Inside the Bloodstained Shop.
Noticing something amiss with the auctioneer''s announcement of a ndestine message, Enzo cast a nce at Grace, who was engaged in conversation with Norma, before averting his gaze once more.
He refrained from probing directly at this moment.
Given that Grace had extended the invitation to this auction, it indicated prior arrangements, potentially dating back to the day they chose to rent the house or perhaps even their arrival in Crimson Lake.
If it were earlier still… the concealed information behind this would undoubtedly pique one''s curiosity.
Moreover, even if he did inquire, Grace might not divulge the truth.
At this juncture, the auction was ongoing.
After borating on the particrs of the secret message, the auctioneer on stage spoke again: "Esteemed guests, that is the gist of the situation. Is there anyone here who finds this ndestine message intriguing?"
Silence enveloped the auction hall.
It seemed as though none were interested in this perplexing tidbit; however, upon surveying the crowd, Enzo discerned that this was mere facade. Despite their outward indifference, their micro-expressions betrayed them.
These individuals had likelye specifically for this revtion.
Realizing this, a smile graced Enzo''s lips.
He eagerly anticipated the unfolding events.
At that moment, a figure rose.
An elderly man, draped in a fur cloak and leaning on a cane, his deep-set eyes resembling dark pools, rasped, "Mr. Auctioneer, may I pose a question?"
"Mr. Leiden, what question do you have?" the auctioneer replied.
"Could you reveal who decided to auction this secret message? It seems rather unconventional." the elder Leiden remarked, his anticipation palpable.
The auctioneer''s expression faltered.
He shook his head and replied, "I''m afraid, Mr. Leiden, we cannot disclose the identity of the message''s provider. However, if you wish to inquire further, Bloodstained Shop will convey your request when the item''s owner returns. Do you have any other questions?"
Leiden shook his head and took a seat.
After this single inquiry, silence enveloped the room once more.
After a considerable pause, as no bids were forting, the auctioneer prepared to dere the item unsold when Enzo suddenly interjected, "One thousand Kafen."
This deration ignited the auctioneer''s excitement.
Instinctively, he called out to the others, "Is there a higher bid?"
With his words, an unexpected turn of events ensued.
The elder Leiden, who had inquired directly, immediately raised his bid, "Three thousand!"
"Five thousand!" called another participant.
"Eight thousand!"
"Twenty thousand!"
"..."
In a matter of moments, nearly everyone present had shown keen interest in the secret message, rapidly raising the stakes until the price soared to twenty thousand Kafen — a staggering sum, even for the ordinary, let alone the typical supernatural being.
Grace, who had invited Enzo and the others, showed no signs of surprise.
Enzo exchanged a knowing nce with Grace, who met his gaze with equal intensity.
She articted, "I suspect... they must be intrigued by the Potion form mentioned in the message, hence their willingness to offer such an exorbitant price."
Potion form?
Nonsense!
Whether it existedor not was one matter.
Even if it does, a Level 7 Potion is among the most elite. Crafting it requirednot just a plethora of rare ingredients, but only a Master Alchemist hadthe expertise to sessfully brew such a creation. Enzo, who couldconcoct the Elixir of Life, might dare to believe he hada chance.
As for others, it was entirely impossible.
A cold chuckle echoed in Enzo''s mind; he harbored doubts about Grace''s ims. With determination, he raised his bid: "Thirty thousand!"
Though hecked such a sum in gold Kafen...
The auction''s conclusion did not mandate payment solely in that currency; other items of equivalent value could also be used as coteral.
Such exchanges were permitted.
In Enzo''s diminutive realm, he possessed ample valuable items.
Thus, he called out without hesitation.
His unwavering bid instantly cast doubt among the others, prompting them to reconsider the worth of the ndestine message. One individual challenged Enzo, eximing, "Kid, do you really have that kind of money?"
Enzo paid him no mind.
This indifference only fueled the challenger''s ire.
He stood up, directing his words at the auctioneer: "Mr. Auctioneer, I suspect this brat is here to stir trouble. With a mere Level 6 strength, how dare he propose such a lofty price!"
Before he could finish, Norma rose.
Her powerful auramanded attention, and several faces shifted in concern. Norma stated firmly, "I will cover the price he has called. Is there an issue?"
The others fell into silence.
The auction continued, yet after such amotion, the other bidders fell silent. The ndestine information was acquired by Enzo for thirty thousand gold Kafen.
As for the settlement, it was unthinkable for Norma to bear the costs.
Upon entering the back hall of the Bloodstained Shop, Enzo produced several ss cups and inquired, "Could you appraise these items?"
