Treasure Seeker

Suuuuuuuzaaaaaanne!

Well look who's here. What's the rush, Cynthia?

There is something I need to ask you about...

Is she the person you mentioned?

Yes! This is Suzanne. We often have tea time together. We have so much in common.

Is this a friend of yours? Well then, please come inside and make yourselves at home. We can enjoy a cup of tea and chat.

That's so kind of you.

Come along Sister, Lord Aldo.

I thought we were getting information about treasures, not having a tea party.

It'll do us no good worrying about that now. Let's get inside.

O-Okay...

What's this about?! Look at all these expensive-looking stuff...

Let's just say I've always had a thing for fine works of art.

What's nice about having tea time here is that I get to use the fancy cups.

That celadon tea cup from the other day was lovely, too.

That one is a rare piece from Nagsham. I thought you'd like that one, Cynthia. We have the same tastes.

I totally agree, Suzanne. Meheheh.

Do you understand what they're saying?

I see... This woman is an art broker.

You got it, Sister. She's got some of the sharpest eyes in the world for pieces of art. They say any piece she approves of sells for a high price.

Just look at this collection... I'm sure she has all sorts of information on art treasures. With her help we could earn ROC much more efficiently.

Suzanne, we're earning ROC to bid for a certain item. Can you share information with us about other treasures?

Please help them, Suzanne. I believe this is a win-win situation. You were in search of a good Seeker, too.

I know they're your friends, Cynthia, but I can't share important information with just anyone. I only work with those who understand the true value of artwork.

Of course, why would anyone share something so precious with a couple of strangers.

However, I'd hate to see guests leaving my house empty-handed. That's why I'm going to give you a test.

A test?

It is said that in an ancient village, musical horns were made from dinosaur horns with beautiful fretwork. There are still horns in this era, but most of them are heavily damaged. They're far from beautiful.

That's why, if you can bring me back a beautiful, flawless horn, I'll agree to be your broker.

A dinosaur horn...

I think I've seen something like that in Ratle.

Did you really?

But it was ages ago when Ratle once existed. How are we supposed to get there?

I have a plan. I'll take you there.

Okay... I'll leave that part to you.

Thanks, Cynthia. I never thought you'd know someone like her.

Do you often go to the Auction House? You must if you met up with a broker.

Well, I've been searching for artifacts that may hold the secret to restoring my home country.

What's this about your home country?

It was destroyed a long time ago after some terrible events.

I see. I remember hearing about that.

Yes, I'm alone in this era, and I can only dream of restoring my homeland.

I see. Everyone has their reasons for being here...

Correct. Myself, Sister...

That's why I'm willing to do anything I can to get you that book, Sister! The horn is in Ratle, isn't it? Let's get going, then!

There she goes acting like the leader... But I'm pretty sure she has no idea where she's going.

How did Sophia know about Ratle in Antiquity?

Hurry, Aldo. Cynthia is leaving without us.

O-Okay!

Ah! There you are! How's the egg? Did it hatch?

Yeah. Take a look...

Is this the feather of the creature that hatched from the egg?

Oh, how beautiful!

A bird with vibrant colors that is reborn within the flames of the volcano, witnessed by time travelers... I'd have written a book about it if it were the old me.

Sophia...

I really wanted to see if for myself...

But this feather is good enough! It proves that the legendary creature did really exist. I guarantee you that this will sell at a high price in the Auction House.

Thanks for the help.

A team of scientists bought the feather. Apparently, they want to display it in their lab instead of using it for something. Either way, here's your take.

This is amazing! We're a lot closer to getting the tome.

To bid for that tome, we need 30,000 ROC and a Gold Rank.

You need 7,000 Seeker Points to reach Gold. I wish you good luck reaching that.

Let's start by bidding the Chroenix Egg. It's an egg of a rare species. When it hatches, any part of its body including nails and hair would be valuable.

I see that you managed to win the Chroenix Egg. Imagine a unique beauty hatching from this egg! Try to hatch it and bring back something from its body! Please!

Congratulations. You have collected enough points and therefore qualify for Gold Seeker Rank.

We did it, Sister! We can officially participate in the auction for the tome!

Yes. It was a long journey, though. We finally made it.

I wouldn't be here without the help of you two.

In fact, I would've already taken the book by other...methods long ago.

And what exactly would those other methods have been?

