Volume 02, Chapter 22
'Galerie des Trésors'
Stepping out of the limousine, I’m immediately struck by the sight before me. The Galerie des Trésors stands like a jewel of Verdant Haven, its grand entrance flanked by a wrought-iron gate that wouldn’t look out of place guarding a royal chateau.
The building itself is a masterpiece of architecture, seamlessly blending the elegance of ancient design with magical enhancements. The stone fa?ade shimmers faintly in the daylight, as though enchanted to exude an aura of prestige. Tall spires reach toward the sky, their tips glowing faintly with embedded Aether crystals. Ornate carvings of mythical creatures and celestial symbols adorn the walls, speaking of a rich history steeped in magic and grandeur.
Verdant Haven’s architecture never ceases to amaze me.
“Let’s go, Doms,” Arthur says, his voice pulling me from my awestruck observations. “The auction’s starting soon.”
I nod, following him toward the entrance.
As we approach, a stern-looking security guard steps forward, blocking our path with an authoritative stance.
“Greetings, but we do not allow middle schoolers to enter,” the guard states, his tone firm but polite.
Before I can respond, Arthur steps in without missing a beat. He reaches into his wallet and retrieves an ID card, holding it out for the guard to inspect.
The guard takes the card, his eyes scanning it briefly. His reaction is immediate and dramatic—his stern expression softens, and his eyes widen with a mix of surprise and respect.
“I see… you’re Uther Lyon’s son,” he says, his disbelief evident. There’s a pause as he straightens his posture, his tone shifting to one of deference. “Please, come in, esteemed guests.”
Arthur smiles graciously, pocketing his ID. “Thank you.”
With the guard stepping aside, Arthur glances back at me, his smile turning slightly mischievous. “Follow me, Doms.”
“Uh, sure,” I reply, still processing the swift shift in the guard’s demeanor. One moment we were being turned away, and the next we were being welcomed like royalty.
As we walk through the grand entrance, the luxurious interior of the Galerie des Trésors begins to unfold before me, its splendor promising an experience unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
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Now, we find ourselves sitting in what feels like a theater, but it isn't just any spot; we are perched in VIP seats, high above and close to the stage. We are given a unique view, one that not only offers the best perspective but also some privacy. Noticing a large black glass in front of us, I realize it probably shields our identities from the rest of the attendees.
"Doms, here." Arthur's voice draws my attention.
He hands me a small button, which I accept, a bit puzzled.
"What's this for?" I inquire, eyeing the tiny device.
"It's how you bid. Just press it if you see something you like down there."
"Oh..."
With that simple instruction, my excitement surged. Thanks to Arthur, I am not just a visitor to this grand venue but an active participant, ready to dive into the auction from the comfort of our hidden perch.
Glancing below, the crowd is a mix of elegance and luxury, each person dressed to impress, likely here to showcase their wealth through their purchases of magical treasures.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the annual auction of 'Galerie des Trésors'!" announces a voice. My gaze shifts to the stage, where a lady in an exquisite gown stands, ready to present the first item.
-Poof!
With dramatic flair, white smoke envelops the stage, revealing, as it clears, a stunning painting.
"The painting 'Inside a Café' by Degas Edgar," she announces. "This piece is over a hundred years old."
While the painting is beautiful, I am not here for it. My interest lies in magical artifacts, not artworks, regardless of their history or beauty.
"The starting price is one million Camilliums!"
Immediately, signs fly up among the crowd, signaling the start of the bidding frenzy. Leaning back onto the plush sofa, I decided to bide my time. I am anxious for the magical artifacts to make their appearance. That is when the real excitement will begin for me.
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"Now for the next item..."
-Poof!
With a dramatic flourish, white smoke fills the stage, curling and twisting before dissipating to reveal a long, rusty sword scabbard. Its dull, corroded surface is an odd contrast to the elegant presentation of previous items.
“An ancient longsword scabbard!” the auctioneer announces with practiced enthusiasm.
I can’t help but frown. Who would be interested in such an item? In a prestigious place like this, showcasing a rusty scabbard seems almost laughable.
“The starting price is one hundred thousand Camilliums!”
My skepticism only grows as I glance around the room. The crowd remains silent, unimpressed. No one seems eager to raise their signs for this seemingly ordinary item.
-BING!
The sharp sound of a bid indicator breaks the stillness. Surprised, I see Arthur casually pressing the button from his seat.
“What? Why did you bid on that rusty scabbard?” I ask, my voice low but filled with disbelief.
Arthur leans back in his chair, a knowing smile spreading. “You might not see it, but there’s something special about that scabbard.”
