201

Chapter 201 : Auction (1)

Minutes later, with all of the top ranking chapel leaders gathered, the next part of the Twilight Festival began in earnest.

“And now, for the moment many of you have been waiting for..” Zura said as she stepped forward towards the edge of the stage. Before her a sea of adventurers waved their hands and shouted in anticipation.

“The Twilight Auction.” Zura said as she flourished her hands in the direction of a nearby stage. The gathered crowd erupted, some shouting the names of their respective chapels.

“For those of you new to Adventia, or simply unaware of our customs, the auction works like so. The Twilight Auction is a friendly way for chapels to compete for talent. By gathering all of the new adventurers and giving them a chance to opt in, they can find a new chapel home. The way it works is simple. Adventurers, if you wish to take part in the auction you must step forward. Doing so will enter you for consideration. At which time, the chapels are able to bid for you. If you agree with the winning bid, you become a member of that chapel.

But, never fear. If you are matched with a chapel that doesn’t interest you or fit with your skillset, there’s always the Skill Shop after the official auction. There you can speak with representatives from chapels practically clamoring for your attention.”

*That doesn’t sound so bad.* Agni thought to herself. She had to admit, upon hearing the word auction she thought the worst. Humans being sold on stages reflected the worst times of humanity. She would be seldom surprised if human trafficking was a thing in Adventia as well.

“Now. For all of the brave new adventurers on the stage, if you’d like to enter the Twilight Auction, step forward.” Zura said as the audience mingled and made clamor, their mingled voices sounding more like a sea of chatter.

“Now, don’t be shy! This is a good opportunity to get a head start in your new life, yes?” Bracha said as she turned to face the group of people nearest to her.

She’d explained the process in great detail to them as they walked into the city, but it was obvious that most of the new people were overwhelmed by the atmosphere. And who could blame them? Less than three days into a world full of magic, monsters and fantasy -- only to be marched onto a stage and competed over by people they barely knew.

*Who thought this was a good idea?* Agni thought inwardly.

*Luckily I don’t have to worry about it--* She further thought. And that’s when she felt a firm nudge. The motion was so quick that Agni’s balance shifted entirely, forcing her to stumble forward just a few steps.

“Hey. What’s the big idea?” She said as she whirled around. It was Shula, always Shula!

“Heh.” Shula replied ,a self-impressed expression painted across her face.

“Agni.” Katrin said, as she pointed behind the Succubus. In the brief moment of agitation she’d completely forgotten her place.

“Oh shit.” Agni muttered, but it was too late. As she turned to face the audience many of the people there had already seen her “volunteer” for the auction. This renewed their catcalls and whistles, mostly in support of her brave action.

“Shula.. Why would you do that?” Katrin said as she turned to face the Imp. Only Shula was nowhere to be found.

“Shula? Shu--” Katrin questioned as she looked around. It was then that she too felt a sharp shove, sending her stumbling towards a surprised and red-faced Succubus.

“A Succubus and A Scribe? No freaking way. I’m definitely bidding!” One man shouted.

“Idiot. You don’t even have a chapel, how are you going to bid?” Another woman shouted.

“Indecent proposal. I’ve got PLENTY of Gols!” He shouted back, causing the people nearby to erupt in laughter.

Agni on the other hand was too busy struggling to keep both herself and Katrin upright.

“S-she got us both.” Agni whispered as she helped Katrin regain her balance.

“Shula!” Katrin said as she spun on her heels. Though her face was flush with embarrassment it was also obvious that she was annoyed.

“Oh, don’t make it such a big deal. Did you not hear the rules?” Bracha said, using a dismissing motion with a wave of her hand.

“You have to agree with the results of your personal auction. If you don’t want to go, just stay where you are.” Bracha said as she walked towards the pair.

“Besides, it’s a festival. Just have some fun you two.” She said with a smile.

“I don’t do well with c-crowds.” Katrin said as she lowered her head, allowing strands of her hair to cover her well blushed face.

“Where is she!?” Agni spat between her teeth. She sought out Shula to thump the Imp on her forehead, but she was well hidden.

*Probably hiding with invisibility. Tsk.* She thought. She felt even more vexxed when Shula replied.

*Yep.Ha ha.*

Agni had to admit, even she felt a little exposed. Wearing such a revealing outfit in front of so many people, their focus on her -- it was beginning to have an effect on her. She could feel her ears burning as she did her best to hide her nervousness with a strange smile.

“Look! A bashful succubus! That’s gotta be some kind of rarity!” Someone shouted, prompting Agni to also lower her face and release a whimper.

“That’s it! The time is up. Guardians, please help your adventurers form a single file line leading towards the center stage.” Zura requested.

Apparently the time limit for joining the auction elapsed rather quickly. No more than a minute at best. Agni was surprised to find that a large number of people had also stepped forward. This took some of the attention off of her and made her feel somewhat better about the situation. Though her eyes pleaded with Bracha to let her back out, Agni was eventually ushered into the requested line, along with Katrin the reluctant Scribe.

“Agni. I don’t like public speaking events!” Katrin said as she looped her arm around Agni’s. She agreed wholeheartedly. A particularly embarrassing memory from Agni’s past life flashed into her mind. One where she’d literally taken up half a class period while trying to muster the courage to speak before a group of twenty five students. Nevermind thousands of strangers!

“It will be okay.” Agni said reassuringly, she took a deep breath herself as she spoke. She said the words to calm Katrin, but she was also trying to convince herself.

“Besides. I doubt we will have to actually say anythi--”

“Now, for our first auction. The young woman before you is a Blink Mage. As most of you know this is a very coveted Caster type adventure class. Young lady, tell us your name and tell us a bit about yourself.” Zura could be heard, her voice echoing over the whispers between the two women.

*Ugh. Fuck my life.* Agni thought inwardly. She could feel Katrin’s grip tightening on her arm, abnormally so. Despite Agni’s own nervousness she felt an unnaturally strong reaction from Katrin regarding the obstacle before them.

Due to her heightened senses and proximity, Agni could also hear the woman’s heart beating. It wasn’t hard after all, it was thumping,wildly.

*T-this isn’t normal apprehension...it’s more like dread.* Agni thought inwardly as both she and Katrin moved along with the line. Clearly Katrin had some kind of underlying issue with stage fright, but now wasn’t the best time to ask. And even if she did, one look at Katrin’s face suggested it would be impossible to get any information from her. Katrin currently had her head nuzzled against Agni’s shoulder, face down and her eyes pressed shut.

For a moment Agni was reminded of the first day the pair entered Grenvale. Nude, having been robbed for almost all of their belongings. Agni distinctly remembered Katrin clinging to her at that time as well, though the circumstances were wholly different. And much like the previous time Agni resolved to do whatever she could to help Katrin get through her difficult time. Though her heart was beating fiercely and her palms were sweaty, Agni took a deep breath to calm down, focusing her thoughts in the process. She then stepped out onto the stage, leading Katrin out along with her as the two prepared to face the audience.

DreamOfRen