Chapter 133
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 133
Chapter Title: Companions
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Fantasy Auction House.
In these chaotic times, this auction—which opened sporadically—wasn't just a chance to buy desired items.
It was a gathering place where Dungeon Masters from all corners of the continent, who rarely interacted otherwise, could come together. Here, they could forge alliances with other dungeon owners, establish regular trade agreements, or even make new enemies.
Of course, the auction house itself was a fantastical space created by the technological prowess of dungeon merchants, their magical abilities, and the power of the now-rare dream demons. The bodies used inside were illusory, and any damage suffered there wouldn't harm one's real body.
'So, even if I participate directly, I'll be safe.'
And above all, since it was all an illusion, his real body could remain safely in the dungeon. If the auction were held elsewhere, he wouldn't even be able to attend since he couldn't leave.
[In three days, the 'Fantasy Auction' will be held for the first time in nearly 75 years. Noble Dungeon Masters, please grace us with your presence...]
The invitation was delivered personally by the dungeon merchant, who usually only appeared when summoning them first. As expected, the elegant invitation contained information about the 'Fantasy Auction,' handed over with a subtle wink.
[Th-the Fantasy Auction schedule is actually out...?]
The elf Dungeon Master he'd been communicating with reacted with clear surprise.
She was a Dungeon Master herself—and a skilled one who had safely defended her dungeon during the massive dungeon subjugation in the south long ago.
She had participated in the last Fantasy Auction 75 years prior and had shared various knowledge about it with him based on that experience.
[But dungeon merchants usually announce auction schedules very last-minute. I've never heard of them informing anyone in advance!]
"Hm."
Indeed. Knowing about the auction ahead of time would give a huge advantage.
You could save up money without spending it prematurely, prepare items to auction in advance, and even find allies to accompany you inside the auction, just like he was doing now.
...Though it still nagged at him why the dungeon merchant was showing him such favor, he couldn't ignore the valuable information.
[Inside the auction house, participants' appearances are concealed through illusions. Of course, some choose to reveal themselves deliberately...]
"I'll hide mine."
[Yes. As the master of a newborn dungeon, there will definitely be those looking to pick fights. Hiding your appearance is the wise choice.]
Even setting aside being a new dungeon master, the moment they saw his black hair, trouble was inevitable. Mixed-bloods were treated harshly in this world.
[Additionally, auction participants can bring up to two companions. Magical beasts, demons, or even human slaves are allowed.]
"Humans are allowed too?"
[Yes. In the past, some Dungeon Masters captured famous heroes as prisoners, turned them into slaves, and paraded them at auctions to show off their power.]
"........."
He did have heroes captured as prisoners from whom he periodically extracted blood and essence... but there was no need to bring them to the auction. Since companions were allowed, he already had one in mind.
"Rene. Are you planning to participate too?"
[Yes. In the past, before divine trees appeared at auctions, I bought elixirs to overcome my deficiencies and extend my lifespan... but now I don't need to, so I can purchase a wider variety of items.]
"Hm. Any recommended items?"
[Magical beasts, probably. You may already know, Master, but dungeon merchants' stocks of magical beasts have dried up—it's like chasing stars to get good ones now.]
Rene thought the same as him. As Alfred had mentioned before, magical beasts were the dungeon's basic defense and excellent labor at the same time. With most of his ruins' beasts wiped out by heroes, securing them was top priority.
[Oh. And there's one more thing to watch out for at the auction house.]
"What is it?"
[Specifically, there are a few figures to be cautious of. First, among the participants, the giant with the largest build...]
Advice from someone with experience was truly invaluable. Rene shared more auction tips afterward, then added worriedly at the end.
[But... do you have enough funds? If you're short, we could contribute some from our dungeon...]
"No."
Even if money were short, he had no intention of squeezing his subordinate dungeons... but it wasn't necessary anyway.
"Rene. Were you planning to buy potions at the auction?"
[Ah, yes. High-quality potions often appear, and if the price is reasonable, stocking up would help in the current situation...]
"No need to buy any."