“Like what?”
“It has dormant Light Magic within it,” Arthur says matter-of-factly as if that explains everything.
“Dormant, huh?”
I pause, the term tugging at my memory. From the web novel, I recall the concept of dormant magical artifacts. Over time, if an artifact goes unused, its magical energy becomes dormant, concealing its true potential. Awakening that dormant magic requires a suitable user, someone capable of connecting with the artifact to unleash its hidden power.
Arthur’s ability to spot this highlights a side of him I hadn’t fully appreciated. Beneath his easygoing demeanor lies a sharp intuition and a deep understanding of magical items.
As I process this, the auctioneer continues scanning the crowd for other bids, but no one else seems interested.
“Since no one else is bidding, the winner is from the VIP section!” the auctioneer declares, gesturing enthusiastically toward Arthur.
The crowd offers polite applause, though it’s clear most consider the scabbard an odd purchase.
Arthur leans forward, a satisfied grin on his face.
“See? One hundred thousand Camilliums for something priceless,” he says confidently, glancing at me.
I can’t help but feel a newfound respect for him. His decision wasn’t whimsical or reckless—it was deliberate, a calculated move to acquire something of immense potential. Where others saw only decay, Arthur saw value.
“You’re full of surprises, Arthur,” I admit, shaking my head with a small smile.
“Stick with me, Doms,” he replies with a wink. “You might learn a thing or two.”
As the next item is announced, I lean back in my seat, stealing one last glance at the rusty scabbard now carried offstage. I can’t help but wonder what kind of power it holds—and who will awaken it.
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"Now for the next item..."
Poof!
Once again, the stage is enveloped in white smoke, dissipating slowly to reveal a mesmerizing purple orb. Its surface shimmers faintly, as though alive with hidden power. My breath catches.
A monster orb.
Without waiting for the auctioneer to announce the starting price, my hand slams down on the button.
Beep!
The sound echoes through the hall, followed by a collective chuckle from the audience.
"Oh my, someone from the VIP section is a bit too eager," the auctioneer remarks, her amused gaze sweeping toward us.
Laughter ripples through the room, and my face heats up in embarrassment.
“Hahahah! Doms, you’re too excited!” Arthur teases, giving me a friendly punch on the shoulder.
“Ow,” I mutter, rubbing the spot.
The auctioneer, still smiling, regains her composure. “Now, the starting price is one hundred thousand Camilliums!”
Determined to secure the orb, I press the button again almost immediately.
-Beep!
“Oh, it seems our enthusiastic VIP bidder is back at it,” she quips, drawing more chuckles from the crowd.
Before I can relax, bids from the main floor start flying in.
“150,000!”
“200,000!”
“400,000!”
The room comes alive with a frenzy of bids, each amount escalating faster than the last.
The auctioneer, sensing the excitement, leans into the moment. “Oh my, it seems this monster orb has truly captivated everyone’s attention! To keep things interesting, the new starting price is now… 10 million Camilliums!”
A collective gasp ripples through the room, but I don’t hesitate. My hand presses the button again with unwavering resolve.
-Beep!
Arthur turns to me, his expression caught somewhere between surprise and concern. “Doms, are you sure about this?”
I nod, my determination firm. This orb could be a game-changer. If I can purify it, it might be the key to transforming myself into a Manaficial—a goal that feels closer now than ever.
The room grows quiet. No other bids come.
“Seeing no further offers, the purple monster orb is now sold to our VIP bidder!”
“Yes!” I exclaim, pumping my fist in the air before I can stop myself.
Arthur chuckles, patting my back. “Congrats, Doms. Looks like you got the orb.”
“Thanks, Arthur,” I reply, grinning. The rush of excitement momentarily drowns out everything else.
But as the adrenaline fades, reality sets in like a cold splash of water.
10 million Camilliums.
The realization hits me hard. My enthusiasm had completely overridden any sense of restraint. I glance at Arthur, trying to gauge his reaction. While he’s smiling now, was that earlier concern a sign he thought I’d overstepped?
Oh no. Is he annoyed or mad?
The weight of my impulsive decision starts pressing down on me, my mind racing with doubts. What was I thinking? 10 million Camilliums is an astronomical amount. Even though Arthur can clearly afford it, the sheer recklessness of my bid makes me cringe.
“Doms, are you okay?” Arthur’s voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts.
I meet his gaze, searching for any hint of frustration or disappointment. Instead, all I see is genuine concern.
“Yeah, I just…” I pause, struggling to find the words. “I didn’t realize how much I spent until just now.”
