***
A few days ago in the Radiant Church.
Pope and all the cardinals were present for an important ritual. The hall was big and was specially prepared for Important rituals. The grand hall had a lot of markings that described its history as well as the Importance of the Radiant Church. There were tens of sacrifices present who were virgin non-believers. All the servants were busy preparing the hall.
After all the preparations were done, Pope David gave a signal to his knights as they started killing all the sacrifices except 1 who looked the healthiest of the lot. The Blood of sacrifices soon filled the array on the ground which started shining Yellow. The Blood traveled through the array on the ground then onto the Altar which soon started showing the signs of glowing. The Last sacrifice was unconscious in the Altar. The sacrifice resisted for the last time as another soul took over the body.
The Angel who was shut off by Sarah a few days ago soon smiled as he spoke with a cruel smile as he took over the body, "Finally I can come down and teach that non-believer a lesson for making me lose face, shutting me off 4 times and breaking all those Heavenly Crystal Balls. This was so embarrassing between the colleagues up there. It seems I can't use a lot of my major powers."
Soon the ritual was finished as the Last sacrifice in Altar soon gained consciousness with a radiant glow all over.
The sacrifice spoke as if he owned the Church, "A non-believer body, Tut. Well, it is at least a body of a human."
The sacrifice then gently looked towards the First Disciple of Pope who was assigned as the next Pope and then he looked at the Pope and others as he spoke, "Are the preparations completed to teach that brat a lesson? Make sure to prepare the Ice-Fire Soul binding chains. This body may only last for 2 years as my soul is too much for this body and I don't want to spend much time in the mortal realm anyway. I guess the last time we had to descend was during Xylo's era. That damn brat even sold his soul and turned himself into an undead when my senior took action against him just so he can take both of them down. Who knew that brat would even damage some of the senior's soul, it was good that he died for good. This time, there can't be any mistakes because this brat John can do more damage in the long term. And this time we anyway controlled the spread of undead magic so chances of failure will be less however we must be prepared in case of any emergency."
Pope David was quite skeptical but after looking at the tone and aura he soon judged that it was an angel sent by Lord Irmela. He looked at the Altar of Angels where he saw the eighth slate shining and soon understood the Identity of the soul. Pope David immediately took the lead with his disciple and spoke vigorously, "Lord Leo, the eighth heavenly angel of Lord Irmela during the Calamity era 10,000 years ago. We welcome your arrival. Please allow us to make your stay comfortable during your time of visit. As for the preparations, they are complete for a long time but we were waiting for execution and your arrival. This is my only disciple Ronoah, I hope you can shower your blessings on him. Please take some rest so that you can adjust to Arkon."
Lord Leo had a lot of scorn for the elders in Radiant Church due to his past when he was a disciple 10,000 years ago and only showed gentleness to Ronoah whose soul had the mark of an Oracle just like him when he was alive.
Leo nodded as he looked at Ronoah and chanted the spell. Soon the spell entered Ronoah's body as he spoke slowly, "Child, don't resist the spell. This will be beneficial for your soul and future cultivation. Your meridians and soul are being cleared which will help you in cultivation, magic and resisting soul attacks of demons and devils in future."
Ronoah who was quite timid showed a cunning smile for the first time ever subconsciously since he was made an oracle. He understood that the power balance in the Radiant Church was now being shifted slowly and also understood his worth. The Cardinals too watched the whole show from the sidelines as they understood the nature of Lord Leo. Among all this Pope David was the most happiest as he could now legitimately suppress his rivals and control the church more efficiently.
Eighth Cardinal Richard smiled cunningly as he saw the scene, 'I guess Lord Leo doesn't like anyone apart from the chosen Oracle. I guess the recorded history is indeed based on facts and there is no manipulation then I may make use of Lord Leo's nature against David. Though I have lost a lot of power and influence but who says there can't be jealousy between a master and disciple.'
