Chapter 75 : Chapter 75

Chapter 75: Exchange (5)

The mages from the Dark Magic Tower, Thunderstrike Tower, and Old Tree Magic Tower successively gave up on presenting their magic demonstrations.

“We want to show our magic…”

“Get lost! Don’t you dare step in? I’ll storm your tower and burn all your trees down!”

To be precise, the Old Tree Magic Tower was forced to forfeit.

As a result, I was able to engage in quite a few question-and-answer sessions.

I explained as much as I knew, and for the parts I didn’t, the mages from the research department actively supported me.

The winner of the third Exchange Event is decided by the votes of the Tower Masters.

The process of selecting the most outstanding magic displayed at the Exchange Event, prioritizing not the interests of individual towers but the excellence of the magic, is conducted through the Tower Masters’ votes and notarization.

Even as Tower Masters, it’s not that they don’t hope for their own towers to win, but there exists a far greater desire: the yearning to witness and explore exceptional magic.

Labella and the other six Tower Masters gathered to hold a brief meeting.

After a short discussion, they returned to their seats.

The outcome was obvious.

No matter how impressive Ice Coffin was or what Black Ember could burn away, it didn’t matter.

I would be the winner of the third Exchange Event.

Soon, the host began the announcement.

“The winner of the third Exchange Event is Polarin, from the Magic Research Department!”

Waaa! Clap clap clap clap!

Cheers erupted.

The host explained the significance of the third Exchange Event once more, signaling the conclusion of the event.

“This year, too, countless mages have researched, drawn magic circles, and showcased their magic to one another. The Exchange Event is not about individual brilliance but about the advancement of us all. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the winner, Polarin, and to all the other participants.”

“You’ve worked hard!”

“After today, please share and advance your research! May we mages continue to be the light that illuminates this world! We are the ones who lead it!”

As I listened to the host’s speech, Mumbel whispered to me.

“It’s rare for mages to come together like this.”

Mumbel’s eyes were still misty, a stark contrast to his usual fiery demeanor.

“Thanks to you. I’m grateful.”

“No, Mumbel, thank you for your help as well.”

There’s no award ceremony or celebration for the winner, apparently.

Mages despise such things.

The praise received while seated is all there is.

Yet, all the mages will remember and celebrate Polarin’s victory for the entire year.

Labella also encouraged me, saying I’d worked hard.

“The magic you presented, Polarin-nim, will change the history of the magical world. It might even be remembered forever.”

“It’s not just my achievement. It’s the result of the entire research department’s efforts.”

The third Exchange Event concluded. While the host went to retrieve the winner’s prize, mages began approaching me again.

But this time, they couldn’t get close easily.

The Tower Masters stepped in, dispersing the crowd before approaching me themselves.

They showered praise on me and the research department and they all said something similar.

“Come visit our tower sometime. I have a lot I’d like to discuss with you.”

“Yes, I will.”

The Tower Masters showed me kindness.

No, every mage gathered here showed me kindness, curiosity and expectation.

I will cherish these connections.

If even a few of them move forward with me, I could ask for nothing more.

The host returned with the winner’s prize and handed it to me.

“The highlight of the Exchange Event, the auction, is still to come. Present this golden ticket, and you’ll be able to claim any item you desire.”

“Even if someone else bids and competes for it, it’ll be mine?”

“Exactly. The winner of the Exchange Event always has that privilege, but you, in particular, are more than worthy. I hope you get what you want.”

The host, too, had worked hard today.

Most of that effort was likely due to the commotion I caused.

Yet, he encouraged me with a smile until the end.

“Ugh, that picky old man’s grinning like a snake.”

“Mumbel.”

“Yes, Labella-nim. I’ll behave.”

With that, we concluded the Exchange Event and headed to the auction venue.

* * *

The auction took place in a different location from the conference hall.

It was held in a grand building behind Ostrum’s central plaza, one that seemed to pierce the heavens.

Constructed with the world’s architectural techniques and magical devices, the auction was set to take place at its very top.

I asked Mumbel, who was entering the building with me.

“Aren’t there supposed to be a lot of rare items? Doesn’t this seem like a prime target for an attack?”

“Who would dare attack Ostrum?”

His words could come off as arrogant, but there was clear reasoning behind his confidence.

Ostrum is where all the magic towers are gathered.

Even the Empire hesitates to interfere with Ostrum, so most of humanity wouldn’t dare oppose it.

But that’s only true for humanity.

Nagelmayer said that once the Dome is broken, a war between demons and humans would erupt.

Wouldn’t demons, in fact, be eager to attack a place where mages are gathered?

Unlike the mages, who seemed somewhat detached from reality, such concerns were the first to cross my mind.

‘Mages and the rest of humanity need to prepare for war. We don’t know when the demons might invade.’

But today was a day of celebration.

With Mumbel’s lively steps beside me, I entered the auction venue.

“Wow…”

As soon as I stepped inside, I let out a gasp of awe.

Though I’d been in Ostrum for a while, this was my first time entering this building.

It’s said to be unused in normal times, only opened when high-ranking outsiders visit Ostrum.

Perhaps because of that, the interior was incredibly grand and ornate.

The ceiling of the hall resembled a night sky.

Stars twinkled against a black backdrop, forming a galaxy, and those stars even moved slowly, casting a soft glow.

The pillars surrounding the central hall were made of pale ivory marble, each intricately adorned with delicate gold engravings.

As I stood captivated by the interior, Labella quietly explained.

“Wealthy patrons who wish to form ties with Ostrum send countless gifts every year. Ostrum is a golden purse that accumulates wealth without even trying.”