Arthur lets out a light, reassuring laugh. “It’s okay, Doms. I told you to get whatever caught your interest, didn’t I? I meant it.”
His words are a lifeline, pulling me back from my self-inflicted guilt. But I still feel the need to explain.
“10 million is a lot, Arthur. I didn’t mean to go overboard,” I admit, my voice low.
Arthur waves a hand dismissively. “It’s just money. What matters is that you’re happy with what you got.”
His nonchalance is a relief but also a stark reminder of how different our worlds are. For Arthur, this is normal—a casual indulgence. For me, 10 million Camilliums feels like the kind of sum that could change lives.
“Thanks, Arthur,” I say sincerely. “I appreciate it.”
“Don’t sweat it,” he replies, flashing a grin. “Besides, I’m curious to see what you’ll do with that orb.”
His confidence in me is both comforting and motivating. My mind shifts back to the potential of the monster orb and my plans to purify it. Despite the lingering guilt over its price, I can’t deny the thrill of having something so powerful at my disposal.
As the next item is announced, I lean back in my seat, taking a moment to steady myself. This whole experience is a reminder of how far I’ve come—and how much further I have to go. But with friends like Arthur by my side, I feel like I might just be able to navigate this strange, unpredictable world.
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The day feels surreal as Arthur and I make our way down the cobbled path outside the Galerie des Trésors. The ornate briefcase holding the Demon Orb feels heavier than it should, as if the weight of my impulsive decision—and its implications—are pressing down on me. Me Arthur walks with easy confidence beside me, swinging a sleek case containing his bizarre yet calculated acquisition: the rusty scabbard.
The air is cool, the evening sky streaked with hues of orange, pink, and lavender, as though the universe itself decided to celebrate the closing of this extraordinary day. I pull out my Commlink to check the time. 5:48 PM. We’ve been here for over two hours, though it feels like minutes since we walked through the gates.
“Geez, Doms,” Arthur’s voice breaks the quiet, his teasing tone catching me off guard. “I didn’t know you were into Demons.”
I blink at him, thrown off by the comment. “Wait… what?”
Arthur gestures lazily toward the briefcase I’m holding. “That orb you bid on—it’s a Demon Orb.”
I freeze, my eyes darting down to the case in my hand as if it might explode. A Demon Orb? My pulse quickens. I’d been so caught up in winning it that I hadn’t even considered questioning its nature. Without the ability to sense mana, I completely missed the dark energy radiating from it.
With his affinity for Light magic—naturally opposed to demonic energy—Arthur must’ve felt it immediately.
“You’re serious? A Demon Orb?” I ask again, my voice betraying a mix of panic and disbelief.
Arthur smirks, that devilish grin spreading across his face. “Don’t tell me… you plan to summon a Succubus, huh? Trying to live out some fantasy?”
The accusation hits me like a lightning bolt. My face instantly burns with embarrassment.
“N-No! I’m not into that!” I stammer, my voice cracking in a way that only makes Arthur laugh.
“Hahahaha! Oh, Doms, your face!” He doubles over, clutching his stomach as he laughs like I’ve told the funniest joke of the year.
“Cut it out!” I groan, throwing him a glare while hiding my flaming cheeks behind one hand. His infectious laughter finally gets to me, though, and I can’t help but crack a reluctant smile.
After a few moments, Arthur straightens up, wiping tears of laughter from the corner of his eye. “Alright, alright,” he says between lingering chuckles, his grin still wide. “But seriously, what do you plan to do with that orb? Sell it?”
I blink, taken aback. Sell it? Why would Arthur assume that? Why would I sell something so valuable? I spent 10 million Camilliums—Arthur’s money—to get this.
“Sell it? Why would I sell it, Arthur?” I ask, confused.
Arthur shrugs, his tone casual. “That’s what most people do with monster orbs. Unless you’re trying to crack one open and gamble with your life, they’re worth a ton on the market. Easy money.”
Ah. His perspective makes sense. In Verdant Haven, the modern Manaficial procedures don’t require Monster Orbs anymore. They’re considered antiquated relics—valuable, but only to collectors or people reckless enough to tamper with them.
“I’m not going to sell it,” I reply, more firmly this time.
Arthur’s playful grin falters slightly, his curiosity piqued. He arches an eyebrow. “Why not?”
I glance down at the briefcase, the polished metal glinting faintly in the evening light. How much should I tell him? Arthur’s trust in me has been unwavering so far, but I can’t risk revealing too much.
“Well…” I hesitate, choosing my words carefully. “I have something in mind for it. But I’m not ready to share the details.”
