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Chapter 7 - Chapter 7: The Waters of Fate

Chapter 7: The Waters of Fate

Dressed in formal attire, I ascended the stage, my polished shoes tapping against the wooden floor. The auction hall was vast, filled to capacity with a sea of faces—thousands of individuals, some representing themselves, others acting as agents for powerful organizations. Above them, in glass-walled rooms that overlooked the main floor, sat the elite—the families of rank 7 domain bearers, the powerful few whose influence could sway the fate of nations.

I took a moment to steady my breath, my heart pounding in my chest. The sheer scale of the crowd was intimidating. This auction had always drawn attention, but this year, the anticipation was palpable. People whispered among themselves, discussing potential items, speculating on the surprises I had in store.

Despite the prestigious crowd, I knew there were whispers questioning my presence here. With such powerful connections, why would the Aditya Trading Group, with all its influence, bother being overbearing? The answer was simple: while this auction was important, it wasn't beyond replication by other groups, especially one as ambitious as Aditya. However, it had yet to attract the interest of a Saint—those legendary figures whose mere presence could turn the tide of any battle, ensuring survival for decades to come.

The elevated seats were occupied by families who had either the means to be here or had sacrificed everything for a chance at changing their fate. These were people who had given up comfort, often starving themselves, just to afford this one opportunity. They had come, hoping for a miracle, for the slim chance that today could alter their lives forever. And then there were the agents of powerful factions, watching, waiting, gathering information on the materials I would present.

"Isn't this a large crowd? Give me a 'hey'!" I joked, trying to break the tension, both in the room and within myself.

The silence that followed was deafening, a wall of indifference that hit me square in the chest. I cleared my throat, forcing a smile as I muttered into the mic, "Tough crowd, huh?"

A few scattered chuckles broke the tension, but the majority remained focused, waiting for what was to come.

"Let's not dilly-dally," I continued, regaining my composure. "Most of you came here expecting something extraordinary, and I don't intend to disappoint. So, without further ado, let's begin."

As I signaled, the first item was brought onto the stage—a shimmering orb, cradled carefully on a velvet cushion. The lights caught its surface, causing it to glimmer like the ocean under the moonlight. It was mesmerizing, almost hypnotic, and the crowd collectively leaned forward, eager to hear its story.

"This," I began, my voice carrying across the room, "is the Orb of Poseidon's Grace. It's not just any ordinary artifact; it's a sealed skill orb, one that grants the user the Water Healing ability—a skill exclusive to the avatars of Poseidon. For those unfamiliar, Water Healing is a highly sought-after ability among water-element hunters. And while the term 'sealed' might cause some hesitation, I assure you, the auction house also possesses the key, which will be gifted to the highest bidder."

Murmurs swept through the crowd, a ripple of excitement and disbelief. The orb, with its deep blue hue and the soft glow of waves crashing within, was captivating. It was as if the essence of the ocean had been captured and placed within this small, spherical object.

In the front rows, I could see eyes widening, expressions of awe and greed mixing as the implications of this item sank in. For many, this orb represented hope—hope for a brighter future, for a chance to rise above their current station.

"It's beautiful," someone whispered, the words barely audible but filled with longing.

"Imagine having that power," another voice murmured, this one laced with envy. "To heal, to survive…"

I continued, building on their emotions, "This is no ordinary item. It's a lifeline for those who dare to dream, especially for tankers with water-based skills. And for families… this is a chance to see your loved ones return home safe, no longer fearing the wounds that could otherwise be fatal."

From the VIP rooms above, I noticed the more experienced hunters and agents whispering among themselves, calculating the orb's true value. Some were intrigued, others skeptical, but all were paying close attention.

"This item is a gamble," I thought to myself as I scanned the room. "I have better-quality items that could have set a higher benchmark, but this orb… it's the perfect opportunity for the underdogs. It's valuable enough to spark interest among the major factions, but not enough to provoke them into breaking the unspoken agreement."

