The Auction City that Never Sleeps

I've been waiting for this day for far too long. It's past time that you return my story to me.

My words... My ink... I've finally found you. With this I can finally...

Huh?

What's going on? My words... My story is somehow distorted...

Ahh!

Indeed, I've returned the unfinished story to you. "For our glorious future, the truth has been slipped between the pages like a flower used as a bookmark."

...... How long has it been since then? Hundreds... Maybe even thousands of years?

It could've been just a day. For me, a thousand years or a single day are the same. Time is too long, like an empty darkness of nothingness.

Who would've expected the one to unravel the mystery of this book to appear now, after all this time?

Is it proof that there's no such thing as a never-ending story? But if that's true...

Then it's time these lies came to an end! This cursed story must end!

I'll never get tired of looking... This armor and mantle... The armor'll fetch about 100... Call it 50 ROC for the mantle even with the wear and staining.

Both from the early Miglance period, and as far as I can tell, both genuine. Where do you find this stuff?

And that sword on your hip...

Hey.

Huh?!

You're the broker who hit it off with Elseal when I brought her to the future, right? Jeeno, right? Can I help you?

Oh, uh, sorry! I happened to see you and I was going to call out, but then I got caught up checking your gear.

My gear? It's just ordinary stuff from Baruoki...

Ordinary! Ordinary, he says! You can't fool an armor buff like me. See, check it out. All genuine-article Middle Ages Eastern make. Sweet, huh? Not as sweet as yours, of course. I really wanted to be fired up for the auction today, so I wore my best.

Auction? What auction?

You're not here for the auction?

First I've heard of it. Is it going to be full of people like you and me?

Not quite... There are regular folks like you and me, and then there are the creme de la creme. People from all over the world gather in one place seeking all kinds of unique treasures.

I didn't realize there was a place like that in Elzion.

Iota District is an underground section of the city. That's where you find the Auction House.

It's underground?

That's right. You can take the elevator there. Just as I said before, it's a unique part of the city where people of all backgrounds gather to bid for treasures.

Word is this next auction is going to offer some amazing treasure. I'd kick myself forever if I missed it.

You should swing by too! I'm going to get going now. See you there, maybe!

Let's see... I put the armor at around 100 ROC. Maybe even 50 since it's dirty.

Judging from the design, I'm think the armor's early Miglancian. The thickness of the gold plate suggests it's not a replica.

This guy's got to be some kind of medieval times fan boy. But look at the sword on his hip...

Hey, I saw you mumbling to yourself about me. You got some business with me?

Yikes! My bad! There're a lot of people in my line of work, but not so many fans of the Middle Ages like you.

Look, I might not be as serious as you are, but my outfit is an original Eastern themed set from the same period.

Slow down there. What's this about your work and the Middle Ages?

Huh? Aren't you here for the auction?

An auction? Is that some kind of costume party for people like you?

Not quite... There are regular folks like you and me, and then there are the creme de la creme. People from all over the world gather in one place seeking all kinds of unique treasures.

I didn't realize there was a place like that in Elzion.

Iota District is an underground section of the city. That's where you find the Auction House.

It's underground?

That's right. You can take the elevator there. Just as I said before, it's a unique part of the city where people of all backgrounds gather to bid for treasures.

Rumor has is that there's going to be a very special treasure during the next event. I'm going to see it myself. What's your name by the way?

I'm Aldo.

I'm Jeeno. I hope I'll see you again. Bye!

An auction, huh? Can't say I mind the idea seeing unique treasures.

Huh? What's that?

It's a card with numbers written on it. Looks like Jeeno might've dropped it.

He said he was on his way to the Auction House, which means he's probably on the elevator going to Iota District by now.

He might get in trouble if he loses it. I should return it to him.

Let's see, how do I get down to Iota District...

I need a Seeker license to enter Iota District? How do I get one of those?

What's this? Jeeno's card is reacting.

So this card was the license, was it?

I guess I got lucky. I better head down to Iota District.

So this is the underground Iota District...

And that huge building there must be the Auction House.

Jeeno'll most likely be there. I should check it out.

Jeeno doesn't seem to be anywhere. Maybe I should just wait here and hope I bump into him.

So this is the Auction House he talked about. It's amazing to think the world's treasures are gathered here.

And the people are dressed so fancy, like kings and queens.

Huh?

Well look who we've got here. I felt a warm gaze on me and I just knew it had to be you. Don't say you've fallen for me.

Shannon?! What're you doing here?

Attending the auction of course. I'm hoping to do some shopping.

Makes sense. Did you have something in mind?

Tee-hee. I'm getting an outfit for Ciel.

