Chapter 375 The Beginning of the Chase (1)
After a few minutes, the auction members handed over the twenty items to their respective owners, with each group handing over the items in the order specified by the auction.
Contrary to what one might think, the first item to be delivered was not the first to be sold that night, but the last. Since the last items were usually more valuable, they were worth more. As a courtesy of the organization, these most valuable items were delivered first, giving their respective owners the chance to leave the auction house first.
However, this was not an efficient strategy in terms of security for the auction winners and only served to get the most valuable items to their new owners more quickly.
There was no way for the auction organization to protect its customers 100%. Other organizations have tried various strategies in the past to ensure the safety of their customers and to prevent post-auction fights or theft.
But nothing was foolproof, and sooner or later, problems always arose.
Before the royal family of this state started holding auctions, the auction trade in the kingdom was free, and many of these events took place monthly throughout the state. Some auction houses even kept their participants' identities secret, using complex schemes so that none of the participants saw each other, special exits from the auction site, and using as few people as possible at the events.
But those interested in circumventing the laws always found loopholes, which hurt auction houses like these that tried their best to protect their customers more than others.
After all, if an auction house promised safety to its customers and its schemes failed, it would lose all credibility, and both sellers and buyers would lose interest in doing business with it.
Because of this kind of past experience, the organization of tonight's auction in Millfall didn't use any of these methods. It recognized that things could happen but made it clear that each buyer was responsible for protecting what was theirs.
That was why the prices it charged were not so prohibitive for both sellers and buyers.
Aware of this, everyone who had received their items left the theater in a hurry, some heading back to their groups in the city, their estates, while others prepared to leave the city.
As dangerous as the roads were, some preferred to face the problems on the roads.
In the cities, one would always have to worry about royal punishment, while there would always be people around waiting for all sides in a fight to exhaust themselves or even die.
On the road, it wasn't so simple. If two sides fought to the limit, the one who was less badly off could succeed, survive, and take everything from their opponent. That would never happen in a city, as someone else could easily join in, or even a soldier could simply use the law to take advantage of both sides of the initial battle.
So when the groups left the auction house, most of them went in different directions, to different parts of Millfall or the city's exits.
But while some simply wanted to keep their new possessions, others were interested in the items of their former competitors!
Not long after the last auction winners left, those interested in the post-auction nocturnal adventure found their observers outside the theater and began to follow those they were interested in!
That was the case with Vicente and a few other individuals from outside Millfall, winners or not of auction rounds, following Viscount Symons while others followed him.
At the same time, Layla went to Shelby, while others who were interested in the item she had purchased went to her.
The only group of winners that didn't attract anyone or move against another group were the members of the local Awakening Temple.
Otherwise, everyone had something to protect or take care of!
...
After the auction ended, Max and Myra passed Nova outside the Millfall Theater, where she was waiting.
The auction organizers wouldn't try to prevent possible fights after the auction. But the city had its rules, and the army was standing at attention around the city, having already organized the event's start and now ready to act if they noticed anything strange.
The two siblings passed close to where Nova was standing as they made their way to her house, somewhat dejected at having failed to buy the item of interest to their family.
"Big sister, are you coming home today?" Max asked as he looked at his sister in her army uniform. She was standing with a group of soldiers in front of the local theater.
"Yes, but not until later. Don't wait for me." Nova commented to Max, already realizing they had failed in their plans. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been so serious.
"Sigh... When you get back, we'll talk. Unfortunately, we didn't reach our goal." Myra said as she went to Nova's residence with Max and the two Mages guarding them.
They knew there would be problems tonight with the auction items. But none were interested in risking themselves in the night's quarrels, let alone targeting Viscount Symons.
...
Meanwhile, near the Mazzanti estate...
Two Mages, one Low-level and one Mid-level, were near the family's headquarters now, watching the place from the shadows of the night.
Then, one of them felt his communicator vibrate and brought it up to his face, pouring some of his mana into a device the size and shape of a guava.
"Cole, don't attack yet." Sarah Mercer's voice reached the ears of both men as the device glowed in the hands of the stronger of the two. "The auction just ended, and we're following Cesar's trail. Stand by to attack the moment I give you the signal. Let's wait until he's in a confrontation before we start our attack."
"Okay. I'll wait for your orders." Cole said, just before the device stopped glowing, and he looked at his partner, who would attack the enemy base with him.
"When Miss Mercer sends her order, don't hesitate, Leo. That basilisk won't be easy for me to handle in a short time. Use your time while I'm entertaining it to kill as many people as possible. Let's take care of these loose ends without fail."
"I'll do my best, Senior!" Leo commented as he clenched his fists, confident in dealing with mere Acolytes.
As they held their positions and waited for Sarah's signal, the Mazzanti family group was on alert, aware that this would be a dangerous night for them.
'I hope you're right about fighting alone, Vice. That may be the greatest challenge we've faced since we began our journey.' Rory thought to himself as he stood at this spot.
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