Chapter 56: Nikon

Words : 1040 Updated : Sep 19th, 2025

The gathered nobles exchange hesitant looks, reluctant but understanding. The old noble's expression hardens. "The royal family is desperate right now, especially after what happened to Misorn City. They're already on edge, and if we push them further, it won't end well for us." His voice lowers, a warning laced within. "We don't want our plans to be ruined over a single spell book." Several nobles flinch at the mention of Misorn. The situation there is volatile, and the royal family's grip on power is not as secure as it once was. Testing their patience now could have dire consequences. Seeing the the nobles didn't bid anymore, Viran said with an amused smirk. "Smart choice," he says lazily. Then, turning back to the auctioneer, he gestures dismissively. "Shall we proceed?" The auctioneer, sensing no further bids, clears his throat. "Four hundred thousand going once... going twice... sold! The Tier 2 spell book, Infernal Surge, now belongs to the royal family!" Polite applause follows, but the air is heavy with subdued tension. Some nobles cast bitter glances toward Viran, while others sit in silence, resigned to their loss. In the VIP room above, Alix leans back in his chair, swirling his wine with mild amusement. He watches the defeated nobles, their brief unity dissolving into quiet frustration. "Too bad," he murmurs, his eyes flickering with interest. "The nobles stopped fighting for it." As the hall begins to settle, another figure approaches the VIP section—an older man, dressed in fine robes embroidered with the insignia of the auction house. His posture is straight, his steps measured, and his sharp eyes reveal the mind of a seasoned merchant. Alix recognizes him immediately. This is the owner of the auction house, the one who personally sought him out after hearing that skill books would be auctioned. The man stops before Alix's table, offering a polite but knowing smile. "Lord Alix, I trust the auction went as expected?" His voice is smooth, the tone of a man accustomed to high-stakes dealings. Alix studies him for a moment before giving a slight nod. "Better than expected." The auction house owner chuckles, his gaze flicking toward the heavy pouch Alix received moments ago. "That much is clear. Few would dare to part with such rare goods, let alone multiple skill books. It seems you have a rather... unique source." Alix merely swirls his wine, his expression unreadable. "A businessman shouldn't question where his merchandise comes from. Only whether it sells." The older man's smile widens slightly. "A fair point." He gestures to the bustling hall below. "Your offerings have caused quite a stir among the noble circles. I imagine there will be no shortage of interested buyers should you decide to auction again." Alix leans back, his golden eyes glinting with amusement. "If the price is right." The auction house owner chuckles again, clearly pleased. "Naturally." He then reaches into his sleeve and withdraws a small, intricately designed token. "A mark of priority. If you ever wish to auction more goods, present this at the entrance. You will be given the highest level of service." Alix takes the token, running a thumb over the fine engravings. A simple but useful gesture. The old man inclines his head. "I look forward to our future dealings, Lord Alix." Alix pockets the token without a word, rising from his seat. Varkas, ever the disciplined warrior, falls in step beside him, his posture straight and unwavering, fully embracing his role as a knight. Liss, however, keeps glancing between Alix and Varkas, her expression tense as if she wants to speak but hesitates. Her small hands clutch at the hem of her worn cloak, her brows furrowed in deep thought. Varkas notices and, without breaking stride, chuckles softly. "Don't worry," he says, his voice unusually gentle. "Once we reach the inn, you'll be surprised." His tone reassures her, but it only makes her more restless. She fidgets as they weave through the streets, her anxious energy almost palpable. By the time they arrive at the inn, Liss barely manages to hold herself together. But the moment she steps inside and her eyes land on a familiar figure, all restraint shatters. "B-big brother!" she cries, her voice breaking. The boy, barely fifteen but already carrying himself with the quiet wariness of someone forced to grow up too soon, turns sharply at her voice. His dark eyes widen in shock as Liss rushes forward and throws herself at him, clutching his tunic tightly. "Big brother, why are you here?" she sobs. "What about that old noble?" Nikon instinctively wraps his arms around her, his expression softening. He ruffles her hair, but his gaze quickly sharpens when he notices the two figures standing behind her—Alix and Varkas, their human disguises still in place. His grip on Liss tightens. "Who are they?" he demands, his voice cautious. "Why are you with them?" Liss, still sniffling, glances back at Alix and Varkas. She opens her mouth, but before she can explain, Varkas sighs. "Relax, kid," he says, a bit amused. Then, with a casual wave of his hand, his disguise vanishes. His true form—a towering, armored beast of war—emerges in full view. Alix follows suit, his eyes gleaming with faint amusement as his human illusion dissipates, revealing his true monstrous presence. Nikon's entire body tenses for a split second. But then— He exhales, his shoulders sagging in sheer relief. "Oh, thank the ancestors," he mutters, rubbing his face. Liss pulls away slightly, wiping her teary eyes before looking up at her brother. "Big brother, how did you escape your master?" Nikon's expression darkens slightly, but he shakes his head. "I didn't escape." His voice lowers. "It was those monsters—the ones that look like shadows. They killed all the guards in the mansion and took me with them." Varkas folds his arms, nodding. "Kid, you should be thanking His Majesty." He gestures toward Alix. "Those monsters are his subordinates." Nikon's eyes widen slightly as he turns to Alix, his posture stiffening. He hesitates before bowing his head. "Thank you... Your Majesty." He swallows hard before asking, "Are you... our new master?"

Chapter 56: Nikon

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