Chapter 242

The shuttle pilot leaves them with a crude map of the city, including the location of the Armory Association, where he recommended they sell their goods. It's a large stone building, built of the nearly black local volcanic rock, as most buildings in the city are, but it has a pair of swords crossed over a shield carved into every wall. Somewhat hard to miss. 

"Buying, selling, or here for the special items auction?" The door greeter welcomes them. 

"Selling, and if it's not too late, I might have some items for the auction."

There are several very good legendary items in his inventory, mostly made by the Guild. He's also got a level 235 Legendary Amulet that will let an Arch Paladin transform into an Avatar of Devotion for 5 minutes once a day. The effect should be close to merging with a Legendary Summon and worthy of a piece at auction. 

He also got the plan to create them, which he's waiting to give to Dimnys as a level birthday present. It's a bit specific, as it's only a single second advancement class that can use it, but with so many Paladins in the world, it should be one of the more common Tank Classes in the higher levels. 

"Level and quality of the potential auction item?"

"Level 235 Legendary Item. Class-Exclusive." Cain answers, and the greeter's attitude goes from professionally polite to eager to please.

"Right this way. We've got a private room for booking high-value items."

She escorts the group through a set of doors off the main room that leads down a hallway, past several entries marked as appraisal rooms, and into a luxurious sitting room. Waiting for them there is a man in a black suit, his tattoos and tanned skin making him look a lot like Cain's current form, at least in fashion sense. 

"Duke Cain of Blood Sands Castle. It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Sergio Valparaiso, the head of the auction. My employee tells me you've got something extraordinary to offer." Again with the Blood Sands Castle. Just how far has the story spread? Perhaps Gillibrand, or his wife, is doing it to save face? 

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Mr. Valparaiso. I've got a unique Amulet that I'm certain your auction could find a suitable buyer for. I've got several other Legendary items made by my Guild, but this one, as I'm sure you will agree, is special."

Cain takes the item out and places it on the appraisal table between them, the item description coming up the moment he removes his hand. A soft glow passes over the item, and a green light shines on the auctioneer's bracelet. 

"The item is verified authentic. Now, let's take a look. A level 235 Legendary Transformation for an Arch Paladin with no drawbacks? That is rare. They often have a high cost or period of weakness afterward. I do believe this will be a highlight of the night. Our employee mentioned you might have a few more items as well?"

Cain takes out a set of Mythril Plate Armor, A Shield with perfect damage reduction and matching boots, helm, and gloves that give a set effect of increased stamina and damage reduction when worn with the armor. They're Dimnys' pride and joy among the items for sale. Some of the most impressive items she has made that don't have a home, and they're all Legendary Quality. 

"I brought a set of armor as well. Not as high level, but crafted in-house by our resident Dwarven Blacksmiths. If these sell well, I will have more business for you in the future." The two men share a knowing smile as the table scans the items and brings up their effects. 

"I don't think I've ever seen that much damage reduction before. It would be like trying to chop down a mountain." The greeter says quietly, reading over the shoulder of the auctioneer. 

"Yes, this will go all as one set. I don't suppose you have a weapon to match? We've got some Royalty visiting, and this suit of armor is fit for a small country's National Treasury. With a matching weapon, it would be complete."

Cain consults with Dimnys and decides that what it needs is a [Hammer of the Thunder Gods]. The one remaining is a reject, a few points from perfect, so she saved it instead of giving it to Char. It does have damage reduction, though, where the one Char got had an added lightning spell damage affix. It's an axe on one side, hammer on the other, crackling with lightning, and meant to be wielded one-handed. 

"Oh yes, that is perfect. It is Legendary, of course, but it also looks like the part with options for both cutting and blunt damage. You really know the way to an auctioneer's heart."

"Bring the Big Boss here. We can't bring these out to the auction without additional security." Sergio informs the attendant, who looks pale but rushes out to do as instructed. 

Once she's gone, a contract is produced, itemizing the auction listing, and presenting a reserve price higher than the cost of building a castle in the middle of Assah. "That's just the guaranteed price, you understand. If it doesn't make that, the items will be returned. We take our fifteen percent fee from the final price."

"That's acceptable," Cain says, finishing reading the contract and signing his name at the bottom. 

Moments later, a short but muscular man enters with a dozen Bodyguards. "This had better be good. You know I don't like being disturbed before the auction."

He stops at that, looking at the description of the items on the table, then the Amulet. "I take that back. Good job, Sergio. Is the contract already signed?" 

"It is, boss. Did you have a buyer in mind?"

"The Crown Prince of Kallen is an Arch Paladin. He's over level 300 now, but that Amulet is incredible. There's no telling who will want it for one of their Commanders."

The big boss, Vito by name, goes silent a moment while he sends a message. "There, I've invited five buyers from the Eastern Kingdoms who might be interested. They all have houses with portals here, so it shouldn't be an issue sending a buyer on their behalf."

"What about the armor?"

"We will put that in as a surprise highlight since we've got everyone gathered, along with those Nobles from the North and Landis."

Nobles from Landis? Hopefully, he doesn't run into that son of the Knight Commander here. That was a big hassle even when he wasn't trying to sell Legendary Armor. 

"How would you like to join the VIP merchants balcony tonight? There will be a few other groups there to watch their items sell, and it's shielded from the sight of the General population." Sergio offers. 

"That sounds perfect. So long as the size of my group won't be an issue?"

"Of course not. We allow up to ten Companions and guards to accompany our VIP sellers for their safety and comfort. Here is an entry pass; enter through the side door of the building and show that to the guards; they'll see you to your seats."

Cain shakes hands with Sergio and Vito before the greeter escorts them back to the front of the room. "Your items will be ready at the arranged time this evening. Thank you for your patronage." 

She gives a deep bow and waves them on their way; the generic phrase intended to indicate to the guards that he's a client but not give away too much about it. 

The guards watch until he's out of sight while the others check out the nearby shops. There's an excellent smelling soap shop nearby that they've all wandered into, attracted by exotic fragrances. The Werewolf clerk keeps trying to sell Mythryll a very manly scented fur shampoo, much to Evangeline's amusement. The girl is taken with what she thinks is a fine specimen of male Lionkin but still trying to make a sale while flirting.

Misha has moved to the corner to check on the vanilla-scented section when a hooded figure manages to move in front of her, making strange hand gestures. 

"Tell me, what did your master buy little Felian." The woman says softly. 

"From here? Nothing yet." Misha's answer isn't particularly quiet, and it attracts the clerk's attention, who makes a hand signal out the door that Cain interprets as trouble. Either for them or for whoever is talking to Misha. 

The woman talking to Misha makes the gesture again. "No, at the auction market, what did he buy from the Armory?"

"Why would I tell you that?" Misha asks loudly, making Cain snicker and move to her side, realizing this person is trying to interrogate what she took as a Beastkin youth. 

"Sorry, Miss, my Misha is one hundred percent loyal. You picked the wrong person to try to hypnotize." Cain informs her, his smile turning to an evil grin. 

But before he can do anything, a pair of guards step silently in the door, and the woman tries to bolt. She makes it all of two steps before meeting Vala's blade, stopping her in her tracks until the two men with Armory Association logos on their uniforms get a hold of her. 

"Our apologies. This sort are the modern pickpockets, using hypnosis abilities to mug their targets and not get caught. There's a steep penalty for being caught stealing here, and we'll be taking her back to the boss since she's past the first advancement."

They don't even wait for a response before knocking her unconscious with a short club and carrying her away, impressing everyone but the staff with their efficiency.