled the Icy Wyvern Core from my Ring, setting it on the table. The figure leaned forward, his eyes glinting in the dim light as he examined the item.
"This is impressive... Tell me, where did you get it?" He said, his voice laced with interest.
I knew exactly what he was thinking - he was probably assuming that the core was from the Ice Dungeon where Rose found her compatible person, which happened to be me.
Thinking quickly, I decided to spin a tale that would satisfy his curiosity.
"I've actually had it in my inventory for months... My son gave it to me as a gift for my 231st birthday."
I made up some random shit on the spot, hoping that Nothing will buy it. Although my skin was pale and devoid of any impurities, it was normal for high-ranking Awakeners to maintain their youth and live for thousands of years, so Nothing wouldn't find my explanation suspicious.
I could see the gears turning in his head as he considered my story. With a slight nod of his head, he seemed to accept my explanation, making me smirk inwardly.
"Fine... name your price"
I felt a surge of excitement as he asked for my price. I knew exactly how much the Icy Wyvern Core was worth in the Dark Auction.
"50,000 Arcons..."
I stated the price confidently, my eyes locked with Nothing's. I could tell he was impressed by my boldness, since many knew that if one named the price too high, his head would fly.
"That's a steep price... but I suppose it's worth it for an item of this caliber."
He leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
"I'll offer you 35,000 Arcons. Take it or leave it."
I had expected him to haggle, but I wasn't going to budge on my price. I had already factored in the possibility of negotiation when I set my price, and I knew that 50,000 was a fair amount.
"I'm afraid I can't accept that offer. My price is non-negotiable."
I kept my voice steady, not letting any hint of doubt or hesitation show. Nothing studied me for a moment, weighing his options.
"Very well... I'll meet your price. 50,000 Arcons it is."
He let out a low laugh or a growl, I couldn't discern, but as soon as we shook our heads the deal was sealed.