149 -) The Golden Spree (3)
The buzz continued for a while until Afrasiab announced the last item. “We will now present to you the last item of today’s auction,” he said, and the curtains were opened completely.
A well-built man stood there with a giant brown rectangular shield. He started moving as soon as the curtains were opened. He stopped when he came beside Afrasiab and dropped the shield on the floor with a “Thud!” He then put his hand on the shield so it could stand tall without falling on the floor.
“As you can see, it is a towering shield. It is a bit hard to use, and it is heavy. So there are limitations to its use. However, despite these disadvantages, there are critical factors that made it possible for this chunk of metal to be sold as the final item of a grand auction like this.” He said, pointing toward the long shield.
“The shield was made before the era of the Hazarhan royal family took the ruling position, around 150 years ago. The Grand Prince at that time had personal blacksmiths, and he was making them test different approaches to increase the skill crystal count of equipment. One of the gains at that time was this shield and the information that the higher the size and quality of the equipment, the higher the chance of having more skill slots.” He explained the history of the shield.
“The Grand Prince himself offered the shield from his royal vault to hype the value of the auction. I thank His Majesty for his consideration. The shield is called the towering shield, which is used by most frontal units. The shield is made of high orichalcum concentrated bastion, and the middle part is reinforced with Orichantite. There might be ones who don’t know it, but Orichantite is an alloy of orichalcum and adamantite. So it is highly valuable and very hard to produce.” He then mentioned the seller and the materials of the shield.
The eyes of people who were listening to him brightened as soon as they learned the shield was from the royal vault.
“Aside from that, the most important feature of the shield is the skill crystals it has. It has 5 skill crystals. That alone makes it among a few unobtainable pieces of equipment.” He revealed the skill crystal count of the shield.
“Now, let me give you the details of the skill crystals, then we can start the bidding right away.” He seemed to notice the introduction had gone on so long, so he decided to fasten.
“The skill crystals of the towering shield are the turtle skill crystal that decreases the impact received by 60%, the centipede skill crystal that enhances durability by 60%, the golem skill crystal that mirrors 15% of the damage taken, the beetle skill crystal that increases the grip strength by 60%, and lastly, the skeleton skill crystal that increases the endurance stat by 15%.” He sorted all of the skill crystals.
***
Bastion-Orichantite Towering Shield ◙+◙+◙+◙+◙+
- Turtle skill crystal (Enhanced): Decrease the impact power by 60%
- Centipede skill crystal (Enhanced): Durability enhancement 60%
- Golem skill crystal (Enhanced): Mirror 15% of the damage
- Beetle skill crystal (Enhanced): Increase grip strength by 60%
- Skeleton skill crystal (Enhanced): Increase endurance stat by 15%
“There are no slime crystals implemented in it, so it had to be looked after in the vault from time to time.” He said and continued, “There are not many occasions where equipment embedded with 5 skill crystals would be sold. The item might be hard for everyone to use, but if it is given to the right person, it will surely make the user shine. You can also proudly claim that you have equipment made by an order of a Grand Prince and sold by another Grand Prince.”
“The preamble was quite long, so I apologize and thank you for your patience.” He bowed slightly, then started the bidding, “The starting bid will be 3,000 platinum coins. You can increase the bid by a minimum of 10 platinum coins.”
“3,200” “3,300” “3,400”
“3,450” “3,550” “3,600”
People began to bid immediately. It was hard for me to understand where they were coming from. I would not pay even 1,000 platinum coins to use this useless chunk of metal. If I were to buy it, I would get it just to sell it again to these losers.
“You seem doubtful,” Sarya said with a smirk as if mocking me.
“Yeah. I am sure they would not be able to use it anywhere.” I shook my head.
“I am sure you know why they are bidding this much, no?” She said while still watching the auction, then added, “The value of an antique and prestige is more than what you can imagine.”
“I know, but still…” I said with an irritated face.
They are mostly a clever and rational bunch, those merchants, businessmen, and women. However, even they sometimes fail to act logically. For me, I would not buy anything if it is not clearly profitable or useful to me in any way. Although I say that, I doubt that I am always tactful as well. So I decided to just let it go.
“Room 40 is bidding 4,000 platinum coins. The auction already surpassed the previous 3,850 platinum coins' highest bid.”
The bid surpassed 4,000 platinum coins and soared further. It has already reached the amount of Yargan’s annual tax amount. I am starting to understand that all of the people who participated here today are the top brass of the whole Union.
“Room 32 is bidding 4,100 platinum coins.”
“Madam number 69 is bidding 4.300 platinum coins.”
“Room 19 is bidding 4,400 platinum coins.”
“Sir number 9 is bidding 4,400 platinum coins.”
“Room 32 is bidding 4,500 platinum coins.”
It was still ongoing, but there was a strange situation going on right now. When the price surpassed a certain amount, the ones on the lower floor would decrease, and the higher ones would increase. However, this time it was the opposite.
The VVVIPs just bid 2 or 3 times; the VVIPs bid a few times more, but VIPs and the ones sitting in the central seats were the ones who were most enthusiastic. They were acting like they had to have this shield at all costs, while the ones on the upper floor did not pay much attention at all.
I thought that this may be why they were on the lower floor while others were on the upper floor. They must be thinking the equipment is no use to them. The Crown Prince and the princess also did not make a bid, but I am sure it would be inappropriate. Since they could be considered the sellers, their bidding made it seem like they were trying to increase the amount they would gain.
“Madam number 69 is bidding 4,600 platinum coins.”
“Sir number 9 is bidding 4,700 platinum coins.”
“Room 32 is bidding 4,750 platinum coins.”
“Madam number 69 is bidding 4,850 platinum coins.”
“Sir number 9 is bidding 4,900 platinum coins.”
“Room 32 is bidding 4,950 platinum coins.”
“Madam number 69 is bidding 5,000 platinum coins.”
The bidders decreased to three people. It went up among them and finally stopped at 5,000 platinum coins, with the bidder being a woman with a paddle on which the number 69 is written on it.
“The final bidder is Madam number 69 with 5,000 Hazaroth platinum coins,” Afrasiab announced again to check others. “Is there anyone willing to increase?” He asked again, but no one replied or moved. “It seems there is none. The winner of the towering shield, granted to us by his majesty, the Grand Prince, is sold to Madam number 69 over there. I congratulate you, Madam.”
People clapped while Madam looked haughty, but I could see a bit of tension on her face. It was as if her rationality was coming back as her excitement started to calm down. I wondered if she were to find it ridiculous later on, would she try to refuse to buy it?
I don’t think so. The word of a merchant is more important than any document. At least that is how it should be for a prestigious merchant. Aside from that, even if she were to do that in a normal setting, this is entirely different. She would ruin her relationship with the palace if she were to break her word against them. So, I don’t think she would dare.
In any case, the auction finally ended, and many goods were traded between different people. Some got items at a lower price than market value, while others had to pay much more to gain face, prove their resolution, or because they were in need of the items.
“I, Afrasiab, the owner of the auction, again, thank you for attending the whole event until the end. I hope you will be pleased with the items you have got. Make sure to get them when the staff comes to prompt you. Have a good night.” He said and turned to leave after a quick bow.