Auction (5)
I responded to the two of them first.
"I blew it up just right, so don't worry."
"No way, how was that 'just right' with that sound!"
"Exactly!"
KABOOOOM!!
Another massive explosion followed. The ground shook like there was an earthquake, tremors rippling everywhere.
RUMBLE RUMBLE!!
But the blasts didn't stop there—vibrations and detonations kept coming one after another. Cracks spiderwebbed across the ceiling and floor with each one.
"There wasn't supposed to be this much noise. Right, Senior Ruina?"
"Yeah. Even if you blew everything up, it wouldn't pack this punch."
Senior Ruina agreed with Rana's words. I paused, thinking it over.
'I didn't go that overboard though...'
All I'd done was mix in some magic I knew while detonating Senior Ruina's bombs. Of course, the original spells were nuke-level, so I'd toned them down. If they'd gone off at full power, the entire free city would've been vaporized.
I figured it wasn't a big deal, but with Senior Ruina chiming in too, I decided to own it this time.
"I'll be more careful next time."
"It's fine! We were just worried the place might collapse on us. And Grandpa always says people learn from their mistakes."
"Tell me how you did it."
Rana offered some kind words, while Senior Ruina was clearly curious about how I'd ramped up the explosions like that.
"More importantly, what about the people we rescued?"
"They're gathered over there."
I headed in the direction Rana pointed. About a hundred slaves—former auction items—were huddled together. Among them were the kids from the first auction lot, plus others. Fortunately, they all seemed physically okay. Sure, they were shaking and clustered in fear, but we could comfort them after we escaped.
Once I'd checked on them, I turned to the elf next. Her face radiated holy power, pure and lofty.
'What a holy mess.'
I'd steeled myself on the way here, but seeing her up close still soured my mood. Unlike the dwarves or other races, holy energy swirled visibly over her skin. Just looking at her stirred up disgust.
"Elena, was it? That's your name."
"Yes."
I kept it short—didn't want a long chat with the elf.
"You've probably heard from the World Tree already, but I'm Kyle Arden. I'm here to rescue you."
"...as if."
I caught her mutter.
"What was that?"
"The World Tree 'Lord' told me to call it that. My mother is not your friend."
"Bullshit."
Typical of a race born under the gods. Picking fights over nothing.
A cold voice slipped from Elena's lips.
"...What did you just say?"
"I said bullshit. Hey, you're right—the World Tree and I aren't friends. But what does that have to do with honorifics?"
The elf scowled, clearly offended by my words and attitude. But I didn't stop.
"For starters, the World Tree doesn't care much about this stuff. Your 'mother' allowed it."
Above all, the World Tree herself never said a word about it. So it was fair to assume her blessing. You could tell from our conversations—she paid zero attention to how I talked.
"Even so, any life blessed by the earth deserves at least basic respect..."
"Your god permitted it? You gonna defy that will?"
"That's unrelated to the current topic. So..."
"Ha, you really don't get it."
I cut off her nonsense. If you're gonna argue, at least make it convincing. This was just god-worshipping drivel about how gods demand automatic reverence...
Then a voice piped up from the side.
"Hyungnim. Why are you picking on the lady we just rescued?"
It was Evan.
"She's already worn out from the fight and helping us. Isn't this a bit much?"
I let out a sigh.
"A junior who won't back up his senior, fawning over some girl he just met..."
"Hey, when did I fawn? You're overreacting... Ow, hyungnim! Ears, my ears!!"
Yeah, I got Evan's reaction. Unlike Rana, who'd built up affection with him nonstop in the novel, Elena was love at first sight for him. Their minds were probably exploding with fireworks right now.
But I couldn't tolerate him stepping in to block me.
"Hey, pick your moments. Don't butt in whenever you feel like it."
"But hyungnim, you're the one... Ow, easy! Take it easy...!"
Evan yelped in pain. Then a pale, slender hand gripped my wrist.
"If you're the World Tree's contractor, act like it. Don't resort to violence."
"Haa..."
They were ganging up now. That was part of why I hadn't wanted to come. My reaction to elves was predictable, and so was how those two would act.
"Kyle, you okay? Hurt anywhere?"
Rana jumped in, stepping in front of me.
I couldn't keep this up, so I released Evan's ear.
"Just on edge from the fight. I'll be fine after some rest."
Though it felt more like backlash from the black magic. That stuff was infamous for eating at your mind.
This time, Senior Ruina tugged my sleeve.
"I know a good potion. I'll make some when we get back."
"Thanks, Senior. Guess we should head out then."
Talking with them eased my mood a bit. I led the way to the spot Barto Bennet had marked.
I drew a specific pattern in front of the wall.
