The sound of crickets suddenly stopped all at once, creating a silence more terrifying than noise. The howl of wolves echoed through the cold air.
A mysterious cave in the Sheirra Mountains. From deep within, their screams echoed, as if they had encountered a terrifying presence.
Several Orc adventurers ran out in fear, their breathing ragged, their bodies covered in wounds from sword slashes. A mysterious figure stood at the deepest point of the cave.
One of the Orc adventurers was left behind. "Mercy… please don't kill me!"
The Orc's eyes focused on the mysterious figure. From within the darkness, slow footsteps echoed. Its silhouette appeared. The blade in its hand was covered in blood, dripping onto the rocky ground.
The Orc's face turned pale, realizing death was seconds away. The figure walked slowly toward him, sword raised. Darkness consumed the scene.
"AARRGGHH!" The Orc's scream echoed throughout the mountains, sending flocks of birds flying away...
---
The city of Orchia, capital of the Orc Kingdom, visited by tourists of other races. Their civilization was already advanced. The lights of Orchia flickered in the distance. The magic they used ranged from intermediate to high-level spells.
The auction event was about to begin in one hour. The streets around the building were completely closed; the magical crystal lamps cast golden reflections on the pavement. The chatter of merchants and visitors blended into a lively murmur.
"Whoooaa… truly the Orc Kingdom, so many pigs ready to be roasted," said Enatur, holding a knife and fork in both hands.
Lucifer hit Enatur's head. "Stop that! Don't look at them like food."
"This is my first time seeing pigs walking on two legs," said Rein.
"Hahaha!" Everyone burst out laughing at Rein's innocent remark.
"Even more amazing, they can look upward too!" Enatur added.
"Don't body shame pigs!" said Shadow.
Lucifer and Enatur covered their mouths, holding back laughter. "Shadow, why 'body shaming pigs' of all things?" said Lucifer.
Lucifer and his group walked among the crowd of Orcs and other races. Merchants were selling snacks, antiques, and rare medicinal ingredients.
Shadow spotted a building with a sign that read Adventurers' Guild. "Just as you said, Lord Lucifer, many adventurers here wear full armor and wield weapons unique to their classes."
"But these Orcs are different. Usually, when they see female knights, they get horny and immediately go hmph—"
Shadow quickly covered Enatur's mouth. "Don't compare them to that genre."
Lucifer chuckled. "Haha… what you mean are monster orcs, not the Orc race."
Gabriel suddenly showed interest. "Hm? What's the difference?" she asked casually.
"Monster orcs are primitive creatures that act on instinct, wild and aggressive. The Orc race, on the other hand, are intelligent beings, like us."
Enatur and Shadow blinked. "Oh, I see."
Lucifer's eyes suddenly caught a small stall selling silver accessories. He gently pulled Gabriel's hand toward it. On the table lay necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and hair ornaments gleaming under magical light.
Lucifer picked up a pair of silver wing-shaped hair ornaments. Carefully, he placed them in Gabriel's hair, right above her ears.
Instantly, the gentle glow of silver reflected on Gabriel's slightly blushing face.
"You look more beautiful, Miss Gabriel," said Rein.
"Indeed, very beautiful," added Shadow.
"You look like a goddess of beauty now, sis," said Enatur.
Gabriel looked down, her cheeks and ears turning red. "Th-thank you for the compliment."
"How much is it?" asked Lucifer.
"140 Gold, Sir. Your wife looks stunning with that hairpiece," said the merchant.
His face flushed. He scratched his neck awkwardly, then paid without further comment. They continued walking, passing through more stalls.
Gabriel stopped in front of another display. Her eyes were drawn to a red jade pyramid, then a black orb and golden jade. She picked them up one by one, examining them closely, as if sensing the energy flow within.
"I'll take these three stones. How much in total?"
"All together, 15,552 Gold, Miss."
Gabriel handed over the money without hesitation. Lucifer watched her from behind. Under the magical light, the three stones seemed to pulse faintly, whether it was a reflection of light or something deeper was unclear.
"Everyone, let's stop by a clothing store. I need to buy cloaks to conceal our identities during the auction."
"That's a good idea. It would be risky if our faces were recognized," said Enatur.
They hurried into a clothing shop by the street. The interior was calm, long fabrics hanging neatly on racks. They bought long hooded cloaks and masks of various designs.
Gabriel chose a clown mask; Enatur wore a black face mask; Lucifer picked a plain black mask. Shadow transformed into a small dog and was carried in Enatur's arms.
They headed toward the auction building. At every corner stood heavily muscled guards holding magical weapons, eyes sharp and alert.
A female Orc adventurer was talking to her male Orc companion. "You know, a few hours ago there was an expedition of adventurers exploring the Sheirra Mountains?"
Lucifer's group quietly listened to their conversation.
"Ah, I heard from the guild. The survivors said they were slaughtered by a woman with white hair tipped in purple. But her body was somewhat transparent, like a wandering spirit."
From behind their masks, Lucifer and Enatur narrowed their eyes.
"Sheirra Mountains, huh? From that description, it's likely Miss Chloe. After the auction, I'll investigate the location."
Her eyes widened. "Uwaahhh… terrifying. But from that description, she must be from the cursed god family, Van Dammon. I hope they're all dead."
"That's right. The black clouds we see every day even at noon are the curse from them. I hate that family so much."
"I see now… so that's why everyone hates the Van Dammon family. I need to take Elena to live in my world instead."
---
Inside the building, magical lights illuminated a large two-story hall. They headed to the VIP floor above, where plush seats, personal attendants, drinks, and snacks awaited. From the balcony, the auction stage was clearly visible.