Tee-hee. I'm getting an outfit for someone in my family.

You're getting clothes from an auction? Can't you get one from the boutiques outside?

Oh those factory-made clothes won't bring out Ciel true cuteness.

Oh those factory-made clothes won't bring out their true cuteness.

But here, I can get medieval style dresses and panniers with bows and ruffles, perfect for Ciel.

But here, I can get medieval style dresses and panniers with bows and ruffles, perfect for them.

I don't know much about it, but it sounds like you've got something very specific in mind.

Are you here to shop too, Aldo? In that case, I hope we both can get what we want. See you around, Aldo.

I thought I felt someone's gaze on me. Are you a fan of mine by chance?

A fan?

Oh, I'm not usually wrong. I must've got carried away being watched by such a cutie.

My name's Shannon. I do a lot of marketing jobs for the KMS corporation.

Is that right? Well, I'm sorry if I was staring at you. You just caught my eye because you seem so natural here.

Tee-hee... I come here often to get clothes for my family.

You're getting clothes from an auction? Can't you get one from the boutiques outside?

It's so hard to find clothes that bring out my sibling's otherworldly cuteness.

I'm thinking a medieval style dress with bows and lots of ruffles would be perfect.

A dress with bows and ruffles... Your sister must be really cute.

Are you shopping, too? I hope you can find something you like. See you around, cutie.

Is shopping that much fun?

Well, there's no harm in checking out the auction. Jeeno might show up there anyway.

Welcome to the Rothsgard Auction House. How may I help you?

Well, I heard I could find a lot of unique items here...

We have a wide selection of categories including art pieces, weapons, and much more. What sort of items are you looking for?

Let me think...

New equipment would help me out. Do you have any weapons or armor to recommend?

Yes, we do. We have five items under that category. I can help you check for available auctions. Please show me your seeker license.

Oh, I do have a license, but it belongs to Jeeno.

It's our policy that people without licenses may not participate in the auctions.

Well, it was worth a shot...

Only the Seekers that are recognized by the Rothsgard Foundation that hosts the event may participate.

Hey! It's you!

So we meet again. Are you planning to join the auction?

I want to, but I'm kind of lost here. What's a Seeker and what's with the license?

I'm glad you asked! Allow me to explain.

Seekers are those who search for valuable "treasures" around the world.

And that sums it up. You'll have to show a Seeker license in order to buy something at the auction.

Let me show you... Huh?

Oh, oh no!

Looking for this?

That's my license! Why do you have it?!

You dropped it when we first met and I came here to return it to you.

Wow, nice people like you are few and far between!

So as long as I have a license, I can buy something at the auction, right?

Ahaha... It's not quite that simple. There's one more thing you need to shop here.

You are required to use ROC, a special currency used just here in the auctions, to make payments.

R-O-C... Rocks?

Rothsgard Official Currency. ROC in short. You can't use other currencies from outside the Auction House. No matter how rich you are outside, without a license and ROC, you're going home empty-handed.

Only those who understand the value of these world treasures are permitted within those doors.

That's our principle here at the Rothsgard Foundation, and that is why the seeker system was adopted.

Okay, so how do I get this license and ROC?

There are various ways, but the fastest is to bring in a treasure and sell it at the auction. If you sell it at a high enough price, then you'll be recognized as a Seeker and permitted to apply for a license. At the same time, you'll be paid in ROC. Sounds fair, right?

But I don't think I have anything valuable...

Hahaha... You might fool someone else, but not me.

Huh?

I'm talking about that treasure on your hip there! I noticed it the moment I saw you.

That's without a doubt a valuable treasure!

You want me to sell Ogre Rancorem at the auction?!

You want the license, right? Just leave it to me and I'll get you a high price. I'll even help with the appraisal and negotiations.

Now, hand it over!

I do want the license, but...

(I can't have anyone take this thing. It's just too dangerous.)

This one's not for sale. No matter the price.

Now, I'm even more interested!

Huh?

You won't let go of that treasure for any price, which means you prize it over all things. A true Seeker understands their treasures, and treats them with love and passion.

You've got what it takes to become a Seeker. I don't want you to give up and walk away.

That's nice to hear, but I still have nothing to sell...

Rule number one! Treasures do not come looking for you. Like the name implies, Seekers seek them out!

I can seek them out?

There are treasures scattered all over the world. You just have to keep your eyes and ears open for clues.

That right?

I'm not talking anyone in particular, but I hear there was a robbery at a lab recently. Tons of specialized quartz were stolen and the lab shut down. The hunters tried to chase down the Synth Humans, but failed. The quartz has since been imbedded in the chest of the Synth Human...

