NOVEL WEB Chapter 768: Bid
Shane looked at the winner who made the highest bid.
"Ah? Isn't that Reylin?" Shane was confused as he looked at the woman who won the bid.
She was definitely the previous Clan Leader of the Blood Talon Clan!
'I guess she saw how powerful those Super Soldiers are…' Shane smiled as he could understand why Reylin would want to have Super Humans within her shelter as well.
With 12 of them, they might be able to deal with powerful Zombie Lords if they were equipped with high-level items and became coordinated in battle.
Soon, the light above the platform blinked once more, and a new artifact emerged…
"Next," the auctioneer announced as she gestured at the new item. "A Grand Shelter Crystal."
The crystal was twice the size compared to the Advanced Shelter variant. Furthermore, they could feel more power emanating from this crystal.
"This time… We're going to show you the complete description of the item. You can check your device for full details!"
Just like what she said, there was indeed a written item description as soon as they checked their device.
[ Grand Shelter Crystal: An artifact of extraordinary grade, capable of claiming and fortifying a large domain. Upon activation, it will expand a designated territory into a citadel-like fortress, complete with autonomous defensive armaments and a protective barrier. Unlike lower-grade Shelter Crystals, this crystal can repel not only lesser undead, but also high-tier zombies. Even a Zombie King could be repelled if certain conditions were met. It enhances Production Speed, Culture Points, Shelter Durability, Defensive Structures, and Resource Generation to a higher level.
Starting Energy: 80%
Shelter Crystal Special Effects: Supreme Defense Effect, begins with 20 Ballista, 5 Automated Turrets, and 1 Shield Dome Generator.
[ Supreme Defense: All defensive and combat units within the territory gain increased range and improved battle instinct... Automated systems receive enhanced firepower, double efficiency, and a unique heat-dissipating system. The Shield Dome Generator can project a temporary absolute barrier capable of withstanding even high-tier undead assaults. ]
The auctioneer let the weight of the description sink in before finally speaking again.
"The starting price is five thousand points."
That was certainly at the lower side, so everyone immediately started bidding.
The Survivors started estimating or calculating the number of points they were willing to spend on this item.
"Twenty thousand." Lancelot said after realizing that the bid was only ten thousand after a few moments.
Then, someone tried to bid and just added another 500 points.
However, Lancelot was decisive.
"Thirty thousand points."
At this point, the others paused for a moment. Many measured the worth of such an artifact against the more practical choice of simply buying several Advanced Shelter Crystals. After all, they started to feel that this Grand Shelter Crystal would actually reach a very high price at this point.
But one Lancelot did not hesitate even after Natalie tried to outbid him.
"Fifty thousand points." Lancelot muttered.
Lesley's crimson mask tilted toward the Clan Leader as she talked to him.
"You're serious about it, huh…"
"Yes… I think its value can't be compared to three or four Advanced Shelter Crystals." Lancelot replied.
"Oh… You think it's better than four Advanced Shelters?" Lesley was amused. She never had plans of creating her own shelter, so she wanted to hear what was in Lancelot's mind.
"That's right… We need this. Four Advanced Shelter Crystals may make four strongholds—but one Grand Shelter will make a fortress that no one can breach. Shane has been growing too fast. If we want to surpass him, we must outscale him."
There was a brief silence before Lesley chuckled softly, amused.
"Hmph. Fine. Do as you please. If it's for our rise, then I'll support you. Just don't stop halfway."
"Of course," he said simply.
The bidding continued sluggishly.
"Seventy thousand."
"Eighty."
"Ninety."
But then, Lancelot didn't want to make bidding to take too long.
"One hundred fifty…"
At this point, they could already have obtained four or maybe even five Advanced Shelter Crystals!
Many dropped their bids immediately. Some shook their heads.
Why waste such a large sum on something so impractical when cheaper options existed?
They believed that five Advanced Shelter Crystals would be better than one Grand Shelter.
Still, a few stubborn voices kept trying. It came from Travis and Natalie…
"One hundred sixty…
"One hundred eighty..."
But Lancelot wouldn't let it go… There was no way he would lose this item. He had been able to earn hundreds of thousand of points just to obtain whatever he wanted!
He was determined to go home with this item!
At two hundred thousand points, the room fell silent. No one was willing to follow him into what they considered foolishness.
"Sold," the auctioneer declared with a smile, her gavel striking down.
Lancelot's gauntleted hand tightened on his armrest as he leaned back.
He finally obtained it.
Lesley's lips curved faintly beneath her mask.
"Two hundred thousand points for a single crystal. Bold."
"Not bold," he answered… "It's necessary."
***
The next item appeared on the stage, and this time, it felt more like a break from the intense bidding just now.
It was actually a piece of technology—clearly advanced, far beyond anything common—but fractured, burned, and shattered in several places. It looked terrible.
The auctioneer spread her hands gracefully.
"This… was once a high-grade weapon system from an ancient ruin. Its internal system is damaged beyond repair, but the materials alone are precious. Refined alloys, energy cores, and rare metals suitable for crafting or salvaging. While unusable as a weapon, it will still serve as an invaluable resource."
"Starting price, one thousand points."
The item was huge… Almost covering the whole stage… If they bought it, they believed that they could certainly obtain a lot of items.
Still, the bidding was short and almost dismissive. No one seemed excited about it, but there were still those willing to gamble. After all, this is the Apex Auction. There must be a secret in this item.
Unfortunately, there was no item description given to them this time.
"Seven thousand."
"Ten thousand."
"Fifteen thousand."
"Twenty thousand."
The bidding almost ended here, but Shane finally joined.
"Twenty-five thousand..."