***
At the same time, In the undead Island kingdom east of the Ayananore Kingdom covered by violent seabelt there was quite a hubbub. In the throne room, an undead opened his eyes which was full of wisdom, emotion and wrath unlike an undead. He spoke slowly but firmly with a smile as he saw the glimmering crystal ball with scenes of Radiant church summoning an angel, "At last, they have arrived. I have been waiting for too long and going there to fight would have been a lost cause. I wonder which character summoned (Forced) those assholes to come down here. I need to investigate this new guy called John since he is able to force them to come down. This time, there will be a big show for those entities called gods and High-demons alike."
The Undead which was full of mighty aura summoned his undead minions to make preparations and went back to rest in a different position.
***
Back to the Auction.
The host of the auction immediately announced the start, "Dear Guests, we would like to update you all with some good news. Just recently, the Sky pharmacy's disciples were able to forge the Longevity Pills, the formula for the pill was provided by his Majesty John himself. The Pills made by the disciples have 50% to 70% efficacy as compared to the previous pills which could increase 25 years of lifespan. However, we are still researching and trying to improve the formula of the Longevity pill. From now on, our Auctions will sell 10 Longevity pills every day and it may increase as more disciples learn it."
There was a shocked as well as happy expression among all the dignitaries present today. John smiled as he looked at the podium. He asked Taylor, "The disciples are learning quite fast. Aren't they?"
Taylor smiled and spoke, "Yes, your majesty. These days Master Melanie is personally teaching those disciples at the Institute as well as the Pharmacy so there are better results."
John thought with a worried expression as he heard Taylor, 'It seems Master Melanie is really going to enter politics. Now this will be a headache for me.'
John then asked, "Is the plan for Sky's education system implemented according to the draft prepared by me?"
Taylor nodded and spoke, "Yes, from now on we will be taking national examinations every 6 months for more competitiveness. The curriculum is prepared and distributed to the schools as prepared by you. The newest batch of civil servants will come in 2 months after the examinations are conducted. As far as history is concerned we have not manipulated it unlike other kingdoms according to your wishes but we have rather added the opinions of yours and heads of other races from the cultural department to give readers a freedom of thought so that no race here has a superior or inferiority complex for the long term harmony of our new sky civilization."
John nodded as he looked at Sarah's long-term plan with regard to history. John spoke, "It's important to inculcate national identity to our citizens rather than racial, color or religious identity which can be poisonous and this approach is good as malicious conspiracies plotted by our enemies can be avoided if we follow this path. I can already see radiant church trying this approach to create conflicts between races, religions and what not from now on. As long as Sky's citizens resist this then I will consider this as a goal accomplished and a win against our enemies."
One of the Persons at the auction roared arrogantly, "100,000 Gold coins. Hmph, these cheap guys just like to package rare items in one deal to jack up prices."
At the Auction, suddenly one of the demons swiped all the 20 Longevity pills for a price of 100,000 gold coins.
The demon then looked at John with a sneering expression as if it was beneath him to come here put John in his place. The guard of the demon too was arrogant as if he wasn't afraid of anyone harming his master.
Fredric furrowed his brows as soon as he saw the arrogant guy but didn't refute him as he knew the status and identity of other party.
The Demon roared loudly as he smiled and ordered his guard, "Guard, quickly take these longevity pills and give them to Duke Fredric for Princess Diana."
The Demon then looked at Duke Fredric and spoke cunningly, "You won't reject this Lord Duke, will you? I heard that last time you accepted a gift from Lord John."
Sarah meanwhile immediately commented in a gender-neutral voice before John could scan the demon, "It seems this Demon Prince Chad was actually a simp from the way he is looking at Diana beside you and then you. Hmph, he should change his name."
John smiled and joked as he heard Sarah and spoke, "I think he is more interested in the wealth and power of the Bluesea family. He may as well be a simp though."
When the demon saw John's smile he felt as if he was being mocked internally but he decided to focus on Duke Fredric to make both of them lose face.
