Elrich was happily enjoying the occasion indeed. Today of all days he was very fortunate indeed. He commended himself for overseeing this auction, for his commission was at least three times the minimum guaranteed by the CFU. His cut of the profits was large enough for him to live more lavishly like those old heads of the Alduin branch, sipping tea as he smiled at his temporary fortune.

However in the midst of his internal happiness he didn't see the slight trace of panic on Siana's face. Although the average commoner would not be able to see it, Elrich would recognize it immediately. It was present on the faces of all bidders who drew too much in the auction only to regret it later.

Siana held the slightly opened pouch in her slightly trembling hands, wondering if 121000 Madrags would be enough to acquire the 1000 year old Wisdom Mushroom.

With only this much, can I really purchase that item? Can I really outbid with such a small amount? Doubt first surfaced in Siana's mind, only to be replaced by a great sense of fear. She was specifically chosen to gain this rare item to her lord, and had bestowed not only enough funds to get the item three times over, but also enough to secure a VIP room with equivalent treatment in this branch. Usually on these simple missions she would return with the item in tow back to the Wessor manor, and Sirelec would grant her the remainder of the pouch as hers to keep.

But today, today she had fell into a betting trap with a simple servant of the Faulkner family. She, a respected envoy of one of the three highest noble families had become lost in the trickery of such a young commoner. Not only was this situation humiliating, but Wessor was sure to make her pay for being outwitted by a single lowly messenger from the House of Faulkner. Siana deeply feared what Wessor would do to her if it became common knowledge.

Seeing the slightly jovial smile on Elrich's face, Siana wondered if the CFU would "cooperate" in keeping the situation from expanding. She eventually shook her head. The Continental Financial Union rarely entered into the politics of nobility, and would at best give face to the Merister Royal Family. I'd only be giving them a means of blackmailing the House of Wessor. Siana understood how deeply important respect was in Alberdos, and how critical it was for everyone present to remain silent.

Alas, it was now impossible. The deed was done, and the few bidders still in the Arena, along with Elrich had no reason to avoid spreading the message of how the envoy Siana had been outsmarted by a young man in commoner clothing. Even if Siana used her backer to silence those rumors, it would do little help with Elrich also being present. He was practically untouchable in this matter.

Grinding her teeth, Siana stared at Mona seated at 1043, chopping at his blurry figure with her anger. Her temper flared with her Aura, coursing through her body and making her unable to sit still.

Elrich returned from his brief trance of joy before clearing his throat. The handful of participants had already noted in their minds of tonight's occurrence, and the few who sat near Mona gave him several glances as they etched his looks into memory. Perhaps he would gain fame one day.

Elrich motioned one more time to the gates, a single servant appearing. However this time there were clear differences. This servant had an aged expression, as if he had seen the gamut of life from this Alduin branch of the CFU. Also, his armband was the same color of Elrich, showing they were equal in rank. These few clues alerted the bettors to the obsidian chest resting in the servant's arms.

Elrich looked to the servant with a grin, the servant's eyes temporarily widening before returning to normal. Elrich was already boasting of his commission.

With the chest set on the small stand, the aged man left through the gates, not speaking a single word. Elrich ensured the man had left through the entrance before turning back to the crowd.

"Extinguished guests, thank for remaining for the entirety of this auction. We of the Alduin branch hope you have received what you desired in this auction, and if not the Continental Financial Union is more than happy to negotiate items on a case-by-case basis. It is time to display the final item of this auction." Elrich's voice carried a hint of gratitude as he saw the the attentive gazes given back to him. Indeed, who would not be gracious seeing their pay tripled by such wonderful people.

Elrich moved closer to the chest, the audience watching with curiosity as he channeled his Aura into the box. The signs of a level 1 Saint ranked Aura arose, amazing Mona once more at the strength of the CFU. The obsidian box laid out on the table slowly glowed with a deep blue light as innumerable Designs arose on its surface. Finally the light flashed at once before disappearing, replaced by the sound of the chest slowly opening.

Inside of this box was what seemed to be a blue mushroom which emanated an earthly yet sophisticated smell. It stood atop a piece of black velvet, its appearance akin to a rare treasure. Its head was much wider than it's stem, and all along its surface several black lines appeared and disappeared.

The merchant and swordswoman near Mona instantly locked onto this peculiar mushroom, their gazes glued to its shape. They had stayed in the arena for this item, and felt grateful for coming to this event.

"Esteemed guests, this item is the precious 1000 year old Wisdom Mushroom. The Wisdom Mushroom, aptly named for its ability, is a cultivation item that supports the growth of not Aura energy, but Mental power. This Mushroom being 1000 years old only serves to improve its effectiveness, as well as increase its value."

