Chapter 115: The Platinum Section
The second day of the auction passed without incident. While I was intrigued by the appearance of a Demon Sword, I couldn’t help but hope that something even more impressive would show up on the third day. There were also materials from Monsters on display, but since they appeared before the Earth Dragon, they didn’t particularly catch my interest.
“Now, without further ado, let’s begin the second half of the Platinum Section with our first item!”
The Platinum Section had a minimum bidding price starting at ten million Fron, but the last item from the first half had begun at fifty million. My sense of monetary value had completely vanished since yesterday.
“The minimum bidding price is set at one hundred million Fron. While it’s rare for this item to be auctioned, it seems we have one today. Presenting the highly sought-after Elixir!”
“What?!”
“Wait, what?”
I stared intently at the container being wheeled in. As I focused on the liquid inside and activated my appraisal, it confirmed that it was indeed an Elixir. The description stated that it could even restore lost limbs.
“It’s the real deal…”
Memories of my first day in the commercial nation flooded back. I had been duped into buying a counterfeit Elixir for ten million, and I never expected to see the genuine article here. It was no surprise that the bidding had already climbed to three hundred million.
“The real thing is this expensive…?”
Rio looked astonished, but I understood that if it could restore lost limbs, it would naturally come with a hefty price tag. Still, the fact that it wasn’t in the Mithril Section suggested that it was somewhat more common.
“Maybe we should secure it just in case.”
“That sounds reasonable. Fortunately, we have the funds.”
“Alright… Four hundred million!”
I shouted just as a bid of three hundred fifty million was placed. However, my opponent was quick to raise the stakes, and soon it became a fierce duel between us and another bidder. Once the bids surpassed five hundred million, it was clear we were in a standoff.
“This bidding is getting intense…”
“Is it really?”
Curious about the usual prices, I asked Fleur, who informed me that during less urgent times, an Elixir could be won for around two hundred million Fron. Unless there was a dire need for it, that was typically the case.
“So, does that mean the other bidder really needs the Elixir right now?”
“I believe that is highly likely.”
“Oh, I feel a bit guilty about this…”
“I don’t think you need to worry about that.”
“I’m just trying to prepare for our own needs… What should we do?”
It seemed Rio was losing her enthusiasm after hearing our conversation. Even though it was for our own sake, it didn’t feel right to outbid someone who might truly need it.
“Hmm. Should we let this one go?”
“Yeah, let’s do that.”
Rather than dwell on the possibility that someone might suffer because of us, it was better to let it go.
“Six hundred fifty million Fron! Is there anyone else?”
The auctioneer scanned the room, confirming that no one else was bidding. He then declared that it had been sold for six hundred fifty million.
“Next up, we have the highlight of today’s auction, the pièce de résistance!”
After several items had been sold, the moment we had been waiting for finally arrived. A cart was wheeled in from backstage, and atop it rested a massive claw.
“The Earth Dragon Claw! Remarkably, we have all twenty claws from both hands and feet!”
A murmur of excitement spread through the crowd at the auctioneer’s announcement.
“Hehe, it’s finally here,” Fleur said, turning to us with a gleeful expression. I could feel my heart racing at the sight.
“I wonder how high the bidding will go.”
“Starting at five hundred million Fron!”
“Six hundred million!”
“Seven hundred million!”
As soon as the bidding began, offers poured in one after another. The increments were a staggering one hundred million. What was happening? It had already surpassed one billion.
“Wow, the Earth Dragon is incredibly popular.”
“Isn’t it amazing…?”
“It’s not something that comes up for auction often. It’s been over a decade since a true Dragon, not just a Wyvern or Lesser breed, has been featured.”
“Wow, that’s impressive.”
“I wonder how often Elixirs are auctioned?”
Rio seemed to have forgotten about the auction, tilting her head in curiosity.
“Elixirs aren’t that rare. They can occasionally be produced in Dungeons, and they come up for auction about once a year, if that.”
Interesting. It seemed that some people might use them on the spot, making them more accessible than I initially thought.
“Well then, it’s been sold for one billion six hundred million Fron!”
Before I knew it, the Earth Dragon Claw had been sold, exceeding the minimum price of the Mithril Section.
“Wow, the Earth Dragon is something else.”
Following that, the Earth Dragon’s fangs were auctioned, starting at eight hundred million Fron. Naturally, the bidding continued to rise, ultimately selling for two billion one hundred million Fron.
“Hahaha…”
All I could muster was a dry laugh. We still had the Mithril Section to go, right? My funds were about to take a significant hit. After a few more items were auctioned in the Platinum Section, none managed to surpass the prices of the Earth Dragon’s items.