To remove the dilemma of Lord Duke, John signaled to Quill from his eyes. From this Quill immediately understood and told the host to immediately present 5 more batches of Longevity pills instead of the current 3 batches and not wait for this drama to finish.
Plato meanwhile was smiling as he looked at the show.
Plato spoke to Joel, "You see, this live drama here is more entertaining than the previous show Hamlet, what do you say Joel."
Princess Rona and Joel controlled their laughs as they and others continued to watch how this scene unfolded.
The host of the auction spoke as he got a signal from Quill immediately, "Now we present you our second batch of Longevity of pills. We will be presenting 5 batches of longevity pills today so that everyone can have a shot at these pills. We have done this because previously only Merchant Bill was able to procure the longevity pills."
"Hahaha…"
As soon as the audience heard the host, many kept their silence but there was one who laughed unscrupulously without paying any heed to the identity of Prince Chad. It was Prince Bidder who laughed to provoke Chad.
Duke Fredric smiled as he accepted the gift and spoke, "Of course Prince, how can I reject you."
Meanwhile, Fredric's Bodyguard Lyon spoke as he saw the signal of Duke Fredric, "I will be bidding 110,000 gold coins. Anyone wants to bid a higher price?"
Demon Prince Chad had red eyes as soon as he saw the tricks, he pointed his finger first to the host and then Lyon who made a mockery of his display earlier.
"YOU…"
Demon Prince Chad looked at Lyon with deep eyes and spoke, "Don't try these petty tricks on me, Lyon. You won't be able to bear the consequences. There are many events in this world where people die unknowingly."
While, Chad thought, 'It seems I made my move too early, well I still need to use this humiliation to my benefit. I thought I could make a mockery of both Duke Fredric and this upstart king then find an excuse to meet Duke Norman and other nobles.'
Fredric smiled as he spoke, "Is there a problem my Prince? Lyon, what do you think? Give me your explanation immediately"
Lyon smiled and spoke loudly, "Master, I am simply procuring Longevity Pills as military supplies for our elites. The Autonomy of special funds is in my care when military funds were allocated and I find these pills worthy enough for our squad to practice taboo magic and not lose any life span. Previously I didn't bid more as I recognized Lord Chad and didn't want to offend him. As for now, I don't want to wait for the last batch as I am sure that those merchants down there would be bidding fiercely for the last 2 batches."
Fredric smiled and spoke, "Fair enough. I too feel that they are good as military supplies for training elites as this saves time and increases efficiency. With this, we can already train 2 squads."
Bidder spoke nonchalantly, "I guess brother's mind is muddled in anger and hence this mad behavior. Little Brother, why don't you sit down. Do you want everyone in the hall to wait for you to end your clown-like comedy show so that the Auction can proceed? Look, even that host has stopped as everyone is focused on you so that he can look for more bidders."
Chad immediately muttered, "This Dirty blooded asshole. From where did he get the balls today to defy me so openly? He wants to gain the favor of Bluesea's and that upstart? It seems my deal with Draco has been leaked and hence his move. Looks like I can't float on both the ships now that bidder has made his move."
Chad's guard who was beside spoke immediately, "Lord, it won't be wise to attack them now. Even Arzaz is present here. He is beside him in that mask. He may look a bit shorter in height but from the looks, he has used the Taboo Magic Partial Shapeshifting. Besides, there are a lot of powerhouses here today so I reckon we don't attack for now."
Prince Chad sneered at them and sat down as he didn't want to make more of his mockery as he gulped down glasses of strong liquor so as to forward his plans.
Plato looked at the scene and commented in a small voice, "What a surprise, Prince Bidder apparently is smarter than Prince Chad. As they say, looks can be deceiving. From this, it can be seen that Prince Chad can no longer pressurize or bet on both the sides i.e. Duke Fredric and his brother Draco. No, now he will be forced to take sides of his brother Draco since Bidder has already made his position clear while giving enough respect to Lord John and his intention for cooperation. A very calculated move by Second Prince Bidder. No wonder capable people want to serve him despite his low status among all the princes."
