The Flower in your Eye

Why did the conditions for bidding that tome intensify all of a sudden?

To fully prepare for the auction, we had some experts examine the tome... After examining the tome, new details have emerged.

New details?

Most of the tomes discovered were relatively new, written in ink. However, this tome is a one-and-only original copy written with classical silver ink.

Of course original copies of books are rare, but this one is also the final volume known nowhere else.

It's possible that the original founder may have written the book himself. Therefore, it makes sense that the value increases.

Still, the conditions are too strict! Getting a Black Seeker license is not something anyone can do!

Exactly!

We've traveled all the way here! You can't just tell us we're not eligible to participate in the auction!

Yes, about that...

We've selectively sent offers to those who qualified to participate in the auction.

What?!

Well, at the moment we're not qualified. Does that mean we have to give up?

That's just ridiculous!

We understand that you are all unhappy. Therefore, we've prepared one additional spot for participation. Any Seeker who achieves Black Rank gets to participate in the auction.

Which means, if anyone becomes a Black Rank before we do, it's over.

We've got to be the first one to get promoted to Black Rank. But how are we supposed to do that?

Huh?

Hardy? Where did you go?

Good boy, Gray. I knew they were involved in this.

Why did you do that?

Do what?

You raised the conditions for making a bid on the tome.

I just made a few adjustments to match the quality of the item. And now that girl won't be involved anymore.

Not just the girl. Who can possibly buy it now? You really screwed this all up.

Haha... It seems you don't know much about this auction.

Huh?

Even a replica of the tome is said to have great power, so I've got high expectations for the real one.

Generations of people have fought over this blood-soaked book. Now all one needs is a few ROC. Isn't that convenient?

An ancient book written with silver ink... Ho ho ho. I'd love to get one and display it in my library.

You can build a mountain that reaches the stars from a single ROC in this city. And there'll always those hungry to replace those who can't cut it.

Reach for the stars, huh? What are you trying to reach by selling the tome, then?

We promised not to talk about that, right? But I can tell you one thing... There is currently an old wall that holds me back... I intend to bring it down for good.

......

Darn it. This is more complicated than I thought.

Hardy! Where have you been?!

My bad. I thought I was gonna be sick after seein' those numbers.

I've got a headache, too. How the heck are we going to get five million ROC?

Five million ROC... If we convert that to money from the surface...

It's well over five billion... All the zeroes make my head spin. Even with the most expensive treasure in the catalog we can't come close to that. Not to mention the Seeker Points.

Ugh. Do we have to give up now?

No, there's still a way.

Huh?

You've only been lookin' at the official catalog until now. But there's also an unofficial one we call the Street Catalog. It lists only ultra-expensive items dealt by only select people.

So you're saying there's still a chance?

Seriously?! Where can we find that treasure?!

I think somewhere on the surface. But even I'm not sure about that.

What...

*sigh*

You raised our hopes and then dashed them aside... Furthermore, you have made Sister frown... Are you prepared for your punishment?

Hey! What I meant to say was that I don't know a broker who'll be able to help us. Though word around town is that there's a legendary broker who can get any treasure.

So are we supposed to go and talk to the legendary broker?

Yeah, but unfortunately no one's seen him around recently.

Maybe we can Jeeno or other brokers about them.

I'll leave that for you to handle. Meanwhile, I'll ask around elsewhere.

Okay. I'll catch ya later.

You have all the answers when we need your help the most. Just exactly how much do you know about all this?

What? Ya still think I'm a bad guy?

Oh, it's not just you. I don't trust anyone who spends their whole lives in a tribe. I can smell your desire to prove yourself to your tribe.

I smell? It wounds me to hear that from a pretty lady. Maybe I smell like a wet dog haha...

I've seen a lot of people turn into something despicable as soon as they join a tribe.

You're afraid I could betray ya at any time for the sake of the organization, is that it?

......

I was born and raised in the slum districts. The weak needed to band together to survive. I'd do anythin' for the organization that took me in and the friends who saved me.

Right... That's why I thought we would never agree with each other.

But here we are workin' together hand in hand. I guess it would never have happened without Aldo.

Aldo?

