Off into the distance, Mona can see a figure inside of the VIP room. The room was specially made, its exterior and interior gilded in a shiny blue metal. Inside sat the envoy Siana on a large chair, eating from a bowl of fruit. The driver Mona had seen from the fight was there as well, sitting on a smaller seat and looking at a sheet of paper. Siana seemed to be enjoying herself as she placed another berry into her mouth. Although Mona could see Siana through the translucent, yellow tinted window it didn't seem she could see him as well.

Siana slowly chewed on the berry, enjoying its amazing taste. A fragrant smell filled her nose, coming from the bowl sitting on the short table beside her. A servant of the CFU came inside, bringing her a moist towel to wipe away her hands. She slowly did so, removing the stains of the delicious berries from her fingers as she noticed her Transmitting Creation vibrating in her pocket.

Siana lifted the small device to her ear, injecting it with her Aura. "Young master Wessor."

"Are you inside of the Auction House?" A voice replied, a hint of arrogance in Sirelec's voice.

"Yes, young master Wessor, I am inside of the Arena." Siana responded, her voice giving off a rare warmth.

"Good, good. Remember to outbid on the 1000 year old Wisdom Mushroom. It is essential for my future plans. I trust, Siana, you will succeed. I have deposited 800000 Madrags into your CFU card. Do as you wish after getting the item." Sirelec spoke once more, emphasizing his mission.

"Yes, young master Wessor." Siana deactivated the Transmitting Creation, placing it back into her pocket.

"Marblur, you don't have to be here. I can complete this auction on my own." Siana turned to the driver named Marblur, her tone returning to its emotionless cold.

"Yes, Madame Siana. I will prepare the Beast for our departure." The driver bowed before leaving through the VIP door. Mona watched as Siana's gaze fell towards the Arena's center, she too waiting for the betting to begin.

To Mona's right, a lady sat quietly. Mona saw traces of maturity in her actions, her Aura cultivation at Warrior level 8. Hanging at her waist were a pair of short swords, one black and the other white. Upon seeing Mona's gaze, she smiled back before focusing on the auction. Mona looked at his sign labelled 1043, watching as the Arena came to life.

Four sets of lights lit up, starting from the ground floor to the top. The lights were bright enough to allow the audience to see the stage yet dim to keep participants from seeing those from the opposite side. Except for the bright lights of the VIP rooms, it was difficult to see the whole arena. Perhaps it was part of a defense mechanism by the CFU to protect winning bidders.

Down below on the stage, a tall and stout man walked out a pair of doors. His clothes were simplistic, but his arm revealed a yellow armband as proof of representing the union. His every step was oddly light and quick, as if his large figure was made of air. Standing in the center of the square stage, he wore an amicable smile as he gazed on the audience.

"Welcome esteemed guests to the Alduin auction house of the Continental Financial Union. My name is Elrich, and I will be overseeing this event. We hope you enjoy bidding on the following treasures we have gathered for this occasion. Please allow us to review the rules..." The man's eyes flickered with excitement as his voice was propelled by his Aura.

Mona listened on, taking note of the rules. "So once a bet is made, there are 3 seconds left for anyone to bid a higher price. The bidder's number will be noted, and later they can exchange their money for their items. To prevent undesirable situations, all bids are final, and the treasure will be shown through a special Creation." The rules were reasonable, clearly made to protect the interests of the CFU and the audience.

"Any questions?" Elrich swiveled his sight across the audience, finding the crowd without worry. Eldrich once again smiled, turned towards the masses. "Let the auction begin!"

At the moment, the Arena had descended into darkness, the moon hidden behind a thick layer of clouds. Siana corrected her posture, focused on the auctioneer beckoning towards the gates from which he had appeared. Her hand was gripped around her auction sign numbered 548.

From the gate walked a CFU servant, a white armband worn on their upper arm. Their gaze was meek and humble as they walked onto the stage. In her hands were a large, clear box within which rested a single scroll. The servant placed the box on a small stand near Elrich, moving aside soon after.