A host stood on the main altar, an Orc man with a strong build, though his face and body were almost human-like. His pointed Orc ears peeked through his neatly trimmed hair.
"This Orc is strong, not an ordinary one," said Gabriel.
"He has evolved into an Arc Orc, the highest evolution. The odds of one being born are one in ten million," Lucifer replied calmly.
He swept his gaze across the participants. Various races filled the room, vampires, ogres, gidax, even demons.
"Races from other kingdoms are interested in this auction too," said Gabriel.
"Fortunately, I've already sealed our energy auras. We should be safe," said Enatur.
"It seems you've mastered the Spatial Technique quite well," Gabriel commented.
"That's the only ability that doesn't require spiritual energy."
"Hahaha… true," Lucifer replied lightly.
The auctioneer clapped his hands, his voice booming softly through magical amplifiers.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to our auction event. As previously announced, the first four items will serve as our opening, and the fifth item remains a mystery."
"Let's begin with the first item, Scroll of Spiritual Soul Enhancement Technique!"
The participants looked unimpressed. Lucifer leaned forward slightly.
"This item might not be useful for Mana users like us, but it's perfect for cultivators who rely on spiritual energy."
However, the auctioneer added,
"But within this scroll lies an SSS+ level skill that can be used with Mana."
Instantly, murmurs filled the room. Lucifer glanced at Gabriel, who shook her head lightly.
"Lucifer, calm down. Let's just observe for now," she said.
"The starting price is 45 million Gold. Feel free to make your bids."
"55 million."
"57 million."
"60 million."
"65 million."
"75 million."
"81 million."
"100 million."
The crowd grew silent. The last bidder was from a pale-skinned group with black eyes and mouths, the Gidax race.
"200 million," said Lucifer flatly.
Whispers spread instantly throughout the hall.
"The masked man in black bids 200 million. Any higher offers?"
"201 million," said a female vampire. She was beautiful, pale-skinned, wearing a tight dress, and smirked at Lucifer.
"201 million. Any higher?"
"250 million," said a one-horned Ogre man.
"Sold! 250 million to the Ogre gentleman!" declared the host.
The gavel struck. Lucifer only sighed deeply.
Enatur exhaled, the first item lost.
---
"Let's move on to the second item! The second item is the Elemental Fusion Secret Scroll. If any of you use the fire element, this scroll allows you to learn water or other elements as well."
Enatur jolted. Behind his mask, his eyes gleamed sharply, locked on the scroll on stage.
"Enatur, you've been accepted as Marina's disciple. Would you be able to learn other elements if you acquired that scroll?" asked Gabriel.
"Yes, Sis. I'm quite interested. I no longer use spiritual energy, Icy-Water Flow, or Space Authority. But if I learn this, I can become stronger!"
Lucifer glanced at him briefly, then murmured.
"I suppose I can't afford to lose this one."
"125 million."
"127 million."
"130 million."
"151 million."
"177 million."
"180 million."
"200 million."
"220 million."
"300 million," said Gabriel calmly.
Lucifer turned quickly. "Gaby, I thought you weren't interested in this auction."
"I'm not, but I want to make things more exciting," Gabriel replied flatly.
"300 million. Any higher?"
Silence. Gabriel straightened up, leaning back confidently.
"Hmph, auctioneer, strike the gavel. It seems these poor people can't go any higher," she said coldly.
Several participants turned toward her, offended.
"Miss clown mask, are you aware of what you just said?" said the Ogre man.
"Are you new here?" asked the female vampire.
"350 million," said a long-haired Werewolf man, his wolf ears twitching atop his head, his gray eyes glowing.
"350 million Gold and 1 Silver," Gabriel countered without expression.
"350 million Gold and 20 Silver," said the Gidax man.
"351 million," said the vampire woman.
"352 million," said the Ogre man.
"360 million," said a participant wearing a ghost mask.
"361 million," said one wearing a peacock mask.
"400 million!" said Gabriel.
"400 million Gold and 1 Silver," replied the Gidax man.
"450 million!" said Gabriel.
"500 million," shouted the Ogre man.
Small cheers erupted, tension rising.
"No higher bids?"
Gabriel exhaled softly.
"500 million Gold and 1 Silver. If you can't afford it, you'd better step down. I'm not interested in middle-class rich folks like you!"
"How dare you! 600 million!" yelled the furious vampire woman.
"No higher bids?"
The room fell silent. Only the ticking of the magical clock could be heard.
"Sold for 600 million to the Vampire Lady!"
The vampire woman smiled arrogantly, casting a victorious glance at Gabriel.
Gabriel leaned back casually, lifted her mask slightly, and took a slow sip of her drink.
---
"Alright, moving on to the third item. The third item is a Mysterious Jade Stone. This stone emits a faint, strange aura."
"If anyone can extract its essence, there might be a hidden secret within. However, this time, all bids must be made in Gold only."
"Pffftt!" Gabriel nearly choked on her drink.
Enatur nodded roughly. "Hmm!" he grunted.
Lucifer turned slowly toward the two of them, unsure what expression they were hiding beneath their masks.
On stage, an assistant lifted a dark-gray jade stone. Its shape was pointed at both ends, about eight centimeters long. The magic light reflected off its surface like a sharp stone blade.
"The starting price is 15 million Gold. Please, place your bids!"
Voices immediately filled the room:
"17 million."
"20 million."
"25 million."
"27 million."
"28 million."
"30 million."
"31 million."
"33 million."
"34 million."
"35 million."
"37 million."
Then, all eyes turned toward Gabriel, not because she had bid, but perhaps because everyone sensed the clown-masked woman was hiding something. The air grew tense with wary stares.
"Hm, interesting," Gabriel muttered.