You mean the quartz jewel? What would a Synth Human want with that?

I don't think they care about its beauty, but they know humans like them. Which means they want them, too.

So what you're telling me is that if I can get the quartz, I can sell it at the auction.

Thanks for the help. I learned a lot from you today.

It's the least I can do to thank you for returning my license.

By the way, I'm not just a regular Seeker. I'm actually a broker who facilitates transactions. It's my job to find what looks like a rock to one person, and sell it to someone else who sees a diamond.

You sell rocks?

Rule number two! First come first served! The treasure belongs to the first Seeker who finds it. It is forbidden to take a treasure from a Seeker. You can find the Synth Human in the Industrial Ruins. Now get a move on before someone else gets there first!

Wait! Without the license, I won't be able to get back in here.

You're right! Take my license, then. You can have it for now.

What?! How are you going to get in and out of this place, then?

And hold up, how did you get in here without your license?

Only guests with temporary registrations are required to show the license to enter the venue.

People like me who were born and raised in Elzion can freely walk in and out of this place.

So that's the deal.

Oh, and here. This is the Treasure Catalog. Information on treasures are listed here.

It allows you to check on the locations of treasures while also contributing information digitally.

Really? That's helpful.

You can have the catalog, but I'll need the license back later.

Or else even I won't be able to participate in the auctions!

Got it! I promise I'll return with a treasure!

You should be looking for the Synth Human in the Industrial Ruins. Now, get moving before another Seeker gets there first!

I'm back with quartz!

Let me see... My specialty is weapons and armor, but I know a little bit about pieces of art.

Hmm. The rumors were true. Look at its size and clarity... According to my portable composition detector, this quartz is a true beauty.

You're amazing! Several Seekers tried to get this, but they got all beaten up by the Synth Human and came back empty handed.

It wasn't easy. The Synth Human was using the quartz to enhance its abilities.

What did you say?! They can enhances themselves with this?!

Y-Yeah. Is there a problem?

A unique jewel that was stolen from the lab and used as an enhancement piece of a Synth Human...

That'd make it an extremely rare treasure! That's like every Seeker's dream!

Is that right? I really don't know about that...

Hey, what'dya say if I were to offer to help you sell this quartz? Of course, the sale will be under your name and you'll receive the full payment.

Sure. This is my first time, so I could use all the help I can get.

All right. It's done.

Congratulations. The sale was approved by the auction officials and you're now officially a licensed Seeker.

Here's your license and ROC. Your registration is under your name. Now, I'll have my license back.

So this is my very own license? Huh? What about my ROC?

Do you see the numbers on the card? That's how much ROC you have now. The card is kind of like a wallet for ROC. You can see how much the quartz sold for on the card.

You've been very helpful. Thanks for everything.

I should be thanking you. This is all valuable experience for my life as a broker.

I'm glad you gained something from this, too.

Well, now that you've got your license, you're participating in the auction, aren't you?

I guess I am.

Do you know how things work?

All I have to do is use the ROC to start shopping, right?

Isn't that cute...but wrong! Listen. The auction is a dog-eat-dog battle amongst a whirlpool of greed and desires! A people-pleaser like you'd get eaten alive in there.

People-pleaser? I don't think...

I guess there's no choice. I'll explain what you need to know. Come find me by reception when you're ready to learn.

Hey! Wait!

There he goes... If anyone, I think he's the people-pleaser.

Anyway, I could really use a lesson on auctions. I should stop by reception once I'm ready.

There you are. Now, hurry up and join the auction.

You wish to join the auction, correct? Please show me your license.

This is it, right.

License confirmed. Seeker Rank: Stone. Entry name: Aldo...

Your identification has been verified. Welcome to the auction, Aldo. How may I help you today?

I'm looking for some decent armor and weapons.

You can participate in the auctions under the weapons and armor category... Is that okay? You will find rare weapons not found anywhere else.

Just a moment...

Entry approved.

Are you joining him, sir?

Yeah, I'm joining him this time. Here's my license.

Entry approved.

I hope you'll both have a pleasant time at the auction.

More than one person can join the auction. Some couples like to come here on dates. Maybe you're nervous since it's your first time, but I'll be here to help you.

Okay, I think I'm ready. Let's head into the auction.

Let's do this!

I'm glad you managed to get what you wanted. How was the experience?

Well, it was a strange experience seeing those people so fired up. But still, I enjoyed it.

And I got what I wanted! I really appreciate the help!

Don't worry about it. I'm in town for awhile, so give me a shout whenever you need me! Laters!

Jeeno's a pretty good guy...