"This is our first treasure. Within this box is no ordinary scroll. In fact, this scroll is rumored to have been made by a Saint ranked Formation Master. After the analysis of our branch, we confirmed the rumors to be true. However, the object within here is damaged; its power is clearly reduced. Thus the auction price of this item is 10000 Madrags. Each following bid must be 500 Madrags greater." Elrich picked up the box from the stand, walking with it in both hands around the edge of the stage. He held it to the audience, allowing the bidders to see the contents before returning it.

Murmurs of conversation arose among the audience. Although a Saint ranked Scroll was quite worthwhile, a damaged Scroll was much more useless. Because it is damaged, the scroll wouldn't be usable as intended.

At best, a Warrior ranked Formation Master could read it to perhaps gain enlightenment from its creator. Seeing as how the scroll lacked any official signature mark, however, it was clear the scroll was made by an unknown Formation Master, probably created through a lucky encounter.

Mona watched the audience nearby, the merchant and swordswoman not even budging. Clearly neither of them saw this object as an opportunity. Even Mona knew with his limited knowledge in Scrolls that such an item was worthless. Not only was he not a Formation Master but a Painter, but chances were Mithal couldn't gain anything from the Scroll either.

Patting his small pouch of 197500 Madrags, Mona gave up all thoughts of acquiring the unknown scroll. I have to get those items Faulkner desires first. 10000 Madrags might be small here, but I can't risk it.

Finally a few voices from the opposite side begin to speak out their bids.

"297, 10000 Madrags!" A deep voice spoke, coughing after speaking.

"865, 12000 Madrags." A female spoke after, her voice slightly alluring.

"345, 13000 Madrags..."

"1! 2! 3! Number 673, 15500 Madrags!" Elrich spoke to the audience, the servant nearby taking note of the number before returning back through the gate.

"A waste of Madrags. Unless he could fix the scroll somehow, the item was worth as much as parchment." The merchant muttered under his breath, Mona unsure of who the man was speaking with.

A second servant came out from the gates, following in the same order as the one before. In his hands was a transparent chest, within which sat a handful of pills.

Elrich's eyes shown with joy as he held the chest in his hands. Setting it on the table, he unfastened the lid, allowing the medicinal scent to fill the Arena. Many a participant looked to the item presented with newfound desire, wanting to consume at least one of these small pills.

"These pills as a whole are our second Treasure. As many know, the Alberdos Empire contains many groups, including the Heartfelt Sect. That sect had given these basic Aura Pills made by one of their disciples. However, these pills are of great quality, the epitome of a Warrior ranked Pill. Each of these pills have virtually no impurities, hence the scent they create. For all seven pills, the union asks for 20000 Madrags. Each following bid must be at least 1000 more." Elrich refastened the lid, waiting on the audience.

Mona could tell that these pills had gained a great amount of attention from the masses. The swordswoman beside him seemed to want those pills as well. However, the merchant had a complex expression, his gaze dissecting the pills carefully before he shut his eyes. A strange fellow indeed.

Mona looked to his list of items for the auction, finding that these Aura Pills were among three of the desired items. He first looked around before raising his sign.

"1043, 21000 Madrags." Mona propelled his voice with Aura, beginning the bidding session of the crowd. His voice had a trace of coldness as it was heard.

"984, 22000 Madrags."

"102, 23500 Madrags."

Is that the errand boy of the Faulkner family? Siana's brow furrowed as she heard the familiar voice. Why is he here? Didn't that elder assure me he would deal with this arrogant servant? Siana looked in Mona's direction, remembering his frigid tone and disrespect.

If he's here for the Faulkner house, this is an opportunity to block them off. Siana infused her Aura into the sign before holding it high. "548, 25000 Madrags."

Elrich sensed the fluctuation in Aura, seeing Siana's sign being held up. The crowd looked towards Siana's room, the few nearby feeling a trace of fear flicker throughout their bodies. A burst of conversation arose, lamentations and sighs abound.

"It's envoy Siana of the House of Wessor! To think Wessor sent someone here."

"The House of Wessor had sent a messenger? No one can have this item now. The outcome is already decided."

"Indeed. No one is willing to provoke that Sirelec Wessor, especially now with their growing strength. Few are willing to tangle with them, especially Lady Siana."

