On the first Saturday of every month, the Nirwana National Auction House (NNAH) was flooded with bidders from around the world. By nine in the morning, the auction hall was already packed. At ten, the auctioneer was presenting the seventh item: a teakwood carving depicting a scene from the legendary Tenzanium War.

  The warhorses seemed almost alive-some rearing on their hind legs, others collapsing beneath the thrust of spears. Soldiers in meticulously detailed armor swung their blades, while a standard-bearer screamed, his banner raised high as he drove its pole toward an enemy. The flag-emblazoned with a swan spreading its wings-appeared to ripple amid the chaos. Fallen figures lay beneath hooves or arrows, their carved expressions frozen in agony.

  Though the wood bore no paint, the sheer craftsmanship conjured the smell of smoke and the roar of battle. The masterpiece, spanning over two meters, opened at 100,000 Ren. It did not remain there long. A bid of 200,000 was called almost instantly, and the numbers began climbing at a dizzying pace.

  While the hall below buzzed with tension, the true power brokers sat in the VVIP balcony-private suites with darkened glass that allowed those inside to observe everything while remaining unseen.

  In one of those rooms, Wils Dingzu, leader of Yodania, sat beside President Davos Ardion. Wils was in high spirits. The night before, Rhona had finally sent him an email. She was safe. She refused to return home as long as he continued his "crimes," but for now, knowing she was alive was enough. He had discreetly doubled the men in his search party, keeping the situation concealed from both Davos and the Nirwana State Intelligence Agency (NSIA).

  Their conversation drifted casually to the proposed marriage between Rhona and Davos's son, Polar. Davos welcomed the idea and promised to discuss it with his son, who was currently away at university. Wils smiled, playing the role of a future father-in-law with flawless ease.

  "You're going to get an impressive price for this carving," Davos remarked as the bidding surpassed one million Ren.

  Wils chuckled. "I'd pay any price for the Tenzanium War." After all, he thought, it's nothing compared to what the Golden Forest will bring me.

  "The Tenzanium War remains a scar on Nirwana's history," Davos said quietly. "Even after a thousand years."

  "Indeed. But what exactly was 'Tenzanium'?" Wils asked.

  "Legend claims it was an object of immense power-a symbol of ultimate authority. It disappeared during the battle."

  Wils offered a thin smile, only half-listening. He doubted even the Cygnus knew the full truth behind Tenzanium.

  Meanwhile, in his private office, Winn Ardion watched the bidding on a monitor. He shook his head as the price reached 1.4 million Ren.

  "Does he have to break a record every single time?" Winn muttered.

  Sev, seated beside him, nodded. "Winn, we should steal his concept. I'm sure I could carve something like that. I just never realized war scenes could sell for this much."

  "Try getting into his mind first," Winn replied with a laugh.

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  The gavel came down. "Sold! For two million, four hundred and fifty thousand Ren!"

  "If one of my works ever sells for that much," Sev joked, "I'll run naked through the Nirwana Core Forest."

  Winn burst out laughing. "And the female gorillas will chase you!"

  "Fine by me," Sev said with a grin. "As long as it's not the males." He paused, eyes lighting up. "Wait. Gorillas. That's it. Next time, I'm carving a gorilla."

  He turned back to the computer and entered the final price into Cyan's account. Three weeks earlier, he had seen Cyan poring over a dusty history book about the Tenzanium War. The text had been dry-symbols, dates, fragments-but Cyan had transformed it into something breathtaking.

  "The guy doesn't even check his balance," Sev said. "I bet he has no idea how rich he is."

  "I wouldn't take that bet," Winn replied. "You're absolutely right. Where is he, anyway?"

  "Picking up Nara. School's on break, so they're heading back to Blue Village."

  A knock interrupted them. A staff member entered and approached Winn.

  "Mr. Winn, the President is requesting your presence in the VVIP suite."

  A flicker of unease passed through Winn. He stood, adjusted his jacket, and followed the staff member.

  A black-suited guard opened the door. The suite smelled of expensive coffee and diplomatic restraint. Davos and Wils sat like seasoned statesmen, though tensions between the Yodania and Nirwana simmered beneath the surface.

  "Sit, Winn. President Wils would like to discuss something," Davos said evenly.

  "I'm honored," Winn replied, slipping on his professional demeanor. "Winn Ardion, Special Marketing Manager for Cygnus products." The introduction made clear he was present as a representative of NNAH-not merely as a nephew.

  Wils shook his hand firmly. "A pleasure to meet such a capable young man."

  Once Winn was seated, Davos spoke plainly. "President Wils wishes to place a special commission."

  Winn frowned slightly. He had half expected a word of thanks for saving Rhona, but it seemed that matter was to remain buried. A VVIP commission, however, was equally improbable. Cygnus did not work on demand. They did not create art to satisfy a collector's whim.

  "What item are you seeking, Mr. President?" Winn asked.

  Wils smiled-the smile of a man accustomed to getting what he wanted. "A statue of Goddess Freya."

  Winn's heart sank. He resisted the urge to imagine a banner across the NNAH website: FREYA STATUES ARE NOT FOR SALE.

  "I'm very sorry, Mr. Wils," Winn said with impeccable courtesy. "Freya statues cannot be commissioned. Cygnus does not produce them for public sale."

  "What harm would there be in making just one? With their skill, I'm certain it would be flawless."

  "Perhaps," Winn replied carefully. "But I'm not privy to the full reasoning behind their refusal." Let the world assume they are eccentric artists. It is simpler that way.

  "Is carving Freya... forbidden to them?" Wils pressed.

  Winn stiffened slightly. Wils was not entirely wrong. Zinx carved her out of devotion, not commerce. To sell her would violate an unspoken code.

  "I can't speak to that," Winn said smoothly.

  "You communicate with them directly, don't you?" Wils's gaze sharpened.

  The questioning was growing tiresome. Winn glanced at his uncle-a silent request for intervention. Davos understood.

  "I believe the Cygnus simply prefer not to compromise their principles for outsiders, Mr. Wils. We regret the inconvenience."

  Wils laughed, dispelling the tension. "No apologies necessary. I respect your traditions."

  After a few more polished pleasantries, Winn rose to leave. Negotiating with world leaders was far more exhausting than dealing with even the most stubborn Cygnus member.

  But just as he reached the door, Wils called after him.

  "Wait, Winn. I nearly forgot."

  Winn turned. Wils regarded him with an unreadable glint in his eyes.

  "I am deeply grateful that you saved my daughter. As a token of appreciation... the carving I purchased today-I would like you to have it."

  Winn froze.

  The Tenzanium War-Cyan's masterpiece, sold for 1.45 million Ren-was now his.

  He bowed respectfully, thanked the President, and stepped into the corridor.

  His footsteps echoed heavily along the long hallway of the auction house.

  Why would the leader of the Yodania give away such a prize?

  The game of politics was becoming as dangerous as the forest itself.

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