Chapter 264

Chapter 264: Venus Auction House

The first to notice Midi’s uniqueness was Victoria, who stood nearest to him. As head of the Rothschild Guild’s Monsoon Fleet branch, she’d visited the Venus Auction House many times. She knew well how its dense pure magic environment benefited practitioners.

Upon entering the magic-rich space, Victoria began absorbing the energy while maintaining her ladylike composure. For an eighteen-year-old non-Awakened like her, this pure magic could aid awakening. The auction house crafted this setting both as low-profile luxury display and special hospitality. Since it existed for honored guests, why hold back? It mirrored holding fine wine at nobility gatherings.

Yet Victoria soon noticed Midi didn’t partake.

His brief surprised glance upon entering and approving nod proved he’d sensed the hall’s uniqueness. But afterward…nothing.

Victoria had kept silent about the auction house’s secret, hoping to startle him. She’d wondered if he’d unconsciously drain the hall’s magic in that unguarded instant. Given their ally status, such playful tests felt permissible.

The result stunned her.

This black-haired human youth wielded power to kill cloud beasts, appeared barely older than her, yet…didn’t cultivate? He ignored concentrated pure magic others coveted?

Even the Rothschild heiress felt baffled. If Midi once radiated overwhelming power, he now exuded natural, effortless mystery.

Soon attendants noticed the anomaly.

Unlike regular auction houses, Venus’ hall resembled an upscale café—no transaction counters, just free seating with artisanal coffee, mimicking premium lounges. Those entering were wealthy elites who savored ambiance over hasty deals.

Amid this leisure, Midi’s quiet intensity stood out.

“Sir, madam, how may I serve you?”

A level 35 psionicist attendant bowed deeply.

“Fetch Mr. Santos. Tell him Victoria Rothschild awaits.” She sipped coffee, her usual commanding self resurfacing.

Around Midi she seemed meek, but Victoria was the Rothschild Guild’s prodigy—building her Monsoon Fleet enterprise from scratch without guild support, earning recognition as a Sea of Clouds business genius. Her reputation overshadowed her brothers’, her connections vast.

Hearing her name, the attendant’s doubt turned deference. The black-haired human’s identity? Best not probe—that striking face might belong to the lady’s secret lover.

Minutes later, Santos entered—a portly middle-aged man with shrewd yet warm eyes, smiling as he greeted acquaintances. Reaching Victoria, he spread his arms theatrically.

“Victoria! I’d thought you forgot old Santos!”

Victoria chuckled and said, “Save the sweet talk, Santos. I’m not here for coffee.”

“Of course, your time is precious. This way, please.” Santos bowed theatrically with his round frame and gestured for them to follow.

Midi and Victoria trailed him past the second floor to the heavily guarded third level—the true core of the Venus Auction House. Unlike the first floor’s lavish hall dripping with noble elegance, this space reeked of cold, hard coin. Every corner buzzed with the sharp cunning of merchants who’d sell their grandmothers for profit.

After sealing the meeting room’s door and serving crystal glasses of Ice Spirit Wine from the Sea of Clouds, Santos dropped his flamboyant act. “Miss Victoria,” he began calmly, “who’s your companion?”

“Blade. My partner.” She stressed the last word.

“Blade? The Blade?” Santos’ eyes widened. “The high-tier gladiator from Sky Arena?”

Midi gave a noncommittal nod.

“Gods above!” Santos stared openly, awe mixing with curiosity.

Clearly, tales of Midi’s exploits had raced ahead via magical communications as they’d sailed the Spice Route. Not the duel against Bloody Killing Sword Batolun, but the real showstopper—how he’d used flying skills to single-handedly crush eight Skyships. No mere arena performer could make a Venus Auction House manager blink.

“Congratulations, Miss Victoria,” Santos beamed. “With this ally, your family troubles should resolve smoothly. Venus Auction House remains your friend.” He turned to Midi with palms upturned. “Welcome, Mr. Blade. We’re honored to serve you.”

“Thanks.” Midi shook hands impassively. Profit-hungry snakes like Santos would sell their mothers for gain. But control the gold, and they’d march through hell for you. Time to dangle the carrot.

“Actually, Mr. Santos,” Victoria smoothly interjected, “you’ve got an opportunity here.” She thunked a small sealed box onto the table.

“Double-layered demon-sealing box? With Ice Binding Barrier?!” Santos’ composure cracked.

Only rare materials could craft such containers. The friction between layers made them disposable—good for maybe a year. Adding pricey Ice Binding Barrier meant whatever inside was priceless.

Santos fought to keep his face neutral, but his twitching hands gave him away. He needed to see this treasure now. Reputation boost! Promotion! Maybe even a board seat!

Victoria blocked his reach. “Wouldn’t do that here.”

Santos chuckled ruefully. “Caught me. Out with it then—what’s the play? I’ll push for every advantage, provided this isn’t some empty prank.”

“Get a magic-sealed room. Bring a senior alchemist. None of your half-trained hacks—you’ll need experts to appraise this.” Her tone left no room for argument.