That guy connects to people without thinkin' twice about it. He's such a people-pleaser. Ya may not trust me, but ya can always trust him. He's like some kind of idiot saint.

You really are a bad man. You know that by trusting Aldo I have to trust you as well.

Sister!

Sophia! Are you all right? What are you trying to do to her?!

Don't come closer, Aldo. Nimros is using the ink's power...

Nimros? I've heard of the name before.

He's the saint that was written about in the tome. He guided the chosen ones and saved them from destruction.

The guy's a saint?!

He's no saint. He's just an imposter...

The Shiny People gave themselves power by naming themselves after those who appeared in my story. They even rewrote the story to serve their own purposes! There were no saints in my story!

True. However, this is our tome, not your story. I'd like you to play the part from the script we've written. As the daughter of the ancestor, you will give power to the saint who will lead the people to the ark of the savior.

The ark of the savior?

The flower blooming in her eye is a fountain of magic which never runs dry. The things written in the book in that ink become eternal. As the saint, it is my mission to protect the righteous using the ark known as the tome.

Take that maiden for example.

Are you talking about me?

Your family had the rarest magic bloodline in the history of this planet. That's why it is so important to keep you around as a sample.

I-Is that the reason I was sealed away? Do you know what happened to my country because of that?!

You started the events that led to it's total destruction.

Disaster. War. Plague. A country is fragile. It can be destroyed so easily. You of all people should know it well. In that case, don't you think it's wise to preserve a precious sample?

You're saying that a coffin of trapped samples is an ark of the savior? You make me sick! Everything you believe is wrong!

Is that so... You were the one who taught me the beauty of eternity. I wished you would understand that and join me...

It is such a shame. I'll have to do this the hard way then. Allow me to borrow your power then.

Ngh... Ahh!

Sophia!

I require the ink of eternity to complete my plans. Now, pick up your pen and rewrite your story, converting what you call lies into truth.

"The maiden who mislaid her promise to the saint shall once again become a pressed flower, and shed a silver tear eternally."

Sister! No!

What's going on?! I thought there was no longer any power in Sophia's ink!

The ink bestows its power to those writers with a strong enough willpower.

It's a shame that I could not earn her acceptance. But eventually she will see it my way. Regardless of all this, I still got what I needed. With the ink of the ancestor, my plans will finally come to fruition.

As there's no reason for me to remain here, I will take my leave...

Good boy!

Hardy!

Sophia is locked away inside the book? How do I save her?

There are methods for entering the book. I'll show you!

Once you enter the book, you may never return. The ancestor's book is cursed, written using the ink from the flower. Though, you are welcome to try.

......

We can't risk losing Cynthia, too. There must be a better way...

No... I already made a promise to Sister.

For her, I'd walk through fire, water, even that book for her... I'd follow her to the depths of hell if need be!

Lord Aldo! I'll leave the rest to you! Just have faith in me... No... In all of us!

Cynthia!

It's like a sick joke that nothing ever changes within this darkness even after thousands of years.

Aldo... Cynthia... Please be safe...

Sister!

C-Cynthia?! Did you come all the way down for me?!

Absolutely! I've come to save you!

Oh dear... You went all out again without thinking, didn't you? You stubborn little idiot!

Ugh... But this isn't the first time we've been sealed inside this book. I think we can work together and find our way out...

The ink used last time was a fake created by the those cultists. It's magic could've been broken from the outside. But the flower in my eye is from the Tree of Eternity, which gives me infinite life and limitless magic.

Limitless magic...

Anything written in that ink becomes true, and once done, there's nothing I can do to stop it.

Are you really ready to give up? You fought for so long against them to get back your story.

Our eternal prison was made by my own ink... There is no change, no existence, only nothingness. Am I wrong?

What?

Nothing changes and nothing ends. There's not much difference between being alive and dead. My hatred for those who took away my story was endless, and yet all I could do is watch.

My existence was nothingness, just like this darkness. I decided to resign myself to my eternal coffin and slept.

Are you out of your mind? Do you hear what you're saying? Do you really believe there's no difference between life and death?! Don't say such garbage!

Huh?

Do you remember the time we first met? You saved me from the curse, but I kept locking myself away in the darkness.

