Chapter 133: The Auction Begins

Chapter 133: The Auction Begins

The Ishiate who followed the way of nature frowned as they saw the two steampunk beastkin approach, but one of the elders spoke up.

We cant focus on old conflicts anymore. If our kin is to survive we must work together, he said, but couldnt help himself from continuing. The universe has shown us the right path, and Im sure the lost ones will return into the fold soon enough.

Zac sort of understood the old druid meant. The two camps of the Ishiate essentially fought over the issue of Nature versus Technology, and it was pretty clear which of the two camps the System sided with. He actually felt a bit bad for the technologically inclined Ishiate, as their situation wasnt very optimistic.

Of course, it was possible to become a powerful force in this new environment with the aid of technology. The Technocrats was one of the strongest forces in the multi-verse and still lived well even though multiple forces were gunning for them. However, the technocrats were approaching the limits of technology, having the means to travel the universe and unleashing terrifying weapons.

These Ishiate were no Technocrats, and had barely started on the path of technology. Their progress was a few hundred years behind humanity, and their weapons were probably already approaching obsolescence against the increasingly durable beasts in the wild. Zac guessed they would perish unless they turned back to the more simple ways.

Progress is the basic path of life. To stick to the old ways is to perish. That hasnt changed with the System, it has only been reinforced, one of the two Ishiate retorted with a glare.

Human, is what you said true? There is truly a town with those flags close to your town? the other ishiate asked.

Yeah, our scouts found them a few days ago, Zac simply answered.

It wasnt really any secret information, and he could very much sympathize with these people. He understood what it was like to desperately search for his home in an endlessly large new world.

Please let us come with you when you leave. That is Cogstown, our hometown, they asked with hope in their eyes.

Zac mulled it over for a bit. He felt it wasnt too problematic to bring a few people with him through the teleporter. Besides, bringing these two should make forming an alliance considerably easier when they made first contact.

Our town is extremely remote. In fact, its not on the mainland. Its not sure that you can get back without using our teleporter. Do you still wish to go? He said.

Yes, both of them answered without hesitation, and Zac only nod.

Talk with my companion over there, the human. He can make the arrangements, Zac said as he pointed to Sap Trang, who was still speaking with Nigel.

Suddenly a couple of speakers crackled into life, playing the classical intermission sound.

Seems the auction is starting, if you will excuse me. I need to gather up with my group, Zac said as he moved away.

It was nice meeting you, Zac, Willow said with a smile. We hope to see you again.

Soon he was back with the others. By this point Calrin had already returned, and soon he saw Ogras saunter over as well, holding a bottle of champagne hed snagged somewhere.

Not many interesting things happening so far, everyone is just sticking to their little groups, barely talking. The liquor wasnt bad though, we should bring some bottles with us back home.

Not sure how many there are left, I think a lot of people has turned to the bottle to calm their nerves over the past few months, Zac said with a sigh. But it doesnt hurt to give it a try.

Actually, he agreed with the demon. While he didnt really like champagne he really wanted to bring some beer with him back to the island, but he felt that most of it would have been consumed after almost five months since the integration.

An interesting attack. But be careful about starting things. You might be strong, but can the same be said of your companions? the demon smiled, and Zacs eyebrows rose in alarm.

But before Zac had time to stop anything the bodyguard grunted as a shadow spear pushed through one of his legs, almost making him fall over. Thea looked around in surprise, and a frown appeared on the old man.

What do you think? Can you kill me before I kill your two companions? Ogras said while grinning.

Despicable, the girl said, throwing scathing glares at not only Ogras but the whole party.

Enough, Zac said while glaring angrily at Ogras, already regretting bringing him. What will you do if you get us thrown out before the auction even starts?

Relax, were just having some pre-auction fun, Ogras said with a smile.

I am sorry about him, this is a healing pill that will help with your friends recovery, Zac said to the Marshals as he took out a small glass bottle and threw it toward them.

However, the bottle got rebuffed in the air and shot straight back toward Zac through some unknown means.

The Marshall Clan is in no need of your little baubles, Thea simply said as the trio sat down in their seat some distance away.

Mama always says you should be nice to women, as being mean will bring you big trouble, Billy muttered to himself, but with the giants standard volume it turned into an exclamation.

She sounds like a wise woman, Ogras only said to the giant, making him perk up happily.

He looked ready to say something but was distracted by the large curtains getting lifted on the stage and some musicians play classical music. It was beautiful, but it wasnt what Zac came for, so he was happy to see that almost immediately a well-dressed man in a suit walked out on the stage and stood behind the podium.

Welcome all to the first Grand Auction held by New World Government. It is an amazing sight to see so many coming from all corners of the world. It is truly a testament to humanitys resilience in face of adversity. Were also happy to see friends from other races joining us here today. I am hoping this is the start of a long and fruitful cooperation between our species.

The man was clearly used to public speaking, and smoothly took command of the room.

To make sure theres no confusion in the event, I will go over the ground rules. This auction is a classical English-Style auction, and for those who are unsure of what that means, dont worry, I will go over it with you. Beneath your chairs there are numbered paddles that you use to bid. Simply raise the paddle to make a bid.

The standard increase bid increase is based on the size, but generally around ten percent. For example, if the price is ten thousand Nexus coins, each standard bid will be a thousand nexus coins up to fifty thousand, at which point the standard bid changes to five thousand.

Of course, you can increase the bid by a higher amount by shouting it out, but not by a lower amount, the auctioneer said with a smile.

If you are the highest bidder your number will be seen on the screen behind me. And dont worry if youre sitting in the back. I have three people all with scout classes and eyesight skills with me who will all help me in making sure that no bid is overlooked.

Payment accepted is World Government Credits, Nexus Coins or Nexus crystals valued at a 1:50 ratio. Be aware that no coercion, threats, or other disturbances are allowed during the auction. A first offense will result in a warning, but repeat offenders will be escorted out of the venue.

With that I hope you will enjoy the auction and that you all find something that will help you in the fight against our foreign invaders. The first item for auction is a set of five E-Grade Nexus Crystals, the auctioneer said as a cart was rolled in by a beautiful woman.

On the cart was a briefcase, and when the showgirl opened it the light of five genuine E-Grade crystals radiated out. There was almost a collective intake of breath in the hall, and even Zac was interested.

The New World Government was clearly not holding back.