Extra's Magic

The week passed by in the blink of an eye.

I've attended lectures and spent my time training with Robbin or training my new Mana Art.

Although I had spent more than a week immersing myself in the Shadow Art, it felt as if I was making small to no progress.

I was still stuck at the 'Novice' proficiency level, which made me frown every time I thought about it.

Sigh...

Well, that was to be expected since this Shadow Art is of the highest quality, the seven start Mana Art.

It would be stupid to expect in a week's time to become a master at it.

"Do I have more time?"

Looking at my wristwatch, I realized that there were barely a few hours left before 'that'.

I quickly stood up from my seat and hurriedly grabbed my belongings.

A jacket and my wallet.

The brisk autumn air hit me as I stepped out of my apartment, the cool breeze serving as a reminder that time waits for no one. Clutching my jacket tighter, I briskly navigated the hallways of the Academy, each step echoing with a sense of urgency.

My Mana Art training could wait; 'that' was approaching, and I couldn't afford to be late.

The corridors were filled with the murmur of students discussing the day's lectures and the excitement of honing their respective skills.

As I neared the campus gates, the sprawling architecture of the academy gave way to the open expanse beyond. The golden hues of the setting sun bathed the surroundings in a warm glow, casting long shadows on the cobblestone paths. The crisp sound of leaves crunching beneath my shoes provided a rhythm to my hurried steps.

Reaching the gates, I glanced at the towering clock nearby. Time was slipping away, and I quickened my pace. The distant hum of city life beckoned as I stepped onto the bustling streets. The sun had dipped below the horizon, and the city lights began to twinkle like distant stars.

Summoning a taxi wasn't as easy as it sounded. The bustling streets were alive with activity, and the competition for cabs was fierce. I raised my hand, signaling to every passing taxi, until finally, one pulled over. I hopped in, my heart still racing with the fear of being late.

"Swiftly to the Main Street Auction House."

I instructed the driver.

The city lights blurred as the taxi weaved through traffic, each passing moment increasing the tension. The hum of the engine and the occasional honk of horns formed a chaotic symphony, a backdrop to my racing thoughts.

Peering out the window, I watched the familiar landmarks pass by - the shimmering lights of the entertainment district and the imposing structures of the financial district. The Auction House loomed ahead, a beacon of anticipation.

As we approached, I could see the grandeur of the building, its architecture telling tales of centuries past. The taxi slowed, and I paid the driver with a hurried thanks. I stepped out onto the curb, the imposing doors of the Auction House beckoning.

Taking a deep breath, I adjusted my jacket, straightened my posture, and stepped into the realm of intrigue and mystery, ready for whatever awaited behind the grand doors.

Before coming here I'd, obviously, put on the Darkling Mask, which changed my face, hiding my identity.

Click...

The heavy doors of the Auction House closed behind me, muffling the sounds of the vibrant city outside. The dimly lit foyer whispered of opulence and secrecy, the air thick with the scent of aged wood and anticipation. My steps echoed on the polished marble floor as I approached the reception desk.

A discreet attendant, dressed in a tailored suit, looked up from behind the desk, his eyes hidden behind equally discreet glasses. There was a tacit understanding in the air, a recognition that here, questions were best left unasked.

Without a word, I handed him a meticulously prepared stack of bills. His gloved hands accepted the transaction with a practiced ease, and a subtle nod indicated that my passage had been acknowledged.

"Follow me, sir"

A subtle gesture from him guided me through a side door, and I found myself in a labyrinthine corridor adorned with tapestries that seemed to whisper ancient secrets. The subdued lighting added to the mystique, casting intricate patterns on the plush carpet beneath my shoes.

Soon, the attendant stopped before an unmarked door. He opened it with a reserved bow, revealing a lavish VIP lounge beyond. The room exuded luxury, draped in deep hues of burgundy and gold. Plush velvet sofas beckoned, and the scent of exotic incense hung in the air.

Tap... Tap...

I entered, the door closing silently behind me. The room felt like a sanctuary, shielding me from the prying eyes of the world outside. As I settled into one of the ornate chairs, I marveled at the craftsmanship of the surroundings. The walls were adorned with priceless artifacts, each telling a story of a bygone era.

I glanced at my wristwatch, noting that I had arrived with moments to spare. The anticipation for 'that' grew, mingling with the air of the room. The minutes stretched, each one laden with expectation.

