Chapter 641: Cyan Sun Sword
Albert put on specially-made gloves and carefully drew the sword three inches from its sheath.
"Clang—"
A sharp and clear sword sound rang out, not overly loud, but it resonated distinctly throughout the hall, carrying a unique metallic reverberation.
The exposed part of the sword blade revealed a restrained dark silvery color, smooth as a mirror, with faint, intricate natural patterns resembling feathers.
"As you can see, this sword’s design is simple and ancient, with an unknown style. According to information provided by the Ancient Relics Research Society, it was discovered drifting in the void far from known civilizations’ territories, accompanied by other unidentifiable fragments."
Albert fully unsheathed the sword, smoothly performing a mock slice, leaving a faint cyan-colored afterimage in the air, with a subtle heat emanating.
"After joint assessment by multiple appraisers and enchantment masters from the Circle of Mysticism, it’s confirmed: First, it was not made using any of the mainstream forging or alchemical techniques we know; second, its material is extremely unique, with hardness, energy conductivity, and self-repair capabilities reaching or even exceeding the standard of a level 2 witchcraft artifact; third, it has no rune arrays or energy cores inside that can be activated by conventional means, differing completely from the witchcraft artifact forging system."
A murmur of discussions arose from below, as a weapon from an unknown civilization possessing the strength of a level 2 witchcraft artifact was indeed peculiar.
Albert flipped the sword, letting the light beam from the auction stage’s top focus near the sword’s spine close to the hilt.
There, lay three clear, square-cut inscriptions.
"The most puzzling aspect is here, these three symbols, which do not belong to any known ancient or modern language, rune systems. The consignor invited scholars proficient in ancient languages, dragon language, abyssal language, and certain lost civilization symbols to identify them, but all returned empty-handed.
They should be part of this civilization’s unique script system, and might hold the key information for activating or using it."
Albert’s voice carried a perfect hint of mystery: "The consignor has named it the Unknown Civilization Relic Sword, with a starting price of three million level 1 magic stones, with each bid increment no less than two hundred thousand. Friends interested in acquiring it as a research sample or collectible may bid."
When Albert unsheathed the longsword, when the clear sword sound rang, when those three inscriptions appeared clearly before everyone’s eyes.
In the booth, Duke’s body instantly tensed, pupils suddenly contracted, and his heart seemed gripped firmly by an invisible hand, ceasing to beat.
Those three characters... That square, horizontally and vertically straight, extremely familiar stroke structure...
Cyan! Sun! Sword!
It’s Chinese, from the world he lived in his past life.
Although the font is a variant of ancient seal script, he would never mistake it.
That cultural imprint deeply rooted in the soul, when abruptly seen in this world, the shock it brings is akin to a soul thunderstrike.
"Creation of Earth? Or a product of a civilization using Chinese characters, such as a cultivation or high martial civilization? How did it appear here? Drifting void object... What did it go through? Are there others? Can it still be used? How to activate it?..."
An avalanche of questions exploded in his mind, nearly causing him to stand up immediately.
But his powerful will firmly suppressed the impulse, his fingers on the armrest turned white from exertion, forcing himself to maintain a steady rhythm of breathing.
Can’t lose composure, absolutely not.
This is an auction, countless eyes watching.
Any undue eagerness might attract unnecessary attention, or even result in malicious price increases.
To others, this sword might just be a sturdier antique or an interesting research subject.
But to Duke, its significance is entirely different, and he must acquire it.
After brief deliberation, the bidding began.
"Three million five hundred thousand." A calm voice from upper box number three, directly added five hundred thousand, seeming leisurely.
"Four million." Box number seven followed, similarly matter-of-fact.
"Four million five hundred thousand." Front row of the scattered seats, an old scholar wearing a Knowledge Society badge raised a sign, his eyes filled with the eagerness of a researcher.
"Five million." Box number three spoke again, tone remaining calm.
The price steadily climbed in increments of five hundred thousand, competition unfolded between box-level VIPs and a few capable researchers.
The atmosphere wasn’t fiery, but the bidding was decisive, showing the bidders had clear valuations and budgets for this research item.
Those bidding for this sword mainly approached it with a research mindset; for wizards aiming to improve their own power, this item held little utility.
Soon, the price reached seven million eight hundred thousand, bid by box number seven.
The bidding speed seemed to slow down slightly.
This price, for a functionally unclear item upheld merely by material and mystery, was nearing many people’s rational upper limit.
Albert spoke timely: "Seven million eight hundred thousand! Guest from box number seven bids seven million eight hundred thousand! Is there any gentleman interested in this key that might unlock the door to an unknown civilization?"
His words clearly tempted attendees, hinting that this artifact might lead to the discovery of an unknown civilization plane.
The significance behind this was well understood by everyone; if one could monopolize an unknown civilization plane, the benefits would be immense.
Of course, provided you can contend against that unknown civilization plane.
Yet, the attendees were no fools, not swayed by Albert’s words.
To glean information about an unknown civilization plane just from a single sword, such probability is exceedingly low, akin to daydreaming.
The crowd remained relatively rational, as no one’s magic stones were blown in by the wind, they wouldn’t spend exorbitantly on such a trinket.
After a brief pause.
Duke raised the bidding sign, his voice processed to remain smooth and unperturbed:
"Eight million."
This bid caused a slight ripple on the scene.
Directly breaking out from the lower ordinary booths into box-level competition, and the bid was decisive.
Several more obscure, stronger perceptions swept over Duke’s area, but the auction’s shielding formation was quite reliable, leaving just a vague outline.
Box number seven fell silent for a moment.
"Eight million five hundred thousand." Box number three spoke again, seemingly still trying.
"Nine million." Duke didn’t hesitate at all, immediately following.
This price caused the old scholar from the Knowledge Society to shake his head regretfully and give up.
Nine million magic stones had exceeded the routine research funding authorized to him by the society.
Box number three also fell into a longer silence.
Ultimately, no more voices were heard.
Albert scanned the room, confirmed no further bids, and announced loudly: "Nine million first time! Nine million second time! Nine million third time! Sold!"