Chapter 801: Rewarded
“Whoa… That’s impressive, Minerva!” Lysandra said. She was truly happy for her.
That number was enough to buy the two items.
“As expected of Minerva…” Asad chuckled as he had a good impression of her. Minerva was a reliable Survivor since he knew about her Combat Precognition Talent…
It was a terrifying talent, especially for close combat…
Shane nodded approvingly. “Then you can take them both. The Lenses and the Deck. They’re yours.”
Minerva inclined her head politely. “With pleasure.”
The shopkeeper’s smile widened as her hand reached for the final two treasures.
“Fortune favors those who see beyond the obvious…” he said cryptically.
Minerva didn’t hesitate once the discussion was over. She stepped forward and used her BidLink Communicator to purchase them.
[ You have bought Truthseer’s Lenses for 38,000 Points. ]
[ You have bought Gambler’s Fate for 42,000 Points. ]
Just like that, all ten items within the Secret Shop had finally been sold.
“Are you planning to use them? You have to be careful with those Lenses.” Shane reminded.
Minerva nodded. “I will… But I’m more interested in this deck of cards. I have a good luck charm with me…” Minerva said as she held the cards.
There was no arrogance in her tone. There was only satisfaction.
With nothing left in the Secret Shop, the group finally turned away.
The shopkeeper bowed while his enigmatic smile never faded.
“Until next time, Survivors.”
Soon after, the six of them found themselves stepping into a small shop within the Grand Auction Nexus. It was not far from the bustling stalls. It was a small café that seemed comfortable due to its aesthetic, which was like an indoor garden or some sort.
They entered together and immediately felt relaxed.
‘They’re using an expensive incense…’ Shane noticed after looking around.
Inside, the café was cozy, furnished with matching chairs, and there was also a scent of roasted beans.
Shane couldn’t help but recall Bart’s coffee shops.
For a while, their worries had faded as they decided to relax.
After just a few moments, everyone had drinks and snacks on their table.
Raze leaned back in her chair, sipping the bitter brew she had ordered.
“Finally… some peace before we get thrown back into the grinder.”
Diana stirred her cup as she added some sugar to her drink.
“Enjoy it while it lasts. Once we’re back, everyone will be scrambling to make sense of the new rankings.”
Lysandra was also checking through her inventory as she organized them for later use once they were back.
“Knowledge is leverage. I’m not letting anyone blindside us with what they got.”
Asad, meanwhile, simply closed his eyes, letting the aroma of the drink calm his mind.
All this time, Shane sat at the center of it all. His gaze drifted faint countdown projected in the corner of the café.
The Grand Auction Nexus would end soon. Then, they’d be back on the continent…
For sure, they were stronger and wealthier with all the things they brought back.
‘I just hope everything’s fine in the shelters…’ Shane silently thought as he could only hope for the sbest.
***
Soon, the countdown in the café ticked down to its final seconds.
5… 4… 3… 2… 1…
Just like everyone else, light engulfed Shane’s vision.
He expected the familiar pull back to the continent, but when his senses cleared, he was standing in an endless white space instead.
“Right… There’s that reward…” Shane muttered as he recalled the reward for spending more than 300,000 points in the Apex Auction.
Slowly, the white space transformed into a chamber that seemed ancient but magical…
Unlike before, when he met different admins in plain chambers, this place radiated the elegance of something handcrafted by elves…
Soon, a tall figure emerged.
She was an elf, and her silver hair was darker than the previous admins he had met…
She felt more mature, but her eyes seemed kinder than the previous ones.
“Welcome… Blessed by the Fairy Queen,” she said softly…
Shane gave a small bow of his head. “Another admin… I see. Thank you for the welcome. May I ask… Who exactly are you? And why am I being pulled here again?”
The elf smiled faintly, though there was a trace of hesitation. “I cannot tell you everything. Our roles bind us to silence in matters that are not yet meant for mortal ears.”
Her gaze stopped on him as if studying every line of his face.
“But know this… The Fairy Queen chose you for a reason. We, her servants, can only assume that her plan for you is greater than even you realize.”
Shane already knew that much, but he still gave a respectful nod. “The Fairy Queen… then I’ll trust that she knows what she’s doing.”
The elf’s expression softened, as though his answer had pleased her.
She raised her hand, and light spilled from her palm, forming several objects.
“Now… let us move to the reason you were called. You have spent more than 300,000 points in the Apex Auction Hall. As our rule, for this achievement, you are granted your assigned rewards.”
One by one, they appeared before Shane, floating gently in the air…
There were 3 Platinum Treasure Chests together with a Bag of Zombie Lure…
Shane was obviously impressed with the Treasure Chest, but the Zombie Lure confused him a bit.
‘Why is there a sudden lure reward? Isn’t that phased out already? Wait—can it lure even a Zombie Lord or something?’
As he reached this thought, the elf continued…
She wasn’t done yet!
“And because you are the Fairy Queen’s chosen, I offer you a gift of my own. It is rare that we are permitted such liberties, but I believe… this will aid you in the trials ahead.”
A small velvet pouch appeared in her hands… It was embroidered with patterns forming a World Tree. It then landed gently in Shane’s hands…
When he checked it with his system, he froze at the sight…
[ Epic Elf Recruitment Stones x30 ]
[ Legendary Elf Recruitment Stones x5 ]