Moreover, the higher-tiered NPCs were obscenely wealthy. Just by completing a routine quest, they could earn several gold coins in compensation. Their income streams were consistent, rapid, and far beyond the reach of ordinary players. If Kaito hadn't built up a substantial gold reserve beforehand, he wouldn't have stood a chance in this arena.
Glancing around the room, he couldn't help but sigh. Every one of these higher-tier NPCs seemed more formidable than the last. Some even radiated auras of terrifying power. Among them, a Tier 4 warrior had already thrown his hat into the bidding for Blazing Thunderclash.
As the price inched dangerously close to his personal limit, Kaito made his move.
"30 gold!" he called out with finality.
This was his breaking point. It was either now or never. The hall quieted for a beat as the number sank in. Several Tier 2 NPCs immediately shook their heads and gave up. The skill might be powerful—but 30 gold was simply too steep for most.
Just as Kaito allowed himself a brief sigh of relief—
"35 gold!"
A crisp, resonant voice echoed through the venue, silencing the room once again.
Kaito turned his head sharply toward the source, and his expression darkened instantly.
The bidder wasn't a melee NPC—not even close. It was a Tier 4 female wizard, casually resting one hand on the arm of her throne-like chair. Her robe shimmered with arcane runes, and her gaze was cool and unbothered.
Kaito nearly cursed aloud. Of all opponents…
Magicians were the wealthiest class in Glory. A Tier 4 wizard like her could earn 300 to 500 gold coins from a single magical research commission. Competing against someone like that was like trying to buy a palace with pocket change.
"Unbelievable…" Kaito muttered, as he entered into contemplation.
While he withdrew from the fight to think about it, the Tier 4 elite NPCs continued their fervent bidding. The price surged to 45 gold coins—making it the highest-value item auctioned so far, even surpassing the cost of equipment meant for Level 100+.
While Kaito was still weighing his options, the price continued to rise. He clenched his fists slightly, mind racing.
In the early stages of a game like Glory, the impact of a single skill could dramatically shift a player's power curve. Especially a super-rare AoE skill like Blazing Thunderclash, which not only dealt widespread elemental damage but also inflicted a fainting effect—something that could cripple enemies in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became. Even if he had to spend 100 gold coins, the long-term value of acquiring such a skill was well worth it.
And so—without hesitation—Kaito called out, "55 gold coins!"
A ripple spread through the auction hall. This bid was not just bold—it was unprecedented.
Kaito sat back with newfound confidence. If the female wizard had genuinely intended to secure the scroll, she would've made a decisive move by now. But she hadn't. Kaito was certain—the skill wasn't worth 55 gold in her eyes. She had the wealth, yes, but not the motivation. That was the difference.
Rather than allow the price to creep up slowly, Kaito had chosen to force the outcome. He dropped a number so staggering that it shocked the room into silence.
And it worked.
The Tier 4 wizard narrowed her eyes, then gave the faintest of shrugs before leaning back and waving her hand—a clear sign that she was stepping out.
For a single skill book, 55 gold coins was indeed astronomical. Most players and NPCs alike could hire a Tier 3 or Tier 4 tutor to teach them a far more refined skill for a fraction of that cost—maybe 10 to 20 gold at most.
Watching Kaito spend such a fortune on a skill they deemed inferior, the surrounding NPCs began to murmur. Some scoffed outright. To them, Kaito looked like a reckless fool who had been baited too easily.
But Kaito didn't flinch.
No one else dared to raise the bid.
And at last, the white-bearded auctioneer raised his hand and struck the gavel with a sharp clack.
"Congratulations to Lord Raen for securing the combat skill—Blazing Thunderclash!"
Kaito handed over the 55 gold coins without hesitation, his heart brimming with satisfaction as he received the Blazing Thunderclash skillbook in return. Without wasting a moment, he learned the skill on the spot.
Blazing Thunderclash was nothing short of a god-tier ability for both monster grinding and player combat during the early stages of Glory. With its wide-area damage and stun effect, it opened up a variety of efficient monster-clearing routes in Kaito's mind. New grinding plans were already forming, one after another.
The auction continued for another hour, but none of the remaining items were relevant to Kaito's current needs. More importantly, the price tags had become utterly absurd—every single item was sold for over a thousand gold coins. The final item of the night was even more staggering: an Epic-ranked artifact.
The bidding for it was ferocious. Several Tier 4 NPCs competed without restraint, driving the price beyond 6,000 gold coins.
Kaito could only sit back and watch. At that level, he was completely out of his league.
Once the auction finally ended, Kaito exited the grand hall, still satisfied with the outcome. The Shadowfang forging design and Blazing Thunderclash skillbook had made the trip more than worthwhile.
As he descended the floating platform, his mind shifted gears. He needed to return to South Glade Town immediately. By now, his team might have started the dungeon runs. He had to decide whether to join them—or continue forging gear to build up his funds.
After seeing the opulence of the Black Market, Kaito felt a sudden, powerful urge to earn more gold.
He had once considered himself wealthy—especially within the Astralis City region—but after stepping foot into this elite world, he realized the harsh truth:
He was still a poor man.
Just as Kaito turned to leave the underground marketplace, a loud voice called out from behind.
"Brother Raen! Please wait!"
He paused and turned his head slightly. Approaching from a distance were Leoric and the same group of players from earlier. And among them, standing awkwardly at the back, was the man who had tried to humiliate him—
Grelan.
Kaito narrowed his eyes, his tone cold and unreadable.
"What?" he asked indifferently.
Although Kaito could understand the reasoning behind Leoric's earlier dismissal, understanding didn't equate to forgiveness. After all, no one would feel particularly cheerful after being invited with goodwill, only to be cast aside moments later for convenience.
Hearing Kaito's indifferent tone, Leoric gave a bitter, helpless smile.
"Brother Raen, I truly apologize for what happened earlier. It was all a misunderstanding. I wonder... would you be willing to talk for a moment?"
Kaito's gaze didn't soften.
"Brother Leoric, I already said—people who walk different paths cannot make plans together."
He wasn't fooled. How could he not see through their thoughts?
Earlier, they had been quick to abandon him in favor of profit. Now that they had witnessed him being welcomed into the VIP auction hall, they came running back, full of apologies and smiles—as if nothing had happened.
But Kaito remembered clearly. And he didn't forget so easily.