Path to Transcendence

Chapter 132: Auction

Julius looked over at Lily and gave her a soft poke to get her attention. "What does she mean? What kind of effects does having metal affinity properties mean for the core?"Lily looked at Julius with an understanding grin. "My best guess, is that ice elemental somehow consumed a natural treasure of the metal-attribute variety. This would make it possible for the elemental to develop certain skills and abilities that would influence its core. Normally ice cores are used for cold enchantments and sometimes even stability or other structural enchantments. However, if what she is saying is true, then one could expect a talented enchanter to be able to use this particular core for stability enchantments to a higher degree than what the Tier should indicate."

"Why wouldn't they just use a Tier 5 ice core then? Wouldn't that just be an easier solution instead of finding such a rare core?" Julius pointed out.

Lily nodded. "You are kind of correct, but you also have to consider the fact that if one were to use a Tier 5 core, the energy requirements to fuel the enchantment would be prohibitively more expensive."

"So if someone were to create something with this core, they could create something that has the strength and resilience of a Tier 5 item without the cost?" Julius asked.

"Not exactly, you won't be able to perfectly replicate a Tier 5s power, but it does get awfully close," Lily corrected him.

"Probably some rich noble will get it for their kid or someone they care about," Aubrey said in disappointment.

Kyle shook his head from his spot and made a sound of disgust. "What a waste of a unique core. Imagine the re

She looked him in the eyes and gave him the most tragic-looking gaze. "You won't?" She asked in a depressed tone.

He felt like someone had just stabbed him in the back of the heart. Now he felt like a piece of shit. Which if he knew her, was exactly her plan. She would try to guilt him into taking it.

Instead of answering her, he turned to the others who were wearing knowing smiles. "I thought you said she was cheap," he accused them.

"Oh, she is," Aubrey stated emphatically. "But that usually extends only to herself and not her friends."

Julius wore a frown. "Wait, did you guys know?"

Derek chuckled. "Not many nobles would throw around a hundred platinum for a mere Tier 3 life-attributed treasure, no matter how rich they were. Plus, we told you how wealthy she was. Did you think we were exaggerating?"

"Yeah, just take it. She could have probably bought all the items at the auction easily. A hundred platinum to her is literally a couple of coppers to someone like you," Aubrey said casually while simultaneously insulting Julius's own financial status.

Damn, Julius knew she was wealthy, but being able to spend tens of thousands of platinum like that was on a completely different level.

He looked back at Lily and carefully took the box from her still-extended arms with a genuine smile. "Thank you, it's a great gift."

Lily's previous tragic expression was wiped off like it was never there. "I know right?! I went through their catalogue of what they were selling tonight and I came across that. I thought it would be a perfect fit for you and Drasil."

"So I can use this for Drasil?" Julius asked curiously.

"Of course, and even better, Drasil can take it without any processing. It will actually work better for him that way. A Sylvan Petal is a great treasure for any blooming life spirit. A hundred platinum is actually not a bad price for one," Lily said with a smug smile.

Julius just shook his in disbelief as Lily turned into an excited girl over a new shiny object in a matter of seconds. It was a very nice gift though, he would make sure to remember it.