Joel spoke, "I think that Prince Chad has less information about Lord John and hence his misconceptions as well as the arrogant attitude. Prince Bidder still has the edge as he moved according to his wishes with enough information to make Chad give up on Duke Fredric via his jealousy. So your analysis on both of them is on the spot."
"Ahem, Since no one wants to bid more then I will count till 3." Host coughed and said as he heard Prince Bidder from the sidelines.
Finally, things calmed down and the auction was back on track with some added pressure as all the longevity pills got sold.
The host of the auction then introduced the next item, "Ladies and Gentleman, behold this sight which you may remember for ages to come. We now present to you our latest creation, the Ice-Fire Magic Staff. Now you may wonder, how this is different and what are its pros?
First: You can engrave 3 magic spells of upto Master rank on this staff and can change it as you like according to the circumstances. However, Changing the engraved magic spell to another new spell will take 2 hours minimum so it is best if the 3 spells are already engraved before the battle.
Second: During a battle, you can use the Ice-fire crystal on the staff to recover all of your mana. The power can only be used once a day. Later you will have to replace the ice-fire crystal.
Third: Your casting speed will be increased by 20% while using this staff. Why? Because this staff is specially processed to better communicate mana between the user and the staff.
As for cons? After you change 20 Ice-fire crystals this staff will be obsolete and will get destroyed/decomposed. So we recommend not to use the mana recovery skill unless you are in a life and death battle. This novel creation was not done by 1 party but it was a collaboration of multiple parties which included Lord Tornwall, Lord John and Grand Potioneer Melanie who also specializes in magic."
After hearing this introduction, it was as if everyone in the hall got chicken blood pumped into their veins as people started bidding without waiting for the host to even finish.
One of the low-key nobles from Aelius who was also a magician spoke immediately, "500,000 Gold coins"
One of the nobles from Aelius expressed shock as he spoke, "Omg, this shithead had actually accumulated 500,000 Gold coins stashed in his small barony?"
"700,000 Gold coins," shouted Prince Chad forgetting the previous conflict.
Duke Fredric kept a poker face as he spoke, "1 Million Gold coins."
Meanwhile, John looked at Duke Fredric as if he was scammed in the previous deal when he saw Duke Fredric's bid.
Duke Fredric deliberately avoided John's eyes as if he was a thief who got caught. He thought, 'This would be worth it even if I spend 2-4 million gold coins. Just a small 100,000 Gold coins and Ice-fire magic crystal after each fight. 19 times usage is more than enough for 10 years atleast, maybe longer time if there are fewer assassinations and conflicts.'
John smiled internally as he thought after looking at Duke, 'Go on, spend your money. You will cry when you find out that our production costs are 50,000 Gold coins only. The only con now is the production rate of 20 per month by the Magic Staff factory. Anyway, I just now understood how deep your pockets were so this information was quite valuable.'
Diana who was beside John laughed as she saw the interaction between John and her father. She spoke mischievously, "It seems you were scammed by father in the last deal. Of course, he has deep pockets or else why do you think that the Fire-abyss royals covet the Bluesea family? However, he is a miser thorough and thorough as most of the time he is robbed by my mother and big mother. So over time, he has learned to hide his money. Just watching him first bid 1m for this staff means that this staff actually has a minimum value of 5m gold coins."
John was quite surprised as he heard this from Diana and slowly understood the nature of his future father-in-law.
John muttered slowly, "This guy is more shameless than I am. A thorough Scammer."
Diana smiled as she heard him and then looked at her father and thought how he would feel when he hears the production cost of this staff.
John then spoke, "Hey Diana, if he is a thorough miser then how do you get all that money to spend everywhere you travel?"
Diana rolled her eyes as she spoke, "Obviously my moms provide it most of the time. Or I simply blackmail him about his secret stash. Well, I haven't taken any money from him for a few months now after I came here as most of the investments are giving good dividends over here."
