Conqueror Of The Dark Soul

Chapter 9 - Making Money

After defeating Blaze, Alden now finds himself inside the Nest. The place looks like the core of a volcano, still enclosed with sharp rocks on the ceiling and lava flowing amidst the rocks, indicating its intense heat.

However, Alden is not particularly focused on that point, but rather on a shiny black crystal with a hint of red covered by flowing lava from above.

"Ice Fields."

Using an incantation, he forms a block of ice into a bridge towards the center of the lava ocean where the crystal is located.

He uses another Ice Fields to block the lava flow from above. Now the crystal is fully visible.

"This is the fourth Nest Core," Alden says with a hint of joy.

In addition, there are several valuable items he can take, such as a chunk of typical Dark Dimension obsidian stone, which would have a high value if sold, given its rarity.

There's also an ancient earring shaped like a droplet of lava.

Such items are often found inside Nests. For some reason, everything seems deliberately prepared for Guardians to discover.

After obtaining the Blaze Nest Core and some useful items, he decides to exit the Gate. There is a pause after defeating all Dark Souls in a specific Nest before the Gate closes. However, essentially, after the Gate closes, a Dark Soul Seed is still left, making it possible for another Gate to open.

Therefore, Alden has to completely destroy that Dark Soul Seed.

"Fletus Spina Obscure." With this incantation, the Dark Soul Seed is completely destroyed. It is marked by the connecting media, a dagger that has now turned into ashes.

The next day, Alden spends his morning making money. Despite his condition, which is always forgotten, he could use it to survive. For example, he could sleep in an inn and leave afterward, and no one would realize something was wrong. Or he could eat at a restaurant and leave without paying; that wouldn't cause any issues either.

However, he prefers to live like an ordinary human. Moreover, Black Orb will always nag if Alden cheats like that.

The items he obtained inside the Nest include; an ancient earring, a rare Obsidian stone, and Blaze Nest Core.

The latter cannot be exchanged for money. He needs it. It makes the other two items obsolete; for the earring, Alden believes it might be quite expensive considering its regenerative mana-like effects when worn. Whether it's a Fighter or a Mage, mana is crucial. If a Mage has Spells that require mana, then a Fighter needs Aura.

Then the rare Obsidian stone; it is clear that it will yield quite a lot. Obsidian stones from the Dark Dimension can be used to craft weapons or specific items with great durability. Also, the material facilitates the flow of mana, capable of enhancing Aura usage to a certain extent.

First, he needs to visit the market to sell these items.

"Hmmm, I know this is valuable. That's why I suggest you sell this at the auction." It was advice from one of the Merchants. He was an older-than-average-looking man. Clearly, Alden chose a merchant who seemed wealthy enough to sell these items.

"Of course, I can buy this earring, but for the Obsidian, I suggest selling it at the auction."

Alden rubs his chin while thinking. Then, he starts negotiating the price.

At the end of the negotiation, the earring finally sells for the price of one liontin. "Upon reflection, this price is equivalent to the dagger offered by the merchant yesterday," Alden nods.

One liontin is enough to live for several months without additional expenses.

But, considering Alden's experience buying a dagger before, he thinks that in the future, he might need more money.

"You said the Gate will open a week from now?" Alden now asks Black Orb.

"Yes," Black Orb replies.

"That's quite a long time." After thinking, Alden adds, "Should we start looking for the Key?"

"I think so. But remember to be cautious not to encounter Emperors."

"Of course, I still value my life."

Leaving the market, Alden now looks at another bar. He feels an urge to go in and have a drink.

But he decides to reject that idea. First, he needs to go to the auction. Sell the Obsidian Stone, then find the Key. There's still a lot he needs to do.

In the city of Heinburg, there are several auction places. They are usually divided based on buyers.

But, the previous Merchant suggested him to sell the Obsidian Stone near the church area. There, many Guardians gather, and presumably, most Obsidian Stone enthusiasts are Guardians.

Walking past people who are busy, whether ordinary citizens or Guardians, it's surprisingly noticed that the number of Guardians in this city is more than he expected.

Considering that there are a total of eight active Churches on this continent, maybe it's somewhat normal. The southern continent only has two active Churches, so the number of Guardians is not that high.

Or perhaps the number of Guardians increased because of the incident in Virshire. That might be a more reasonable explanation, putting aside the number of active Churches in the Devon Empire.

A sacred building with a giant dome and towers on several sides. Filled with a warm atmosphere, it is a church. Specifically, the Saturn Church, one of the eight active Churches.

The auction is not far from that magnificent and sacred building.

Its place is a small shack with a wooden sign that reads, "Ancestor."

No additional action is needed to enter the place. The security is not so strict, but it is disciplined. For example, no one is allowed to bring weapons inside other than the ones to be auctioned. Of course, considering Alden doesn't have a weapon, it doesn't bother him much.

First, he needs to meet the person in charge of the auction. Introduce the item he will auction, then set the initial price.

"Hmm. This has good quality." An old man with a silver beard and brown eyes strokes the obsidian with his thumb. There seems to be admiration in his eyes.

"Let's determine the initial price." After explaining the rules Alden needs to know about the auction, such as the auction house taking ten percent of the actual proceeds.

Alden doesn't know whether that's too much or the other way around. But considering the initial price is already quite fantastic at fifty Liontin, he feels losing ten percent is not that important anymore. Especially considering the price might go up further.

"Agreed," Alden says.

"Okay, great. Now, you can wait in another room that we have prepared for you."

At that moment, a service woman comes and bows to Alden. "I will guide you to your room," she says.

Alden is about to step forward but stops immediately, "Wait. Can someone more trustworthy be in the same room with me?" Alden looks at another young man next to the old man. He has a serious look on his face, short black hair, and a well-built body.

The old man furrows his brow. It doesn't include the service in this matter; Alden is a client, but only to that extent. He's not a VIP who can ask for anything.

"I'm afraid someone will come and do something to me," Alden makes up an excuse.

Actually, he will be in trouble if, in the end, after leaving this person, all memories about him will disappeared. Then, where will the money go?

He needs someone trustworthy to be with him, and at least, it can be proven that he was here and was a client.

At that moment, Black Orb chimes in, "You know that transactions like this have written evidence, right? Even if you're not recognized later, I think those documents will be enough proof."

Alden falls silent for a moment. It's clear that he doesn't know about this, and besides, this is the first time he's engaged in such business.

"Could you have mentioned that earlier?" Alden mutters in annoyance.

Black Orb doesn't respond and is heard sighing.

"Did you acquire that Obsidian Stone in an unlawful manner?" The old man is now suspicious, thinking that Alden might have stolen the item and is now trying to sell it at the auction.

"Of course not. Actually, forget it."

Resolving this misunderstanding takes some time and a few sweet words. Eventually, Alden follows the old man's initial suggestion, guided by the service woman into a specific room.

The room is relatively small, with a bed, a table, and a few chairs. It's quite basic.

"Well, you can wait here until the auction begins. Make yourself comfortable," the service woman says with a polite bow before leaving.