I could understand your feeling. You'd been sealed away for hundreds of years. Everyone you knew was gone. I now know how cruel it was to drag you out of the darkness.

But you told me something. "Take my hand and keep on living." Your voice was shaking as you spoke.

I felt heat and strength when I touched your hand... Nothing like a dead person. Deep inside you wish to stay strong and keep on living. That's why you were trying to get the book back!

That's why even if you hate me, I decided to take your hand and drag you out of this place.

Cynthia...

You're more likely to slap me rather than grabbing me hand...

I-I'm sorry... I get a bit too excited.

I can feel heat... It hurts a little.

This heat, this pain, it proves that I'm alive. It's too early to lock myself away in my coffin!

It's time, Sister!

This is not where my story end. Help me, Cynthia. Lend me your strength.

Cynthia... Sophia... What am I supposed to do?

Once one reads their name on the pages, those written words become reality. Nothing can change that.

That's why ya made her read the part where she was sealed in the book. That's why ya went through all this trouble includin' Gord and the auction.

She was cautious after the last time she was sealed away. The auction was a way to grab her attention and bring her here. Of course there were unexpected developments...

It was Gord, wasn't it? He raised the price without askin' ya.

What would've happened if Sophia wasn't able to bid for the book?

Either way, she would've taken the book. All someone had to do was leak the information where the book was located.

She would've taken it by force if necessary. Ya started all this to make her take action. Then she'd read the book.

Are we done here? I need my book back. You can't damage or burn the book. Once written in that ink, the words are indestructible. It is against my wishes to take the book from you by force, just as it is against her wishes to see you hurt.

Sophia...

The book is shining. I mean, it's more like the silver letters of the book is popping up.

No! It can't be...

Cynthia and Sophia haven't given up yet! Read what it says, Aldo!

"To save the maidens who had become pressed flowers, Aldo turned the page to a new chapter."

This is our story... And we will write our own ending. If that ending turns out bad, then we'll just have to rewrite it. That's what I believe deep in my heart!

Sister! Don't forget about me!

"To save the maidens who had become pressed flowers, Aldo turned the page to a new chapter." "He witnesses a story of hope, that takes you on a journey beyond the false ending." "The words shine, and guide them on their way!"

It's time, Sister!

Guys!

Glad to see you're both safe.

The book disappeared? You were able to rewrite the story from within? No, that can't be. The ink of the ancestor never fades. The words are eternal...

Nothing is everlasting. Just because you've lived thousands of years, doesn't mean you know everything. This is my story, and I will no longer follow your plot.

That's right! Now it's time that you gave up!

Hahah...

Why should I give up? When I have the tome in my hands?

What...!? Is that the real tome we bid on in the auction?

It is. It is the original copy written in her ink, then altered for our own ends. This is the story of Nimros, and it's what made me a saint. With our ink together, we can rewrite the story and redefine the world as much as we like!

"Receiving the silver tear of the ancestor, the flower blooms in the eye of the saint."

"With the flower as a binding, the shining tome becomes an ark to save the chosen from the chaos of time!"

Where are we?

No way... It can't be!

Yes. We're inside Nimros' book. It's the so-called ark that swallows everything.

What?!

Where's that idiot anyway? Is he enjoyin' watchin' us from somewhere?

No... He's close. The flower in my eye tells me so.

We'll find Nimros ahead.

I guess it's time for a final battle, then. Pull yourselves together.

We'll be fine! My sister is here now!

There's no turning back. Let's make sure we're prepared for this.

Let's go, everyone!

This place gives me chills.

Me too... But that man is here somewhere.

Nimros... Is that you?

Haha! Are ya a god, or a savior? Ya sure think too highly of yourself.

It'd be an insult to gods to say that they would choose to live in a place like this...

This empty space must be what you've always sought.

Indeed. It's the ark of the book that saves those who deserve to be saved from destruction. It's an eternal garden where you are the everlasting flowers. I've also invited these weeds to grow around you so that you won't feel too lonely. I hope you are pleased.

Anything that exists deteriorates over time, and in the end vanishes. That's why we cherish the beauty of mortality.

However, what you're trying to provide us with is an endless emptiness called eternity. No one wants it!

