Legacy of the Dark Sage

Kyran had trouble sharing information and relaying his plans with his group because they had yet to figure out who was observing them. Fortunately, apart from observing them from a distance, their observers did not attempt to approach them. They also did not try to sneak into their rooms while they were away or sleeping.

They still observed their activities inside their rooms but did not place any listening or concealed monitoring magic device or array. Kyran's discerning eyes might have been why they did not do those things or wanted to observe them without going overboard. Whatever their reason was, they were at least given time to relax when inside their rooms.

By the time the open auction arrived, Kyran only managed to give his group a map detailing the escape route he had prepared.

Preparing that route demanded much of Kyran's alone time and mental fortitude. He had to work in secret, in the confines of his room, to ensure the observers would not know what he was doing.

Basically, Kyran left ready-made arrays in different locations in the outer city. He made sure to leave those arrays as naturally as possible and at places that the observers would not find suspicious. After that, he remotely activated those arrays in his room.

To do that, Kyran used the concept he learned from the Forest Dragon Tribe— where he connected with the arrays he left behind by channeling his magic energy there.

Of course, Kyran had to ensure that his observers would not notice any magic fluctuation in his room. Or even if they did, it was too little for them to draw suspicions.

In any case, the whole ordeal took a great deal from Kyran's mental fortitude, so much that once he was finished with the task, he literally passed out cold.

On the day of the open auction, Kyran gave his group the map as naturally as possible. Since Cyneah and the rest were aware of the observers, they double-checked anything Kyran gave them.

For example, Kyran gave them a transparent disc that showed the list of items that would be auctioned that day. To activate the disc, they only needed to insert a small amount of magic energy. Kyran even emphasized that they had to insert their magic energy properly.

Alta and Mira activated the disc as if they wanted to check what was on the list. But in truth, they tried to see if there was any trick to the disc that would make it show different information.

Just as they expected, when they inserted the type of magic energy that they were supposed to possess while in disguise into the disc, it showed a list of items. Since Kyran emphasized that they had to use their magic energy on the disc properly, it would likely show a piece of different information if they used their original magic energy.

For the record, their clothes could also change their magic energy type. Thus, they also had to be careful when summoning magic. Because no matter how good their clothes' enhancements were, it could not change the nature of the magic they would summon. After all, the magic energy used to summon it was from their innate magic energy.

After realizing the trick on Kyran's disc, Alta and Mira made a mental note to check it later. They would do it when they returned to their room. Of course, they would not stubbornly want to return to their room if something came up while they were in the auction.

Since they more or less understood Kyran's train of thought these days, they knew that the information on the disc would help them in case something happened in the auction.

Cyneah and Leif also understood this and went along with Alta and Mira while checking their discs.

The open auction would take place in an open field just outside one of the gates leading to the inner city. Trees surrounded the open field, and a lake connected to a river that snaked around the inner city's walls was beside it. In the middle of the field was a large tent that could house a thousand people.

Several combat mages lined each side of the tent's entrance at that moment. From the emblem on their light armor, a profile of a fox with a gold chain dangling on its fangs, they were from the Crepuscule Clan.

Kyran was already familiar with the open field because he would go there almost every afternoon after his round around the outer city, and he would pass the time there. Of course, that was what his observers would see, but in fact, Kyran was setting up his escape route.

The lake was artificial. Thus, the bottom of the lake was not made out of a lakebed. There were probably some 'soil' and 'stones' there, but those were only there to hide the construction of the ship's insides.

Since the lake was close to the inner city, no one would consider using it as an escape route. But Kyran discovered that although the lake was located near the inner city, the bottom part, or more accurately, the part of the ship it was in, was only an old passageway leading to the outer city's port.

At least, that was how Kyran assessed the lake's position based on the map Leif's people gave.

The lake would be their escape route if something terrible happened during the open auction.

Many residents and visitors from other clans were already gathered outside the tent. Judging by the density of beings there, no had entered yet.

It was no surprise, though. Only about a thousand beings could participate in the open auction, and there were still about two hours before it started. If all these people entered by then, the tent would already be full by now.

"Do you think we'll have a chance to enter?" Leif voiced her worry after seeing the crowd. "I don't think we are late, but to think this many people have already gathered outside..."

"Many residents and visitors alike wanted to participate in the open auction this time. They probably think there will not be a next time, given the current situation in the Higher Realm," Kyran replied, voicing his opinion.

The open auction was supposed to have taken place a few weeks prior, but because of the recent events in the Higher Realm and The Emperor's declaration, it was said to have been canceled. Seeing that it was happening only days before the new month, the Crepuscule Clan probably delayed the auction as much as possible and could only do it today.

As for the next one, scheduled two months from now, there was no guarantee that it would take place because it would all depend on The Emperor's progress with his 'search.'

"Since we submitted some items to be auctioned, I think they will allow us entry," Alta pointed. "But given how many came today, only a few of us will probably get a chance to enter."

"If that's the case," Cyneah started, looking in Kyran's direction. "We need to decide who will go inside and stay outside."

Kyran frowned slightly at the thought. If possible, he wanted all of them to enter because if something happened, he could easily take them to their escape route. He might have given them the escape route map, but if he could have avoided it, he would have preferred it if they did not have to use them because they were all separated.

"Mira and I will stay behind," Leif declared. Seeing Cyneah's worried expression, she added with a wry smile, "I think it is the most practical arrangement."

She did not add that they were practically outsiders, and the ones who honestly had business there were Kyran, Cyneah, and Alta.

"If not all of us can enter, we'll go with that," Kyran agreed after a short pause. He also believed it was the most practical arrangement because they had no backup, unlike Leif and Mira, who had people from their clan residing in the outer city.

Since the alliance between the Dragon Clan and the Ogen Clan was still under wraps even among their people, Kyran did not want to risk leaving Alta, especially Cyneah, with them.

With Kyran giving his opinion, the rest agreed as they approached the tent.

Fortunately, they found a relatively empty spot where they could wait until the members of the Crepuscule Clan allowed entry to the tent.

Half an hour later, a representative of the Crepuscule, wearing a red robe with a similar fox emblem stitched at the back, came out of the tent and addressed the crowd. She was in human form, but based on her features— having fox ears and three tails, with slitted gold eyes— it was apparent she was from the Crepuscule Family.

"We thank everyone for coming and wanting to partake in our family's open auction."

The Crepuscule's representative's voice was quite gentle to the ears, which would typically have been difficult to hear amidst the noise. However, she amplified her voice and even sent out a small amount of her magic aura to ensure that everyone would pay her proper attention.

"I am sure everyone is worried about being unable to participate because of the venue's limited accommodation. However, fear not," she smiled at them— a smile that looked mischievous given her fox origin. "The tent may look like it can only accommodate a thousand when, in fact, it was more than that."

"Oh, a magic item?"n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"I did not sense any array around it nor magic fluctuation, but the tent is a magic item?"

The crowd started talking to themselves.

"Now then," the Crepuscule representative clapped her hand as she stepped aside and gestured toward the tent's entrance. "You may now enter the venue to the open auction."