They're mostly legal. Wanna hear details?

I'll pass...

I love how radical you get sometimes, Sister.

But it is best we do this the regular way.

That's why I...

What do you mean I can't join?!

Huh?

I'm a Gold Rank Seeker and I've got enough ROC to cover the minimum bid! Why can't I join the auction for bidding the tome?!

I smell trouble.

My application for the auction was processed. You can't just reject my application now! This is nonsense! I'm going to sue you people!

I traveled all the way here so I'd find a unique item. What am I supposed to do now?

It seems like the people who want to bid on the tome can't join the auction now. What's going on?

I'm terribly sorry. There's been two changes in the eligibility for bidding on The Shiny People.

First, the participant's Seeker Rank must be a Black Rank instead of Gold.

Wh-What?! Have you folks gone mad?!

Black? I've never heard of such a rank.

There's Gold, Platinum, and Black. Black is the highest rank.

Hardy!

Black Rank, huh? Even the celebrities of Epsilon District would struggle to reach it.

It's two ranks higher than Gold... The pattern's always the same, the higher the rank, the greater the challenges.

And here I thought achieving Gold Rank was a great deal of trouble.

What's up with the rules changin' all a sudden?

And that's not the only problem...

Hey! You're joking, right?! That has to be a typo.

No, sir. The minimum bid has been changed...

Currently, it is set to 5,000,000 ROC.

5,000,000? Wait. It used to be 30,000, so...

5,000,000 and 30,000... That's... 150 times the original number!

Whaaat?!

To bid for that tome, we need 30,000 ROC and a Gold Rank.

We need 7,000 Seeker Points to reach Gold!

Currently you have {1} Seeker Points and {2} ROC.

We better earn ROC through auctions. While earning Seeker Points by collecting treasures.

We have enough ROC. Let's collect treasures to earn more Seeker Points.

We have enough Seeker Points. Let's sell more products at the auction to earn more ROC.

If you can bring me back a beautiful, flawless horn, I'll agree to be your broker.

We're back with the horn.

Let me take a look, then.

Even if it's a real horn from the Antiquity, if it's in a condition so bad it looks nothing like artwork then...

What's this?!

I've never seen a horn in such good condition. And look at how big it is...

It's quite large, but it's got beautiful patterns carved...

Ugh, I can feel the passion of the craftsman who made this!

Is that a good sign?

You've found an amazing treasure. I must admit that you have an eye for beautiful things.

I'm ready to sign a contract with you.

Yes!

I believe you need ROC. Well then, let's hurry up...

I'll sell this horn at a good price to someone who'll appreciate it.

Thank you.

We successfully sold the horn for 700 ROC.

700 ROC?! That's much higher than I thought!

I'm sure the horn itself is quite valuable, but it's mainly because Suzanne is so skilled at this!

It's nice to know that we have a secret weapon on our side.

Let's keep on collecting artworks to sell. We're getting to our goal little by little.

A book, you say? By any chance, are you planning to bid on the tome, The Shiny People.

How did you know?

That book's pretty much the talk of the town right now. It's the final volume of an ancient scripture, a tale about Saint Nimros who saved his people with an ark.

I never knew about these details. Is it famous?

It's famous for all the suspicious rumors that comes with it...

What kind of rumors?

There were a series of incidents involving the brokers and elites who bid on it... Accidents and the like... Some claim the book is cursed, and that affects the number of participants in the auction...

It brings in even more!

What?! Those people want to get a cursed book?!

Well, it's said to be a grimoire with great power stored within, and rumors like this draw people's curiosity. They said the book is written in a beautiful silver ink. I'd love to get my hands on it myself.

Silver ink? That's what Saki's father was researching...

Oh, you know about that?

I never thought it actually existed.

Wow... I guess everyone is really serious about this.

If Suzanne was right, then everyone and their cousin is after the book. We'll need a plan to get it.

I'm a bit worried about the curse. Could the incidents be conincidenses?

We can't worry about that too much right now. Suzanne's help will take a long ways toward reaching our goals.

And Master of Blades Jeeno can help with our weapons and armor sales.

It's important to get brokers with expertise, though we only have ones for weapons, armor, and art. It might be more efficient if we found other experts to boost our sales.

There are two other categories for the auction, gourmet and zoology.

