CHAPTER 104 — THE AUCTION OF SHADOWS
The chamber fell into an uneasy silence, the kind that prickled the skin and made the air feel heavier. Leylin's eyes never left the figure seated beside him. The knowing smile persisted, calm and deliberate, as though she were aware of every thought stirring in him.
Then, from the raised stage, a new presence emerged.
He was a man dressed in a tight-fitting suit that clung to his skin, the colors shifting subtly with the light, almost blending with his flesh. It was strange, almost embarrassing, and the hall let out a soft, low chuckle. The man nodded, acknowledging it.
"I know, I know. Embarrassing, isn't it?" he said, voice playful, almost apologetic.
Then, without warning, he snapped upright, posture perfect, gaze sweeping the chamber. The chuckles died instantly, replaced by the sharp, anticipatory hush of every noble, merchant, and observer.
Ladies and gentlemen," he began, voice crisp and commanding, welcome to the Auction of Shadows.
Every motion he made rippled through the room. Lights seemed to respond, the translucent walls bending subtly, as though the chamber itself were listening. Leylin noted it with quiet calculation; the man did not just speak, he controlled the room.
This year, the host continued, a sly grin tugging at his lips, we are graced by a most distinguished guest. His hand lifted, pointing toward the raised thrones above. The chamber's attention followed.
Seven thrones loomed, gilded and grand, each meant for a noble house. Six remained dim, dull, lifeless. One pulsed faintly with golden light, the head of the line.
"Valemon?" whispered someone behind Leylin, voice trembling with awe. "The House of Valemon is here. They actually sent a representative.
Leylin narrowed his eyes. The golden flame atop the throne pulsed softly, a signal of attendance from the royal family. He noted it carefully, seeing the reactions of the crowd ripple like waves. Murmurs of disbelief and speculation ran through the hall.
The host's eyes flicked briefly toward the murmuring nobles.
Quiet,he said smoothly. "Do not speculate yet. The items you will see today are brought from the far reaches of Twinfield, treasures from corners of Twin Rivers City that have never left the estate of the Marquis.
Leylin's crimson pupils flicked to the stage, calculating every movement. The host's control was subtle, yet absolute.
A hush fell again. From behind the raised platform, two young women appeared, dressed in revealing attire, their faces hidden behind sleek, expressionless helmets. They rolled a black-covered object forward with deliberate care, their motions synchronized, the crowd leaning in instinctively.
The host gestured toward it with a flourish. Ladies and gentlemen, behold the first item of our auction today.
The black cloth slid away.
Gasps and whispers erupted across the hall. Even Leylin's attention sharpened.
Beneath the veil lay a fragment, small yet resonant, pulsing faintly, almost as if it were alive. The air itself seemed to lean closer, drawn by its quiet, lethal potential.
Silence followed, swallowing the room whole. Not a breath escaped. The shard alone commanded respect, fear, and fascination.
Leylin's gaze widened slightly as familiarity settled in before recognition could, as he realized he had seen something similar before.
And as if to confirm his thoughts, the host held up his fingers, savoring the shocked expressions on the faces of the young nobles and families.
Young masters, ladies of the houses, our first item for tonight is... the shard of a World Domain.