"A reputable source brought us this item from a distant place, believing it would do good to give away here. We of the Alduin branch of the Continental Financial Union believe this item is worth at least 100000 Madrags. Also, each following bid must be greater than the last by 5000 Madrags minimum. Also, you may only bid with Madrags, as no trades for equivalent Madrags will be allowed for this item. No exceptions." Elrich's words ignited the flames of greed and competition in the remaining bettors. Who wouldn't want such an exotic item?

There were manner forms of strength in the world, but each depended on one of the four forms of strength, the base energies that granted those skilled individuals the ability to walk among gods and change heavenly fates. Aura energy was the most common, and following it was Mental energy. If Aura gave the body a materialistic form of power, than Mental energy gave the mind the ability to fight. It was much more rare to find cultivation resources for Mental energy, similar to how rare geniuses in Mental energy arose.

If they found such a person using Mental energy, they could easily trade this 1000 Wisdom Mushroom for an equally powerful item. As Mental experts were usually Creators, that could mean powerful weapons, armor, or even spatial rings. Hence it made sense for a few of the participants to look to their pockets immediately to recheck their purses.

"676, 105000 Madrags!" A cheery voice filled the arena, many looking to the bidder with staunch, heavy gazes. Everyone was a potential buyer able to get that item, and no one was willing to split the item.

"981, 110000 Madrags. I need this item now!"

"454, 115000 Madrags. Screw off you lass. This is mine!"

"1044, 120000 Madrags." Mona looked to his side, the merchant raising his sign as he spoke his words in a husky voice. His eyes were trained on the mushroom, seeing an opportunity to gain a fortune for petty cash.

Siana gritted her teeth before shouting out loud. "548, 121000 Madrags." The audience looked to the envoy of the Wessor household, a trace of displeasure flickering in each of their eyes as they heard her words. These participants spoke among themselves, traces of anger in their words.

"How arrogant. It's 4000 short of the minimum requirement."

"Don't tell me she aims to use her noble backer to take this item for the House of Wessor?"

"Unless of course, she really has only 121000 Madrags. Isn't that a bit amusing given earlier how much she gave for a painting?"

"Indeed. I never remembered the House of Wessor as fond of paintings. Chances are there was more to that purchase than meets the eye."

"Is that so?"

"Be quiet, she's about to speak again."

The audience looked to Siana, their faces livid as they waited for the envoy to speak once again. Elrich featured a similar disposition, a darkened expression looming on his face as he too waited for Siana to speak.

"I understand that 121000 Madrags is not enough to purchase the item at this moment. However, if the Continental Financial Union wishes to collect the full statement, they can openly ask the House of Wessor in my name. I am willing to give up to triple my bid at a later time."

"Also, I hope no one else bids after this and allow me to acquire an item. If you truly wish to possess it, I am willing to represent the House of Wessor in guaranteeing that any of you may ask of us your price and receive compensation for losing this opportunity. That is all." Siana sat back down into her seat, watch the audience's reply.

The audience slowly gave in as they thought of what Siana was offering. True the 1000 year old Wisdom Mushroom is rare and beneficial for those who trained in Mental energy, but the offers Siana gave were not bad at all. Each and every one of them could easily fake dissent to the House of Wessor and gain a suitable sum in return.

Elrich looked to the crowd, sighing. It seems this is the end of my luck. Oh well. He and the Continental Federation Union rarely mixed with the noble classes, and took actions to avoid being embroiled in their affairs. Although the union would not give face to nobility trying to use their names to monopolize on items, if the audience was willing to take Siana's word it was entirely a different matter.

Skilled and crafty, this envoy is. Elrich looked to Siana, her satisfied smile visible from his position on the arena stage. She was a third his age, but at least a decade wiser. Such individuals were hard to come by. Sirelec Wessor was fortunate indeed to find such a person as Siana early to make his envoy.

Just as Elrich was about to declare Siana's bid as valid, his eyes riveted on Mona, seeing the young man's sign ever slowly enter the air. Elrich couldn't help but inwardly thank Mona for making a bet at this time.

"1043. 150000 Madrags." Mona's voice swiftly entered the ears of the audience, a few astounded by what he was doing. From their position they couldn't see the Faulkner crest, and hence thought he was nothing more than a courageous servant of some merchant.

