Demon God

Desire ended the meeting with Rick Roll after receiving the full report on how things went.

Well, Desire has already predicted how it would go, so it was more like he was making sure that everything went according to his plan.

Naturally, it all went according to his plan. That is...except for one thing.

'The merchants have gathered in a house and are talking amongst themselves, huh.'

Right, Desire knew that the merchants gathered in a single house, and Desire didn't expect them to do something like this.

At least, not right after the attack happened. He expected that they would cower for some more hours or even days before they would be able to properly calculate things and assess their current situation.

However, it seems that there was someone who got a good head above his shoulders as the merchants have gathered so early.

Nonetheless, their little gathering does not matter at all.

Desire was just shocked to know that they were able to regroup so fast after hearing the shock of their lives.

Incidentally, the reason why Desire knew about their meeting is because Rick Roll made some of his subordinates stay behind and keep watch on the merchants.

After all, who knows what they might do now that they are in a situation like that.

And now, the one who reported to Desire that the merchants have gathered, Ryu, stepped back a little bit now that his report was done.

He was currently standing behind Desire, and Desire was sitting in a chair right now.

And as if he was waiting for Ryu to finish talking to Desire, the announcer on stage immediately spoke up.

"Welcome! Welcome! This is the place where only the most esteemed people are allowed to participate, the Heavens Auction!"

"This is the auction where only the very important people or VIPs for short may enter!"

The announcer shouted out loud with great glee, but it couldn't be seen on his face since his face was covered with a mask.

Of course, the people knew that what he said was just prep talk or simple flattery, but they couldn't help but get hyped as they are deemed as VIPs by one of the influential auction houses.

Which is why...the people who were grouped together right in front of the stage all cheered up together as they raised their fists high in the sky while remaining seated.

These people are what one could call to be the general mass. In short, they are just here to pump out the numbers and are not the real VIPs.

The real VIPs are all sitting in their own rooms, which are located on the second floor.

These rooms have a one-way glass, which allows the real VIPs to see the auction while having some privacy, and they are also able to hear what is going on down there.

In one such room, Desire was sitting as he looked down on the stage and the announcer.

His room...was at the very center, which means that he was the most important person present right now.

This is because Ryu revealed his identity, not Desire's identity, when they came here.

Naturally, the Heavens Auction was located in the city of the Dungeon of the Dead.

Seeing as how Ryu is affiliated with the Lion Clan, the owners of the Dungeon of the Dead and he is considered to be the Lion King's Claws, it was deemed by the Heavens Auction that he is the most important person right now.

That was also why the Heavens Auction was confused right now. When Desire entered the scene, Ryu was acting polite towards him, and it seems that he was even taking care to not offend him.

When seeing such a scene, the Heavens Auction could only adjust to the situation and act as if they didn't know anything, and just give this room to them.

After all, it would be better if they didn't pry into Ryu's business unless they want to have their nose get burnt.

However, just why did Desire come into an auction when he didn't really want anything at all?

Up till now, Desire has never shown any desire for any materials or wealth.

Of course, it was obvious at this point, but this is so he can find the materials that he needed to create the Mana Heart.

Desire asked Ryu if he could get Mana Hearts of Rank 6 undead monsters, but...Ryu said that it would be impossible to give it to him now.

This is because the Mana Hearts have already been sold to the Heavens Auction.

Heavens Auction and the Lion Clan have always been in a partnership, and the Heavens Auction is prioritized when it comes to Mana Hearts, Magic Cores, and the like.

One could say that the Lion Clan is the supplier, and the Heavens Auction is the distributor.

And since the Lion Clan has already given it to the Heavens Auction to distribute it, there is no way for Ryu to give Desire what he asks since...the Lion Clan does not have it anymore.

Of course, they can just ask the Heavens Auction to give some of the Mana Hearts back. Since their relationship has been stable, 10 Mana Hearts or so are nothing for the Heavens Auction.

However, Desire just decided to attend this Heavens Auction because it piqued his interest.

There would be items other than the items that the Lion Clan sold them, and those items would be for sale in this auction. There's also the chance Desire would be able to find the Root of Life in here, the ingredient that Desire thought to be the hardest one to find since he has no information on that one.

The Blessings of Tear are actually pretty common, and Desire is pretty sure the Lion Clan or even Lionel got some of that that he can use.

But the main point why Desire intended to attend this auction is because...other items might interest him.

That was all, and nothing else.

"Now, then...you sure we have the money to buy anything I want from here, Ryu?" Desire asked Ryu. To which, Ryu answered, "Naturally, Young Lord."

And as if it was all perfectly timed, the announcer on stage shouted out loud once more.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let us start the Heavens Auction!"