'Eris'—a world where power was everything.
Here, law was in the hands of the strong, and for the weak, bowing their heads was destiny. This was the harshest and most merciless rule of this world.
The people of Eris possessed different kinds of powers, but five elemental powers were considered the most influential—Water Elemental Power, Fire Elemental Power, Wind Elemental Power, Earth Elemental Power, and Wood Elemental Power. The balance and conflicts of this world were determined based on these powers.
At the northern edge of Eris lay the Seyron Empire, and within it, the small city of Eldoria, which today was bustling with activity. Crowds filled every corner. The markets were lively, the streets decorated with glowing spirit-stones and colorful ornaments. Merchants and warriors from distant corners of the empire had flocked here. Some came to sell their precious wares, while others came to buy; and there was only one reason for all this excitement—the Hazara Auction House.
The Hazara Auction House was the most prestigious and grand auction venue in Eldoria. Whenever a rare or special item appeared here for auction, the news would spread not just through the city but to the farthest reaches of the empire. The very announcement of an auction stirred commotion among merchants, warriors, and factions alike. Everyone grew restless to seize the opportunity, waiting impatiently for the day of the auction.
Today was just such a day. The grand hall was packed to the brim with guests; everyone sat in their seats, awaiting the start of the auction.
Even the seating arrangement had its own tradition—those of the highest prestige and recognition in the empire occupied the front seats. They were regarded as VIPs by the Hazara Auction House and given special honor. Meanwhile, the seats in the back were reserved for ordinary merchants and common folk.
But today's event was no ordinary one. Today's auction would feature several rare and priceless items—items that had already become the talk of the entire empire. All eyes were fixed on the stage, and in every heart the same question pulsed—What would this mysterious item turn out to be?
The very seating arrangement of the Hazara Auction House was itself a symbol of power and prestige. Those seated in the VIP section commanded special respect. Ordinary people looked at them with envy, yet upon seeing their power and stature, that envy unconsciously turned into reverence.
In the VIP seats, many influential figures conversed amongst themselves, but one man appeared far more serious and concerned than the rest. Silent, his eyes carried a depth of their own.
That man was Agnivesh Soren, leader of the Soren Faction.
Agnivesh possessed a lean yet strong build. His deep black eyes and sharp nose enhanced his striking presence. His thick, shoulder-length black hair and his black-and-red attire added a dangerous and mysterious aura around him.
The Soren Faction—one of the oldest and most influential factions of Eldoria—was counted among the city's four most powerful forces. For years, it had maintained its grip over Eldoria, and the credit for that went entirely to Agnivesh Soren. Without him, it would have been impossible for the Soren Faction to rule this city. He was not merely a warrior, but also a strategist, a ruler, and the wielder of unmatched might.
Today, his purpose in attending the auction was clear—the special item for which the entire hall waited with bated breath. Agnivesh knew that many powerful eyes were fixed on it, but he was determined to obtain it at all costs.
Suddenly, silence fell across the hall. All eyes lifted toward the stage. The auction was about to begin.
And then… she appeared.
On the stage stood a breathtaking beauty—the auction's host.
The moment she entered, the clamor of the hall ceased. It was as if time itself had stopped. She was so beautiful that anyone who saw her could do nothing but stare. Fair, glowing skin, a slender waist, a gait like a doe. Long, flowing black silky hair cascading down her back. Deep black eyes, filled with hidden mysteries. A sharp nose and elongated face, paired with her light yellow attire, made her seem like an angel descended from heaven.
This was nothing new. Every time she appeared on stage, the crowd at the auction could not take their eyes off her. Some even attended the auction just for the chance to see her again.
But today… today the thrill was different. Today, it was not just her beauty but also the mysterious item that held everyone's attention—an item capable of changing the direction of an entire faction or group.
"Please… everyone, quiet down!" As her voice echoed from the stage, the entire hall fell silent at once. Her smile carried a sweetness that could enchant anyone.
"Welcome to this special auction. I am Ilham Hazara, today's host. I am deeply grateful to all of you for being part of this event. I am certain that, just like every time, you will once again make this auction a great success!"
A ripple of murmurs spread through the hall. Some smiled, others whispered softly to one another.
Suddenly, a voice rang out from the VIP section—"Oh Ilham, who doesn't know you? Your beauty speaks for itself! But please, don't waste time and start the auction!"
Impatience was clearly written across that man's face.