The air was thick with anticipation. Bidders shifted in their seats, readying themselves for the moment the bidding would begin. The tension was almost tangible, the kind that made your heart race even if you weren't directly involved.

"The starting bid is open," I announced, and for a moment, there was silence—a collective breath held as everyone waited for the first move.

"100 hunter coins!" a hunter from the middle rows exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement and a hint of desperation.

The room buzzed with renewed energy. Hunter coins were rare, more valuable than constellation coins due to their unique properties. They were used not only as currency but also for leveling up, gaining skills, and enhancing stats. The exchange rate was steep—1 hunter coin was worth 1,000 constellation coins. A bid of 100 hunter coins was equivalent to 100,000 constellation coins, a sum that represented a year of grueling work for most hunters.

"102 hunter coins!" came another bid, this one from a burly man with a scar across his face, his eyes gleaming with determination.

"105,000 constellation coins!" a third voice rang out, this time from a woman in a dark cloak, her face obscured by a hood.

The bidding continued to escalate, voices overlapping as numbers were thrown into the air. Each bid was a statement, a declaration of how much they were willing to sacrifice for this chance. I could see the desperation in their eyes, the way they clung to this moment as if their very lives depended on it.

"107 hunter coins!"

"110,000 constellation coins!"

"115 hunter coins!"

Gradually, the bidding began to slow, the amounts reaching a level that was unsustainable for most. As the numbers settled at 120 hunter coins, I prepared to start the countdown, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

But before I could speak, a voice cut through the air, clear and commanding, "150 hunter coins."

The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to the VIP rooms. There, leaning casually against the railing, stood Ross—a familiar face with a smug smile playing on his lips. He had the audacity to break the unspoken agreement, setting a bid that was impossible for most to match.

A murmur of disbelief swept through the crowd. I could hear the whispers, the shock at Ross's boldness.

"He can't be serious."

"Is he really going to bid on the first day?"

"That's against the rules, isn't it?"

Just as I was about to respond, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. A wave of killing intent flooded the room, freezing everyone in place. It was as if the very air had thickened, becoming oppressive and suffocating. A red hue seemed to wash over everything, like a veil of blood, and I felt a cold sweat break out across my skin. My chest tightened, and my breath came in short, ragged gasps. I had encountered killing intent before, but this… this was something else entirely. It was raw, primal, and utterly terrifying.

From the corner of the room, a figure slowly rose, cloaked in shadow. His face was hidden by a hood, but I recognized the emblem on his cloak—a symbol that represented the Saint who protected New Delhi, known as the Monkey Saint, the only known avatar of Hanuman. His presence was overwhelming, a force of nature that demanded attention.

As he moved, the crowd parted, instinctively giving him space. His golden eyes, visible even from beneath the hood, locked onto mine, and I felt as if he were peering into my very soul, weighing my worth.

Then, with deliberate slowness, he turned his gaze to Ross. The room held its breath, waiting for what would come next. And then, in a voice that was low but filled with authority, he spoke.

"The last bid is invalid."

The words hung in the air, final and unyielding. There was no room for argument, no space for defiance. Ross's smile faltered, the confidence draining from his face as the weight of the Saint's words settled in.

And just like that, the killing intent vanished, as if it had never been. The air cleared, and I could breathe again, though my heart was still racing. The Saint gave a final, lingering look around the room before turning and walking away, his presence leaving a void that was almost palpable.

It took a moment for the crowd to process what had just happened. Whispers filled the room, a mixture of awe, fear, and respect.

"Did you see that?"

"That was the Monkey Saint…"

"He just invalidated Ross's bid…"

As the realization spread, I knew this moment would be talked about for years to come. The Saint's intervention had not only saved the auction's integrity but had also sent a clear message: the balance of power was fragile, and even the mightiest could be humbled.

Gathering my composure, I returned my focus to the auction. "Ladies and gentlemen," I began, my voice steady but filled with renewed determination, "the bidding will now resume at 120 hunter coins."