Mona saw Siana through the yellow tinted glass, his eyes constricting as he saw her smug smile. She looked directly at him, as if she could make out his figure from the crowd of the Arena. A tinge of anger rose inside him as he remembered what occurred in Alduin Plaza.

"One, two..." Elrich began the countdown, his gaze shuffling between the audience members. He didn't think that anyone who bet against Siana, but followed through with protocol.

"1043, 27000 Madrags." Mona's voice caused a cascade of discussion, many nearby figures looking towards the young man with a satchel slung over his shoulder.

"Who is he to strike out? He doesn't know the difference of the heavens from the earth!"

"Either he is excessively arrogant, or a great fool."

Elrich looked towards Mona, his eyes piqued with interest. He thought that the auction on these pills would be over but the initial bidder wasn't willing to give up. Who is courageous enough to bid against Lady Siana?

No matter. The bigger the bid, the greater my commission. Elrich thought of holding his payment for overseeing the auction, joy filling his eyes.

"Number 1043 has bid 27000 Madrags. Going once..." Elrich began to speak again, his eyes shifting from Mona's direction to Siana and back.

"548, 35000 Madrags." Siana spoke once again, looking at the indiscernible figure holding the sign 1043. It is him.

I brought with me 800000 Madrags. I'm sure that the errand boy received only about 200000 Madrags. I can easily beat him in wealth, I'm sure. Siana enjoyed the thought of how she could win good favors with Sirelec simply overwhelming the Faulkner servant with her resources. She knew that if Mona was only a servant and not an envoy, his current bidding money would only be a fraction of hers. Siana didn't think that a mere attendant would be trusted with any more.

Mona's brow furrowed as he saw Siana's smile only grow. Eric wants this item specifically. She is clearly targeting me for before. Mona felt his dormant rage slowly awaken. The previous incident was due to the haughtiness of the other party, yet he was being singled out time and time again.

"1043, 37000 Madrags."

"548, 40000 Madrags."

"1043, 41500 Madrags."

"548, 48000 Madrags."

"1043, 52500 Madrags."

"548, 60000 Madrags."

The crowd was silent as they watched Mona and Siana trade bids. Elrich stood quiet as well, his thoughts however enjoying the altercation.

These pills are worth only 33000 Madrags at best. Any more than that boosts my commission. Elrich grinned at the thought of his share of earnings being supplemented by these quarreling bidders.

Mona had a grim expression after hearing Siana's latest bid. 60000 Madrag coins. He only had 197500 Madrag coins after all his previous purchases. He couldn't spend a third on the second item of the auction.

What if the later items had a greater auction price? He had to conserve his money for those other items. He wasn't willing to give up the chance to buy the other items simply because of this petty envoy.

"One, two, three! Number 548, 60000 Madrags!" Elrich shouted in the air, the audience cringing at the price.

"60000 coins for seven basic Aura pills?"

"Although they are peak Warrior ranked in quality, isn't that a tad too much?"

"I'd understand if they were Saint ranked pills, but this..."

Siana heard these voices speak, and didn't think they were wrong either. 60000 Madrag coins for a simple set of Warrior ranked Aura Pills. It was practically throwing away money.

No worries. I have 720000 Madrag coins left to spend. I can easily subdue a single servant. Siana smiled, watching as Elrich bring out another treasured item.

*****

As the auction continued on, the number of items sold grew increasingly rare and thus expensive. Many of those without the financial reserves left from the Arena, a few cursing over how costly it was to participate. Only a few lucky individuals left with happiness; they had won their bids and were going to trade for their items.

Mona still sat in the same area, right next to the merchant and the swordswoman. Both of them had bid successfully on two items respectively, but had yet to leave. Mona only knew that the merchant desired odd Creations, whereas the swordswoman obtained two partial Arts instead.

Looking around, Mona noticed that much of the original crowd was now gone. At best the once packed Arena now had about 200 participants. Each of them had cautious gazes as they awaited the next item to appear.

Elrich admired these dedicated individuals. They had the talent, the skill, or the luck to understand the last few items were worth the most. He also admired them for being moneybags. He didn't mind having a greater commission one bit.