Ilham smiled lightly, her eyes glinting with cleverness. "Yes, of course!" she replied confidently.
She gestured, and a young assistant girl stepped onto the stage, carrying a mysterious object covered in red cloth. The girl gently placed it on the table before stepping back ten paces.
All eyes locked onto the object.
Ilham slowly approached, removed the red cloth, and revealed an ancient manuscript. Its paper had yellowed with age, and its edges glimmered faintly with runes of mystical light.
"Today's first rare item…" Ilham's voice resounded. "…a Grade-2, High-Level Technique—'Flame Annihilation Technique'!"
The hall buzzed faintly.
"This is no ordinary technique!" Ilham lifted the document and waved it in the air. "It is a special 'fist technique' that grants its user the ability to unleash an explosive burst of fire powerful enough to reduce an opponent to ashes!"
Now, silence enveloped the hall.
Ilham paused, swept her gaze across the audience, and then smiled as she continued—"The starting price is twenty thousand gold coins!"
The mention of twenty thousand gold coins stirred whispers among the crowd.
"But…" Ilham's voice grew sharper, "you all know that a Grade-2 High-Level Technique cannot be obtained so cheaply! Such techniques rarely appear in auctions in Eldoria!"
This was true. Everyone present understood this fact well. Rare and powerful techniques like this were almost never sold at auctions. Not just ordinary merchants—even the leaders of the three major factions present were eager to acquire it. They knew—an additional high-level technique could multiply their faction's strength severalfold.
Although these factions already possessed many mysterious techniques, they used them cautiously. One wrong move, and an entire strategy could collapse.
Hearing the details of the Flame Annihilation Technique, Agnivesh Soren's eyes sparkled faintly. Though his faction already owned a Grade-2 High-Level technique, adding another to their treasury would further enhance their strength.
Yet, the hall remained eerily silent. No one placed a bid.
Agnivesh tapped his fingers lightly on the table, then raised his confident voice—"Twenty-one thousand gold coins."
His tone was firm, and with his bid, the hall stirred. Greed flickered in the eyes of many, and with the first bid cast, others could no longer restrain themselves. The auction had begun.
Twenty-five thousand… twenty-six thousand… twenty-eight thousand… thirty thousand!
The price rose swiftly, though so far, only the ordinary merchants seated in the back had joined in. The powerful warriors in the VIP seats still watched silently.
Ilham Hazara smiled as she announced—"Thirty thousand once… thirty thousand twice…"
But then, a voice from the VIP section cut her off.
"Wait, Ilham… thirty-five thousand gold coins!"
The hall fell silent. A sudden jump of five thousand gold coins in a single bid—ordinary merchants' faces showed resignation. The auction had moved beyond their reach.
Agnivesh sighed deeply. These petty moves irritated him. He wanted this game ended quickly. After a brief pause, his deep, commanding voice rang out—"Forty thousand gold coins!"
Gasps filled the hall. For a moment, everyone was stunned. But then another voice boomed from the VIP seats—"Forty-five thousand gold coins!"
Agnivesh had just lowered his hand when this unexpected bid startled him. Slowly, he turned his head to the right.
The man met his gaze with a faint, cold smile. Not the smile of an acquaintance, but that of a rival—a silent challenge, a hidden warning.
The auction was about to become a true battlefield.
That man looked dangerous—lithe as a lion, black eyes like a wolf, broad nose, dusky skin, a large round face, shoulder-length tied red hair, thick commanding mustache, and dressed in deep blue-black robes. His very presence radiated fear and dominance.
"Forty-five thousand gold coins!"
As soon as he lowered his hand, Agnivesh immediately raised the bid again by five thousand.
"Haha… Agnivesh, seems your Soren Faction's business has flourished too much this year!" the man mocked with a booming laugh. "I just hope your faction's elders don't drag you into questioning once this auction is over!"
Agnivesh smiled faintly in return. "Magendra, whether my faction's elders question me or not, that's for later. But what worries me more is your Bhasmi Faction. Did you even make a profit this year, or is it just the name carrying on?"
Magendra's eyes flared with anger. His jaw clenched, and without delay he shouted—"Fifty thousand gold coins!"
Agnivesh smiled lightly again, his eyes glinting with cunning, as though he were deliberately provoking Magendra. He spoke in a low voice—"Fifty-five thousand gold coins."
