Chapter 161

One hundred million. It didnt take a long time to say, nor was it difficult to pronounce. It was made up of words that children easily spat out while they played. But the words carried heavy weight, and even more so when gold coins were attached to the end.

Do you realize what youre saying right now? Midas was so stunned that he exclaimed, What do you mean a hundred million gold coins!? Besides the fact that its an insane number, you wont be able to carry that amount of weight with just one or two carriages! As Midas continued to speak, he became more infuriated and ended up yelling.

What is he planning? Midas had heard Zich say that he would extract the greatest amount of money from him, but the number exceeded his wildest expectations. He couldnt believe that Zich was asking for a hundred million gold coins for just putting the Earths Tear on auction. It was normal for people to call out a higher number than they were thinking of, but the price he was asking for was far too much. Instead of negotiating, it seemed as if Zich were trying to bankrupt him.

Its just a hundred million, Zich insisted.

You!

With his reddened face, Midas was about to spit out curses when Zich pushed a piece of paper towards him.

100,000 gold coins.

Midas looked at the paper, and then at Zichs face again. What is he doing? He wondered why Zich had asked for a ridiculous amount like a hundred million out loud, and yet had written a much smaller number. While he thought this, Zich showed him a second piece of paper.

The elf is outside.

Midas finally understood Zichs strange behavior.

I thought he completely got rid of the elf after taking the Earths Tear? Midas wondered if Zich was acting to trick him. But he decided that it didnt matter. The important part was that Zich wasnt really asking for the ridiculous amount of a hundred million gold coins.

Hm, but still. One hundred thousand is a lot, too. It might have been different if he were personally buying the Lakes Tear or the Earths Tear, but Zich was only placing the item up for auction. It wasnt that Midas couldnt give that amount, but he also hesitated.

Its too much. Of course, Midas was talking about the hundred thousand Zich had asked for instead of the hundred million.

Zich shook his head and said in a whisper, Theres no negotiating. Just tell me if youre going to give me the money or not.

Midas glared at Zich, but there was no way a scary glare would influence Zich. Midas tried to cut the price multiple times, but Zich refused. As they discussed, they didnt mention the exact amount of gold coins that they were arguing about out loud.

Wrinkles formed around Midas eyes. Although he was bluffing, he was secretly nervous. The Earths Tear was truly a dangerous treasure for him. Cant I just buy the treasure? Ill give you five hundred thousand for it, he offered.

No. Zich sternly denied the request. Then, he took out a piece of paper and wrote with his pen.

Dont ruin this, and quietly take it through the auction.

It must be because of the elf, Midas thought. Or else Zich wouldnt have to explain on a piece of paper. Damn it! Even though he definitely told me he stole the elfs item! Did he fail to completely steal it? Or did something get mixed up?

But there was nothing more Midas could do. If he refused one more time, it seemed as if Zich would really get up and leave.

Fine. Ill go with the price you asked for. In the end, Midas nodded at Zichs proposal.

* * *

The day of the auction was bright. The Black Market opened on the same day as the central auction house, but as expected of a market with its secretive nature, it opened only at nighttime.

Zich and his companions went inside the auction house. The lobby looked the same as usual, but the people inside looked completely different. Most people in auction houses wore luxurious clothes, but they couldnt compare to the people in the lobby right now.

The fabrics of their fancy and luxurious outfits gleamed with softness, and the gems embedded all over their bodies reflected the sunlight coming through the windows. They were all people who had come to participate in todays auction.

On the day the central auction house opened, most small auction houses closed. It seemed as if today existed solely for the sake of this place. Also, the people who had come today all had to be extremely wealthy to participate in the event. In a way, the place had the same atmosphere as a grand ball held by royals or high-class aristocrats; there was a certain mood that seemed as if it would relentlessly push away anyone of a lower class.

Yet, Zich and his companions continued to walk confidently through the snooty atmosphere. They wore the same comfortable clothes as usual and stuck out amid the luxurious vibe of the place. All eyes shot towards them. However, the groups expressions didnt change as they headed towards the lobbys information desk.

Do you need something, sir?

The receptionist addressed him with sir, but there wasnt a trace of welcome or friendliness in his voice; his face didnt even bear a smile. On normal days, the receptionist maintained a friendly smile and voice even while mocking them, but today, because it was the day the central auction house opened, he didnt. On this day, the receptionist chased away