The attendant reached the center of the platform and gently pulled back the cloth, revealing a glass case containing five luminous pearls. They shimmered with a cool, oceanic glow with faint mists curling inside their translucent shells like trapped waves.
Above, the ethereal screen updated.
—
[Bronze Star Lot # 01: Wave Essence Pearls]
[Grade: Mid-Grade Elemental Resource]
[Description: Condensed pearls of water elemental energy, harvested from the Heartspring Caverns beneath Azure Reef. When consumed or refined, they significantly enhance the growth rate of water-attribute spirit beasts, especially effective in pushing beasts past bottlenecks between ranks. Usable for ranks 4-star to 6-star beasts. Can also be used as an alchemical ingredient.]
[Starting bid: 10 gold per pearl]
[Bid increment: 2 gold per pearl]
—
Mistress Candy’s voice echoed smoothly across the hall, “Our first item for today - Wave Essence Pearls. A favored resource among spirit beast professionals, especially to those who cultivate aquatic or water-aligned companions. The pearls can also be used for potion refinement using water-type ingredients. These pearls are said to pulse with the rhythm of the ocean.”
She paused, allowing the glow of the pearls to captivate the room.
“There are five pearls. We will select the five highest bids. Please also indicate the quantity of your bids. Bidding starts now.”
A soft chime sounded and the first number paddle rose in the air. “Ten gold for one.”
Another paddle shot up almost instantly. “Twelve!”
“Fourteen for two pearls!”
The numbers began climbing steadily, the bidding rhythm picking up as participants warmed into the flow of the auction. On the screen, numbers flashed and lines kept overtaking one another, as bids continually climbed up.
Aston leaned forward slightly, observing the unfolding tension. Gray stirred a little on his lap, sensing the subtle excitement ripple through the crowd.
“Thirty one for one pearl.”
“Thirty one as well for one.”
The next bids came quickly.
“Thirty three for two pearls!” another bidder called.
“Thirty five gold for one!”
A hush momentarily fell across the room as the number surged on the display. It hovered at the top, holding steady.
Mistress Candy raised her hand and the shimmering screen froze in place, displaying the final results.
—
[Winning Bids:]
#14 - VIP - 35g - 1 pearl - 35g
#97 - GA - 33g - 2 pearls - 66g
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
#105 - GA - 31g - 1 pearl - 31g
#211 - GA - 31g - 1 pearl - 31g
—
`She then gave a poised nod. “Congratulations to our winning bidders. Attendants will come to verify and process the exchange shortly.”
A polite ripple of applause passed through the audience. The glimmering pearls were carefully sealed away and whisked offstage.
Mistress Candy turned slightly as a new attendant stepped forward, this time holding a wooden box carved with forest runes. She opened the lid, revealing a bed of soft moss cradling coarse, amber-hued shavings. Even from a distance, Aston could see the way the shavings glimmered faintly, almost like sun=dappled bark.
The overhead screen shifted.
—
[Bronze Star Lot # 02: Kilnroot Shavings]
[Grade: Rare Crafting Material]
[Description: Shavings harvested from the sacred Kilnroot Tree, a spiritual wood known for amplifying elemental conductivity in forged items. A prized resource among spirit craftsmen and forge artisans. Highly sought after for making staves, weapon handles, and alchemical containers with wood affinity.]
[Starting bid: 50 gold per kilogram]
[Bid increment: 5 gold per kilogram]
—
“This next item,” Mistress Candy announced, “is a full kilogram of Kilnroot Shavings - a rare and versatile material for any spirit craftsman. Its porous spiritual fibers are perfect for layering enchantments and harmonizing with wood-based elemental flows.”
She gestured gracefully, her voice never losing its elegant poise. “Sold by the kilogram. Let the second round of bidding commence.”
“Fifty gold!”
“Sixty gold!”
“Sixty five gold.”
The competition was immediate, though less frenzied than before. Clearly, the item was of interest to a more specific group, but to those who wanted it weren’t holding back.
The bidding for the Kilnroot Shavings settled at eighty seven gold to a sharp-eyed middle-aged man in a forest-toned coat. His fingers sparkled faintly with residual crafting resin. A spirit craftsman. He gave a light nod when Mistress Candy confirmed his win, the shavings already being secured by the attendant.
Without pause, Mistress Candy swept her hand again. The screen above shifted once again.
“Next is a scroll written by a scholar, the Lightbringer Scroll…”
The lights dimmed slightly as a sequence of items were presented, a scroll as white as eggshells, a jade bangle imbued with a minor defensive enhancement, a short dagger engraved with runes, alchemical recipes for intermediate potions, and beginner-level cultivation formations.
Some received light bidding, others sparked brief duels between determined bidders.
Aston remained still for most of these rounds. He observed and learned while the bids continued. Gray was nestled quietly on his lap. Most of the items were valuable, but not something Aston needed at the moment. Still, it gave him a window into what the different spirit professionals valued, and what sorts of resources were circulating on this side of the world.
Then came the next item.
A covered cart was rolled onto the stage. It was shaped like a birdcage, but was wrapped in an azure cloth that glowed faintly with restrictive runes.
Mistress Candy’s expression turned stern, her voice lowering slightly. “Our next item is a spirit beast of avian descent. Acquired from a reputable external breeder, this unique specimen is the offspring of one of his own avian spirit beasts. While its potential may be somewhat limited, its distinct flight pattern and exceptional speed make it an ideal companion for reconnaissance and scouting operations.”
She lifted a single finger, as the cloth was drawn aside.
Inside the reinforced cage was a small bird. Its feathers are sleek and almost translucent like glass. Its eyes shimmered a soft pale blue, and it perched silently, regal and alert.
Aston’s eyes sparkled with interest as he saw the bird onstage.
Mistress Candy gestured and the screen shifted upon her gesture.
—
[Bronze Star Lot # 11: Glasswing Owl]
[Grade: Spirit Beast]
[Description: A newborn spirit beast descended from Ice Jade Parrot and Metal Light Owl. This spirit beast exhibits translucent feathers that reflect ambient light, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings during flight. An excellent candidate for stealth reconnaissance or as a bonded companion to young spirit professionals. Currently at 1-star rank and potential is 7-star.]
[Starting bid: 2 dragon gold]
[Bid increment: 50 gold]
—