Gourmet, huh? I guess we should find a tavern to go to and ask around for that.

As for zoology, I think I know where to look for that in town.

All right, then. Let's go search for these brokers.

I'll ask around town. The book'll be in our hands before long.

A book, eh?

Looks like I've just found someone who can help me out.

Looks like I've just found someone who can help me out.

Now we've got connections with all the brokers we need.

I still can't believe how much the tail and feather sold for. Clearly having the specialized brokers was critical.

Let's start off by getting Bronze Rank using the information we got from the Brokers.

We need to get 2,300 points to reach Bronze Rank. Let's go collect more treasures!

We already have enough points to get Bronze Rank. Let's go to the receptionist and apply for a promotion.

If we can contract a zoology and gourmet broker, we'll earn ROC more efficiently.

Molly is definitely the one you need to look up about gourmet treasures.

We need Molly to help us with gourmet treasures. But to get a contract with her, we need to show her a chimera tail.

We need Molly to help us with gourmet treasures. But to get a contract with her, we need a chimera tail.

We might be able to find a gourmet specialist at the lounge in the Auction House. Let's check it out.

We might be able to get more information about a gourmet broker at the tavern. Let's ask in there.

We managed to get Mutsuro's help with the zoology treasures!

We definitely need Mutsuro's help with the zoology treasures. We have to show him a fluffy feather.

We definitely need Mutsuro's help with the zoology treasures. We have to get him a fluffy feather.

Sister said that we should ask around Iota about a zoology broker.

Congratulations. You have collected enough points and therefore qualify for Bronze Seeker Rank.

Finally, we got Bronze Rank. We're one step closer to Gold!

Indeed, having the specialized brokers is a real blessing. The ROC is coming in fast and faster.

We need 4,200 points to reach Silver Rank. Which is nearly double from before. Each time we rise in the ranks, the point requirements get more difficult.

That just means we'll have to work twice as hard! I'd even work three times harder for Sister!

That's wonderful, but not very realistic.

Exactly. There's a better way to do it.

Who is that?

I'm Hardy. You're Aldo, aren't ya?

You know about us?

Hardy?!

Yo, Aldo.

You and Aldo know each other, huh? What do you want from us?

I got word about a dumb rookie tryin' to get the tome on a slim budget.

I don't know if "dumb" was necessary.

Don't get me wrong, ya got the right idea. This town's all about risin' from the ground and reachin' the sky. You're a pleasant idiot, so I wanna help ya out. I mean, you're not the only idiot 'round here.

......

What's goin' on?

Suspicious... Very suspicious! You're just trying to get closer to my sister, aren't you? I'll tell you what that sort of guy deserves...

Wait...

You said you knew a better way to help us. Tell us what you meant.

Sister?! Are you going to believe this vulgar man with a terrible stubble?

Whatever gets us the book faster. I want to at least hear him out.

Agreed. At this rate, this is going to take us forever.

Hardy, if you know a better way to earn points, mind telling us how?

Well, here's what ya wanna do...

You're supposed to sell items as a bundle!

A bundle?

Think about it, if ya got a cup and a saucer, ya gotta sell 'em as a bundle. That way the value goes up and ya'll get more interest from the buyers.

Of course, this'll take a little more effort to get the bundle together.

But ya'll be surprised how quickly ya make back the cost once ya sell the bundle.

Hmm... So we collect some items that match up. Doesn't sound very difficult.

I hate to admit it, but I think you're right.

So, what'dya say? Care to try it out?

Even if you're lying, we've got nothing to lose.

Tell us what we need.

Recently, a lot of people are clamorin' to get their hands on landscape art from the Miglancian era. I want ya to get me one.

Paintings of the Miglancian era? This is not my area of expertise.

Would that include works done by Leonardo, also known as the magician of colors?

He's one of the names on my request list.

You're amazing Cynthia! Are you familiar with this kind of thing?

I've appreciated art since I was a child. Plus, I saw a real painting by Leonardo that was framed and displayed in our castle.

If only the painting was still there...

Relax. This Leonardo, he was from the Miglancian era, wasn't he?

Yes. That was when he was most active.

Okay, we'll start off by finding Leonardo's painting. What else do we need to make a bundle?

That'd be the classic picture frame, which is available in the auction. I want ya to bid for it.

A picture frame from an auction, huh? Got it. We'll get them both and come back.

