Three days later, in the heart of Gran Forest, Emerald Heart Auction House.
The auction house itself was a work of art.
It had been built within the inner space of a Starlight Ancient Tree nearly a hundred meters in diameter.
The enormous heartwood had been cleverly hollowed out and expanded into a spiraling, tiered auction hall.
The dome was formed from the ancient tree's natural leaf veins, which emitted a gentle starlight. The light filtered down through layer upon layer of leaf flesh, making it feel as though they were beneath a tranquil starry sky.
The air was filled with the ancient tree's distinctive woody fragrance and a fresh scent that helped sharpen the mind.
The auction house was packed to capacity. Wizards of every kind occupied the tiered seats, and quite a few of them possessed formidable auras.
The private boxes were concealed behind vines winding around the tree walls and enormous glowing flowers. Only vague silhouettes could be seen moving within, lending them an air of mystery and nobility.
Accompanied by Horne, a manager of the Giant Rock Merchant Guild, Duke took a fairly good ordinary seat reserved by the guild.
It was very close to the auction stage, allowing him to see the items clearly.
If he had been seated in the back rows, he would probably have seen the auction items as little more than ants.
The auctioneer was an elegant female Wizard with a voice like flowing spring water. Wearing a red formal gown, she stood atop an auction platform made of enormous glowing mushrooms and delivered her welcoming address to the audience.
Duke found the chair extremely comfortable. It was made of green leaves and looked quite unusual.
Horne sat beside him. Duke had originally said there was no need for Horne to