"I understand this envoy is of the House of Wessor. However I was sent by Eric Faulkner of the Faulkner family to win this item at the auction. As the House of Wessor and House of Faulkner are already enemies, there isn't a reason for me to fail in my mission." Mona stood up from his seat, the Faulkner Lion insignia clearly on his robes. The swordswoman and merchant that sat beside Mona each took in a breath of cold air; they didn't think a high ranking noble family's messenger would sit beside them.

Siana's gaze grew cold as she looked at Mona with rage. She was so close to gaining this item but now in front of all these merchants, lesser nobles, and other significant individuals she had been obviously outbid by this servant of the Faulkner family. Their earlier exchanges were fresh in the minds of the crowd, and the intelligent were able to connect the dots as they looked to Siana with ridicule.

"Well said!" Elrich chimed in, his thoughts seemingly of the same boat as Mona's. In reality he liked that his wealth was going to grow by a fraction, significant nonetheless. He quickly supported Mona, leaving Siana with no one to support her but herself. She left the VIP room in her fury, the audience paying no further attention to Siana as she went.

"Going once, going twice, sold to number 1043 for 150000 Madrags." Elrich closed the obsidian box, memorizing Mona's winning bid and figure. The crowd had made no more bids as they heard Elrich count down. The few remaining didn't have that many Madrag coins, or didn't want to possibly offend the House of Faulkner. Of the three families, although the Faulkner seemed to be in decline its continuing radiance still struck fear in the hearts of others, much more than the House of Wessor.

As the audience began to leave the Arena, Mona watched as the swordswoman with the black and white blades leave as silently as she appeared. The merchant, however, took a deep gaze at Mona and was about to speak, but hesitated and left. The few that straggled behind spoke with one another of today's events, sneaking glances at Mona, the mysterious attendant of Eric Faulkner.

As Mona finally made his way to leave, he looked into the night sky, taking note of the moon reappearing from the clouds. He gently smiled as he remembered the worth of Lucid Night.

My first painting for 190000 Madrag coins. And from an enemy faction, no less. Mona didn't know what to think of how Eric would react to this news, or how the House of Wessor will act when they find out this painting was of Mona's creation.

Pass the glass doors, Mona walked down the spacious hallway, leaving through set after set of double wooden doors. Near the end he saw the standing guards of the arena, who upon seeing Mona's White card allowed him to leave into the main hallway. Standing there was Rivollo who quickly made his way to Mona.

"Mona Aurum, I take it you have acquired what you wanted?" Rivollo gave an amicable smile as he spoke to Mona.

"I wasn't able to get everything, but I think that the 1000 year old Wisdom Mushroom will suffice." Mona removed his aloofness as he spoke to Rivollo as if they were old friends.

"I great choice." Rivollo smiled once again before recalling what he had to say.

"To be honest, I am quite surprised. Your painting Lucid Night sold not for 10000 Madrags but for 190000 in total. Your skill must be quite amazing to move the crowd to bet such an amount." Rivollo praised Mona's craftsmanship, his thoughts returning back to the amazing piece Of Arts. He truly felt Mona was unparalleled in Painting.

Mona revealed an ambiguous smile. If only he knew. Mona thought back to how he had baited successfully the envoy of the Wessor family to foolishly give him a grand sum of 190000 Madrag coins. Even if his skill was unparalleled, at best it would have received a bid of 100000 Madrags. The rest was nothing more than Mona profiting off the ill will of others.

"I have already done all of the calculations for you. Your total balance, including the payment for your painting, is 244500 Madrag coins. As you have reached the maximum 200000 Madrags for the union's White card status, I'd like to see your card to activate the upgrade." Rivollo revealed his hand, in which Mona placed his card down.

Rivollo utilized his Saint ranked Aura, a considerable amount entering the White card. Almost instantly the card changed from a pristine white to a crimson red. Rivollo gave the card back to Mona, explaining what it meant.

"This is aptly named a Red card. It gives 10% discounts on one-to-one business transactions, and 10% of all your bids from hereon will be refunded. The item you desired is in this Temporary Creation, the 1000 year old Wisdom Mushroom you mentioned earlier." Rivollo revealed a thin pale ring, upon which a small translucent crystal was visible.

Mona's eyes grew as he looked at it. "This is--"

"It isn't what you think. Indeed it is a spatial ring, however it is a temporary one. It can only store a single item for a whole week, and after that it breaks and returns the item to reality. They are defects of Spatial Design Creators, and are used for their convenience." Rivollo interrupted Mona, explaining the item at hand.

Mona sighed, understanding that an actual Spatial Ring wasn't going to enter his hands just yet. Perhaps one day when he amassed 1000000 Madrags or better he could buy himself one. Then he would no longer have to carry his paintings and satchel, and could easily stock up on many items.