THUD—
The wall split open on both sides. Inside was a makeshift warp gate.
After that, it was simple. Send everyone up to the surface one by one.
Finally, it was my turn after the group went through.
"Can't leave evidence."
The auction house would investigate later, no doubt. Better to clean up thoroughly.
I activated the warp gate and poured mana into the spells I'd set. The walls glowed red in response, and my vision flickered.
"That does it."
BOOM!!
Something exploded near my ear.
The place we'd warped to was a villa in the free city. Naturally, it belonged to our collaborator, Barto Bennet.
The interior was surprisingly modest. For the head of the Golden Merchant Guild, it lacked any flash—only practical furnishings. He really didn't waste money on frivolities. Very merchant-like.
Anyway, the group who'd arrived first was up ahead.
"Kyle! You made it quick!"
"No reason to linger."
It'd been mere minutes since we split, but Rana rushed over like I'd been gone for days.
"What about the others?"
"They're resting in their assigned rooms."
"Good."
They must've realized these were people I'd brought and treated them well.
"Who's the owner here?"
"No idea. Haven't seen them. Probably elsewhere."
As Rana finished, a butler-like figure approached.
"The master wishes to see you."
"Lead the way. I'll be right back. Rest up."
"Okay!"
I told the group and followed him. The villa had four floors; we headed to the top.
At the door, the butler opened it slowly. Barto Bennet sat in a chair, sipping tea. It smelled cheap.
"Not very fancy tea for the Golden Merchant Guild's head."
"Tch tch, everyone has their tastes. Price doesn't guarantee flavor."
I flopped onto the sofa opposite him. The cushions enveloped me in softness. My body melted into the rest after hours of tension.
After loosening up a bit, I murmured low.
"Honestly, I considered you might betray us... Guess I was wrong."
"Credit is everything to a merchant. Lose it, and you're done. Besides, I don't sell my future for short-term gains."
I chuckled. Fair enough—allying with the Holy Kingdom beat backing the auction house. Sure, the collapse meant lost revenue, but it was pocket change compared to future profits.
"How's the situation?"
"What do you think? They're digging through the rubble. Can't even tell what auction items got buried."
"That sounds rough."
"It is. So... how much did you snag?"
Barto Bennet's eyes gleamed.
"What do you mean?"
"We agreed on 30% for me. No hiding it now that you've got the slaves too."
I smirked and recited the list of auction items I'd swiped during the rescue. I hadn't grabbed everything—about half at most.
"Tch tch, you cherry-picked the gems even in the chaos. Shame about the rest, but greed could've cost you all."
"If there's something you really want, I'll yield one."
"Big of you. How about the Dream Incense Burner?"
"I'll hand it over during the split."
We chatted idly before shifting to the slaves.
"What about the slaves? Your plan?"
"Send home those who want to go. Others to places I trust."
They hailed from all over the continent, so most had homes. I'd oblige those who did.
"Can you handle it alone?"
"Planning to help?"
Barto Bennet sipped his tea and replied.
"20%. Clean, safe, no issues."
"Greedy much? 5%."
"Heh heh, do you know the costs? Even thugs wouldn't lowball that hard. 15%."
"Fake IDs and a few escorts? That's fair for that cut. How about 7%?"
We haggled to minimize losses.
"Don't you trust our guild? We'll deliver satisfaction."
"Of course I trust the Golden Merchant Guild. Who wouldn't? 9% it is."
He smacked his lips.
"Tsk, no give. 10%."
"Deal."
It was a steal at 10%.
"When do you leave?"
"Three days. Break ends then."
Classes resumed next week.
"Got it. Rest easy here till then."
"Will do."
That wrapped the talk. I left the room and headed down.
The first floor bustled with servants; no sign of the group. Except Rana, the only one around.
"Told you to rest. Why're you here?"
"Waiting for you, Kyle."
"Where's Senior Ruina and Evan?"
"Senior Ruina went straight to bed. Oh, she gave me this."
Rana handed me a vial—the potion she'd promised. I drank it gratefully. My head cleared, mind sharpening.
"Whew, much better."
"Feeling okay now?"
"Yeah. Where'd Evan and the elf go?"
"Evan junior and Elena... I'll show you."
Rana grabbed my hand and led me outside. The villa had a small training ground.
What I saw there...
"It's about unifying with the wind. Watch."
"Like this?"
"Yes. Your proficiency's low, but with practice..."
...was the elf teaching under the moonlight, Evan eagerly soaking it up.
"Hee hee, don't they make a cute pair?"
"...Yeah, they do."
Fine, if they were into it, who was I to stop them? Way later, it'd be sucking and... No. Better not think about it.
Pretending I didn't know was healthier for my sanity.