Even so, this is…

But I resolved not to act like a country bumpkin any longer, composed my expression, and moved forward.

However, my resolve didn’t last long.

The entire grand hall we stood in began to rise.

A faint glow emanated from the magic circle engraved on the floor, guiding us toward the towering spire.

The speed and stability were impeccable, leaving me no choice but to marvel.

‘No wonder there were no stairs.’

It felt as if we were drawing closer to the night sky, and my heart raced at the sight.

We disembarked from the floor and entered the auction venue inside the spire.

The tiered seats of the auction hall were already occupied by a considerable number of people.

They were dressed in elegant, lavish clothing, many adorned with artifacts all over their bodies.

In contrast, the mages, who had arrived late after the Exchange Event, looked disheveled.

Messy hair, haphazardly worn clothes—only the robes symbolizing their respective towers, freshly distributed today, stood out as clean amidst their unkempt appearances.

Even so, the people gathered here warmly welcomed the mages.

“We’ve been waiting!”

“You must have worked hard. Please, take your seats.”

Only five mages from each tower could participate, so their numbers were limited.

Even that was only possible because the auction was held in Ostrum.

Others, regardless of status, were restricted to one representative per group.

“That man sitting over there is the Third Prince,” Labella whispered to me, lowering her voice.

Amid the commotion, he sat in the front row, staring straight ahead, so all I could see was the back of his black hair.

Yet, despite the presence of a prince, nobles and tycoons were bowing to shake hands with the mages, who reeked of mustiness, eager to make connections.

‘I can see why mages are so arrogant.’

Once everyone was seated in the tiered seats, the auction began.

The chairs, crafted from elegant wood and smooth silk, were incredibly comfortable.

“The Ostrum Exchange Auction will now begin!”

The auctioneer was a polished, well-mannered man.

Perhaps using a magical artifact, his voice resonated through the hall without much effort.

“The first item! The appetizer of the day: 500P of Imperial Merit Points! Those who wish to bid,

place your hand on the crystal orb in front of your seat and state your amount!”

I flinched in surprise.

Imperial Merit Points could be bought and sold?

They were strictly managed to prevent transfers.

Noticing my surprise, a few people glanced my way.

They whispered among themselves, likely aware that I held the golden ticket.

If I used the ticket, the item would be mine, no matter how much they bid.

I realized there were quite a few people in the auction hall keeping an eye on me.

The auctioneer continued with additional details.

“Surprised by the Imperial Merit Points? This item is a gift from His Highness, the Third Prince of the Rosamund Empire, Zifried Le Oriandeus, who is with us today. The winning bidder is guaranteed to add these points to their own merit tally!”

Applause erupted.

Zifried, still facing forward, raised a hand in acknowledgment.

“…”

I glanced at Labella’s expression, but she showed no particular reaction, hiding her emotions with her usual calm demeanor.

The bidding continued.

As Imperial Merit Points were something money couldn’t buy, they served as the perfect appetizer for the auction.

“Three thousand pel! Four thousand pel! Five thousand pel!”

The amount skyrocketed in no time. I, too, couldn’t help but be tempted by the merit points.

As I placed my hand on the crystal orb, Labella asked me quietly, leaning closer.

“You’re not using the ticket, are you?”

She whispered, warning that there would be better items to come and that I absolutely shouldn’t use it now.

Meanwhile, the price for the 500P merit points soared to 7,500 pel.

To reassure the anxious Labella, I said,“No way, I have plenty of money. I can buy plenty of items without the ticket.”

Then, I placed my hand on the crystal orb and called out my bid.

“Ten thousand pel! A sudden bid of ten thousand pel!”

The auctioneer scanned the room, encouraging further bids.

But perhaps judging that 500P wasn’t worth more, no one else competed.

“You’ll have plenty of other things to spend money on,” Labella said, as if giving up, before returning to her calm demeanor.

I managed to secure the 500P merit points.

Thank you, Ims Adjak.

* * *

Given the nature of the venue, most of the items up for auction were things mages would find useful.

Some tycoons deliberately bid on items meant for mages, then gifted them to disappointed mages to build connections, hoping to secure a mage’s protection for their faction in the future.

As Labella had said, the auction featured rare items rarely seen outside.

“Forty thousand pel! Forty-one thousand pel! Any more bids?”

The prices soared to astronomical levels.

The problem was that I didn’t see many items I could use.

To have so much money and nothing to spend it on.

Leaning closer to Labella, I asked,“Don’t knights have auctions like this? With your connections, Labella-nim, could you get me into one?”

“Yes, I’ll look into it for you.”

Labella answered briefly before focusing back on the auction.

She had already successfully bid on a magical tool but seemed to be searching for more items to buy.

With no other choice, I turned my attention back to the auction.

I wished a Tune would show up.

‘At this rate, I might not even know where to use the golden ticket…’

While I was lost in my privileged worries, the auctioneer raised his voice.

“And now, we’ll reveal the most valuable item of the day!”

Damn it, I have to decide now.

I’d confirmed that the golden ticket couldn’t be carried over to next year.

Rumble…

Three wheeled trolleys rolled out.

Though they were merely platforms for carrying auction items, they were exquisitely crafted, possibly made of pure gold.

To spend money like that.

Tsk, I was about to click my tongue when my eyes widened.

That thing on the middle trolley. Could it be?

“This auction features three Tunes! The mysteries of this world. Of course, magic is mysterious too, haha.”

As the auctioneer’s explanation continued, I became certain.

That Tune in the middle.

It’s an Adjak Tune.

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