As Mona slipped the small ring onto his finger, it quickly resized itself to his hand. The ring seemed to be a fake ring, and gave off no hints of carrying a priceless treasure within. Such a Creation was great for avoiding theft, as it looked completely worthless from the outside.

"Oh yes, I almost forgot. The Artisan's Gala Hall have received your painting Of Arts and were shocked by the gravity it gave off, as they said. They are planning to sell the painting for 250000 Madrag coins, and have already promised you the title of a Warrior ranked Painter if you join through their branch at Morosbo." Rivollo's eyes seemed to flicker with awe as he spoke those words.

"So quickly?" Mona didn't think that in half a day he would already be contacted by the Artisan's Gala Hall. It seems that his painting skills were very high indeed, high enough to garner the hall's interest to this extent.

"Indeed. With your skill, becoming a Lord ranked Painter is guaranteed. Being a King ranked Painter isn't impossible either." Rivollo looked at the painting prodigy in front of him, respect filled in his voice as he said his words.

"Well then, Mona Aurum, farewell. And do remember me if you return to Alduin." Rivollo waved goodbye, making his way near a group of CFU members with white armbands. He began to give each of them commands, the members separating to complete their tasks.

Mona walked outside and down the steps, gazing upon Alduin at night. Although fewer people walked the streets, the light of emerald green torches gave brightness thanks to skilled Creators. Mona made his way to Kronuts Crafts & Supplies in the evening, his steps gradually begin the only sounds he heard as he walked on Corvinder Street.

Near the middle of this street, Mona saw the large sign of Kronuts. It was nothing more than a set of different colored tools and jars, with the words "Kronuts Crafts & Supplies" written in the middle. The store was rather small compared to those nearby, and the shopkeeper inside seemed to be closing for the day.

Not wasting a minute, Mona entered the store, his eyes making contact with the slightly tired shopkeeper named Kronuts.

"Wait! I have come to this shop to buy a few items. I understand you are closing, but I hope you will be willing to give an exception." Mona spoke in a hurried manner, but it didn't seem Kronuts heard his word.

The aged man had a scruffy beard, and was a bit short. His shirt had splotches of paint, his fingers wrapped with bandages. However the man's eyes shone with shock as he was about to open his own satchel.

Kronuts broke out of his stupor, looking at Mona with a respectful gaze. "Of course, of course. Go ahead. Take your time." Kronuts responded with a warm welcome, having seen the Faulkner insignia he swiftly changed his mind. If the Faulkner nobility wishes to have me help them, not only will this store gain honor, but it will get even more attention. Perhaps I'll have more sales than ever before!

Mona thanked Kronuts, losing himself in the aisle with painting tools. Brushes with various points, different paints, different canvas, and even different easels. Everything in the aisle seemed to be aimed towards the general painter, and nothing stuck out in particular.

Mona looked at the tools of Warrior ranked quality. Feeling the tip of the paintbrush, he agreed that the better his tools, the faster and better he could become a painter. This brush for example, felt much more fine and soft than the brushes he was carrying.

Do I have space? Mona looked in his satchel, seeing it filled with his Mortal ranked items made for Painting. If he had to carry two loads it would take quite some effort, especially given the amount he planned to purchase.

"Shopkeeper, would you be willing to take these items of mine. They are in almost perfect order, and I have only used them a few times." Mona brought his tools to Kronut's desk, showing his Mortal ranked paintbrushes, paints, canvasses, and collapsible easel.

"Yes, of course. I see you are purchasing Warrior ranked tools for Painting, so consider the price to be one set of Warrior ranked Paints. Do you agree?" The shopkeeper waited for Mona to reply.

Mona nodded before making his way back to the Painting aisle. There were astonishingly several sets for Warrior ranked Painting. One set focused on speed, another on the depth of color, and yet another on the perfection of strokes. Seeing these varieties, Mona spent some time thinking of the advantages and disadvantages of the seventeen sets set in front of him.

"Color is important, but the depth of color depends also on how long that color is applied."

"Hmm, this brush set is very fine, but can it work well with painting in enlightenment? It might not occur often but it happens."

"Sigh, I could use these brushes, but could I call my canvas a painting then?"

"These won't do. The colors are too dark, and the white is a pale grey at best. So much for cost efficiency."

While Mona walked from table to table in the aisle, the sound of the shop's door opened and closed rapidly. Mona could hear the ragged breaths of a new arrival, but continued to concentrate on the watercolor paints in his hands.