Arthur raises both hands in mock surrender, his lips quirking into another grin. “Aww, fine. Keep your secrets, mysterious Doms.”
His lighthearted tone eases some of my tension, and I let out a small laugh.
“Thanks for understanding,” I say, grateful he doesn’t push further.
Arthur gives me a sidelong glance, his expression softer now. “Hey, just promise me you’ll be careful, alright? Demon Orbs aren’t toys.”
“I will,” I reply, my voice steady.
He doesn’t say more, but his words linger in my mind as we continue down the path. Arthur’s carefree nature hides a sharp instinct—and it’s clear he’s watching out for me, even if he won’t admit it outright.
The briefcase feels heavier again, but it’s not from guilt this time. It’s from responsibility. I know what this orb could mean—what it could unlock. If I can find someone to purify it, it might become the key to changing everything.
-Vroom!
Arthur’s sleek limousine glides to a stop at the gate, its polished exterior reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun. Passersby pause to admire the luxury vehicle, their lingering stares a testament to the presence it commands.
Butler Max steps out with his usual poise, his movements crisp and practiced. Bowing slightly, he opens the door for us.
“Welcome back, Young Master Arthur and Monsieur Dominic.”
“Thanks, Butler Max,” Arthur says, slipping into the limo with effortless grace.
“Uh, hello again,” I mumble awkwardly, following him into the luxurious interior.
The door shuts with a soft click, sealing us in the plush, quiet haven of the limousine. Butler Max slides into the driver’s seat and turns slightly toward us.
“Young Master, I presume we’re heading to Monsieur Dominic’s residence?”
“Yes,” Arthur confirms, leaning back into the comfort of his seat.
“Roger that.”
With a hum of the engine, the limo glides onto the road, the ride impossibly smooth.
I glance down at the briefcase on my lap, its contents tugging at my curiosity. Unable to resist, I flip it open. The deep purple glow of the Demon Orb fills the space, swirling with dark, mesmerizing energy. Despite its ominous reputation, it’s breathtaking—a piece of forbidden beauty that feels strangely alive.
“You know, Doms,” Arthur says with a teasing edge, “if anyone else saw you staring at that Demon Orb like it’s a priceless gem, they’d start some pretty wild rumors.”
I roll my eyes and snap the briefcase shut with a click. “Well, no one’s going to find out if I keep it a secret, right?”
Arthur snorts, amused. “Sure, but what’s your excuse when Uncle André and Auntie Celine ask where it came from?”
I pause, already having anticipated this. “Easy. I’ll say you took me to the Galerie des Trésors and decided to be the generous benefactor.”
Arthur laughs, clearly satisfied. “Nice save. I’ll back you up if they ask.”
Reaching into the limousine’s mini-fridge, he pulls out two cans of grape juice—those ridiculously expensive—and tosses one to me.
“Here. A victory drink,” he says with a grin.
“Thanks.”
I crack it open and take a sip. The juice is rich and refreshing, tasting like liquid luxury. I lean back, letting the world outside catch my attention.
The city’s bustling streets fade, replaced by a vast expanse of lavender fields stretching to the horizon. The golden glow of the evening sun bathes the flowers, turning them into waves of violet fire, shimmering with every gentle breeze. It’s mesmerizing, like something out of a dream.
For a moment, everything else fades—the auction, the orb, the worries about Lumi’s duel.
Arthur’s voice breaks the quiet, softer this time. “Pretty nice view, huh?”
“Yeah,” I murmur, my gaze still lost in the scene outside. “It’s… peaceful.”
The lavender fields blur slightly as the limo continues its journey, but the serenity they bring lingers. This calm feels almost unreal after everything today—bidding wars, Arthur’s teasing, the weight of impulsive decisions.
I take another sip of the grape juice, savoring its sweetness. The Demon Orb rests heavily in my lap, a quiet reminder of the challenges ahead, yet it doesn’t feel as overwhelming now. Instead, there’s a growing resolve.
This world I’ve been thrown into is chaotic and unpredictable, but it’s also full of wonder—moments like this that remind me how far I’ve come and how much more lies ahead.
I glance at Arthur, leaning back with his arms crossed, a faint smile playing on his lips as he stares out the window. I've come to rely on his presence—steady, unshakable—more than I’d admit.
The limousine rolls forward, the hum of its engine blending with the faint rustle of the lavender fields outside.
In this fleeting moment of peace, I silently vow to myself: Whatever challenges come next—Lumi, training, the weight of this orb—I’ll be ready for them.
For now, I let myself relax, the horizon glowing with promise and Arthur's quiet companionship making the road ahead feel just a little less daunting.
