Absolute Cheater

Valeris narrowed her eyes. "Spatial restructuring matrix. Impressive."

"As expected of World Heart City," Asher replied. "This place is designed for spectacle."

The Spiremaster stepped forward again, this time dressed in deep violet ceremonial robes, his earlier cheer replaced by a dignified calm.

"Welcome," he said, voice carrying to every corner of the transformed room. "To the World Auction."

Silence reigned. Every guest, no matter how aloof, was paying attention now.

"As many of you know," the Spiremaster continued, "each year, items of immeasurable worth—artifacts, techniques, materials—are recovered, uncovered, or awakened. Most never leave the faction that finds them. But some… come here."

The crystal hovering above the pedestal pulsed once.

"I present to you five items," he said, raising five fingers. "Only five. But each one is enough to start a war. Or end one."

Gasps spread around the room.

"Bidding will be allowed. Trading will be permitted. Duels will be accepted. Let your ambition speak for itself."

Asher, Valeris, and Veyra took their seats in the elevated guest ring now arranged like a half-coliseum.

Veyra whispered, "They're really about to fight for items, aren't they?"

Valeris nodded slowly. "Of course. Here, strength is currency. And reputation is law."

Below, the first item floated into view—an ancient scroll sealed in amber flame. It pulsed with a rhythm that didn't match any known law or element.

The Spiremaster announced, "First item: The Incarnate Flame Scripture. A technique said to allow one to give their will form through fire. Bidding begins—now."

Instantly, voices and offers filled the air. Currencies of spirit stones, soul contracts, rare beasts, even realms themselves were offered.

Then someone stepped down into the central ring.

"I offer myself," he said. "As challenger. I'll take the scroll… if no one stronger stops me."

The Spiremaster's eyes glinted. "Very well. Who dares oppose him?"

A World Rank monk in layered robes walked into the arena.

The auction had just begun… and already, the first duel was starting.

Asher leaned forward slightly, eyes focused.

"Interesting," he murmured. "Let's see what else this world Auction has to offer."

The two challengers stood across from each other in the arena. The ground under them gave off a steady pulse from the World Heart's energy. The crowd didn't cheer—they just watched. Everyone knew these fights were serious.

Yurei, the first challenger, wore a silver-feathered cloak. Her steps were light, and she looked calm. Her aura was sharp and cold, like a slicing winter wind.

The second challenger, a giant man in bone-stitched armor, looked more like a monster than a person. He stood nearly three meters tall, and his armor was made of beast bones and metal. A skull helmet hid his face.

"That's a Bone-Eater," Asher said quietly. "They consume not just cores but even flesh and bones to get stronger."

Veyra leaned forward. "Isn't that dangerous?"

Asher replied, "If he eats the beasts raw, he could either die… or evolve."

The Spiremaster raised a hand. "Begin!"

The Bone-Eater charged first. Despite his size, he moved fast. With a loud roar, he slammed his fists into the ground. A wave of ice and bone spikes surged forward.

Yurei jumped into the air, flipping gracefully. With a twist of her wrist, she sent a wind blade down, cutting through the spikes. She landed lightly and raised both hands.

Suddenly, snow started to fall inside the arena.

The Bone-Eater laughed. "That won't stop me."

He pulled a large axe from his back, shaped like a spine. He ran forward again, swinging with force.

Yurei dodged the first two swings, but the third clipped her shoulder. Her cloak ripped, and she skidded back, landing on one knee.

She gritted her teeth and slammed her hand onto the floor. A burst of freezing air exploded out. The Bone-Eater's legs froze mid-step.

She stood, breathing heavily. "You're too loud," she said. "Let me show you silence."

Yurei raised one hand—and the snow around her condensed into sharp crystal shards. With a wave, they all shot toward the Bone-Eater.

The shards hit like bullets, breaking bits of his armor. He roared and slammed his axe into the ground. A bone shield rose around him.

But Yurei didn't stop.

She moved closer, controlling the storm. The snow swirled tighter, faster, until it formed a tornado around her. Her body blurred inside it.

The Bone-Eater burst through his own shield with a furious swing, trying to stop her. But he swung at empty air. Yurei was already behind him.

A spike of black ice pierced through the back of his armor. He froze—literally—as a layer of frost spread across his whole body. In seconds, he was trapped inside a shell of ice.

Then, slowly, the shell cracked and broke apart.

The Bone-Eater collapsed on the arena floor, unconscious but alive.

The Spiremaster stood again.

"Victory: Yurei of the White Gale Pavilion."

Applause followed.

The Scroll floated to Yurei. She gave a short bow and left the arena.

"Not bad," Valeris said. "Her control is impressive."

Veyra nodded. "I wouldn't want to fight her right now."

The Spiremaster raised his hand again. "Next item will be revealed shortly. Prepare yourselves."

The crystal pedestal pulsed once more, and the Spiremaster gestured again. A new object rose slowly into view—a golden sphere, semi-transparent, with a pulsing heart of molten crimson locked within. Dragonic runes circled the core, and the heat from it was enough to cause nearby air to shimmer. A low, instinctual growl echoed from several directions as those present felt the power within.

The Spiremaster's voice rang out:

"Second item: The Heartseed of the Crimson Tyrant. A concentrated Dragon King bloodline, perfectly preserved. Usable for inheritance, awakening, or reforging one's core."

The reaction was instant.

Shock.

Greed.

Desire.

Even in a chamber full of World Rank entities—beings who had walked realms and conquered laws—this item stirred hunger. A pure Dragon King heartseed was not something to be bartered lightly.

"Dragon King, huh?" Valeris said, leaning her head into one hand, voice flat. "They really think that's enough?"

Asher didn't even glance at the item. "To lesser dragons or beastkin, it's a miracle. To us, it's nostalgia."