The Golem Mage

Though Alec already had his suspicions about who was responsible for the probing, but he chose to act as if he hadn’t noticed anything at all.

“Seeing how eager you all are to discover what we’ve prepared for you today, I won’t waste any more of your time, especially as you all are respectable figures, so allow me to first explain the one and only rule of the Gordons Auction House.” Alec began, his voice calm but firm.

“No matter who you are or what position you hold outside these walls, once you step into this hall, you’ve accepted to be under our care, and with that comes our expectation of a little respect back from you, it’s quite simple, really.”

“Our one rule is this: there will be no fighting inside the auction hall, if anyone believes themselves to be above reason, they are free to try gathering mana in a bid to attack, but just know, whatever happens after that, we won’t be held responsible.” Alec’s tone was firm, a quiet authority threading each word as he addressed the crowd.

Despite facing a room filled with Tier 7 mages and high-ranking figures from across Estonia City, Alec showed not even the faintest trace of nervousness, he delivered his message with the ease of someone chatting with an old friend, confident, composed, and unapologetically bold.

As he repeated the sole rule of the Gordons Auction House, Alec made no attempt to hide the fact that his gaze lingered longest on the representatives from the city hall, especially Alistair who headed them.

It was obvious to everyone in the room that Alec’s words were more than just a general warning; they were a pointed reminder.

“Now that we’ve gotten familiar with the only rule that matters here,” Alec continued smoothly,

“it’s time we talk about the form of currency, and I’ll enlighten you on what I’ve hinted at earlier.” His words sparked renewed interest, as several guests leaned forward, more eager to hear about this more.

Alec had made it known earlier, right after the Blood Moon War, that all types of corpses would be accepted as a medium of exchange in their auctions, that announcement was the reason many mages had quickly withdrawn their kills on that very day.

Though some still struggled to understand what the Gordons stood to gain from such an unconventional transaction, as it seemed like a waste to them to take even zombie corpses that held almost no value, but the memory of the brief but intense confrontation between the Gordons and the City Lord lingered in their minds.

Many assumed this corpse-based currency might just be a deliberate move to spite the City Lord, but in truth, most didn’t care about the politics behind it, as long as they stood to gain something from it.

“I want to assure you all that every item auctioned today will be paid for using the corpses of demonic beasts, second-dimensional races, or humans, as long as they cultivated while they were alive and their realm matches the value of the item in question.” Alec continued,

“Now, just to clarify: ten Tier 1 corpses equal one Tier 2 corpse, and so on, if anyone wishes to increase the bidding price, only corpses of the same realm as the one being asked will be accepted, with a minimum of two additional corpses, we won’t accept low-tier corpses to make up the difference in payment, however, you are free to bid with higher-tier corpses to secure or pay your claim.”

“I hope that sank in and everyone fully understands the method behind our exchange rates,” Alec said, pacing slowly with both hands clasped behind his back, many guests nodded in response, signalling their understanding and approval of the rules.

“Then, since we’re all on the same page,” Alec said with a slight smile,

“I advise you all to relax, sip a drink if you wish, as I present to you our first unveiling of the day.” With a smooth motion, he extended his right hand to the side, prompting one of the female mages to step backstage in preparation.

By the time the female mage returned to the stage, she wasn’t alone, she was rolling out a table, its contents concealed beneath a dark cloth. Upon reaching the central stone platform designed to showcase items, the second female mage joined her to help position the covered object precisely atop the display.

Once the product was set, the second female mage turned and began pushing the tray back toward the backstage, leaving Alec and the first mage standing before the audience.

“My fellow mages,” Alec began, his voice calm but resonant,

“I present to you a spirit equipment armour infused with shadow-element attributes. It resonates flawlessly with dark-element attacks. While it may only be a Tier 5 spirit armour and not part of a complete set, I believe we all understand the rarity and value of acquiring any equipment attuned to the shadow element.”

The moment Alec began detailing the armour’s tier and properties, the entire room hushed, curious eyes locked onto the covered item, and mouths hung open in awe, especially those belonging to the Darkbliss Clan.

From one of the five VIP booths above, the Darkbliss Patriarch and his clansmen trembled with excitement.

They believed, without question, that this armour was crafted with their clan in mind, several of them attempted to probe its essence using their mental energy, but like Alistair before them, their efforts were immediately repelled.

They weren’t alone in this attempt as many other high-ranking mages had attempted the same, only to find their mental strands denied entry. The protective screen, which had consumed the combined mental strength of three Tier 7 elders for twenty four hour had been designed to also last for the next full twenty-four hours, so it remained firm, unshaken, unwavering, and utterly impenetrable by the mental strength of the Tier 7 mages present.

Even if a Tier 8 mage were present, it would take them at least an hour and thirty minutes to break through the barrier, but by then, the auction would already be over, only a Tier 9 mage could destroy it instantly.

Clearly, Alec had thought everything through when designing the auction hall’s defences.

After his brief introduction, Alec walked over to the armour, now positioned upright, and pulled off the cover, unveiling its form to the entire crowd, the moment it was revealed, the intricate craftsmanship and the glowing runes etched into its surface were enough to make many instantly fall in love with the armour.

“No matter what happens, Father, we must get that armour,” Clarissa said, she was one of the few who accompanied the Darkbliss patriarch and was dressed elegantly in a flowing black gown.

“Of course, there’s no one in Estonia City more suited for this armour than our clan, anyone else without a powerful shadow-element mage would be wasting their bid, my only concern is the rogues, lone cultivators, and those foreign clans who might try to snatch it.” Replied the Darkbliss Patriarch, who is casually dressed in his clan’s robes.