"How dare you come here again, Rosari! I told you that you were forbidden after your last appearance!" The shopkeeper was furious, his voice clear in Mona's ears.

"But sir, it was an accident. You don't even allow me to explain." A voice replied back, apparently the person felt as if they were being framed.

"Explain? After I saw what you were doing with my tools, and what mess I had to clean after costing me 80000 Madrags in all, and you still want to explain. Leave now, or I'll contact your father once again."

"It wasn't even me. Please Mr. Kronuts this is the only shop that sells the Dewy Sunshine Painting set in Alduin. You have to let me buy one. I'm not even an employee anymore."

"I don't care whether you work here or not , leave. I am servicing an important guest, someone I cannot offend. Get out now!"

"I'm willing to pay double, no triple the amount. Just let me buy the painting set." Rosari began to plead on her knees, but to no avail. The shopkeeper's face only grew more dark.

"Let her buy the set. It's just a single set, and she has the cash." Mona walked out from the Painting aisle, his arms holding all of the Warrior ranked tools and inks, as well as higher quality brushes. Altogether he bought a set of oil paints and watercolor paints each, as well as numerous canvasses. All of it was just enough to fit his satchel without being a burden.

He saw that the one named Rosari was not much different than Kronuts. Her shoes had shades of paints, and her clothing similarly so. She had a small pouch in her hands, looking at the shopkeeper for acceptance. Her hair was messy, but her face carried a trace of sorrow as she knelt on the floor.

Mona took out his CFU card, the crimson red glinting in the shopkeeper's eyes filled with amazement. "Do you accept this card? If not I can always--"

"No, esteemed sir, that is perfect." The shopkeeper became instantly more respectful as he saw the red CFU card. That is the Union's Red card. This means the esteemed guest has at one point carried over 200000 Madrag coins. The shopkeeper, whose store at best made 25000 Madrags in one year, couldn't fathom the size of such a sum. His tone and actions became more cautious, as if not to offend Mona.

"As for you, since this esteemed guest allows it, you may get one. One only!" The shopkeeper changed almost completely as he looked at Rosari, almost opposite of how he acted towards Mona. Rosari quickly rose up and made her way to the Painting aisle.

Kronuts took note of the card and Mona's name, writing them down on two sheets of parchment. Mona realized that Kronuts intended to take this sheet as proof of purchase, and he soon signed it. Even if Kronuts tried to steal more than the 10300 Madrags his sets of Painting supplies actually costed, Mona could easily speak with Rivollo to fix the issue. As Mona placed all the items in his satchel and began to leave, the young girl gave her pouch to Kronuts before thanking Mona and dashing out the front door.

Mona chuckled inwardly, his face revealing a small smile. She must really like to paint. Mona thought she felt a bit familiar, but couldn't tell how.

Leaving the store, Mona made his way to his carriage at the driver's stop, thinking of what he would paint now. He knew that with his current tools making Saint ranked paintings would become more common, but wasn't sure what to make the subject. His thoughts eventually wondered back to his Aura training, sighing as he remembered how he had coughed up blood during his breakthroughs.

I still should keep trying. Perhaps my current level as an Aura Mortal level 9 will change soon. Within his sights, the carriage once again appeared into view, the driver catching up to Mona before escorting him inside. The driver was clearly in good spirits from going to the station. A trace of red laced his cheeks, hinting at a few drinks.

"It's already evening. Even though it's a bit late, I should still see Eric." Mona looked outside, watching as Alduin disappeared behind him, replaced by endless plains of grass and trees. The serene view reminded him of Rosalin, and the deep pains called homesickness and grief rose in his heart. The beauty of his life, and the beautiful capital of Leafwind was no more, in a single night. These kinds of wounds refused to heal.

The Morosbo landscape came back into view, the tall plateau of reddish rock looming in the sky. Further out were the Alberdan Mountains, the common sight of an citizen of Alberdos. The carriage followed the familiar route to Eric's manor, the carriage stopping just in front of the building.

Trading goodbyes, Mona left the carriage, making his way to Eric's office. In the courtyard he could hear his own footsteps stride across stone as he entered the administrative building from which Eric watched the manor. Up the flights of steps, Mona looked out a nearby window, staring at the clouds that began to partially eclipse the moon once more.

We are like the moon, radiant and eclipsed often. Only those whose radiance is overwhelming can eclipse the rest of existence is their greatness.

Standing next to the double doors was a different guard, who upon seeing Mona greeted him with respect and courtesy. Mona stood in front of the double doors, rapping three times before hearing Eric speak.

"Come in."