The Healing Solaris Cleric-Chapter 238: Completely Overturned the Auction (2)

The auction preparations proceeded quickly and smoothly under Jis’ command.

Kai, observing from the side, nodded in approval at his skill.

As expected of someone managing an auction house in a major city—his efficiency is impressive.

With that thought, Kai called Jis over.

“Kai, did you call for me?”

“Jis, are you also skilled at teaching others?”

“Teaching others...?”

After taking the time to explain, Jis nodded with an excited expression. “Leave it to me! I will do my best to teach them.”

The reason for his excitement was simple.

Merits.

Even as an auction house branch manager, Jis was ultimately just a corporate employee, subject to dismissal at any time if he underperformed. However, even someone in his position could rise to greater heights if they accumulated good results—just like Jis had done.

“Once we’ve selected those who will receive training, I’ll send them here.”

“Thank you for entrusting me with this.” Jis bowed deeply and began reporting progress. “I’ve also reported this to the higher-ups. They view my proposal favorably and have instructed me to proceed with full support.”

“So, what should we do now?” Kai asked.

Jis responded with a question of his own, “Kai, have you ever gone fishing?”

“Fishing? I’ve gone a few times with my father when I was young. Why do you ask?”

“Oh, you accompanied your father as a child? Then we’re quite similar. May I ask what you found most enjoyable about fishing?”

“Well, that’s obvious—it’s when I caught the fish.”

“Ah, well, that part differs slightly from my experience.” With a soft laugh, Jis continued, “For me, the most enjoyable part was the time spent waiting for the fish to bite. Imagining what kind of fish might take the bait, how large it might be—it was all quite thrilling.”

“That means...”

“Well, for me, this moment—waiting—is the most enjoyable time.”

In other words, he was telling Kai to wait until the fish bit the hook.

***

The scale of the auction factions in MID Online was immense. With branches evenly distributed across nearly every kingdom and empire, their daily revenue from transaction fees alone was astronomical.

They meticulously categorized their clients, and once categorization began, a hierarchy naturally emerged. The VIP rank in the auction system was a tier near the top of this hierarchy. Above it was the VVIP rank, though no players had yet achieved that status.

Beep!

“Huh?”

“What’s this?”

“A message from the auction house... That’s unusual.”

On the other hand, the VIP rank already included many members. There was a saying that big fish swam in big waters. Most of the big fish—rankers—were highly active in item trading, and the sums they handled were significant. In other words, it was entirely natural for them to become VIP members of an auction house.

A special auction accessible only to VIP members and above?

Hmm. A special auction hasn’t been held except for that one time before...

But the items featured in VIP auctions always have exceptional performance.

Though the prices are usually high, which is the problem.

I can’t miss this one.

Those qualified to participate in the auction began adjusting their busy schedules to make time. Attending this auction wasn’t just about buying items.

To become a VIP member of the auction house, one’s transaction totals must be at least several hundred million.

Unless you’re born as a silver spoon, casual players could never become VIP members.

In other words, all the players participating in this auction are my competitors.

This content is taken from freёnovelkiss.com.

But the important thing isn’t the other players.

The special auction was the best opportunity to form connections with the VIP NPCs of the auction house. No matter how hard ordinary players tried, it was nearly impossible for them to meet such individuals face-to-face. However, those with power, fame, or a significant amount of wealth could easily gain access through events like this.

With all the recent noise around territorial disputes...

It wouldn’t hurt to know at least one useful noble.

In the virtual reality game MID Online, simply being skilled wasn’t enough to reach the top. Building rapport with NPCs and possessing political skills were also essential factors. This fact motivated countless rankers to attend this special auction.

***

Kai had no special preparations to make for the auction. Jis had taken care of everything, leaving Kai with nothing to do but wait.

Finally, the day of the special auction arrived, and Kai entered the grand auction hall of Aquaria alone.

It’s hard to believe this place is usually so crowded.

The hall resembled a university lecture theater, with leveled seats rising to overlook the stage.

“You’ve arrived,” Jis greeted Kai with a bright smile and escorted him to a reserved seat.

It was the highest seat, excluding the separate rooms on the very top floor.

“Is it really alright for me to sit in such a high place?”

“The higher-ups have decided to promote you to VVIP status if this auction concludes successfully. We’ve put a lot of effort into this event, so we’re determined to ensure it’s a success. As part of that, they’ve instructed us to treat you as a VVIP starting with this special auction.”

“I’ll take it.”

No one disliked receiving special treatment, and Kai was no exception.

“Hmm.”

The soft chair was so comfortable it reminded him of a recliner seat in a movie theater. As he sat and waited, staff began removing some of the nearby seats and installing crystal orbs in their place.

“What are those?” Kai asked, observing the staff curiously.

The staff bowed politely and explained, “For those who are unable to attend in person due to their location or schedule, these crystal orbs will allow them to participate in the auction remotely.”

“Ah...”

Their response answered a question that had been lingering in Kai’s mind ever since the mention of gathering VIPs from across the continent.