I wasn't expecting you to reject eternity. You're blind, merciless... And beautiful! O maiden of the time flower... It's time that I properly turn you into my pressed flower.

Here they come!

Here they come!

It can't be. How did it come to this? I'm the savior of the ark, and this is my story...

As long as you're bound by the story we've written, you'll never be able to defeat us.

You're just Nimros, an uninteresting young man who happens to have the same name as a story from long ago. You had the power of the book, but you could've lived your own story.

But instead, you chose to be obsessed with an empty story of arks and eternity. Why is that?

Perhaps an ordinary life meant an even greater emptiness for that young man...

That's when she appeared. She had already lived for thousands of years, like flame frozen in time. Like a pale blue jewel... I longed for her...the embodiment of eternity.

There is no such thing as eternity... I existed only to bring an end to this circular story. I sought out that moment all along until now.

Really? I see that now. I understand why you shone... What I thought to be a drama... Turned out to be a comedy...

Ugh...

Wh-What's wrong?!

The power of this ink is too strong for ordinary people.

......

Now that you have exploited that power, you won't have much longer...

I see...

I wouldn't mind penned the final period in my story with your ink.

Sister...

As much as I like this conversation, someone's comin' to check this out. We don't want to be caught red-handed here. Let's get out of here.

What?

Things got a little outta-hand in that fight and I'm sure security is on its way.

Right... Sticking around here seems like a bad idea.

We got what we needed. Now we've just got to deal with this book.

Okay, so now we have the real tome. What are we going to do with it?

The book cover changed!

What used to be The Shiny People is now The Flower Girl... So that's what the book was originally supposed to look like!

I've finally got it back...

My story...

Sister?!

He said that the magic ends when the flower ink runs out... Is that true?

What should we do?! We used a lot of ink when we were trapped in the book! I'm not ready to say good bye to you just yet!

Don't try to kill me off just yet...

Huh?

I'm just exhausted. I don't plan on dying so easily...

Sister!

There, there...!

Oh, thank goodness... Thank goodness you're okay...

......

I'm glad we're all safe. That pretty much settles everythin'.

Speaking of which!

You! You knew all along those people were the ones offering the tome at the auction! It's your fault my sister had to go through all this!

I can't deny that. My priority's always the organization. I'd use any tools available.

Oh, so now you're on their side?! You've got a thick head, don't you? Thicker than the walls of my castle!

If you did all this for the organization, then you didn't have to go to the VIP Room to get the book, right?

Sometimes it's about give-and-take. Ya guys helped me out a lot, so I figured I pay ya back.

If that's the case, I'm neither going to blame you nor praise you. You just did what you had to.

Can't we all be more honest with each other?

Hahah! We're not all like ya, Aldo.

Hahah.

Now that I've seen two beauties smilin', I guess I'm done here. I can smell trouble comin'.

I can never be friends with a scoundrel like that!

Did he say trouble?

Excuse me, you guys.

I'm Cetie, the COA officer working directly for the Administrator.

The COA officer?!

Cetie! What brings you here?

There's been a rumor that an underground organization was running an illegal business at the Auction House. I've learned that they were mostly profiting from the book that was put on auction.

Could I have a look at the book, please?

What are you going to do with it?

If the book is evidence in our investigation, then I'll have to hold onto it.

Sister...

It's okay. This is the book you want, right?

......

I'd heard the story was about a saint and his ark, but this is a love story about a young sailor... And the title says, "The Flower Girl." This isn't the book I was looking for.

Then, are we done here?

Yes. My apologies for the trouble. I guess coming here led me to another dead end. However, we did apprehend one of the criminal bosses around here.

One of the bosses?

His name's Gord and he has an appetite for violence. He was the one in charge of the Auction House.

Gord? Are you saying that he's still alive?

He is. Someone knocked him out with a tranquilizer gun. It seems they were the one who tipped us off.

I can't wait to hand this guy over. Holding him is like having a child around. Then again, it's good we got him before his own organization made an example of him.

By the way, have you guys seen a sketchy looking blonde guy with a cyborg dog around? He's a person of interest.

A sketchy blonde guy...

(Obviously, he's talking about Hardy. Sorry, Cetie, but I'm not going to rat on him.)