The crowd, still reeling from the encounter, quickly snapped back to attention. Bidders who had hesitated before now saw their chance, their hands shooting up with new offers.

"122 hunter coins!"

"125,000 constellation coins!"

The bids came faster, the tension in the room electric as everyone pushed forward, driven by the opportunity that had just been handed back to them.

In the end, the orb was sold for 150 hunter coins, but this time, the winning bidder was an unknown hunter, someone from the lower ranks, who had pooled resources with others, a testament to the belief that even the smallest players could achieve greatness.

time passed passed I left the stage let another worker take my place as I was too overwhelmed due to the experience and time seemed to pass as I was absorbed in my own thoughts only awakening when the final item of the day was sold

As the final item of the day, the Soulbinding Chain, was sold and the auctioneer's gavel fell with a decisive thud, the atmosphere in the grand hall was charged with a mixture of exhilaration and anticipation. The bidders, their faces a mix of satisfaction and frustration, began to disperse, their conversations a hum of excitement and speculation about the upcoming days.

I watched as the auction hall, now quieter but still buzzing with the echoes of intense competition, began to clear out. The winners clutched their new acquisitions with pride, while those who had come up short wore expressions of both disappointment and resolve. The stakes had been set high, and the quality of items presented had already begun to raise the bar for what was to come.

The Soulbinding Chain, a final testament to the value and uniqueness of the items showcased today, had been secured by a hunter who had demonstrated remarkable perseverance. This chain, enhancing resilience and granting a temporary boost in strength when near death, was more than just a mere artifact—it was a symbol of hope and a beacon for those who dared to dream.

From my vantage point, I saw Ross being escorted out of the hall by his father, his expression a blend of irritation and grudging admiration. The family's attention had been caught, their expectations adjusted. Meanwhile, the hunter who won the Soulbinding Chain wore a look of triumph mingled with relief—a reminder that even in a world of immense power and influence, the smallest players could achieve greatness.

As I glanced at the remaining crowd, I could sense a renewed determination among them. The auctions had only just begun, and the anticipation for the next days was palpable. Each item had been meticulously chosen to challenge the bidders and showcase the diversity of power and beauty in our collection. The Blazing Sunstone Pendant, Stormforged Gauntlets, Frostweaver Cloak, Voidcaller Amulet, Earthshaker Boots, Lunar Reflection Mirror, Venomous Fang Dagger, and Whispering Wind Flute had all set a precedent for what was to come.

The items of the first day had been met with enthusiasm and spirited bidding. The Blazing Sunstone Pendant, with its ability to enhance fire-based abilities and offer resistance to heat, had captivated those who sought control over flames. The Stormforged Gauntlets, crackling with the power of lightning, had electrified the room with their potential. The Frostweaver Cloak, shimmering with the essence of ice, had intrigued those who desired speed and control over frost. The Voidcaller Amulet, shadowy and mysterious, had enchanted those who wielded darkness. The Earthshaker Boots, rumbling with the force of the earth, had been sought after by those needing to destabilize their foes. The Lunar Reflection Mirror, delicate and luminous, had drawn interest for its potential to create illusions. The Venomous Fang Dagger, with its lethal poison, had been coveted for its deadly precision. And the Whispering Wind Flute, with its melodic summons, had found favor among those who harnessed the wind.

Each of these items had served to build anticipation for the remaining days. With such a strong start, the upcoming days promised even greater challenges and more extraordinary items. The auction was far from over, and the real climax was still on the horizon.

As the evening wore on and the hall emptied, I couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. The presence of the Saint, the intensity of the bidding, and the quality of the items had all combined to make this auction an unforgettable spectacle. The air was thick with promise and excitement, setting the stage for the days ahead.

I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. The next days would only heighten the stakes, and with each item, the tension would build until it reached its peak on the final day. For now, though, it was time to prepare for what lay ahead. The stage was set, and the auction was far from over.

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