What's the matter?

I thought I felt a set of eyes on me.

That might be my companion.

Your companion?

Come out, Gray!

That's a useful pet, isn't it?

He's as loyal as they come.

I'll be careful not to get bitten by it while I'm asleep.

Most girls prefer cats over dogs... What do ya think, Cetie?

Hey, I don't see those floatin' marbles around. Where're they?

It's best that I don't attract too much attention while I'm here. That's all.

I figured you'd be involved in this somehow. But why get that guy involved in something against the organization?

I figured you'd be involved in this somehow. But why get Aldo involved in something against the organization?

I thought I could use some help. Don't worry though. They won't be harmed.

I don't intend to have a fight with ya. In fact, we can work together as a team if ya like.

You work with me by putting your hands up. You're under arrest.

Looks like we don't have a deal, then.

Hardy. I won't let you go.

Brother. I won't let you go.

But sometimes we need to send a criminal to catch a criminal.

Is that why you're lettin' me go this time? Hahah... Who'd imagine someone like ya would be so similar to me? It's too bad ya chose the wrong side in this war, Agent COA.

You must accumulate 2,300 Seeker Points to reach the Bronze Rank. Currently, you don't have enough, sir.

Please come back when you have 2,300 points.

We need to collect more treasures to get more points.

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

We've brought the painting and the picture frame.

With a masterwork painting and a high quality picture frame, I'm sure the art fans'll be droolin'.

Let's go ask the broker to sell them as a bundle.

You're workin' with a few brokers, aren't ya? Let's have them help ya out.

How does he know about all this?

All right, then. Let's go and find Suzanne.

I never imagined that painting and picture frame was worth 2,000 ROC.

It's true that Leonardo's paintings are popular, but the value must've gone way up with the classical Miglancian picture frame. We got double the estimated price for each item separately.

Here's your take.

Thanks, Hardy. I now believe that we can make enough ROC to make a bid on the tome.

No problem. It was fate that we met. We can help each other out when the time calls for it.

So, what do you want from us? There must be a reason you offered to help us.

Didn't I tell ya? I only wanted to see a dumb rookie bid for that tome.

......

And yes, there's another reason.

And what's that?

No man should just stand by and do nothin' while a lady is in trouble.

So you ARE interested in Sister! I knew it!

There's more to your words than you let on. Though the truth means little to me. As long as you're helping me...

Ya can count on me.

Speakin' of which, I got info on another bundle that may be worth your time.

What do we need this time?

Have ya ever heard of the blacksmith family named Gantetsu? They were famous in the East, but Gantetsu III expanded to Rinde.

Gantetsu? Never heard of them...

Back then, the locals bought up all of their products and few made it out of the town. Recently, their value has been rediscovered. The pieces of armor are still cheap, but the katanas are bought up quickly. It's only a matter of time before the armor prices rise as well. If we can bundle both, we can make a fortune.

I see, so we can find the armor in the auction and then track down the blade.

Gantetsu III was doing business in Rinde, right?

That's right. He had successors, but Gantetsu III was the most renowned. His works'll make ya a lot of money at the auction.

We'll find the katana in Rinde.

Lord Jeeno should be able to help us bid on the armor! I'll go and talk to him about it!

Sounds like a plan. Thanks.

Bundles are the best way to sell items in the auction. Focus on those to gain ROC faster.

Right. I'll come back with both the painting and picture frame.

We've already won the classic picture frame at the auction!

The classic picture frame is offered in the auction. Let's go and bid for it!

We got one of Leonardo's paintings.

I heard about this famous artist that worked on landscape paintings in Unigan. Let's find one of his paintings.

You're back with the katana and armor. I can guarantee there's a lot of demand for Gantetsu's works. I'm sure they'll sell for a great price. Ya should find a proper broker to sell them.

I know a great broker who is specialized in weapons. I'll be right back.

This is a weapon forged by Gantetsu III, known as a great master! I can't believe you managed to obtain it...

I mean just look at its blade!

This guy knows what he's talkin' about. We can count on him.

I've spent my entire life as a broker, and I'm going to prove it to you!

I'm curious to know how much it sells for. We should all go watch and see the results.

Our next item is a set of Gantetsu armor and katana. All Gantetsu works are special, but Gantetsu III's are masterpieces!

