Chapter 1282: An Unexpected Hunt

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After the first bid was concluded, several more items were placed up for auction. The highest item so far had sold for 24,500 gold coins. However, these items were similar to the Whale’s God Tears. While they were valuable items in their own rights and not easy to obtain, they could not be considered among the main attractions that brought people to the auction.

"This next item is one that was recently obtained from a Serva Stone. We were able to confirm that it is an item that existed during the Ancient Hollow Times thousands of years ago. It is called the Gaznite Temporal Key. While its exact functions are unknown, it is said to be able to exert influence over time. Even in a severely limited capacity, I am certain that I do not need to explain the value of such an item." Lady Kesa stated as she showcased the item.

The item was a stone of unknown origins floating at the center of two bronze rings that were in constant motion. There was a mysterious aura that encompassed the item and caused minor fluctuations to occur around its immediate vicinity.

"An item that can influence time? Only divine items should be able of such an astonishing feat." One of the guests commented in shock.

"No matter how much gold it takes, we must obtain this Gaznite Temporal Key. If it’s truly from the Ancient Hollow Times, it’s entirely possible that it has that kind of effect." Another guest chimed in.

It did not take long for a mixture of excitement and competitive spirit flooded the auction house.

The Ancient Hollow Times—there was not much known about this time period thousands of years ago as the records from back then were scarce. But, there were a few well known facts and one of them was that the Ancient Hollow Times had another name—The Era of Craftsman.

It was referred to as such because many talented craftsman, some of whom created the modern systems still used today in crafting, originated from that era. Or, at the very least, took some sort of inspiration from that time period.

Just the fact that it was from the Ancient Hollow Times period alone made it the dream of many craftsmen!

’It’s finally time.’

"I know that everyone is excited; however, before the bidding begins, please allow me to explain the rules. This item is one that was placed up for auction by the Supreme Elder of the Fourth Pavilion. As such, the Supreme Elder has requested that this item not be exchanged for gold coins, but rather a treasure of equal or greater value." Lady Kesa explained.

The Gaznite Temporal Key was one of the items Izroth obtained from the Serva Stone. But, due to the limited nature of its effects, despite its rarity, he decided to place it up for auction.

An item that could exert influence over time was tempting to keep. This was even more so considering it came from the Ancient Hollow Times period. However, Izroth had his reasons for choosing this item.

After Lady Kesa explained the rules, the atmosphere shifted. Gold coins were one thing, but a treasure that could rival that of one from the Ancient Hollow Times with time influencing capabilities—only those big forces could step forward to claim this item.

"I will offer a Uraz Elemental Totem." A deep and raspy voice sounded from one of the private VIP rooms.

"A Uraz Elemental Totem?! If that person is offering that, is he from the Undying Desolate Valley?" One of the guests exclaimed.

’The Undying Desolate Valley? That should be a force based in the O’Tohelm kingdom. I suppose not everyone stays confined to its borders.’

It was well known that most of the citizens of the Kingdom of O’Tohelm were religious zealots. However, like all the other kingdoms in the Mortal Realm, there existed factions that fought for power.

The Undying Desolate Valley was one of those factions. While still worshipping the same divine being, they took a different approach in how the sacred text were interpreted. This created a lot of tension between them and the current controlling faction of the kingdom. Nevertheless, their power and influence could not be underestimated.

"The Uraz Elemental Totem is one of the exclusive treasures of my Undying Desolate Valley. It can manipulate the elements of the world to one’s will. These effects are further amplified by one’s divine will. However, I am willing to part with it in exchange for this item." The deep and raspy voice sounded.

’The Uraz Elemental Totem is not a bad item. In terms of value, since it never leaves the Undying Desolate Valley, it can be seen as priceless, in a way. That being said, it’s not exactly an item I’m that compatible with.’

"I will have to decline your offer." Izroth’s voice sounded from the private room; however, when it echoed throughout the auction house, it sounded different from his normal voice. This was another protective measure added to hide the identities of those in the rooms.

Of course, it did not matter much to Izroth. After all, it was only a matter of time before others found out that he was the Supreme Elder of the Fourth Pavilion. Plus, it would help in aiding Vexpela’s position in the succession race against her siblings.

In truth, Izroth’s goal was not just to trade the items he placed up for auction. It was also to establish a potential connection with those who made the purchase. Needless to say, a group like the Undying Desolate Valley was certainly strong and influential; however, they would not care about matters unrelated to the O’Tohelm kingdom or their beliefs. Therefore, they were not an ideal trade partner.

That aside, if they truly did offer a useful and compatible item, Izroth would have reasonably considered it.

Out of nowhere, Izroth heard the system alert go off. Due to the timing, at first, he thought it was related to him declining to trade with the person from the Undying Desolate Valley. However, when he looked, he saw that it was something completely unrelated.

’This had to appear now of all times... How troublesome.’

〈System Alert: Due to the passive «Curse of the Netherworld», you have received the quest «Hunted By A Creature of the Netherworld»! This quest cannot be declined and has been automatically accepted!〉

Quest Name: Hunted By A Creature of the Netherworld(3)

Recommended Level: ???

Recommended Party Size: N/A

Quest Rank: ???

Quest Objective: Due to the passive «Curse of the Netherworld», you are currently being hunted by a creature of the Netherworld named «Faceless Death Stalker». Eliminate «Faceless Death Stalker» or face the consequences.

Time Limit: 1 Hour

0/1 Eliminate «Faceless Death Stalker».

Reward:

-x50 «Spirit Voucher»

Failure:

-Lose -5 levels.

-Lose -500 world fame.

-60% Chance for an Existence Wipe to occur.

*Bonus Objective(s):

[Difficulty: Easy] 0/1 Defeat «Faceless Death Stalker» without losing more than 50% of your maximum HP [12,040]. [+25 «Spirit Vouchers»]

[Difficulty: Medium] 0/1 Defeat «Faceless Death Stalker» in under 30 minutes. [+50 «Spirit Vouchers»]

[Difficulty: Hard] Defeat «Faceless Death Stalker» in under 10 minutes without losing more than 25% of your maximum HP [6,020]. 0/1 [+100 «Spirit Vouchers»]

[Difficulty: Impossible] 0/1 Defeat «Faceless Death Stalker» in under 5 minutes without taking any damage. [+1 «Restricted Supreme Spirit Voucher»]

Special Note: This quest may be shared with any number of players as long as they are affected by the passive «Curse of the Netherworld». Failing to complete bonus objective(s) will not affect the main quest objective.

It had been a while since Izroth had last been affected by the Curse of the Netherworld. The time limit was the same one hour as the previous times. But, this time was different. The previous times, Izroth had seen the enemy before the quest appeared. Yet, this time the creature listed as the Faceless Death Stalker had not shown itself, but the quest still went off.

’If the quest has triggered, it means that it’s nearby. But, I can’t detect anything with my Energy Vision Sense.’

There were magic formations in place that prevented others from peering into the private rooms; however, it did not stop them from looking or detecting outward.

’Given the way the magic formations are set up, then... Is it possible that it’s inside one of the private rooms right now?’

Under normal circumstances, a creature of the Netherworld would not dare be as bold as to invade a place with this many powerful foes. That is, unless they were incredibly confident of their skills. Or, they had some kind of outside assistance.

If the situation in Danaharpe City was different, Izroth would have thought that it was just a coincidence. However, with the League of the Eidolon moving in the shadows, it was not too far-fetched that the Netherworld was somehow involved.

’Still, for the quest to activate now of all times, it’s a bit troublesome, but I may be able to use it to my advantage to draw the rats out from hiding.’

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