CHAPTER 254: THE AUCTION BEGINS

The neutral zone that had been peaceful moments before now thrummed with energy from practitioners whose power levels exceeded anything the divided kingdoms typically deployed for simple commercial transactions.

They’re not taking any chances, Noah observed with growing appreciation for the seriousness both factions were bringing to this auction.

The magical signatures were impressive—multiple grandmasters from each kingdom, suggesting that both Queen Seraphina and Lord Regent Darian viewed this auction as a matter of national importance.

Noah smirked with anticipation as he recognised the implications of such high-level attendance.

"They’re here," he announced with obvious satisfaction at the dramatic escalation his auction had generated.

The presence of grandmaster-level practitioners from both warring factions meant the bidding would likely reach astronomical levels, driven not just by the items’ inherent value but by the necessity of denying such advantages to their enemies.

This is going to be the most profitable single transaction in my shop ever, Noah thought with excitement.

The stage was set for economic warfare that would determine which faction gained access to enhancement capabilities that could reshape the balance of power in their decade-long conflict.

Outside, the careful positioning of grandmasters from both kingdoms created a tense standoff that promised to explode into violence the moment the auction concluded—regardless of which side emerged victorious.

"Ready to make history?" Noah asked Lola with growing anticipation for the money they were about to earn.

"Always ready," Lola smirked with obvious relish.

Together, both Noah and Lola made their way out of the shop, stepping into the neutral zone where the most expensive auction in the history of the idle shop was about to commence. It wasn’t a long history with all things considered, especially since it was the second auction, but the fact remained that it was the most expensive one.

Outside the shop, Noah immediately spotted the impressive gathering that had assembled for this momentous occasion. Five grandmasters from each faction stood in carefully positioned formations that maintained the delicate balance between showing strength and avoiding immediate conflict.

None of the assembled practitioners seemed to possess the supreme authority that would indicate the presence of a ruler—they all carried themselves with similar levels of confidence and power, suggesting that Queen Seraphina and Lord Regent Darian had chosen to observe from their castles rather than participate directly in the auction.

Whether it was due to the conflict that might occur, arrogance that might have been bred inside their heart, Noah didn’t particularly care about the absence of the highest leadership.

As long as the money was present, that was all that mattered. The grandmaster’s presence possessed more than sufficient wealth and authority to make this auction legendary in its own right; they were the leaders ’ representatives after all.

He nodded respectfully toward the grandmasters/Archmages from both factions, his gesture acknowledging their presence while maintaining the careful neutrality he had cultivated.

Among the assembled crowd, Noah recognised Elena and Kael, though both carried themselves with significantly stronger magical presence than they had shown during their previous encounters.

They had clearly advanced to grandmaster rank since their last meeting, their auras radiating power. It was clear to Noah that both of these people had obviously used his items and advanced in rank.

"Welcome, esteemed representatives of both kingdoms," Noah announced with courtesy that carried across the gathered crowd. "Thank you for attending this special auction event."

The grandmasters from both factions maintained their respectful distances while studying each other with the wary attention of experienced warriors evaluating potential opponents.

"Thank you for the amazing auction, Shopkeeper Noah." Both representatives said, their eyes fixed on Noah whilst simultaneously being alert to the enemy before them.

"Before we begin, I want to remind everyone that this auction will be conducted under the same neutrality rules that govern all shop operations. No violence within one kilometre of this location, and equal opportunity for all participants."

Murmurs of agreement rippled through both groups, though the underlying tension suggested that such restrictions would only hold as long as the auction itself remained in progress.

Lola stepped forward with natural grace, assuming the role of auction host that Noah had entrusted to her.

"Distinguished grandmasters of both kingdoms. Welcome to what promises to be the most significant auction in recent elven history."

Her ruby eyes swept across both factions with obvious satisfaction at the assembled wealth and power that had gathered for their commercial spectacle.

"Tonight, we offer two extraordinary enhancement items that represent capabilities beyond anything currently available in the market," Lola continued with growing enthusiasm.

Noah stepped forward, withdrawing the rose petal candy from his dimensional storage with care. The luxuriously wrapped confection was then placed in an open glass container for everyone to see.

"Our first item," Noah announced while standing next to the container that was free for all participants to observe, "is the Rose Petal Candy. Upon first consumption, this enhancement permanently increases the user’s Charm attribute, enhancing natural charisma and the ability to inspire loyalty and admiration in others."

Murmurs of interest rippled through both factions as they processed Noah’s words.

"Additionally, the candy grants fifty permanent vitality points and extends the consumer’s lifespan by ten full years. The user also gains an enchanting floral scent that produces mild calming effects on those in close proximity for twenty-four hours.

Whether your vitality is a weak point, or you have a loved one who needs the item for lifespan, or whether you simply want to smell good, this item is for you! " Noah continued with growing dramatic flair.

The assembled grandmasters exchanged meaningful glances as they recognised the value of such comprehensive enhancement, particularly the charm and vitality increase.

Lola stepped forward to assume her auctioneering duties with obvious relish for the competitive chaos about to unfold.

"Bidding for the Rose Petal Candy begins at fifteen hundred golden coins. Minimum bid increments of one hundred golden coins. Do I hear fifteen hundred?"

The silence stretched for several tense seconds as representatives from both factions calculated their opening strategies and evaluated the competition’s likely responses.