The katanas made by Gantetsu are said to be able to cut through rocks like butter.

Gantetsu's armor is said to be invincible. Then how would it handle a Gantetsu katana?! I must have them both!

We shall start the bidding at 2,500 ROC.

Raise! 3,000!

I'll pay 3,700.

Ho ho ho... 4,500!

Wow. I guess it really is popular. The price keeps going up.

Yes. This is looking good.

The current bid is 4,500. Going once, going twice...

Hold on!

State your price, sir.

No. I'm not going for a raise. I have a question about this product.

What does he want?

Gantetsu's products are so popular that we often come across fake ones these days. Do we know these are real?

He's right. Weapons forged by Gantetsu III are super rare. How are we supposed to believe that a newbie Seeker just happened to get one of them?

Its material has been carefully examined and both the katana and the armor are certified originals.

Do you have a problem with the product?

It's not like we have a problem, but I'm sorry if you took it that way.

That reminds me that someone I know bought a replica Gantetsu weapon the other day.

Who is this Aldo guy anyway? I've never heard about him. He's not an unlicensed Seeker, is he?

C-Cancel! I cancel the raise!

Woah. What's going on?

Due to multiple cancelled bids, unfortunately we must terminate the bidding. We look forward to seeing you next time.

What?!

How did it come to this.

I've heard about people who make a fuss over an item in order to buy them later at a cheaper price.

However, I've never seen a case where an auction itself has to be terminated.

Darn it! It's them. They're the ones that started making a fuss about our stuff. I'll go and ask them a few questions!

H-Hey!

I'm sorry, sir, but it is against the rule to argue about what happened during an auction.

Come with me, sir.

I see. You're all in this together.

What do you mean?

The pair interrupted the biddin', but the one behind this all was the auctioneer. They didn't hesitate to terminate the biddin', as though it was planned from the very beginnin'...

......

Someone doesn't want us to sell the katana... Or maybe there's another reason.

I get it. They wanted to prevent Aldo from gettin' such a large amount of ROC.

How clever of you.

Gord...

Take my advice and forget about that tome. That's not something poor slobs like yourselves should have.

We're going to bid for it fair and square. You have no right to interfere!

Hmph...

Hardy, are you scamming these poor folks, too? This auction is mine, and if you're trying to interfere then you'll have to deal with the organization.

Okay, okay. I'm faithful to the organization and ya know it.

Tch. Anyway, I've warned you. Do not think about doing anything stupid. Let's go.

What's wrong with them?

Don't you know? There's a shadowy organization that controls the Auction House behind the curtains.

A shadowy organization?

It's an organization that rules the dark society of Elzion. You can see their pawns in the black suits. They play the part of security guards at the auction, but they are really facilitating unsavory business.

But it seems that guy, Gord, and Hardy knew each other.

Judging from the conversation, I believe you belong to the same organization as them?

Yup. Gord and I joined the organization almost at the same time. We were...comrades.

That just proves you're one of the bad guys! I don't know what you're up to, but I'm not going to allow you to trouble Sister.

We're after the tome, and those men in black were interfering with us.

If you're intending to do the same...

I'm not interested in interferin' with ya guys. He and I belong to the same organization, but we're in different circles.

Circles?

Unfortunately, the organization is not a cohesive group. The compete with each other and get involved in dirty business.

Now it seems they're involved in the auction for the tome. I can't let this slide.

Are you going to do something about them?

Well, the thing is, Gord makes a lot of money for the head honchos. They won't take action against him.

So that's why you were so interested in our mission. You wanted to see what's going on here.

Exactly. My top priority is the organization's profits, and that won't change. That's why as long as we share a common interest, then we are allies.

So you're doing all this for the organization. I think I understand you better now.

Oh really, then I'd love to hear what ya really think about me.

People like you dedicate their lives to one thing like fanatics... Or dogs.

Hahahaha... A dog, huh?

H-Hey. That wasn't really nice, Sophia.

It's okay. It doesn't bother me. I rather like dogs.

Though I don't know what's going on in your life, it's none of my business. If you want to continue helping us, then that's enough for me.

Would that be fine with you, Cynthia?

Well, as long as you're fine with that, Sister...

Either way, we've got a major problem with those black suits getting in our way. Could they be the reason why some people are withdrawing from the auction for the tome?

