Transmigrated as an Extra: Awakening of The Ex‐Class'-Chapter 42 : Auction part 2

The night fell with a dark and cool blanket, and I slipped into my black suit, which fit me perfectly. The silhouette I formed in front of the mirror reflected elegance and power, something Aliana certainly appreciated when it came to clothing. I corrected my tie with a touch of confidence and, after a last glance at my image, I left the hotel.

As I set foot on the sidewalk, the atmosphere of the city enveloped me and I couldn’t help but feel firsthand what it felt like to be a star, all eyes turned to me. Every step I took seemed to attract the attention of everyone around me, the illumination of the flashlights aligned perfectly with my presence. As I approached the place where the auction would be held, the bustle of the crowd did not seem to diminish and the flashes of the cameras focused on my figure. It was a new world, for an instant, they stopped just to watch me.

I walked unhurriedly, slowly but firmly, on the velvet carpet that covered the entrance, as if welcoming myself. The entrance of the building stood before me, majestic and solemn. I walked towards the doorman, a man of imposing bearing, who nevertheless did not show any emotion. I handed him the invitation, a small card that concealed much more than his eyes could comprehend.

The doorman, although he looked like a simple guard, gave off an incredible pressure, as if his role was much more than that of a common watchman. I felt a pressure in the air, something inexplicable but undeniable, then the conclusion I reached, that mercenary was at least C rank, ready to fulfill any mandate given to him. His gaze was sharp, and for a moment, I wondered if I should leave.

He motioned for me to go ahead and move forward, and as I crossed the door, a strange feeling invaded me. A chill ran down my spine, as if something was about to happen, the old man seemed to settle in my chest. My senses told me to be alert.

I moved through the corridors with firm and determined steps, until I reached one of the most private rooms on the second floor. From there, I could see the entire event through a large tinted glass window. And in case I wanted to participate in the auction, I only had to press the control that was given to me by Aliana.

While I was fascinated by the magical tools of this world, the first vehicles approached: luxurious cars of sophisticated design and magical limousines, whose drivers seemed more like mercenaries than chauffeurs. Each of those cars radiated a small fortune, and I couldn’t help but think about what they represented: the boasting of aristocrats.

The first to arrive was Isaac White, one of the five richest men on the continent, known not only for his fortune, but also for his skill in politics and magic formulas. The man got out of his car, whose body seemed to be made of adamantine. Around him, a small escort of protective magicians and warriors stood alert, as if the mere fact of their presence caused a vibration in the air.

It wasn’t long before other guests began to arrive: renowned warriors, sorcerers whose fame transcended borders, even some nobles whose names dared not be whispered in the bars of the cities. Each of them, though dressed in elegant attire, exuded an incredible energy, a mixture of power that bordered on bewitching.

The entrance of these characters was not discreet. Rather, it seemed as if they were announcing their own work.

The magicians conjured flashes of light in their wake, illuminating the weak night with pure fire magic, while the warriors dragged enchanted swords that would clash against the ground with a deep sound, like an omen. And of course, the murmurs began to increase, full of speculation and secrets to be discovered. It was clear that this auction was not simply a social event, but a game of more intrigue.

***

—Lady and gentlemen, gentlemen and wizards, today I am pleased to welcome you to this humble place, "welcome everyone to this auction." I am sure you will find items that, as always, will surprise you and do not forget the tip of this young servant.

The presenter, a rather attractive and elegant man stood proudly and with overwhelming charisma on the stage, then raised a hand with an enigmatic smile, displaying the first item with great ceremony. "And to start I will show you something truly unique," he said as he turned to the table, where a shield forged with intricate details was found, its golden edges shining and reflecting the image of a silver eagle. "This is no simple shield, gentlemen. This is Aegis, a perfect replica of the legendary artifact, an achievement created by a great master blacksmith."

The room was filled with murmurs of curiosity and excitement. The presenter continued in a firm and proud voice:

"Let me explain, this shield was made by Vulcan himself, a world-renowned blacksmith, known for his almost divine skills, in some small countries he is even considered a god of forging, that same blacksmith sculpted this masterpiece in metal. However, I must warn you, Aegis is not an ordinary shield. Its power, although not the same as the original, is still... amazing."

A noble with an annoyed face raised his hand

— Really? Vulcan has managed to replicate Aegis? How is that possible? Such a legendary artifact replicated? — his tone of disbelief filled the room.

The presenter smiled confidently, as if he had anticipated the reaction.

— Yes, gentlemen, Aegis was replicated by Vulcan, but I must be clear: this shield, although equal in power to the original, has a single flaw. It can only be used once. Just once! But that "one time" is more valuable than it seems, because it is like having an extra life.

The room fell into absolute silence. The murmurs ceased, and the nobles began to whisper among themselves, some euphorically evaluating the implications of those words.

"Just once?" someone asked, almost in a whisper.

The presenter nodded, his eyes shining with excitement.

"Yes, just once. But let me explain what this means. Aegis is, as everyone knows, an impenetrable shield. In ancient tales, it was said to repel any harm, no matter the force or magic that attacked it, it was even able to withstand the lightning bolts of a god, which is proof of power. Imagine having that protection, that security, at the most critical moment of your life. It is insurance, a defense impossible to break.

A noble, with eyes full of longing, raised his hand to interrupt.

— But... how does it work? What guarantees that this is really Aegis?

The host let out a small laugh.

— Ah, my friend, look here, this little mark is the proud emblem of Vulcan, that means that he himself puts his name on the fact that this is a perfect replica. Forged with the same process, with the same technique, and under Vulcan’s blessing. This shield is enchanted, and what makes it so special is that its power lies not in its defense, but in its magical ability to bind, recognize its owner and in critical moments take all the damage from the user.

The murmurs grew in intensity.

The host spoke, let me remind you "Once you use it, the magic of Aegis activates, nullifying any attack, be it physical or magical. But only once, gentlemen. You only have one chance to use it in this lifetime.

A whisper of astonishment ran through the room, and several nobles exchanged calculating glances. Some were already beginning to raise their hands, offering astronomical sums coveting the precious first item. The prices began to escalate rapidly, and in an instant it had already surpassed thousands.

— Two thousand gold pieces! — shouted a noble with a deep voice, almost furious not to miss the opportunity.

— Three thousand! — another lady quickly responded, her face lit up with greed.

The host, with a pleased smile, observed the frantic increase in bids, and also unconsciously encouraged the tension that loomed over the room. That first piece, the Aegis shield, had unleashed a battle Not only out of pride, but also out of desperation.

In the room, the atmosphere heated up, but most of the important nobles just looked at each other, calculating, measuring, knowing that the auction had just begun and that spending too much at the beginning could be a mistake. Reservations had to be kept for what was to come. And yet, some could not resist the temptation to secure such a unique piece. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

"Ten thousand!" an announcement resounded from the stands, and a metallic sound came from the private rooms, the echo of a button pressed by someone in the distance. The eyes of those present turned, in amazement and tension, as the price shot up even further.

The announcer, without losing his composure, waited for the sound of the hammer hitting the wood. And finally, the voice of the auction resounded through the room.

— Sold! One! Two! And three! — The last word, like a decisive blow, marked the end of the war for the shield. — Sold to the lord of Room Two! You may go and collect your purchase. The young lady will be happy to assist you.