Wait, does that mean all those crystal orbs are...?

Each one represented a VIP member from a different kingdom or empire—NPCs, to be precise.

Interesting.

Though the orbs were currently unlit, they would illuminate once the auction began.

As Kai stared intently at the orbs, someone approached him and addressed him. “Huh? How are you here?”

Kai quickly turned his head to see an elderly man with red hair and a body brimming with muscle, wearing a stern expression.

Recognizing the familiar face, Kai stood up immediately and greeted him. “Parsanax!”

It was Parsanax, the Crimson Tower lord. He was the one who had once ordered Kai to analyze hundreds of poisons, unintentionally helping him improve his skills. Of course, Parsanax himself likely hadn’t intended to be helpful.

“Tsk, I never thought I’d see your annoying face in a place like this.”

Shaking his head, Parsanax grumbled as he sat down to Kai’s right.

Kai, fiddling with the Night of Nightmare ring still on his finger, said, “I’m glad to see you again. Oh! And the ring I received thanks to you has been incredibly useful.”

“Hmph. Save your thanks for that little brat. By the way...” Parsanax scanned Kai up and down, and a hint of surprise flashed across his face. “You’ve grown so strong, I almost didn’t recognize you.”

"You’re too kind. I’m honestly quite embarrassed."

"If you're embarrassed, then the other adventurers should already be drowning themselves in a bowl of water."

As Kai chatted with Parsanax, the seats around them began to fill up quickly.

Kai, watching the seats being occupied, quietly nodded to himself.

As expected, players get the lowest seats.

Even within the same VIP rank, there were always levels of distinction.

Adventurers looked up at Kai, seated high above them, and murmured among themselves.

"Isn’t that Unknown up there?"

"I-I think it is!"

"How in the world is that guy sitting there?"

"Looking at the NPCs seated near him, most of them seem to be at the rank of counts or higher."

"Wait... that’s not the important part right now. The old man he’s talking to is the Crimson Tower Lord!"

"P-Parsanax, the Crimson Tower Lord!"

The adventurers shuddered again at the thought of what it would take to sit comfortably at the highest level and casually chat with the lord of the Crimson Tower.

Then, they silently took their seats, as an announcement signaled that the auction was about to begin.

"Hmm. Looks like it’s about to begin,” Parsanax murmured.

At the same time, Jis stepped onto the stage and bowed. "Good day, everyone. I am Jis, and I will be hosting today’s special auction. First, I would like to thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend our auction."

No one responded to Jis’ greeting, but he continued speaking with a composed expression as if that was expected.

"Since everyone is undoubtedly busy, we will proceed with the auction immediately."

The auction began to proceed quickly as Jis introduced each item by explaining its name, history, and effects.

"Hmm."

"That one looks decent."

"1,200 gold!"

"1,250!"

"1,300!"

The Unique-grade items presented at the special auction all boasted impressive effects. The starting bids for most items began at hundreds of gold.

As the auction reached its peak, the first item submitted by Kai was revealed.

"The next item is none other than a skill book."

As Jis announced this, it instantly drew everyone’s attention. Skill books were treasures coveted by NPCs, especially wizards. Although they couldn’t instantly learn skills by opening the book like adventurers, they could gain insight into the principles of magic by studying it.

"The skill is called Dark Spear. It was the Unique skill of Smiling Zirukan, a servant of the Demon King and a public enemy of the continent. Therefore, one must be capable of wielding dark magic to learn it. The bidding will start at 250 gold."

Among the attendees, no one could openly wield dark magic. The auction house was located in the city, heavily guarded by soldiers, knights, and wizards.

"What? You need to be able to wield dark magic to use it? Does that mean you need the Malice stat?"

"Hmm. I’ll pass on this one. It’s not appealing at all."

The players shook their heads and expressed their disinterest.

Hmm, as expected, it’s hard to sell Dark Spear at its proper value.

Just as Kai was about to feel a bit disappointed after observing their reactions and expressions from above, Parsanax let out a gasp.

"Wow... Is that the unique skill that the Zirukan used? That’s very..." With that, Parsanax placed the first bid. "250."

That bid seemed to trigger a chain reaction, as more bids quickly followed—most of them from wizards.

"300."

"325."

"380."

"500!"

W-what’s going on? Why are they all so...?

Confused, Kai turned to Parsanax and asked, "Excuse me, Parsanax. As you heard, that book is utterly useless unless you can wield dark magic, isn’t it?”

"Hmm? What does that matter? The fact that it was used by the Smiling Zirukan alone makes it certain to gain premium value in the future!"

Apparently, Camilla wasn’t the only one obsessed with limited editions.

What... these wizards are terrifying...

The eccentrics who claimed to pursue truth while locking themselves away in towers—their curiosity and desire for collection surpassed all imagination.

"4,720!"

The final bid for the skill book was 4,720 gold.

Having won the bid, Parsanax looked at Kai with a satisfied smile. "Just so you know, even if you ask to touch it, I won’t allow it."

"Uh, sure...”

Kai thought to himself that he must never reveal he was the seller.