Chapter 140: A Tier 4 Sword With A Skill?

The bidding war for "Eclipse" intensifies, with offers soaring beyond expectations. Duke Lukius raises his paddle confidently.​ "Two million two hundred thousand gold coins," he declares.​ Lady Rahni, undeterred, counters swiftly.​ "Two million four hundred thousand."​ The atmosphere in the auction hall is electric. Nobles and collectors exchange glances, the weight of the sums being offered evident on their faces. "Two million six hundred thousand." A hushed murmur ripples through the audience. The sums being discussed are staggering, a testament to the sword's unparalleled craftsmanship. Marquis Elowen, who had previously secured the Obsidian Aegis, seems torn. His desire is evident, but he remains seated, perhaps mindful of his recent expenditure. Lady Rahni, sensing an opportunity, makes her move. "Two million eight hundred thousand," she announces, her voice steady. The room holds its collective breath. All eyes turn to Duke Lukius and Lord Heires, anticipating their responses. After a prolonged pause, during which the weight of the moment is palpable, Lord Heires raises his paddle for what seems to be the final time. "Three million gold coins." A collective gasp echoes through the hall. The threshold has been crossed; the magnitude of the bid underscores the sword's legendary status. Cedric Langston, ever the consummate professional, allows the moment to settle before speaking. "Three million gold coins," he reiterates. "Are there any further bids?" The hall remains silent. Lady Rahni, after a brief hesitation, offers a graceful nod, conceding the contest. Cedric raises his gavel. "Three million gold coins, going once... going twice..." Just as the gavel begins its descent, a voice from the rear of the hall interrupts. "Three million five hundred thousand." Heads swivel to identify the late entrant. It's the representative from Ordeya. The envoy, a distinguished figure clad in robes adorned with arcane symbols, stands with an air of quiet authority. Cedric, momentarily taken aback, regains his composure swiftly. "Three million five hundred thousand gold coins. An impressive bid." Lord Heires, clearly weighing his options, ultimately offers a respectful nod toward the Ordeyan representative, signaling his withdrawal from the contest. Cedric scans the room one final time. "Three million five hundred thousand gold coins, going once... going twice..." He pauses, ensuring no further bids are forthcoming. "Sold! To the esteemed representative from Ordeya." A round of applause ensues, acknowledging both the winner and the extraordinary artifact that has just changed hands. As the grand hall of the Silvercrest Auction House settles from the previous sale, Cedric composed demeanor commanding the room's attention. The chandeliers cast a warm glow over the expectant faces of nobles, collectors, and esteemed guests. Cedric's voice resonates through the hall. "Ladies and gentlemen, we now present a remarkable offering: a Tier 4 Skill Book and a Tier 4 Spell Book, consigned together as a single lot at the owner's request. Bidding will commence at one million gold coins." In the VVIP lounge, Draya leans toward Alix, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Your Majesty, our items are finally being auction." Alix nods thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the auction floor. "Indeed. I trust we'll secure a sum exceeding five million." The auctioneer scans the room. "We open with one million gold coins. Do I have an opening bid?" A representative from the Kingdom of Ordeya raises his paddle. "One million gold coins." A merchant from the southern isles counters. "One million two hundred thousand." The bids escalate. "One million four hundred thousand," calls a noblewoman adorned in emeralds. "One million six hundred thousand," responds a delegate from the eastern territories. The Ordeyan representative raises his paddle once more. "Two million gold coins." A hush falls over the hall. Cedric allows the moment to linger before speaking. "Two million gold coins. Any further bids?" Silence prevails. "Two million gold coins, going once... going twice..." The gavel descends with a decisive thud. "Sold to the representative from Ordeya for two million gold coins," Cedric announces. Polite applause follows as the attendant delivers the prized tomes to their new owner. In the VVIP lounge, Draya turns to Alix, her expression a mix of satisfaction and curiosity. "Two million is a respectable sum, though below our expectations." Alix offers a contemplative smile. "Indeed. The market can be unpredictable. Nevertheless, it's a substantial addition to our coffers." "Ladies and gentlemen," Cedric begins, his voice resonating through the grand hall, "we now present the last item of today's auction." A ripple of excitement courses through the audience. Many had assumed the Tier 5 sword would conclude the event, and curiosity now dances in their eyes. Cedric continues, "This item is a Tier 4 sword." A collective pause grips the room. Whispers emerge, laced with confusion and skepticism. "Is this a jest?" a voice from the crowd challenges. "How can a Tier 4 sword hold more significance than a Tier 5?" Cedric offers a knowing