Chapter 229: Change of pace

    How strong am I? Walter asked. Well, thats kind of a hard question to answer, because I really dont know.

    Well, to your best estimate, said Derek.

    Thats still hard to judge. The soul contract I was under as the patriarch of the family both crippled my stats and halted my leveling. Youve told me some of your secrets, so I wont bother to hide anything from you.

    For decades now, Ive been stuck at level 199, but with the stats of someone in the lower to mid 100s. However, with any free time I managed to find myself, I worked on my skills. This all could be a blessing in disguise, as I will soon be allowed to upgrade my class at level 200. If what we discussed earlier and applied to Clare and Brandi is true, it is possible that I am in for quite an upgrade. Walter explained.

    If its like that, you may be right, Derek said.

    As for how strong I am now I switched from a rare class to an epic one at level 100, so I have those stats. You would still be able to get me with your disappearing trick because I allocate heavily into Vitality and Wisdom. I am a support class, so dont expect too much offense. Those I do believe that even as a support class, I could handle Gerald Torith. Walter smiled.

    He is just a walking bag of meat. Derek agreed.

    Thats what happens when you are power leveled to 250. You end up all stats and no skills. Not very good stats, either.

    Well, in any case, Derek said. Im happy for you. What do you plan on doing now? You going to go out and grab that level so you can upgrade your class?

    You know I think I may just do that. I have spent so long staring at the same status that it will be a breath of fresh air to see some different numbers, Walter said. However, I need to get rid of this patriarch title first.

    What do you mean? Derek asked.

    I kept the title for so long because I didnt want the soul contract to restrict others. Granted, with the limited support and exile to a sub-city, most of my family hasnt grown strong over the years. Now, though, since the contract is up and our honor is restored, I think its time for a new patriarch or matriarch to step up to be head of the family. Walter explained.

    I see.

    I am tired, Walter sighed. I am tired of being stuck in the same place doing the same thing over and over. I loved adventuring in the past I loved everything about it. Bonding with your squad, life and death situations everything. I think its time for me to do something for myself for a change. I want to live again. There are a number of candidates that can take over the family. Im going to focus on myself.

    Thats good to here. Derek agreed. Youve been at it for so long, you need to relax now. And nothing is more relaxing than fighting for your life.

    Laughing, Walter said, It may not sound relaxing, but the change of pace will definitely be. It is something that I look forward to.

    The two continued chatting as more and more people poured into the auction. Walter pointed out a few different people he believed Derek should at least take note of during their talks. Soon, the last person was announced and the moment they had all been waiting for drew closer.

    Well, Derek, said Walter. It has been great catching up, and I thank you for everything you have done for me and my family.

    It was fun. Much better than mingling with other nobles. Derek agreed.

    It looks like the auction is about to begin, so I will go take my place beside my family. Ill have to treat you to a meal later, Walter said as he stood from the bench and made his way out of the booth.

    Ill hold you to that, Derek said.

    After that, Derek relaxed in his private booth as he watched all the guests move to their seats. Not long after watching another group be led to one of the other private booths, a light knock sounded on the door of his own.

    Its ope- he started, but realized that the privacy runes were still activated. Therefore, no matter what he said, whoever was outside of his booth would not be able to hear him. Instead, he walked over and opened the door.

    I didnt think about that, Derek said. Maybe this auction wont be boring after all.

    Alanah giggled. Dear auctions are never boring.

    Derek snorted.

    So, did you have a good chat with Walter? I bet he was very thankful to you.

    I did. He is a very good man. Im glad I could help.

    Out of all the people Ive met since I came to Cydaria, he has always been one of the most honorable, Alanah said. Which is ironic since he was the patriarch of a dishonored noble house.

    Those with chips on their shoulders always have more to prove. You either end up becoming someone like Walter, or you become someone like his son, Wallace, Derek said. It was truly his houses good luck that Walter became the man he is.

    Alanah nodded deeply. So, what does the patriarch of House Searidge plan to do now that his honor and power is restored?

    Derek chuckled. Of course, he plans on stepping down from being patriarch. He wants to go back to adventuring. It seems like he misses it dearly.

    A glint flashed through Alanahs eyes. Oh, really? That is quite interesting. You know, his house used to be one of the best support houses in the Kingdom. I wonder if he plans on continuing that legacy.

    Who knows? All I know is that the old man is finally free to do what he wants, and he couldnt be more excited.

    Good for him, Alanah said. One of these days, I would like to get some free time and go adventuring once again.

    I seem to recall a dungeon you wanted to run with me, Derek said. Has that plan changed?

    Oh, no. Alanah waved him off. We are most definitely going dungeon diving together. I just fear that with the two of us together, it wont make for much of a challenge.

    That may be true. Derek sighed. But it could still be fun. I look forward to it.

    As do I Alanah trailed off. Oh, its finally starting.

    Derek moved his focus away from Alanah and back to the auctions stage, where Stella was walking up to. The beautiful red head shined as the lights dimmed and all eyes fell onto her. She was a prime example of a kingdom toppling beauty at the moment. All kinds of tropes fell into Dereks mind as he watched the woman prepare herself. Then he glanced back at Alanah and sighed. Of course, she isnt outdone at all.

    A hush fell over the crowd as Stella took center stage.

    Her amplified voice boomed throughout the hotel. Please take your seats. The auction will begin momentarily.

    Once everyone was finally seated, her voice sounded out again. Ladies and gentleman. I am honored that all of you would take time out of your busy schedules to attend the Crowns auction.

    Both Derek and Alanah laughed at the same time.

    As if anyone in their right minds would miss such an opportunity to become stronger or get acquainted with such esteemed guests. Alanah scoffed.

    Without further ado lets begin!