The path of the Soul Emperor

Chapter 23: Sarios City

Three Days Before Alex's Fight Against the Being

Night descended upon Sarios City, and its largest building shone brightly, illuminated by countless lights.

The streets bustled with activity as nobles poured into the grand establishment.

Carriages rolled in, stopping at the entrance where a line of B-rank guards greeted the guests with professional courtesy.

Ava stood atop a nearby building, observing the scene from a distance.

She wore a stunning green dress that perfectly matched her emerald eyes and dark hair.

The dress clung to her figure, accentuating her beauty and giving her an almost angelic appearance.

Yet, her piercing gaze betrayed her fury—anger burned brightly in her eyes.

"I can't go through the main entrance; it looks like everyone needs an invitation," Ava thought, narrowing her eyes at the tightly guarded doors.

"The only way in is through the roof. Maybe I could charm one of these nobles to help me, but…" She paused, her expression hardening.

"I'd rather die than let those fools lay a finger on me."

A green flame ignited around her, engulfing her form as she vanished into the night.

Moments later, Ava reappeared near the auction house, slipping through an opening and finding herself on one of the upper floors.

These levels were reserved for the wealthiest nobles, their opulence evident in every detail.

As she moved stealthily, Ava's thoughts turned grim.

"Can I even afford to buy my brother with these gold coins Alex gave me?" She recalled how Alex had been in this very city a week ago.

"It's a good thing they delayed the auction. Without the Guild Master's help, I wouldn't even have a chance."

Entering one of the private rooms, Ava found herself face-to-face with a veiled noblewoman and a familiar figure standing behind her—Jack.

Recognizing him, Ava hesitated, her guard lowering slightly.

"Why are you here?" she asked, her tone laced with suspicion. "Shouldn't you be with Alex? And how did you even get in here?"

Jack responded with a sly smile. "Connections."

Sofia, the veiled noblewoman, spoke next, her voice calm and elegant. "Alex and the others have gone to the Juran Forest."

Relaxing, Ava took a seat in the room. "Do you mind if I stay here for a while?"

Jack nodded. "Of course. We won't be here long, so feel free to use the room."

"Thanks," Ava replied. "But what are you two doing here?"

Neither Jack nor Sofia answered her question, their silence unyielding. Ava shrugged and turned her attention to the auction floor below, where the seats were rapidly filling.

Just before the event began, Mai entered the room, looking stunning as always. She approached Sofia with a concerned expression. "Sofia, they're here."

Sofia sighed, a mix of frustration and worry crossing her face. She stood and left the room, followed closely by Jack.

As he departed, he glanced back at Ava. "It was good seeing you, Ava. Tell Alex we're grateful for the epic quest."

Ava nodded, though her thoughts were swirling. "What the heck is going on?"

She pushed her confusion aside and focused on the auction as it began.

Onstage, a man dressed in fine attire stepped forward, his voice booming. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this grand event, hosted by the one and only Mr. Zen!"

The crowd erupted in applause as the man gestured toward a prominent booth.

"To start this evening, we'll go big! The final treasure will shock your minds. Only one of you will claim it, so be prepared!" he declared, holding up a gleaming pill.

"This is a mythical-grade pill, one of a kind. It can temper the body of anyone ranked D or higher, elevating their strength to S rank. Crafted from the rarest materials by the greatest alchemist—not even from this continent!" He paused, letting the information sink in before announcing, "We'll begin the bidding at 10 million gold coins."

Ava watched the proceedings in silence as one valuable item after another was auctioned off. Hours passed, and hope began to fade. The final item was presented, but it wasn't her brother. Despair gripped her until the auctioneer made an unexpected announcement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, though the final treasure has already been revealed, allow me to present something truly extraordinary. An item that is useless to some but invaluable to others."

The man took a deep breath before continuing. "You've seen the pill that grants S rank, the collar that ensures total control, the soul contract for absolute security, and the unbreakable armor. But today, we present someone who can use them all."

The crowd watched in stunned silence as a terrified boy was dragged onto the stage. His black hair was disheveled, and he looked no older than ten.

"This boy," the auctioneer announced, "is a treasure greater than all others. Gifted with the unique ability to wield any artifact, no matter its conditions. Imagine him tempered to S rank, clad in unbreakable armor, bound by the soul contract and collar. Even the legendary Sunless Sword would bend to his will!"

Ava's heart sank as she recognized her brother. Without hesitation, she shouted, "100 royal gold coins!"

1 Silver coin = 10,000 Copper coins

1 Gold Coin = 100,000 Silver coins

1 Royal Gold Coin = 100 Million Gold Coins

The crowd gasped at the audacious bid. Ava felt a glimmer of hope—surely no one else could match that sum. But her relief was short-lived as an elderly voice rang out:

"200 royal gold coins."

Ava's knees buckled, and she fell to the floor in despair.

"Going once… twice… sold to the gentleman in booth number 21!" the auctioneer declared.

The atmosphere turned deadly as killing intent filled the room. Nobles began plotting against one another to claim the boy.

Ava was the first to act. Green flames erupted around her, her A+ rank strength surging like a tidal wave.

ROARRRR!

As her fury peaked, she transformed into a giant wolf, her flames blazing brighter than ever