He went that way.

Wha, ?!

Really?! Thank you for your cooperation.

H-Hey. Why did you have to tell him about Hardy?

I said I won't blame him for what happened, but I didn't say I would like him.

She pretty much hates him. But he had it coming.

I'm sorry, Hardy... Good luck.

Anyway, Sister got the book she needed, so I guess it's time to go.

I truly don't know what to say. You even used the money you were saving to restore your country.

There's nothing I can buy to bring back my country, so don't worry about it. Plus, I got to go on an adventure with Sister! That's all I could ever want!

This sure was a lot of work just for a book.

I have to say that this one wore me out... I need to recharge my batteries back home.

Back home?

She means her bedroom in the book.

Good night, everyone!

Hahah... She'll never change.

......

Is there something on my face?

I'm sorry for staring. I don't mean to sound like Hardy, but I like the way you're smiling now.

......

Hey, Aldo, you got a minute? I've got something to tell you.

Sure, what is it?

Follow me.

The view's beautiful...

You mentioned that you like the way I'm smiling now.

Yeah, I did. What about it?

I can't remember the last time I laughed, cried, raged, and got excited like this. For thousands of years, I lived my life not expecting any event that'd make me emotional.

You've lived for thousands of years and not even once had an adventure like this?

It's true. Now I have loads of things to write about in my last story.

Your last story... You want to finish your story by using up all the magic?

That was my plan before I met you, but things have changed.

There's always been a story that I wanted to write about. It's a story about the people I've met along the way. I forgot to do it before, but I want to write about the past, the present, and the future... And to do that I need to keep on living. I'm not going to write to see my end.

Sophia...

So, Aldo. Where are you headed to next?

Are you thinking about coming with me?

No one travels around the world like you do. Also, I figured I'd be able to pick up the remaining tomes along the way.

And as long as I'm traveling with you, I'll always have something interesting to write about.

No doubt about that! Welcome aboard, Sophia.

The legendary broker?! Of course I know about him! Rumor has it that he knows everything there is to know about all manner of treasures!

Where is he? I don't actually know right now. By the time I arrived in this town, he was already gone. Speaking of legends though, some guy asked me to buy him a legendary drink at the tavern. Do I look like such a stooge?

The legendary broker? Of course I've heard about him.

I never met the fellow in person, but if rumors serve, then that gentleman knows everything about art.

What worries me is that the last I heard, he disappeared... I hope he didn't get himself caught up in something. Please watch yourself out around the tavern, okay?

What's this about a legendary broker? Ooooh, you must mean Jeema. His skill as a broker is top-notch and he's a pretty decent guy, too.

Well, he does have his temper tantrums from time to time... Just make sure he doesn't get carried away.

When someone talks about legendary brokers, the first name that comes to mind is Jeema. He's got a genuine passion for treasure. So much so he makes some serious demands on the Seekers.

It drives him crazy that no-one else can match his level of passion, leaving him rather despondent.

But maybe he's just acting up 'cause he's getting older.

Well, that didn't really help.

All we know is that he's been around the tavern recently.

Hmm. Perhaps we should go to the tavern to look for hints.

Looks like the legendary broker isn't here. Where could he be?

Hey, bro! Looks like yer in some kinda trouble. Buy me a round, will ya?

I'm kind of busy looking for someone.

Lookin' for someone? Don't tell me yer wife left ya, too! It sucks, I know.

Your wife left you, Gramps...? Sorry to hear that. Well, I'm searching for this legendary broker...

A legendary broker...?

Yeah. I'm sorry but I don't have time to spend listening to your tragedy...

So yer lookin' for him...

"Him"? Gramps, you know about the broker I'm looking for?

I'm not too sure... Perhaps another round might help me remember...

It seems like you've already had enough!

And not jus' your regular juice or somethin'! Some Devil Kiss'll get me movin'!

Devil Kiss?

It's an herbal juice made by soaking Hustle Sage in Wicked Crane.

So, if we bring you the ingredients for it, then you'll tell me about the broker?

Yeah, lil' girl. A real man...keeps his words...

Urgh... I'm feelin' sick a little queasy.

I don't know if we should trust this man.

