“I need somebody new and unknown for a dungeon,” the elf said. “And you look like enough. Hand me the book first, along with that scepter you were shouting about.”

Caesar gave him the two items while keeping a close eye on his movements. Kalakas flipped through the spellbook and smiled, before putting it away with the Scepter of Undeath in a small bag at his side. It was also a Bag of Holding.

“Inside first,” said the elf. He led Caesar up to the auction entrance and waved his ribbon lightly, the guards stepping away once they saw.

They walked over to one of the open seats in the corner of the room, facing a stage where the auctioneer and his fellow workers were busy with preparations. As Kalakas sat down beside him, his gaunt appearance caused others to shy away, or even change seats. Clearly, his reputation preceded him.

“Now can you explain?” Caesar tried to continue the conversation in a low whisper. But the elf shook his head and refused, instead sitting patiently for the event to begin. In here, he had already ceased his antics and became solemn.

To see his opposition, Caesar swept his eyes through the room, taking note of the many tables present all around. Rank two leaders and their chosen followers were placed there, while lesser followers like Alta were seated in simple chairs off to the flanks. And in the front sat the presumed rank three leaders of their respective groups, including the Order of the Fox. A woman dressed in yellow garments, emblazoned with a vulpine creature, smiled and chatted with other leaders of Rishlik’s Orders.

But they weren’t the only faction he was wary of. Near Obsandalur’s leadership, a man in black armor as sharp as glass sat opposing the diviner, his face a stern mask that belied his hate for Rishlik. The Obsidian Knight. An old foe, for Caesar had slain his squire Magnus in the Forest From Before. And in the middle, a jolly old man spoke with a good friend of his who decided to participate. This was the castellan of New Traxis, who kept chaos contained all throughout the months leading up to this event.

I hope Alta can navigate this situation well. I don’t want all three to hunt her at the same time.

A few more people shuffled in, both in groups and without, before the doors closed precisely once the auctioneer finished placing nine velvet boxes on the stage. He cleared his throat, and the room became silent. The man reached inside the first box and took out a small bell, revealing its status screen for all to see.

[Item]: Tidal Bell - Rank 2

[Rarity]: Rare

[Effects]: When rung, calls nearby fish to the surface of the water. Usable twice per day.

“Perception ability,” Kalakas whispered helpfully. “Useful, isn’t it?”

The auctioneer began to explain. “This item’s perfect to explore the beautiful blue. You’ll never need to worry about food again.” He whistled. “Have a look at this wonder!”

A female attendant brought over a massive aquarium containing dozens of fish as large as one’s leg, exhibiting an enormous strength. She brought it down to the front of the stage and closed the lid, before tapping on the glass. The fish were not startled at all.

“They can’t hear a thing. But see!” To display the item’s qualities, the auctioneer suspended the bell in the air for a few seconds, then shook it lightly. Although it seemed the fish couldn’t hear through the glass, it still caused them to float restlessly towards the surface, even trying to leap out and hitting their heads on the lid instead.

He took off the lid and demonstrated once again, the fish now successfully leaving the water to flop around on the stage. Another attendant walked up and began to hand out the fish to random guests, who exclaimed in glee as they admired their texture and colorful scales.

“We’ve tested this item extensively and have discovered the effect travels through any transparent medium, including water and glass.” The man covered the aquarium in a tapestry then shook it again. The fish did not rise.

A few people’s eyes lit up after the auctioneer displayed the item’s theoretical effectiveness when submerged in water. It worked spherically, and covered a fairly large distance, meaning divers could maximize the item’s efficiency. Many excitedly discussed how their water elves would like such an artifact.

“Hold on,” a skeptic said. “You haven’t explained its effects on stronger creatures.”

“That’s what I will demonstrate next.” Three servant men walked out from the back, holding different aquatic creatures in buckets of water and air. A quick Identify revealed them as Uncommon monsters with levels, powerful enough to rip through an unwary adventurer. String entangled the claws of crabs and lobsters, while the fish appeared drowsy from some sort of poison.

The auctioneer shook the bell again and the sea creatures began to move wildly, bodies thrashing against their restraints. One fish slapped the man holding it with its tail when it had been motionless prior.

“Useful for Rishlik beastmasters, too.” A sharp whistle rang from the mouths of the three, and the fish immediately stopped thrashing. They fed each a treat before returning behind the stage. “As you can see, the effect is not simply alluring for stronger creatures. It enrages them as well. Be warned, as using the item may give away your location.”

Eventually, the Tidal Bell sold for a hefty sum: two rank two artifacts with niche uses. Fortunately, a relatively wealthy seafaring group had purchased it, and that made the auctioneer grin in excitement as he unveiled the next item.

