Chapter 28: The Auction

Yara was already warming up the crowd. The first auction was being held outside the shop, which would better attract passersby and help spread the word.

“I’m sure you’ve all been looking forward to this moment. As long as you hold a membership card from our store, you can take part in the auction. Now, let us welcome our proprietor, and the alchemist behind the scenes—Mr. Qi Xiao, who will preside over today’s auction!

As the alchemist himself, he will naturally be best suited to introduce the alchemical tools and weapons he has crafted. Let us give him a warm welcome—”

Qi Xiao took the stage with a smile amid applause, exchanging a few words with the customers. As the clapping faded, Demott handed over the first weapon.

He placed the silver sword upon a jade display stand that had been specially crafted for the occasion. Showing the sword from all angles, Qi Xiao began his introduction:

“This sword was forged from a rare material known as Lunar Silver Spirit, acquired by my master during his journeys. It is further refined with thirteen precious alchemical components. The blade is three feet, four inches and six tenths long, weighs thirteen pounds and eight ounces, and glimmers like a silver moon high in the sky. When wielded, it emits a faint phosphorescence—both beautiful and deadly. Its name is... the Moonlit Gleam Sword.”

He ran his hand along the blade, listening to the murmurs of the customers, and smiled faintly before continuing, “Starting price: 100 magic crystals. Each bid increment must be no less than 5 crystals. Contribution points of equal value are also accepted.”

“One hundred and ten.”

“One hundred and thirty!”

It had to be said, Qi Xiao’s words were indeed a novelty in the wizarding world, full of allure. The Moonlit Gleam Sword, both practical and exquisite, unexpectedly fetched a high price of 225 magic crystals.

[Congratulations! You have successfully supplied alchemy goods and received a reward—Pure Mana.]

With previous experience, Qi Xiao maintained his composure, keeping the mana firmly locked within his spiritual sea, and sensed that this sphere of magic was at least equivalent to a week’s worth of cultivation.

In recent days, he had received a few system notifications while working at his craft. Aside from a level-0 cantrip, “Featherlight,” the rest were small amounts of pure mana—nothing compared to the five days’ worth he’d gained at once from selling his first standard weapon.

Perhaps the first reward had come with special favor from the system. Still, though the quantities were smaller now, they accumulated to a considerable sum, and Qi Xiao was confident he could break through to the rank of Intermediate Wizard Apprentice after absorbing this mana.

With his advancement within reach and an auspicious start to the auction, Qi Xiao’s lips curved in satisfaction as he accepted the next weapon from Demott and began his introduction.

...

“One hundred and eighty magic crystals. Any higher bids? Three, two, one... Very well, congratulations to this lady for winning the last weapon in today’s auction!”

With a bright smile, Qi Xiao handed the wooden bow—charged with the power of lightning—to a witch dressed in courtly attire.

The remaining five weapons, though they didn’t command as high a price as the Moonlit Gleam Sword, each sold for between 150 and 200 magic crystals, leaving Qi Xiao’s coffers well-filled.

But far more important were the system rewards.

[Congratulations! You have successfully supplied alchemy goods and received a reward—Level 1 Cantrip: Fire Refinement.]
[Congratulations! You have successfully supplied alchemy goods and received a reward—Level 1 Cantrip: Stone to Mud.]
[Congratulations! You have successfully supplied alchemy goods and received a reward—Level 1 Cantrip: Mud to Stone.]
[Congratulations! You have successfully supplied alchemy goods and received a reward—Pure Mana.]
[Congratulations! You have successfully supplied alchemy goods and received a reward—Manual of Nature Runes, First Volume.]

Four days’ worth of mana, three level-1 cantrips, and half a volume of alchemical literature. The cantrips were instantly mastered, while the runes documented in the book would require Qi Xiao’s personal study.

Noticing that the crowd was beginning to disperse, Qi Xiao promptly spoke up, “Next, we will be auctioning our final item of the day—a finely crafted alchemical artifact: the Filigree Carved Bracelet.”

At the mention of a “finely crafted” artifact, the crowd erupted in excitement. When they saw the item itself, exclamations of amazement followed. Qi Xiao, undisturbed, continued his introduction:

“The Filigree Carved Bracelet—a masterwork of the enchanter’s art, it boasts two distinct functions.

First, it can automatically deploy a mana shield when the wearer is attacked. Second, when its wearer is emotionally agitated or trapped in illusions or under interference spells, it will help calm and clear the mind, dispelling confusion.

Both functions may also be triggered manually by the wearer. As for its defensive strength, you needn’t worry—it can withstand several full-powered level-3 spells, and even offers some buffer against higher magics.”

Qi Xiao was pleased by the customers’ reactions and continued, “All in all, this bracelet is geared more toward passive protection; its offensive capabilities are somewhat limited. Still, in a critical moment, it might just save your life! Therefore—”

An urgent voice cut in, “Does it require a constant supply of mana from the wizard?”

Qi Xiao paused and replied, “No, it only needs to be recharged with mana from time to time.”

A skeptical voice challenged him, “If I’m not mistaken, you’re only an apprentice-level wizard, aren’t you? How could you possibly craft a finely made alchemical artifact?”

Qi Xiao smiled politely and answered, “Regardless of my own level, this bracelet is a genuine, high-quality artifact. Should you find otherwise after purchase, my shop is right here—you’re welcome to return it for ten times your magic crystals.

If I am not in the shop, you are welcome to visit me on Lakeheart Island. Just inform Butler Merck, and I shall come to meet you.”

The crowd fell silent at once.

So he was the apprentice of Master Midiel! No wonder he spoke with such confidence. The wizards who had entertained any untoward thoughts quickly abandoned them.

After a long silence, an aged voice sounded from the crowd, “Might Master Qi Xiao be willing to accept commissions? Price is no object.”

Qi Xiao waved modestly, “You flatter me, elder. I am no master. As for commissions—such a service will be offered in the future, but not yet. At my current skill level, crafting fine alchemical artifacts is quite difficult and I cannot guarantee success.”

Silence fell again. How many apprentice alchemists would dare, at the apprentice stage, to openly admit that they could not guarantee the creation of a fine artifact?

“If there are no further questions, then let the auction begin. Starting price: 1,000 magic crystals; bid increments no less than 50 crystals. Contribution points are also accepted!”

“Two thousand magic crystals!”

“Four thousand!”

“Four thousand three hundred!”

“I’m sorry, but without a membership card, you cannot participate in our auctions at this time. Thus, the current highest bid remains four thousand.” Qi Xiao’s tone was apologetic.

“Four thousand five hundred!”

Phillips had come as usual to observe his rivals, never expecting to witness the auction of a fine alchemical artifact. At last, he could not resist and joined the bidding.

For him, such equipment, capable of automatically protecting its owner, was invaluable. He only possessed a single self-activating scroll, and its quality paled in comparison to this bracelet.

He now felt secretly relieved—fortunately, he had bought enough items during his last, somewhat dazed visit to qualify for a membership card. Otherwise, like many present, he could only stand by helplessly in frustration.