But he's our only lead for now. Let's bring back the ingredients.

Molly should know more about what he needs.

Let's go and talk to her.

Have you heard of a drink called Wicked Crane?

Yes. Take a sip, let the scent of flowers starts blooming in your mouth. It's simply magical, and anyone working in this industry knows about it. So, what about it?

Well, someone wants me to bring him a drink made from it.

That's a bit of trouble.

What's the trouble?

Well, it's not made anymore. Currently, it's a rare item that's hard to find.

Is there anything we can do?

......

I think you know something.

Well, there is something you can do, but it's impossible for an ordinary Seeker.

Are you saying that it's impossible for beginners like us?

I supposed you'd have a chance if you reached Platinum Rank, one higher than Gold.

Platinum Rank, huh? I got it. We need to get that to reach Black Rank anyway.

And next, we need Hustle Sage...

Mutsuro may be able to help you with plants.

Just so you know, Hustle Sage is as rare as Wicked Crane. No one'll give out that info for nothing.

Either way, I guess we need to prove we're trustworthy by achieving Platinum Rank.

You must accumulate 11,000 Seeker Points to reach Platinum Rank. But at this rate, I think you'll be able to get that many points.

Now, go out and show us what you've got!

You must accumulate 11,000 Seeker Points to reach the Platinum Rank. Currently, you don't have enough, sir.

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

You'd like to apply to increase your rank, am I correct? Please wait while I prepare the license.

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

Since I've made it this far, it looks like Black Rank is the next step!

So, how many Seeker Points is it gonna take to reach Black Rank?

None.

Huh?

What does that mean?

The condition to reach Black Rank is to enter a single treasure set worth 1,000,000 ROC.

1,000,000 ROC... Saving the world again might be easier.

Only the treasures in the back catalog add up to that amount.

In order to get that many points, we'll need to collect the necessary items and to them to the guy in the tavern.

Well then, let's go talk to Mushiro and Molly. We can ask them about rare drinks and herbs.

We got Wicked Crane and Hustle Sage for you. Now, will you be able to make Devil Kiss?

That's what you asked for. Now tell us about the broker...

F-Fwaaaargh!

What the heck?! You didn't even take a sip.

I don't even need a sip to wake me up. I can't believe you really got them... You guys have some talent after all.

Well then, it's about time you told us about the legendary broker.

He's me...

Huh?

I am the one known as the legendary broker, Jeema.

Was this some kind of test?

Not exactly, I was just wasting my life away. But your hard work has reinvigorated my love for the life of a broker. Now if only I could get my hands on the legendary treasure...

What legendary treasure is that?

Several Seekers already went looking for it, but they all failed. And so no one wants to work with me anymore.

Then my wife left me because I was working nonstop, taking the kids with her when she left...

Sounds like it was all your fault...

I don't know what you're going through, but we need your help. We need a special broker that can tell us about treasures in the Street Catalog.

So you know about the Street Catalog. It seems you really aren't just an ordinary Seeker.

That's fine. You've already proven yourselves. I'll tell you what I know.

It's a statue of a deity that is said to have been worshipped on a legendary continent that existed long ago.

On a legendary continent?

The lost continent of Meowrica flourished from its technological and magical prowess, but now lies under the sea. It is said that a ruler, an incarnation of the sun god Meowstet, lead the kingdom while contacting the spiritual world.

How amazing is that?! It's every Seeker's dream to get treasures connected to Meowrica!

I-Is that right?

But how can a statue that old remain until now? Plus, you've mentioned that the land now lies under the sea...

From time to time, similar statues are discovered in places where tectonic plates reveal new lands.

Unfortunately, most of them are badly damaged to an extent one can hardly believe they're an old, sacred statue.

However, we've managed to find one completely different from the others! If only we could restore it...

It'll become a legendary treasure.

You know all this, but you still spend your days wasting your life away.

Well, few have to knowledge to restore the colors and shape of such an old item... I asked several Seekers to find a craftsman with those skills, but none succeeded...

Jeema...

But you guys are different! You found that ancient drink and a rare herb!

A-All right. We'll have to get that idol restored, right?

So, where is it? You did say that you have the statue...