Magendra inhaled sharply, but before he could counter, another voice rose from the right—"Sixty thousand gold coins!"
The hall froze.
Magendra's face twisted in shock as he whipped his gaze to the right. There sat Bejora, leader of the Rosan Faction, leaning forward slightly with a sly smile.
"Oh…" Magendra chuckled darkly. "So, Bejora of the Rosan Faction has jumped into the game as well. Well, a Grade-2 High-Level technique isn't something ordinary, after all."
Bejora's sudden entry furrowed Magendra's brow with worry. Until now, he thought this battle was only between the Soren Faction and the Bhasmi Faction. But now, the Rosan Faction had entered the fray.
The Rosan Faction was Eldoria's second most powerful faction, controlling nearly thirty percent of the city. The profits from their markets were so vast that they rivaled the Soren Faction. Magendra knew—Bejora lacked nothing in wealth. If he started bidding, he could go to any price.
Finally, Magendra gave up. He lowered his hand and leaned back. Now, the battle was only between Bejora and Agnivesh.
The auction had reached its climax.
Bejora, who had been silent until now, cast his bid and then turned his gaze toward Agnivesh. A faint but piercing smile curved his lips—a smile that revealed the intentions of an enemy. He was waiting to claim victory.
But Agnivesh did not hesitate to strike back. "Sixty-five thousand gold coins!"
His voice carried confidence. With a faint smile, he glanced at Bejora and then at Magendra. Bejora, infamous for his rage and aggression, could not tolerate being challenged. To have someone outbid him—such humiliation went against his very nature.
His entire personality radiated dominance and terror. Clad in flamboyant red robes, with pale skin, long white shoulder-length hair, thick mustache, broad nose, deep black eyes, and a tall, muscular build—his mere appearance sent fear through the people of Eldoria. And now, Agnivesh had dared to challenge him.
Bejora's face darkened with fury, but Agnivesh ignored him entirely.
"One hundred thousand gold coins!" Bejora roared, grinding his teeth as he raised his hand high.
The hall fell silent.
For a moment, everyone was stunned. No one had imagined the bid would soar this high. Even Agnivesh was briefly surprised, but then a faint smile curved his lips. He knew—Bejora would not last much longer in this auction. This was only the first item, and far greater treasures still awaited.
"Bejora won't go beyond this," Agnivesh thought to himself.
Bejora also knew that this technique was tied to Fire Elemental Power, while he himself was a master of Earth Elemental Power. The technique was useless to him. But he had bid just to hurt Agnivesh—and that thought pleased him.
"One hundred ten thousand gold coins!" Agnivesh raised his hand high and called out his bid.
Bejora and Magendra exchanged glances and smirked.
"Haha… congratulations, leader of the Soren Faction. You've won this auction!" Bejora laughed mockingly.
Agnivesh furrowed his brows. He immediately realized it had been a scheme. Bejora and Magendra had deliberately forced him to overspend on this technique. Flames of anger burned in his eyes, yet he restrained himself.
His deep voice rumbled, "Bejora, I will remember this game!"
Bejora smiled, as if completely unaffected.
Meanwhile, Ilham on the stage smiled gently. Lifting a wooden gavel, she struck it on the table and declared in her melodious voice—"The winner of this special Grade-2 High-Level Flame Annihilation Technique is none other than the leader of the Soren Faction, Agnivesh! Many congratulations!"
The crowd erupted in applause.
But the true thrill of this auction was yet to come.
Agnivesh's face dimmed slightly. After paying such a heavy price, he felt the sting of having been tricked. Yet when his gaze fell upon the ancient Grade-2 High-Level technique, his mind changed.
"This power… this technique… its worth is justified!" He took a deep breath, calming himself.
The auction continued.
One after another, various items were brought to the stage—precious weapons, armors, mystical pills, rare herbs, low-level techniques, and countless other treasures. Yet the great figures seated in the VIP section paid them little heed. Their focus lay only on the true treasure—the item that could genuinely elevate their strength.
Agnivesh's gaze swept across each item, but he restrained himself every time. Before him came objects that could boost his powers—rare mystical stones, spirit-strengthening pills, powerful weapons—but he held back.
"No… I only need that one thing!" His attention remained fixed on the special item everyone whispered about. "That treasure, I will claim it at any cost… no matter what!" A fierce spark burned in his eyes.
The atmosphere in the auction hall grew increasingly tense. Everyone held their breath as the bidding pressed forward.