Though a bit on the odd side at times...

What? How can my entry be denied? I showed you my license.

Huh? Who's that?

I'm sorry Sophia, but your Seeker Rank is still Stone. You must have Gold or higher to bid for this item.

What's the matter? Why can't she join an auction with her license?

Huh?

Seeker Ranks start at Stone and continue through Iron, Bronze, and so on. Seekers may only bid on treasures that are permitted by their rank.

Come to think of it, they told me I was the same rank.

You are correct. You are both currently Stone Rank. It's a grading system for those who wish to advance to higher auctions. The item that Sophia wishes to bid on is for those of Gold Rank, which is a rather high rank.

So you're saying that even though I have a license, I can't buy whatever I want.

Even with the right rank, you must also have enough ROC for the minimum bid of the item in the auction.

As the tome in question is a super-rare item, the minimum bid is listed here.

30,000 ROC?! That's a hundred times more expensive than the quartz I sold! Do you actually have that much money to spend?!

I've got to get that book no matter what. I don't wish to use violence, but I guess I have no choice.

You. Go get the manager. I'd like to speak to him directly.

I can't grant your request.

In that case, I'll have to do this the hard way...

H-Hey! You're not making any sense here!

We do not want to be rude to our guests, but rules are rules.

We have to deal with rule-breakers accordingly.

(Are they guards? This doesn't look good!)

Let's go!

Huh?

Just come with me!

Yes... We've dealt with the disturbance. All's clear. We'll return to our stations.

......

......

Why did you have to get in my way?

How did I get in your way... You were about to get taken away by those guards. What's wrong with you?

I'd do anything for that book.

So Sophia, I heard the book is some super-rare item going on the auction. But why's it so important to you?

How did you know my name?

Oh, the receptionist said your name. I'm Aldo, by the way. Nice to meet you.

Aldo...

Sophia! Where are you going?!

I thought I told you I'd do whatever it takes for me to get that book.

Are you thinking of threatening them again?

......

I guess you've got your reasons, but you've still got to pay for it.

You're right. I'll have to somehow save up enough ROC.

Do you know how you're going to get that much?

If it's only a money problem, then I'll just have to keep working. It just might take ten...maybe a hundred years.

A hundred years? You're overreacting. Now let's come up with a realistic way to...

......

Hey! I just might know someone who could help us out. Wanna come ask with me?

Sophia?

Why are you doing this all for me? We just met each other. Is it because of the jewel thing earlier?

Well, I do appreciate the fact that you saved me from the Synth Human. But I'm not just returning the favor. I just don't want to see you struggle so much. Besides, if I leave you alone, you might do something you'll regret.

So you're just sticking your nose where it doesn't belong...

But thank you. I'd like to meet this person you're talking about.

His name is Jeeno and he's a broker who knows everything about the auctions. Now he said he'd be in the area, so let's take a look around for him.

I can't just leave this strange fellow. But that other person...

Aldo... Even their names are similar.

Hey Jeeno. You got a minute?

Yo! Aldo!

And who do we have here? Don't tell me this beauty is your little somethin' somethin'.

Is this guy really gonna help us?

Trust me, when it comes to the auction, this guy is leaps and bounds ahead of me...probably...

Oh, having trouble at the auction, are we?

That's right. Sophia here wants to buy a book that's coming up on the auction.

The book I want is The Shiny People Vol. 18. Do you know how I could get it?

That tome you mean? You're joking, right?

You know about it, Jeeno?

It's a text used by some religious cult during the ancient age of the Thunder King. Not only is it valuable as a piece of history, but some say the book contains magic that can cause miracles.

A grimoire... Since it's volume 18, I assume there are seventeen others somewhere in the world? Why are they so special anyway?

True, there are other books as well as copies scattered around the world.

However, no one has of yet found even a copy of volume 18, which is believed to be the final one...until now.

The final volume is said to have magic far more powerful than the other books. Specifically, changing words into reality.

What's written in the book becomes real?

It's just a rumor, though. A pretty crazy one at that.

However, it's true that the book is a grimoire with magical properties. Rumor has it researchers are after it.

Of course, it's not just them. It's a unique work of art which is attracting all kinds of attention. A kind of romantic aura.

It's romantic?

I mean, even a grimoire has little practical use when science and technology can do just about everything one needs. But there are odd people out there that want to witness the story for themselves.

Perhaps this type of person could only exist in this era.

You mean, someone with that kind of money, right?

Well, now I'm starting to get curious about what's written in that grimoire.

Right? Rumors say that this tome is made up of old tales... If only I could have just one minute with that book!