That must be the creepy rumor that Suzanne was talking about. Do they simply not want anyone to get the tome, whether it's Sister or someone else?

I don't know what they're after, but the goal remains the same. I'm going to raise my rank and earn more ROC to get the book.

Right, they interfered this time, but we'll get another chance.

I hate to say it, but ya can forget about sellin' the katana and armor. This business is all about trust, and the legitimacy of that bundle has been questioned. People won't risk it.

Then what do we do?

I told ya that the business is all about trust. Ya'll just have to prove that you're trustworthy.

How am I supposed to do that?

That's right! My Seeker Rank!

Well look at that, you're starting to see how things work in this town. You're still thought of as a newbie as long as you're Bronze, but once your Silver, their opinion'll change. Then the people'll ignore rumors from a random guy.

So for now, we should focus on collecting treasures until we reach Silver Rank. Once we earn the people's trust, then we can sell the katana and armor as a bundle... Is that right?

Well, it'd be even better if we can find a way to make the sale more attractive.

I'll figure something out. I don't know the meaning of the word "quit." I'll find a way for us to get our revenge!

Got it. We'll leave the katana and armor with you until we return.

Let's go get that Silver Rank.

We'll need 4,200 points to reach Silver Rank. Let's search for treasures and collect more points.

It looks like we already have enough points to get Silver Rank. Let's apply for a promotion at the reception desk.

If we can sell Gantetsu's katana and armor as a bundle, we'll get more profit than what we got for the painting.

Got it. I'll come back with both the armor and katana.

We already have Gantetsu's armor from the auction!

The armor is available in the auction. Let's go bid for it!

We've already obtained Gantetsu's katana.

We should ask Gantetsu to give us the katana. For that, we'll have to do something for him...

Gantetsu III is in Rinde. We might find a clue on how to get the katana. Let's go.

Congratulations. You have collected enough points and therefore qualify for Silver Seeker Rank.

Finally, you've reached Silver Rank. You were just a newbie Seeker, but look how fast you're growing...

I knew it, Aldo! I knew you'd grow up, spread your wings, and fly out on your own!

You're overreacting...

By the way, how are things going? Were you able to come up with a way to sell the katana and armor?

Yup. I have a brilliant idea to make everyone want to buy the set.

We're going to sell it together as a bundle with the mythical helmet made by Gantetsu III!

A mythical helmet?

Armors and katanas produced by Gantetsu are common, but for some reason, no one's found a helmet.

Is it possible he never made one?

According to records, he also made helmets, but they were never uncovered. Because of that, the helmets became known as the mythical helmet.

Think how the people in this city would react if such an item was put on auction.

I see. A mythical helmet that's supposed to exist but never discovered... I wanna see it too.

Mythical or not doesn't matter. We'll just have to ask the one who made it.

Exactly. Let's go to Rinde.

You must accumulate 4,200 Seeker Points to reach Silver Rank. Currently, you don't have enough, sir.

Please come back when you have 4,200 points.

Sounds like I gotta collect more treasures to get some more points!

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

Oh my! It's Gantetsu's mythical helmet! I can't believe you really returned with it!

It wasn't easy, I can tell you that.

But how did you manage to get your hands on this?!

In fact, how did something like this exist until now without getting discovered?

Well, about that...

Because it was being used as a pot... No one thought that it might be a helmet?

Well, I heard that when mankind moved to Elzion, they brought weapons and other valuables, but not daily items. Which means that one could maybe find these pots...err...helmets on the surface.

So, do you think you'll be able to sell it?

You little anecdote makes it sound more legitimate. Either way, they'll be convinced the moment they lay eyes on it. Leave the rest to me!

Today's item on the block is a set of Gantetsu armor, helmet, and katana.

I thought the katana and armor were fake?

A helmet? Gantetsu's helmet exists?!

I want it! I really really want it! However...

How is it possible that a mythical helmet was discovered just like that?

Yeah. It was undiscovered for ages. There's no way a newbie Seeker could've found it so easily.

A newbie Seeker? The one selling it is a Silver Ranked Seeker. Do you have an issue with the ranking system of the foundation?

This Aldo guy... He's a new Seeker, but he seems to be quite successful.

True, you can't be unlicensed and achieve a Silver Rank. But how on earth did he manage to find the mythical helmet?

It was not mythical. The helmet existed all along...