A servant brought in a single small orb, clearly different than before. The servant was more presentable, and the sphere he held was engraved with various Designs. Mona looked at this orb in the same manner as Siana: with curiosity.

"Here is the sixty-third treasure of our auction." Elrich smiled to the remaining bidders in the Arena, lifting the upper half of the orb. Apparently this sphere was a special chest.

"This treasure is called Shadow Armor. It is both defensive and also allows for great agility. It gains its name because when worn it fits the wearer's shape and essentially disappears from view. The Shadow Armor is considerably equivalent to a Saint ranked Armor, and thus its price is 45000 Madrags. Each following bet must be at least 2000 Madrags greater."

Mona looked at the thin cloth being held by Elrich. Looking back at his list, he sighed as he realized this was the second item on Faulkner's list. His thoughts traveled back to when Siana outbid him over the Aura Pills. How can I get rid of her?

I don't necessarily need to have enough Madrags, right? Mona knew it was risky, but he was set on trying this out.

"1043, 45000 Madrags." Mona's voice filled the Arena, Elrich recognizing the young man. His gaze instantly shot towards Siana, awaiting a familiar scene.

Please make me a happy man! It's going to a great cause: my retirement!

Siana in turn looked towards Mona, her venomous smile reappearing. She used her Aura to check her pouch of Madrags. Hmm, 400000 Madrags left after those purchases. I have plenty for the 1000 Wisdom Mushroom.

"548, 47000 Madrags." Siana's voice filled everyone's ears, making Elrich feel quite grateful.

Now's my chance. Mona held his sign high in the air, a chilling smile on his lips. "1043, 55000 Madrags."

The remaining crowd looked towards Mona and Siana, rethinking to a scene that happened not too long ago. A few sighed and left the Arena, not having enough reserves or patience to persevere through the remaining treasures.

"548, 65000 Madrags." Siana felt an inner sense of bliss knowing that she could win goodwill through subduing this servant of the Faulkner family. A few more items are left to be bid on. If I can hold my suppression, it's certain I will receive Lord Wessor's praise.

"1043, 80000 Madrags." Mona spoke once again, watching for Siana's reaction. By provoking this envoy, he planned to rid the auction of this bidder. I can't bid too greatly, lest this is discovered.

Siana heard 80000 Madrags but didn't believe it. If he has about 200000 Madrags, the bid is almost half of his current wealth.

Unless...this is the true item the Faulkner family desires. Is this an opportunity, or a trap? Siana hesitated. The situation was too sketchy, too odd to her years of experience as a Wessor envoy.

"Going once, going twice..." Elrich cleared his throat and began to count down. He was already satisfied with the current auction. I'm sure my cut this time will be quite good.

Siana heard the countdown and waved her sign immediately. This has to be an opportunity, it has to be!

"548, 91000 Madrags." Siana's words caused the remaining participants to take in a breath of cold air. 91000 Madrag coins. Such a sum could keep a family content for generations, a village for decades, a whole town for years! And today such an amount was used to buy Saint ranked Armor. Although the price was acceptable for the item's grade, it was still a large portion of wealth.

Even Siana wasn't sure she made the right decision. She listened carefully in case Mona bid again.

"Going once, going twice, sold. 548, 91000 Madrags!" Elrich had a large smile on his face. He couldn't wait to receive his payment for being the auctioneer.

Mona did speak either, a small smile on his lips as well. His plan had succeeded, and Siana had thrown away quite a bit of wealth.

This item was the sixty-third, right? Then that means... Mona thought back to Rivollo's words, inwardly filled with joy.

If I could lure her into bidding huge on Lucid Night, wouldn't I reap great benefits? Rivollo had told him his Warrior ranked Painting would be next. No one except the both of them knew who the original artist was. Couldn't he profit greatly then if he repeated his actions?

When Siana made the mistake of bidding excessively on the Shadow Armor, Mona felt relief and calm infuse his body. It was true he wasn't able to get this item for Eric, resulting in another loss. However, seeing the envoy make such a blunder greatly reduced his previous anger and made him inwardly chuckle instead.

