The auction house was a massive dome-like structure. The compound was surrounded by a metal fence, with guards moving up and down the compound, dressed in all-black uniforms and spears in their hands.

Entry through the gate wasn't prohibited to anyone, but some sort of identification had to be shown.

They got to the gate. Peter showed his ID card, and Jake showed his guild card. They were allowed in without issue.

After getting in, Peter walked along the paved walk that led right straight to the building through the garden of different flowers.

There were other people walking on the path, some stopping to admire the beautiful flowers and the rest headed for the building.

Jake thought they would walk through the building, but as they got to the building, Peter took a hard left and started walking down the path beside the building.

He walked as if he owned the place and knew where he was going. After a few minutes, a guard walked up to them and blocked their path.

"This area is restricted," he said in a strong tone.

"I need to see your boss on issues of the beyond," Peter casually said, and the moment he did, the guard stepped aside, not even saying anything else, and allowed them to walk past.

"What the heck was that?" Jake asked.

"That's the code word used at many of the organization's connected buildings. Use the words and you can get in," Peter explained.

"Wait, so what if someone random takes the words and uses it?" Jake asked.

"Hmm, I don't really know what they have planned for such occasions, but it's not really my problem," Peter said.

Finally, they made it to a small black door. Peter opened the door and walked in. The door led into a dark hallway with very dim lighting, their footsteps echoing inside.

Making it to a staircase, they climbed up one story and there finally got to a large door guarded by two guards.

"You cannot enter now, a meeting is going on inside there," one guard said.

"JOHN, I SWEAR IF I DON'T GET TO SEE THAT EGG, I'LL MAKE SURE I USE YOUR SKIN TO MAKE LEATHER FOR A BOOK COVER!" Peter yelled right there. The guards were taken aback by the sudden yelling and disruption. They immediately tried to throw the both of them out, but the door of the room opened and a man in a black butler coat walked out.

He was old, yet standing straight as a tree. His entire hair had fine grey. He stuck his hands behind his back and moved in a fashion of elegance.

"Allow them," he said. The guards immediately stopped and returned to their position. Peter and Jake followed the man in.

The warm smell of tea wafted into Jake's nose as soon as he stepped in, mixed with a flowery scent that lingered around the room. It wasn't strong or overpowering, rather soft and calming.

He looked around the interior of the room, a beautiful and simple lounge made for comfort. A bookshelf stood to the right of the room, carrying some books and files, but due to gaps, some books leaned on the others.

The top of the shelf had some little trinkets made of metal: a warrior, a small goblin, a house amongst many. At the center of the room sat two long beautiful blood-red velvet couches facing each other, a small table separating them, with two steaming hot cups of tea on it.

To the left was nothing of much importance. An armor stand stood with a beautiful set of black and deep red armour. Beside it was a map of the entire Open, framed and hung on the wall.

Seated on the couches was John with the tainted egg on his leg, and opposite him was a beautiful woman, a strikingly sharp face, eyes that could pierce a soul, and a very powerful aura around her.

She had scarlet hair with a streak of black in it, and she wore a beautiful black fitting gown, simple and stylish.

"I had a feeling you would find your way here, Peter," John said.

"Why didn't you come show me the egg first?" Peter said.

While those two were talking, Jake was observing something that felt off. The sun was up in the sky and burning hot, the weather was in no way conducive for hot tea, and besides that, the woman looked more like someone that'd prefer wine.

The woman noticed Jake staring at the cups of tea, and so she took it that he didn't understand. She looked at John. "Is this the new recruit that you spoke of?" she asked, her voice so smooth and elegant it could put someone to sleep.

"Yes, that's him," John replied.

"I see. You have a very observant eye, kid. I'm sure you are wondering why we might be drinking tea here when the setting doesn't call for it, right?" she asked.

"Yes, it feels off," Jake said.

"Well, this tea is special," she said, picking up her cup. "It contains a special spell that doesn't let someone lie on a specific topic.

It's mostly illegal to the public, and even in certain conditions, both parties must agree to it before they are allowed to use it, like here," she explained.

The butler that had been standing at the door since they entered spoke as well.

"The Vermilion Auction House has a partnership with the people that make this tea," he said.

"So, basically, this is to ensure that all the truth comes out?" Jake asked.

"Indeed," she replied. She showed the back of her hand, showing her mark as well. "The code of all Chosen is to never trust," she said with a slight smile. Then as if she came to a realization, she snapped her fingers.

"Robert, please pour two cups of tea for our new guests," she said to the butler, and then looked at the two. "Please come and have a seat, we haven't gone too far in our discussion."

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