smile, his eyes scanning the assembly. "I assure you, I am not jesting. This particular Tier 4 sword possesses a unique attribute: it is embedded with a skill. The wielder can access a Tier 4 ability without the need for prior training or mastery." The hall falls into a stunned silence. Such a phenomenon is unheard of, and the weight of Cedric's words hangs heavily in the air. From the VVIP lounge, Prince Asdri leans forward, his interest piqued. "Is this claim accurate?" he inquires, his gaze fixed on Cedric. Cedric meets the prince's eyes with unwavering confidence. "Indeed, Your Highness. Would you care to experience it firsthand?" A hush falls over the room as all eyes turn to Prince Asdri. After a brief moment of contemplation, he rises gracefully from his seat. "I accept," Asdri declares, his voice steady. Descending from the VVIP lounge, Asdri moves with the poise befitting his royal stature. The crowd parts respectfully as he approaches the podium where Cedric stands beside an ornate display case. Cedric gestures toward the case, and an attendant steps forward to unveil the sword. The weapon is a masterpiece of craftsmanship: its blade, forged from an unknown metal, gleams with a subtle, otherworldly light; intricate runes are etched along its length, pulsating faintly with latent energy. Asdri reaches out, his fingers closing around the hilt. The moment he makes contact, a surge of information floods his mind—a comprehensive understanding of the embedded Tier 4 skill. The sensation is both exhilarating and overwhelming. He steadies himself, taking a measured breath. The knowledge settles, and he becomes acutely aware of the power now at his disposal. Turning to Cedric, Asdri nods appreciatively. "Your claims are substantiated," he acknowledges. Cedric inclines his head respectfully. "Thank you, Your Highness." Asdri addresses the assembly, his voice carrying the weight of his royal authority. "This sword is indeed extraordinary. The embedded skill integrates seamlessly, granting the wielder immediate proficiency." A ripple of astonishment spreads through the audience. The implications of such a weapon are profound, and many begin to realize they are witnessing a pivotal moment in innovation. Asdri returns the sword to its display, offering a final nod to Cedric before making his way back to the VVIP lounge. Cedric allows the audience a moment to absorb the demonstration before speaking. "With this firsthand validation, we shall commence the bidding for this unparalleled Tier 4 sword. The opening bid is set at one million gold coins." In the VVIP lounge, Prince Asdri strides back into the room, his expression contemplative. Pyke, his trusted companion, observes him keenly. "Captain," Pyke begins, his tone laced with curiosity, "does that sword truly possess a Tier 4 skill?" Asdri nods, a hint of bewilderment in his eyes. "Yes, it does. I can't fathom how that's possible." Famir, seated nearby, leans forward. "Perhaps we should meet with the owner to uncover its origins." On the auction floor, the bidding commences with fervor. "One million gold coins," calls a noble. "One million two hundred thousand," counters from a merchant. The tempo rises sharply. "One million four hundred thousand!" "One point six!" "Two million!" The crowd is feverish now, voices overlapping, hands rising rapidly. "Two million three hundred!" "Two million eight hundred!" Cedric's gaze sweeps the hall, his expression calm amidst the storm. "Three million gold coins," he declares as the next paddle lifts, the number spoken by a velvet-clad viscount near the center. In the VVIP lounge, Draya watches with amusement. "They're going mad for it," she murmurs. Alix leans forward slightly, eyes still locked on the floor. "Let them." On the auction floor, the nobles' frenzy reaches new heights. The amounts become so staggering that aides are dispatched in haste—runners sprinting toward private vaults and carriages to fetch more funds. "Bring another two million from the vault!" a nobleman shouts to his retainer. Another bangs his hand on the armrest. "Have my accountant transfer from the third estate holdings—now!" "Four million!" a merchant lord from the Golden Coast calls out, his face flushed. "Five million," comes a calm yet cutting voice from the representative of Ordeya, raising his paddle with composed authority. A hush descends. The numbers are no longer just high—they are historic. Even Cedric pauses, his eyes flicking to the VVIP lounge. From within, Prince Asdri rises once more. No fanfare. No dramatic gesture. He simply lifts his paddle. "Six million gold coins," he says, voice steady, cool. Gasps ripple through the room. The Ordeyan representative exhales slowly, visibly shaken but not yielding. He raises his paddle again. "Six million five hundred thousand." The room is frozen, the tension so thick it feels like no one breathes. Back in the lounge, Pyke speaks low. "Captain, are you certain?" Asdri's gaze never leaves the sword. "We must have it," he says quietly. Then, aloud, he lifts his paddle. "Seven million." The crowd explodes into murmurs. Nobles, merchants, and envoys all look at one another in disbelief. Some are shaking their heads, some clapping softly in admiration.