The gauntlet gleamed under the light that streamed through the windows, the crystal shined the most.

"I made this with a dwarf blacksmith, he was my friend long ago, and I was at the peak of my career. We worked on it together, creating it, and I kept it for the longest time, never handing it to anyone or selling it," Rufus said.

"What does it do?" Ella asked curiously, her eyes pinned on it.

"Take magical attacks and store them. It can defend against magical attacks up to four-star spells," he explained.

Her eyes widened. "That's crazy, it's basically an artefact," she stated.

"Indeed, and now I'm giving it to you. What you have given me is definitely worth it," Rufus said.

"Thank you, but I'd rather you give it to Ella, she seems to want it more, and the bat is enough for me," Raze said and picked up the bat. "I've gotten the pay for what we agreed," he added.

"Hmmmm," Rufus groaned. "In that case, since I have brought it out, it would be best it found a home," he said and shut the box, handing it to Ella. "Take care of it."

Her eyes shined while she looked at it, excitement written all over her face as she grabbed it. "I'll definitely take care of it," she said.

"Hmmm." Rufus nodded. "Thank you again." He said to Raze. Raze gave a slight bow and left with Ella.

When they stepped out, Ella asked, "Why didn't you want it?"

"I just didn't want it, to be honest, and I saw the way you looked at it, that's why I decided it would be best for you," Raze said.

As they left, the figure that had been following them also followed. They headed right for the Crimson Auction House.

When they arrived at the auction house, Raze stopped; he looked around for a few seconds.

"Is something wrong?" Ella asked.

"Someone has been following us for long now. Ever since we got into the town, I've been trying to see who it was, but they can somehow resist my abilities," Raze stated.

Ella instantly became on guard, her eyes scanning the surroundings for anyone suspicious.

"Don't stress yourself, they are pretty good at hiding. Let's head in," Raze said and started walking.

"Wait, what are we going to do then?" she asked.

"Go in and find Lady Terra. Whoever it is, we'll find out later," Raze said.

When they arrived at the doors, the guards there stopped him.

"Halt, only people that have goods to deliver here, or have a meeting with someone within the auction house, are allowed in here at this time."

It wasn't yet time for an auction, so everyone couldn't enter now. Raze didn't want to waste any time, so he immediately pulled out the VVIP card. "I am Raze Grimhold, student of Raven Academy and a friend to Lady Terra. She gave me this," he stated.

The guard looked at the card with shock. Without any more questions, he called out to his partner. "Ruben, take over, I'm taking them in."

"Follow me."

He walked into the building, leading them through a set of hallways and stairs until they made it to a large double door. The guard knocked twice.

"Who is it?" Lady Terra's voice came from behind the door.

"There is a visitor for you, ma'am. Raze Grimhold," the guard stated. What followed was silence, and then, "You can leave them." The guard bowed and walked away. After he was gone, the doors swung open, revealing Lady Terra in a stunning black dress and a smile on her face.

"It's been a while, Raze," she said, gesturing for them to come in.

The office was massive, walls made of beautiful white marble. It had crystal lamps and scented candle stands that had candles already burning, releasing a soft herbal smell. A long table sat at the center, standing on a scarlet rug. Stacks and stacks of paper rested on her table.

To the side was a small lounge with a long curved couch and a small table at the center.

"Let's have a seat on the couch, it's more comfortable," she said before walking over to the couch and sitting down, her legs crossed. Ella and Raze sat down as well, relaxed.

"So, where have you been?" she asked, placing her palm under her head while looking at him.

"Just work," Raze replied.

"Hmmm, to be so young and so busy, that's pretty rare," she said.

"Either way, there is a major auction happening this evening, you have to be a part of it since you are here already," she said.

"Hmm? Why can't I just come for another one later?" Raze asked.

"A few reasons. You'll vanish, for one. And two, because word got out that the Royal Family are planning a lockdown of some sort due to the spreading of abominations around the kingdom.

It had actually become an issue, over a hundred confirmed abomination transformations. So due to that, we want to hold a final and large auction before the lockdown comes," she explained.

'It's that bad already?' Raze thought. He had been expecting this, but not this fast.

"Fine then, we'll stay for the auction," he replied.

"Good, now to the issue of what you have earned from all the sales that have been made." She pulled out a ring, placed it on the table, and slid it his way.

Raze grabbed it and checked inside, seeing a stack of gold. The amount shocked him and then forced a smile on his face. Lady Terra saw the smile and chuckled. "You are a businessman at heart," she stated.

"You can't really blame me, money makes the world go round," Raze stated.

[.....]

Time flew by as they engaged in discussions. Soon it was time for the auction. Lady Terra handed them over to a lady, pretty, dressed in a short black gown that exposed her back as well.

She led the way, showing them to the VIP rooms where they would be and watch over the auction.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.