Chapter 165: The Shadowed Gavel (1)
The streets leading to the city’s core grew quieter. The boisterous energy of the outer markets faded, replaced by an air of quiet, serious wealth. The buildings were taller, the obsidian spires more ornate, their runic lights pulsing with a deeper, more stable rhythm.
"This is the Collector’s Quarter," Sherry murmured, her eyes scanning the grand facades. "Only the most influential merchants and nobles have shops here."
Their destination soon came into view. It was not a shop, but a fortress.
"The Shadowed Gavel" was a monolithic structure of polished black marble, devoid of windows on its lower floors. Two massive, silent guards stood before its heavy iron doors. They were not human. They were hulking constructs of stone and dark magic, their featureless faces radiating an aura of cold, unyielding purpose.
Riku and Sherry approached the entrance. Before they could even speak, one of the stone constructs raised a massive hand.
"Halt," its voice was the grinding of boulders. "State your purpose."
"We wish to attend the auction," Riku said, his voice even.
The construct’s head tilted slightly. "Only registered patrons and approved sellers may enter. Present your invitation sigil or your item for consignment."
"We don’t have a sigil," Sherry stated flatly.
The construct’s hand did not move. "Then you may not enter. Be on your way." Its voice held no malice, only the absolute finality of a closing tomb. There was no room for argument.
Riku gave a slight nod. "I see."