I'll do it. I'm in need of funds and doing this will solve two of my problems. I will not only be able to purchase those higher quality Painting tools, I will also be able to increase the popularity of my work. If he could skillfully trick Siana into bidding over 100000 Madrag coins, he would have that much to use for resupplying. Also, if his Painting really did sell for such an amount, it would difficult for there not to be curious individuals looking for the "genius Painter" who created the work of art. Not to mention Siana would pay for her arrogance and for provoking him.

Elrich watched as a pair of servants appeared carrying a canvas draped in a white cloth. Seeing the piece Elrich felt a bit curious about the painting itself. He looked to the crowd as he held the draped canvas for all to see.

"This is our sixty-fourth treasured item." Elrich made quick use of his hands, removing the entire cloth in one swipe. Just as Mona thought, his painting Lucid Night became visible to the remaining bidders. The merchant that sat next to Mona felt intrigued by the painting, and similarly was the woman with the two blades. Mona feigned awe as he looked upon it, not wanting to give rise to suspicion.

"This painting is called Lucid Night, and is of the Warrior rank. A CFU elder vowed that this painting is the work of a painting prodigy, and from the skillful use of his brush that was true. As this painting may be that artist's first creation, the bidding price will be 75000 Madrags. However, each following bid must exceed the last by 5000 Madrags." Elrich looked to the audience, waiting for a call.

"549, 80000 Madrags." The merchant beside Mona began the auction, his eyes revealing a trace of insight. Mona took a short glace at the merchant, noticing the merchant's longing to have the painting.

Lucid Night, a painting created in enlightenment made to encompass the night sky's eternal beauty. Such a painting won multiple bids quite easily, as if all those present wanted to have the painting to die without regrets.

"104, 90000 Madrags. Worthy of a prodigy."

"779, 100000 Madrags."

"501, 125000 Madrags. Just look at those curves."

Although the price before of 91000 Madrags was astonishing, Mona didn't know what to think of the ever increasing bid. 125000 Madrags was a princely sum, rarely displayed as a whole in the world. And now, Mona was guaranteed practically the whole sum or better. A trace of happiness flickered in his eyes as it rose further.

"823, 140000 Madrags. This is a grand painting fitting of such a sum."

"769, 155000 Madrags. If he is truly a prodigy, then this action can be considered good will, no?"

"548, 165000 Madrags."

The crowd became silent after they heard the final price of 165000 Madrags from envoy Siana. Of course, a few among the bidders remaining looked towards Mona, watching for his reply. Could anyone hold back to such a marvelous painting? Such a thought filled the minds of many present.

"1043, 172000 Madrags. This painting is worth the world and more." Mona spoke with humility, inwardly rejoicing at the large price. If Siana followed as before, Mona would profit of her inability to think in the moment and see the large net he had cast out. If she didn't, Mona would at worst buy his own painting. He could easily sell the painting later after his name became well known; perhaps then it would sell for far more for being an original.

"548, 190000 Madrags." Siana gripped the auction sign, raising it high in the air from her seat. I must do everything to prevent the Faulkner household from gaining anything. Only then will Sirelec Wessor look more favorably on me, perhaps even...

"Going once, going twice, sold to 548 for 190000 Madrags." Elrich rubbed his palms, his smile revealing his white teeth. My commission is going to be godly. I can feel the coins in my hands. Little did he know of the dealings Rivollo had with Mona before concerning this work of art.

Siana heard Elrich's voice and saw the auctioneer's hand gestures, her clouded mind clearing. The reality of the situation dawned upon her as she realized what had occurred. When she thought she was preventing the Faulkner servant from gaining the upper hand, she was unconsciously being led to lose the majority of her wealth, the greatest being lost on this painting. Neither she nor Wessor desired paintings, yet she still bought one.

A tremor of fear quaked through her heart as she quickly checked her bag of Madrag coins. I must have enough for the 1000 year old Wisdom Mushroom. Her Aura quickly entered the now largely empty sack, her hopes plummeting rapidly.

I only have 121000 Madrag coins left, and that servant didn't spend a single one! Siana felt a deep sense of regret, but she couldn't undo her previous actions. All she could do now was hope that the servant of the Faulkner family had less than 121000 Madrags. Sadly, this glimmer of hope was everything but the truth.