The auctioneer''s eyes sparkled with delight as he nodded vigorously.
He provided an estimate slightly higher than Harvey''s initial valuation, pricing each ss cup at sixty gold Kafen.
However, Enzo had no intention of fully leveraging the ssware as coteral,he subsequently retrieved some sheets of fine paper along with a quill, both of which were equally raremodities.
The auctioneer offered another fair valuation for these items.
After settling the ount with this assortment of goods, the hidden information was disclosed to Enzo— it was a seed.
Moreover, after the auctioneer meticulously assessed the coteral Enzo had provided, he departed for a brief moment, only to return carrying a wooden box. "Mr. Enzo, this is your auction item." he announced.
Enzo opened the box to reveal its contents—
Asoul seed!
He was utterly astounded, filled with immense joy, never expecting that the so-called hidden message would pertain to a soul seed.
Just as he was about to inquire further, the auctioneer preemptively stated, "Mr. Enzo, the auction was conducted in the form of confidential information at the request of the item''s owner.
Furthermore, the proprietor of this peculiar seed indicated that should you wish to learn more, a visit to Blood Shadow Canyon would be in order."
"Blood Shadow Canyon?"
Enzo murmured, nodding slightly in contemtion.
In the mountains not far from Crimson Lake lies Blood Shadow Canyon, rumored to be the source of theke''s waters, inhabited by numerous terrifying supernatural creatures and frequented by many practitioners of the arcane.
This appearedquite ordinary, after all, there wereseveral such ces like Blood Shadow Canyon surrounding Crimson Lake.
Go to the Blood Shadow Canyon...
As Enzo pondered whether to venture to Blood Shadow Canyon, he found himself at a loss. Rising from his seat, he prepared to leave the Bloodstained Shop.
At that moment, the auctioneer approached him once more, presenting a card forged from a peculiar metal. "Mr. Enzo." he said, "This is your ticket to the Blood Auction.
With this card, you may participate in any auction hosted by the Bloodstained Shop and enjoy certain privileges when purchasing goods from our store."
Enzo felt a surge of surprise.
"Isn''t a mere transaction of thirty thousand gold Kafen beneath the notice of the Bloodstained Shop?" he inquired, perplexed.
"The decisiones from above." the auctioneer replied.
Hearing this, Enzo refrained from further questioning.
Within the confines of Dark Night Forest, the Bloodstained Shop stands as a unique entity—a neutral force that refrains from engaging in conflict, solely dedicated to the collection and auction of rare items.
It also offers an array ofmonce supernatural goods such as essences of supernatural beings, potions, and scrolls, with a presence in nearly every significant Gathering ce.
Consequently, no faction daredto confront the Bloodstained Shop, nor didthey desire such conflict, as its existencewas vital for the advancement of all powers involved.
Whispers abound regarding an otherworldly force backing the Bloodstained Shop.
Yet the truth behind these rumors remains shrouded in mystery.
At this moment, Enzo remained perplexed by the purpose of the token bestowed upon him. However, it did not appear to be an ill omen; if he could amass enough Spatial Stones to construct a passage linking the Crimson Star Tribe and the Dark Night Forest, this token would prove immensely advantageous.
Lost in thought, Enzo stepped out of the Bloodstained Shop.
Outside, Norma awaited him, while Mrs. Grace had long since departed.
As Enzo emerged, Norma approached him with news: "Grace mentioned she was merely following orders and that nearly all the individuals invited have some connection to the Barren Penins."
This revtion deepened Enzo''s confusion.
He withdrew the soul seed, an instinct whispering that the mysterious figure had orchestrated its auction specifically to ce it in his hands.
But for what purpose?
Uncertain, Enzo pondered that perhaps unlocking the soul seed would unveil the answers he sought.
For the sake of safety, Enzo and Norma retreated to the stone house.
Once the door was closed, Enzo attuned his consciousness to the miniature world hemanded. With a surge of spatial fluctuation, a resplendent, multicolored passageway materialized before him.
Norma, witnessing this spectacle, disyed no surprise.
With a hint of nostalgia, she remarked, "Though this is not my first encounter, the sight of that vibrant passage always quickens the heart. If others were to learn that you wield such a domain, they would surely be driven to madness. Who knows how many more secrets you harbor?"
Enzo chuckled softly, "Let us step inside."
With that, he was the first to enter the spatial passage, followed closely by Norma. As they crossed its threshold, the passage vanished, leaving no trace of their presence within the room.
Simultaneously, within the realm Enzo governed, their forms materialized.