"What's the matter?" Kadyn inquired when he saw a change in Khrom's expression. He could feel myriads of emotions from him, rage, fear, helplessness, guilt.

"It's nothing." Khrom eyed Kadyn and shook his head, then he took a deep breath and calmed himself down.

Kadyn frowned seeing his reaction. Even a dunce would be able to tell that something was wrong with him at this moment. He peered towards room number five and narrowed his eyes. After that person spoke only then Khrom's expression darkened. So that must be the source of his unease.

"So that person is your enemy, huh?" Kadyn asked as he looked at him.

Khrom clenched his fist and said with some difficulty. "If you want to break the contract…"

"Come on, do you think I'm afraid of him?" Kadyn sneered. "At most he is a Rank 1 Magus. Trust me, no Rank 1 magus can do shit to me in Avibria City."

Khrom looked at him in surprise and fell silent. Though he knew about the clash between Kadyn and the Magic Association Branch, he guessed that it was due to some kind of strange formation inside the shop that rendered the Association Leader and others helpless. However, now looking at Kadyn's confident face he thought that the matter might not be that simple.

Kadyn didn't bother to explain the source of his confidence. He looked towards room number one and curled his lips. It seems I've to mobilise Barret to capture this person. Or else I won't be able to gain his loyalty.

"Hohoho, Mayor Palius is also interested in this little girl, huh?" Barret Duncan laughed when he heard the bidding of room number five.

Kadyn heard and squinted, "Mayor, huh?" he curled his lips and looked at Khrom beside him, who seemed quite uncomfortable at the moment. "Don't worry, I'll give you an opportunity to take your revenge," Kadyn said and patted his shoulder in a brotherly manner. Only then did his expression improve.

[Loyalty +5→8]

Kadyn left stunned when he heard the notification. He glanced at Khrom incredulously. He never thought that his few words would increase Khrom's trust in him. In a single jump, he gained five more Loyalty Points. Then he thought: Would I get any reward by increasing the Employee's loyalty towards me, or loyalty is itself a reward? Anyways, this wasn't the time to think about these things and he turned his attention towards the bidding once more.

"Two hundred fifty thousand," at this moment, Patriarch Irable shouted. "No matter what, I will take this girl with me today."

"You shouldn't talk big before succeeding or else you would embarrass yourself, hmph." Mayor Palius humphed coldly. "Three hundred thousand!"

"Three hundred fifty thousand!" Patriarch Irabel shouted through his gritting teeth.

There was a brief silence before Mayor Palius increased the bid. "Four hundred thousand!"

No one spoke after the bid reached four hundred thousand. Old Li glanced around and said with a smiling face. "Mr Mayor has bid four hundred thousand. Does anyone else want to increase the bid?"

Silence.

Just when Old Li was about to announce the end of the auction, a lazy voice came from one of the corners of the hall. "Four hundred fifty thousand."

Gasp!

People turned to look at the bidder with stunned expressions on their faces. No one thought that he could bid such a high number. Furthermore, he dared to bid against Mayor Palius. Isn't he concerned that he would offend someone that he could not afford to offend? Some people thought. However those who knew about Kadyn became excited and started to whisper among themselves.

About fifteen-second later, a deep voice came from room number five. "Do you even have that much money to pay, boy? This auction isn't a playground for someone like you who is green behind his ears."

"Did I ask if you have enough money or not? So why are you poking your nose in my matter? Older people aren't necessarily wise and young people may not be ignorant. So I would suggest that you choose your words carefully."

Wow!

Kadyn's reply left everyone stunned and gasps sounded all around. Then he turned his attention towards room number one and asked. "What do you say, Association Leader Barret?"

Everyone opened their mouths wide, no one understood what was going on. Even those people who knew about Kadyn were confused. After all, some time ago, Kadyn and the Association Leader were trying to put each other down. So why would he involve Barret Duncan at this moment and ask his suggestion? Confusion was evident on their faces.

As the people eyed the room number one eager. The silence dawned over the hall. Everyone wanted to hear Barret's reply. Would he choose to side with the Mayor or this bold and haughty looking boy?

Finally, a sigh sounded and Barret spoke. "It is indeed inappropriate to speak in such a manner, Mayor Palius. The younger generation surpasses the old. Didn't you heard this saying?" then he went on. "You asked if he has money or not: don't worry, I'll pay it for him no matter how high bidding goes."

Barret wasn't stupid, since Kadyn had involved him in his talk, it was clear to see what he wanted. Though Barret was a little disheartened, he still went with the flow. After all, he had signed a Spirit Contract with Kadyn. He was obliged to follow Kadyn's order.

The auction hall was completely silent at this moment, but then, cheers erupted throughout the hall. Everyone looked at Kadyn in a new light. This kid wasn't simple. Even Leader Barret supported him.

"If that is the case then I will withdraw from the bidding." After a brief silence, Mayor Palius said. Indignation and irritation were clear to hear in his voice.

After all the price had already crossed his estimated limit. He won't benefit by increasing a bid any more. With that kind of money he could even invite any Rank 1 Artisan to make an Artifact for him. It wasn't worth bidding anymore.

Kadyn heard him and sneered. Not feeling happy, huh? However, he provoked the man no more. It is fine to attack a snake, but not to attack an injured snake. Now Kadyn had injured the snake, he needed to be cautious—or he would die without even realising.