CH 347

"This is the venue for the single auction."

"Thanks, Celestine."

I thanked Celestine for guiding us as and then along with others, stepped into a certain assembly hall.

"It feels like this place is made after a theatre. And what is this ticket thing?"

"Your Highness Lana, this is to announce the item's price. Though, I don't know what it is actually called."

From the moment Lana entered the venue, she showed interest in everything that caught her eyes, while Sierra answered to her queries to the best of her knowledge.

"Hn. This place is a bit dark."

"Maybe not dark, more like the atmosphere is a bit tense I think? Is this what an auction feels like?"

Karua, who has intuition skill, has her cat ear flattened to her head. Rika, too, seems to be a bit nervous.

It's also my first time visiting an auction in reality and indeed, the atmosphere of this place is a bit peculiar.

The auction is based on a single auction format. Unlike the previous auction I attended, which was more similar to online auctions, this one is happening in real time.

The atmosphere was indescribably quiet, devoid of any fervour.

Including myself, six of us, Myself, Celestine, Lana, Sierra, Karua and Rika, have come together today.

Our main objective is the equipment that is suitable for use in intermediate level dungeons and beyond, primarily focusing on armour.

Normally, each member has to prepare their equipment by themselves, but just today, I came to face the hard fact that leaving it entirely up to the individual might not take it anywhere.

In the game, all the equipment was being prepared at Player's discretion.

But given its reality, the matters regarding armament are left to the individuals themselves. However having someone like Karua who insists on not having them could potentially hinder dungeon exploration.

So, we have decided to interfere this time and take charge of her equipment selection.

This example has made me set my mind to further add on guild's policy that everyone must update their weapons and armour. I will also have to discuss it with Celestine later, since armour is quite expensive on an individual level.

Just the last time when Hannah was upgrading her equipment, she looked so distressed when paying as if someone has asked her soul instead. I guess having a 16 year old girl purchase such an expensive item might be harsh.

Also, we are here mainly for Karua's equipment, but there are also few other members in the guild who lack good enough equipment to challenge intermediate dungeons.

So my proposal of 'how about the guild give members a loan' received a green signal from Sierra, Celestine and Rina.

And so, we are here.

Incidentally, Rina said that 'she has an errand to do, so she isn't coming with us' and left with a reluctant look on her face, and some kind of documents in her hand.

If I am not wrong, they should be the papers from when we made an agreement with ‹Best of the Best, the Great Star›. I wonder if top decision makers, Saturn and other four, will willingly sign those papers? Live strong, you guys.

"Zephyr-sama, here is the list of items to be auctioned today. Please take a look, Also our seats are there."

"Thank you, Celestine."

Just as I was a bit too lost in thought about the future of Saturn and others, Celestine's calling brought me back to my senses.

We sat in a row of six seats and looked at the list.

Therepon, Lana, who is sitting on the side, tilts her head as she asks.

"Hey, Zephyr. I don't get what's what in this list."

"Well, this is just a list after all. The auctioneer will explain each one in order."

The list only had the names and brief descriptions of the items.

There are also some things with no names written. The first item is labelled 'Hidden Name'. Items like this are usually exciting surprises, I am looking forward to them.

That being said, even without a concealed name, it would be hard to tell which is what type of item without prior knowledge.

"And you know about them as usual, huh."

"I am Brave after all."

"Haaa......"

I answered to Sierra's sidelong glance. She sighed in response to my usual reply.

"So are there any notable items listed?"

"There are few individual pieces of series equipment, but they really shine when they're a complete set. They're strong with a serious effect, but without them, individual pieces are hardly worth the investment. In fact, most of the items are just so-so."

After reading it in detail, I didn't see any worthwhile item in it.

They were either individual pieces of series equipment, or mostly equipment from ‹Silver Chest›. Well, ‹Gold Chest› are hard to come by, and if they are drops, they would obviously want to keep it to themselves. But it was a bit of letdown for those who were anticipating the ‹Gold Chest› drop items.

"The promising items are from the production guild. They have a full set available with high performance. It's more expensive, but that's what we need."

The items from production guilds often come as a set. Or maybe it would be better to say they only sell sets. Furthermore, the equipment modified by them tends to have higher abilities than drop items.

The thing we have to focus mainly on the set equipment listed by any of the production guilds.

I circled several promising items with a pen.

Ohh! Isn't the maker guild of this equipment set ‹Emblem Seal Sticker›! As expected of Mari-senpai's guild, it's a fantastic set. I circled this as well.

Ah, better. I should visit Mari's senpai guild later, they might still have some nice equipment on stock.

I wrote down the price of the selected equipment set and the limit to Qp we should bid for said item and handed the list to Sierra.

"For now, we will go with this."

"......Really, you can do anything."

"Sierra, show it to me too."

Lana joined in to see the list together with Sierra when I passed the list to her, though she just tilted her head in confusion. I knew that would be her reaction.

"Zephyr-sama, it's about time."

"Ah, Zephyr. I want to raise the ticket! Just tell me which item I should bid on!"

"Yes Mam~."

What a handful of people you are, Lana. She is clearly having fun at the auction.

Let me have my turn too, alright?

Finally, as my heart was beating in nervousness and excitement, the buzzer sounded and the auctioneer stepped forward on the stage.

Single auction has begun.