"..."

I glanced at the massive hall beneath my platform, observing many people gathered, their faces animated with excitement.

Although there were no important people within the building, I was also probably the only person in the VIP rooms since this was a normal Auction without any special guests or high-profile attendees.

Usually, the list of items being auctioned is posted before the auction and none of the items drew the attention of the elite.

"..."

Sneering under my breath, I closed my eyes and allowed myself to rest for a few moments, at least until the event would begin.

The minutes ticked away in the hushed ambiance of the VIP lounge, and I could feel the hum of excitement building up in the air. The scent of incense wrapped around me like a silken veil, adding to the mystique of the surroundings. I leaned back into the plush velvet chair, eyes half-lidded, contemplating the clandestine world that unfolded before me.

The subtle rustle of heavy curtains signaled the commencement of the auction. I straightened in my seat, eager for the show to unfold. The door to the hall opened, and a poised figure stepped in, dressed in an ensemble that spoke of authority. The auctioneer, a master of ceremonies for this enigmatic gathering, cleared his throat and stepped onto the elevated platform.

"Good evening, esteemed patrons and connoisseurs of the extraordinary. Welcome to the Main Street Auction House, where secrets find new owners, and legends are forged."

His voice, rich and resonant, echoed through the hall, commanding attention. The attendees below responded with polite applause, their eyes glinting with anticipation.

"As tradition dictates, let us commence our journey into the realms of the fantastical and the arcane."

The auctioneer gestured, and a pair of attendants emerged, bearing an ornate chest between them. The lid creaked open to reveal an artifact that seemed to pulse with otherworldly energy. The auctioneer's voice wove a tale of a forgotten kingdom, buried deep within the Veiled Mountains, and the mystical powers imbued in this relic by a long-gone sorcerer.

"As we unveil the first item of the evening, I present to you the Crown of Ethereal Shadows, once worn by the ruler of the hidden kingdom. Legend has it that whoever dons this crown gains the ability to traverse between realms, their form becoming an elusive specter in the night."

The crowd murmured in awe, eyes fixed on the shimmering artifact. I, too, found myself drawn into the narrative, my imagination dancing with the possibilities that such an item held.

However, it was most likely fake.

There is no way such an item would exist and I wouldn't know of its existence.

As the auctioneer continued his soliloquy, each item brought forth had a story to tell. A dagger forged from the heart of a fallen star, said to cut through the fabric of reality itself.

A cloak woven from the threads of a celestial spider, granting its wearer the gift of ethereal invisibility. The tales were spun with a deftness that transported the audience to realms only whispered of in ancient times.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, the pièce de résistance of our evening."

The auctioneer announced a glint in his eyes that hinted at the rarity of what was to come.

The attendants carefully placed a small, unassuming box on the platform. The auctioneer lifted the lid, revealing a delicate crystal vial filled with a luminescent liquid.

"The Tears of the Moon."

He declared, his voice hushed with reverence.

"Said to be collected in the Silver Glade under the light of a rare celestial alignment. One drop of this elixir bestows the drinker with visions of the past, present, and future."

Gasps of wonder filled the hall as the bidders exchanged intrigued glances. I felt a surge of excitement, my heart pounding at the prospect of possessing such a unique and powerful item.

As the auction neared its climax, my initial restlessness returned. The energy in the room crackled, and I found myself squirming in bidders.

"500 Hundred thousand acorns!"

my seat, the anticipation becoming almost palpable. The auctioneer, sensing the eagerness of the crowd, began to quicken the pace, each item presented with a flourish and met with escalating bids.

My gaze lingered on the Tears of the Moon, the final allure of the night. The auctioneer's words became a distant hum as my thoughts swirled with the possibilities this rare elixir held.

With each bid, my restlessness intensified. The desire to possess the Tears of the Moon became an unrelenting force, eclipsing all else. As the bidding war reached its zenith, I could no longer contain my impatience. My fingers drummed against the armrest, and my eyes darted nervously between the auctioneer and the rival bidders.

"500 Hundred thousand acorns!"

As the last seconds ticked away, I finally spoke, making the entire room fall silent.

I might be overpaying for the item but I really need it.

I can't keep living without the knowledge of what happened to me or rather what happened to this body I inhabit.