Although it was used as a cooking pot!

A pot?

Look at its perfect shape. The thickness of its steel is uniform, so you can cook food using heat from any direction. Plus, it's nice and thin, which makes it easy to wash it.

These helmets weren't found because they were popular cooking pots, and they were left on the surface.

I see. The ultimate armor was an ultimate cooking utensil at the same time...

That is very interesting. I really want to have one to research.

I'd like to cook a dish using that mythical helmet and see how good it tastes!

Raise 4,800!

No, 5,000!

......

Tch.

It seems everythin' went well this time.

Yup!

Look! 6,000 ROC! It's the most I've ever sold!

Here you are.

We have tons of Seeker Points too. We'll achieve Gold Rank in no time.

By the way, I bumped into Sir Mutsuro at the Auction House. He needs our help. He wants us to find a treasure for him.

This sounds like a darn good opportunity...

Jeeno! Are you all right?!

I think I've used up all my energy on that auction. Believe it or not, I was quite nervous.

You need to take some rest. Please take care of yourself.

Hahah. You're the MVP of the day. I should treat ya to lunch next time.

I want to know what Mutsuro has to say, so we should go back to the city.

Hey, isn't that...

Something wrong?

Isn't that Gord? Who's he with?

He's gone. What was that about?

I think I know what's going on!

Sophia?! What's the matter?!

Wait up! I'm coming with you! Wait, are they leaving the city?

Find the mythical helmet made by Gantetsu III, and sell it with the armor and katana!

Right. I'll come back with the mythical helmet.

Let's go search for Gantetsu's mythical helmet.

We should go to Rinde to search for the mythical helmet.

There are seventy-six qualified individuals, and half of them have confirmed their participation in the auction. Oh, and that girl is working with some random Seeker called Aldo, and they're about to become qualified participants.

It's been dealt with.

What's going on? Was Gord ordered to interfere with us?

Quiet. Let's keep listening to what they have to say.

Well, as long as they're paying, they're guests too. Although, if you guys are willing to pay more than that, then that's a different story...

I thought there was not going to be any prying, Mr. Descendant of the Shiny People.

......

Tell your leader that I'm hoping to hear a positive answer.

So those guys in hoodies were telling the black suits to interfere with us. Who is this descendant of the shiny people anyway?

They're zealots claiming themselves to be the heirs of those who wrote The Shiny People. They're goal is to obtain the tome and use it for their own ends.

And these folks have a connection with those running the auction?

Yes. Probably they want to get rid of all their competitors so that they can win the bid for the tome.

Well, I won't let them do that. That book is mine, and I'm taking it.

Exactly. We'll win that book. For that, we've got to achieve Gold Rank as soon as we can...

Mutsuro has information on treasure, doesn't he? Let's go and find him, and see what he has to say. Cynthia must be waiting for us too.

I won't let them have my book. The story is mine.

There you are! You're eager to meet the rare, new cutie, aren't you? Eh?

Are you saying that you've got information on a new rare treasure?

Precisely. I heard that the Chroenix Egg is going up at the next auction. The egg is a fossil from ages ago. A group of scientists tried to make it hatch with an artificial incubator, but it didn't work.

However, it's been announced recently that there is a possibility the egg may hatch if it's exposed to extreme heat from a natural prisma.

Extreme heat from a natural prisma... An environment like that may not exist in this era.

Exactly. It is said that these animals used to hatch from their eggs in the magma within a volcano.

A legendary animal that hatched in magma... Normally I wouldn't ask such an impossible request, but you guys can find anything, right?

So you can do something about this legendary animal, right? Right? Riiiiigghhhttt?

All right, all right. You want us to make the egg hatch, right?

Precisely! I mean...

Is there a problem?

Considering the amount of intense prisma it's supposed to absorb, I'm expecting this animal to be quite large. No human in Elzion would be able to keep it.

In other words, it's not the treasure?

That's just a nature of animals.

But a part of it...like its nails and fur, should have enough value themselves.

I see. A part of an unidentified animal... First, we'll go bid for the Chroenix Egg at the auction.

Yes. Based on my estimation, we'll need at least 2,400 ROC to win the egg.

And then we'll have to hatch the egg within a volcano. It sounds like a lot of hassle.

I don't mind doing it as long as I can get Seeker Points. I'm going.

Sister...