They were probably all ones he'd sold anyway.
.
.
.
.
.
.
After getting auction info from Alfred, he focused on gathering money for a while—even putting off cleaning (!!).
He dispatched demons to human cities again for waste disposal business to earn cash, felt a bit guilty toward the witches who said they could relax for a while but had them brew potions through sleepless nights, received equipment from dwarves and arachne to sell some via dungeon merchants, and so on...
In return, he tipped off his subordinate dungeon masters that an auction might open. Though skeptical, they followed his advice: no spending, hoard money, and gather items suitable for auctioning.
Thanks to that, his wallet was fuller than ever.
"This should be enough, right?"
"Yes. It's been a long time since the last one, so there might be variables... but this amount could buy two or three top-grade magical beasts."
Alfred oddly knew a lot about auctions because he'd once accompanied Rene there. It helped gauge item prices.
Alright then. Money was secured. Now for the most important part...
"Finding companions."
"........."
"........."
In the meeting room with his so-called 'executive' demons gathered. When he brought up the auction and that he could bring two companions, the demons' eyes sparked after listening quietly.
"Heh heh... This old one has no greed, so please go ahead..."
And as expected of an elf with seasoned wisdom, Alfred sensed the mood first and slyly bowed out. Lil, sitting beside him, shot her hand up.
"Me me me! Me! Master! Take me! I mean, please take me! Mom told me about auctions before, and I've always wanted to go!"
Ignoring others' reactions, Lil blurted it out. Oh right, he hadn't mentioned this.
"You, go home for now."
"Huh?"
"Rene said she'd take you as her companion anyway. Go back to your original dungeon, and she'll bring you."
"Wow! Really? Yay!"
Apparently, Lil was dispatched to his dungeon, but destined far in the future to succeed Rene and lead the elves. For her heir training, Rene asked if she could borrow Lil temporarily, and he happily agreed.
"...Then I'm not going."
Dry, who had been grinning and about to plead, backed off upon hearing Lil was going. He'd thought they got close blocking intruders together before, but apparently not yet.
"Whine. Whiiiine? Whine!"
"...Sorry. No idea what you're saying... but you wanna come?"
"Whine!"
Aqua, who had barely secured the seat next to him amid fierce competition, whined while clinging to his arm.
For some reason, Aqua seemed less interested in the auction itself and more in just following him anywhere...
"...U-um, me..."
Next to such Aqua sat Lilith. Though improved, her social anxiety persisted; she wore a robe hood over her illusion disguise to hide her figure and face, cautiously raising her hand—but he cut in first.
"Ah. Lilith is locked in."
"Y-yes...?"
"...What do you mean by that, Master?"
"Whine?!"
The executives, especially Erzsebet and Aqua, reacted strongly, but he had no intention of changing his mind.
It was a 'fantasy' auction, after all? One openly powered by dream demons.
Whether they had a real dream demon—thought extinct—or a demon with dream demon blood like the Pantem who attacked him before, it was dream demon power.
Wouldn't bringing another dream demon be best for such a place?
"Of course, Lilith. I know meeting people is hard for you. If you don't want to..."
"I-I'll do my best!"
Fortunately, Lilith accepted. Makes sense. It wasn't her real appearance anyway; she'd participate disguised in illusion, and she moved fine that way normally.
".....Dream demon..."
"Whine...."
For some reason, Erzsebet and Aqua glared at Lilith unkindly, but she withstood the stares with a flinch and steadfastly declared her willingness to accompany him to the auction.
"Then one spot left..."
"Master. Can I come too?"
"...Rio, aim for next time?"
"Okay."
Even so, bringing a child felt wrong, so Rio was out. No plans for humans just in case, so Jeanne too.
That left Erzsebet, Aqua, Pandora...
"Master. You'll take me, of course? You've been with me the longest—surely not another over me..."
"Whine. Whiiiine. Whine whine."
"Heh heh heh... Other races... heh heh... I'll protect you. Come with me. It's dangerous."
All three were equally eager to accompany him to the auction.
...Alright. Decided.
"The one coming is..."