You make it sound like it's something so sublime, yet it is not.

Hm? Did you say something?

It's nothing... So how can I get the chance to join the auction?

You must be talking about the rank and minimum ROC requirement. To be honest, you've got a long ways to go.

I thought so...

You must earn a certain number of Seeker Points to raise your Seeker Rank. You get those points by acquiring more treasures, especially from rare ones. Basically, it's an evaluation of your job as a Seeker.

Okay, so we just need to collect loads of treasure and earn Seeker Points.

You got it. And as for the ROC, just keep selling those treasures at the auction and you'll be fine.

Elzion was not built in a day! Start by collecting 500 points to move up to Iron Rank. I've got lots of info to share with you about treasures. See, it's in your Treasure Catalog.

Let's see...

Some branches, a lucky charm from antiquity, and an amber from the Moonlight Forest.

These are all treasure?!

Sure. They're all rare in this era.

(Excellent! That means I'll just have to travel through time and bring back old stuff!)

What's with the smile, Aldo?

I've got this no problem! All we've got to do is collect old stuff, right? Just a walk through time...err...the park!

I'm glad your so enthusiastic, but you're not thinking that just anything turns to gold, or ROC, are you?

But didn't you just say old stuff sells?

Think about it. Who'd buy an old piece of rock or a broken umbrella just because they happen to be from a long time ago? Treasure is valuable because everyone wants to have it. Who'd want a piece of junk?

Oh... I guess this is more complicated that I thought.

However, it's true that the rarity of older items go up over time. If you're good at finding those kind of treasures, then maybe you were born to be a Seeker!

Jeeno...

You're really weird.

Huh?

We just met each other, so why are you being so cooperative?

Two mysterious folks pop up outta nowhere to bid on a grimoire of extremely high value...

How could I not be interested in seeing where this goes?! You'll earn 500 point in no time. Don't forget to apply for a rank promotion at the Auction House once you have enough.

See you around!

Nothing but weirdos, I swear...

Just be grateful that he's willing to help. We can start searching for treasures based on the clues in the catalog.

Aldo, it sounded like you're a specialist in finding old things. Does that mean you're a scavenger on the planet surface?

A scavenger? I don't know what you mean by that, but I don't intend on search the surface in this era.

Then, where are we supposed to go?

We'll go to the eras where the treasures are!

You have enough points to raise your license rank to Iron.

We look forward to seeing your future success, Aldo.

So, we've achieved Iron Rank.

However, to get to Bronze Rank, we need 2,300 points... We've still got a ways to go.

However, to get to Bronze Rank, we need 2,300 points... It's a good thing we still have plenty of points left.

Oh, and we can't forget about earning more ROC.

There's long way to go until we reach Gold. Also, we should think about earning more ROC.

We need information on treasures that can help us earn more.

But we've already search for most of the treasures based on the info from Jeeno.

Is that... Of course! There's no mistake!

Sister!

Whoa!

It's been a while, Sis'.

Yes, Cynthia. It's been a while.

Ouch...

Cynthia?! Why're you here? Hang on, you two know each other?

Hello, Lord Aldo. I did not notice you there.

You look a bit upset, Sister. What's the matter? Tell me everything, and I'll see what I can do.

You know her, Sophia?

And who might this man be?

Could it be the source of your troubles be this young man, Sister? Allow me to take care of this interference! Pardon me while I slay this creature!

Stop. This man...Aldo, he's helping me.

I see... So you must collect treasures in order to bid on the book.

And Lord Aldo here has been assisting you... Please excuse me for my bad behavior before.

Eh, it happens.

By the way, Sister, I thought I heard the term "The Shiny People"...

Yes, it's exactly what you're thinking.

That means I'm already involved in this! Please allow me to help!

That's wonderful, Cynthia, but why would you do all this for Sophia?

It's because she's the one who saved my life!

I'd walk through fire, water, even a book for her!

Book? Umm... How did she save your life?

It wasn't much. It was more or less on accident that I saved her.

I'm not really interested in travelling with a lot of people.

Oh! I worship your gracious, dignified manner! I'd follow you to the ends of the earth.

......

So, Cynthia, is there really a way you can help us?

Of course. You need information on treasures, correct? I join the auctions from time to time and know the right people.

Now, come with me!

Cynthia?!

I should mention that she never listens to anyone. Come on, let's follow her.

Okay!

You must accumulate 500 Seeker Points to reach the Iron Rank. Currently, you don't have enough, sir.

Please come back when you're ready to reapply.

We've got to collect treasures to earn Seeker Points.

Let's continue our search using the clues in the Treasure Catalog and by asking around.