[Item]: Stormsurge Bow - Rank 2

[Rarity]: Rare

[Effects]: Crackles when detecting the presence of a storm. Arrows fired from the bow will burst in a nova of lightning energy once it strikes a solid or liquid. Radius of effect increased within a storm.

“Astute people should know that this item pairs well with the previous.” The auctioneer clapped his hands and a muscular man walked onto stage. “Use it to kill the fish you’ve lured or detect an incoming storm while at sea.”

His attendant picked up the bow and nocked a normal arrow onto it, before loosing it into the distance. Lightning crackled around the spot where the arrow sank.

Unfortunately, the previous buyers of the Tidal Bell shook their heads with a slight smile on their faces. It seemed they already had the means to kill in an area. Thus the auctioneer sighed in disappointment and repeated the starting price again – a weapon artifact.

It sold to a lone adventurer from Rishlik, who offered his own bow for the item along with the two enchanted rings he wore. A few tried to outbid him with other unforged materials, but the auctioneer refused to take them.

After exchanging items, the auctioneer moved on to the third item. “And now, something for Rishlik’s kin – courtesy of the Great Skytree,” he shouted. The Order of the Tree’s representatives, an aged man and woman duo, looked up and smiled.

[Item]: Horn of the Rampaging Boar - Rank 2

[Rarity]: Rare

[Effects]: Once a day when blown, summons a spectral boar to charge forwards for up to five seconds, mauling whatever it impacts until duration is reached.

“Isn’t this a well-respected artifact from the Order of the Boar? Their elites love them,” Kalakas said.

The woman who held the aquarium returned, holding an enchanted tower shield instead. Expensive to use for a simple test. As she knelt to dig in with the shield, the auctioneer softly blew the horn and a hulking beast sprang into existence, tusks already poised to gore whatever lay in front of it.

“Some can recognize this as a crafted artifact. But fewer will realize it has been enhanced once already - a testament to the malleability of the item’s base.” Several prominent craftsmen from Obsandalur whistled. “It has gained the power to sunder armor.”

When the beast disappeared, only scrap metal remained. The attendant stood up to reveal holes torn through her armor, but no damage to her body.

“Even after its initial use, the horn remains useful as a rallying cry.” He blew again, more harshly. Many Rishlikians sat up a little straighter after hearing that.

Kalakas whispered, “That’s to be expected. The Order of the Boar is their vanguard. They use it to maintain their front lines – and it’s very effective.” His grin then turned feral. “Until you annihilate them. Then it’s a worthless trinket.”

[Item]: Blinding Vapors – Rank 2

[Rarity]: Rare

[Effects]: Contains information on the Pyromancy technique [Blinding Vapors]. For 20% additional Mana cost, all smoke from Pyromancy flames will harm vision.

“Oh, I’ve got to get this.” Kalakas began to shout out his bids, eventually upping the price to two rank two artifacts - both weapons - and a rank one armor artifact.

But his opponent, another pyromancer, refused to give in. “Not this time, Kalakas, you cadaver!” Three rank two artifacts became the final offer, to which the elf smiled and matched the price. His rival cursed and withdrew.

The next item was a popular one. Others immediately began to incessantly shout bids, to the point where the auctioneer had to silence the crowd.

[Item]: Elixir of Perfection – Rank 2

[Rarity]: Rare

[Effects]: When consumed, increases the lowest two stats by three points permanently, and by an additional five for an hour. May only be consumed once in an entity’s lifetime.

Caesar hummed.

“You want this?” Kalakas raised a brow. “Look first at their frenzy. Can you compare?”

Indeed. In the course of only a minute, the price had risen to a full set of artifacts from an entire faction: helmet, breastplate, sword, ring, and a belt. He sighed and shook his head thrice.

[Item]: Ring of the Firesworn

[Rarity]: Rare

[Effects]: When worn, increases Fire Resistance. Weaker flames will restore the user’s Mana. Successful Pyromancy spells will cost 10% less Mana and increase in size.

Kalakas choked on his own spit.

“Serves you right, you foul cretin!” heckled the same man from before.

“When you tuck yourself in under your bed at night, I hope you never feel warmth again,” Kalakas said.

It sold for a set of two rings and an edible material. Caesar could not identify the traded items, but he knew most rings were precious, especially when they had better effects than some weapons or armor.

The auctioneer, seeing the crowd’s enthusiasm, slyly grinned. “Behold: our third-to-last item of this auction! Power in its purest form.”

All conversations stopped abruptly at the sight before their eyes.

[Item]: Seed of Sublimity - Rank 2

[Rarity]: Epic

[Effects]: Sublimates ability when consumed. May only be consumed once in an entity’s lifetime.

And Caesar began to yearn.