Well, the thing is...all my assets were seized to pay alimony, so...

What?! You had to give that up too?!

All I know is that it was auctioned away, and currently a famous art broker has it.

A famous art broker...

It's Suzanne. Let's go and talk to her.

Before you go, I'll give you back the drink and the herb.

Are you sure you don't want them?

I can't let stuff like this make more trouble for me.

I'm back! Nothing's gonna stop me now!

A wise decision. You wouldn't want the statue to get seized again after you restore it.

In that case, can you help us sell the drink and the herb? We could really use some ROC.

Sure. I also need to show you that I truly am the legendary broker. Just wait a little bit.

20,000 ROC... I guess he is the real deal after all.

Hahah. I hope it was enough to prove that I don't just waste my whole day!

I'm officially requesting you recover the idol and restore it. I know you've got what it takes!

Got it. First things first, we need to talk to Suzanne.

We need to find that drink and the herb to get the information about the legendary broker.

We've already got the drink, Wicked Crane.

Let's start by looking for the Wicked Crane from Antiquity.

Molly should be able to help us. Let's go to the lounge in the Auction House.

We've already got the herb, Hustle Sage!

Lord Aldo. It seems Hustle Sage is harvested in Baruoki. Let's go and find some!

Should we ask Master Mutsuro if he knows anything about the herb?

I never thought the day would come when I could really see the restored Meowstet Idol...

You think if I sold this I could reach Black Rank?

Are you guys going for Black Rank? Why do you...

Nevermind, it's just human nature to want to reach the top. No reason necessary.

Let me jump into your challenge! Let formally sign up as your personal broker.

Then can we entrust you to sell this idol?

Definitely. And let me tell you that no one is gonna be stingy with Jeema's endorsement on it.

It takes a legendary broker to sell a legendary treasure, right?

You got it. We'll reach Black Rank in no time.

We were asked to restore the Meowstet Idol, right?

You can have the statue's decorations restored by an artisan!

Well, it looks like Suzanne has the restored statue. Let's go ask her about it!

The deal is done. This is for you.

F-Five million ROC?! That's so many more zeroes than all the other treasures have gotten us. So that's what treasures from the Street Catalog can bring in...

It wouldn't have been possible without Jeema's help. It looks like he really is legendary. With that, we can get Black Rank and bid for the tome.

That's right.

We want our license updated.

Certainly. License confirmed. Seeker Rank: Platinum. Entry name: Aldo...

Congratulations. You have met the conditions and therefore qualify for Black Seeker Rank.

Nice!

Since no one else made the requirements, you'll be registered as the final participant for the tome auction.

In addition, you have enough ROC to cover the minimum bid for the item. Therefore, you are qualified to participate.

Great! Finally, we qualify for the auction!

Right...

We still don't have the book, so let's not get too excited just yet.

Y-You're right. Those guys wearing the black suits may try to get in the way again.

You'll never know what the Descendants of the Shiny People might do to get that book.

Sophia...

I just want to say I'm glad we made it this far, and that I couldn't have done it without you, Aldo.

Hahah. I couldn't have done it on my own. This wasn't possible without Cynthia, Hardy, and all the brokers who helped us.

We should go and thank them for everything later. Without them we wouldn't be able to join the auction.

Yup.

There is still time before the auction starts. Once you have finished preparations, please let us know. You cannot join the auction without the necessary amount of ROC. We recommend you use the ROC bank.

What's the ROC bank?

It's a popular service for those who tend to spend too much. We temporarily keep an amount of ROC specified by our customers.

Well, let's deposit all the ROC we earned by selling that treasure. I'm sure that'll be enough for us to bid on the book.

Here you are.

Thank you. Your ROC will be kept safely. Please come back before participating in the auction.

Here's the ROC that we've kept for you. Please make sure that the amount matches. Your application to participate in the auction with three guests was accepted, sir.

It's about time.

We finally made it. Sister, isn't this exciting? My heart is beating like a drum!

Yes... I haven't felt this way in a long time.

Now, let's go bid for that tome!

I knew they'd be here...

We don't know how they got in here, but we know they'll be our primary rivals here.

Or maybe not. Look at all these big shots participatin' in this auction. We've got a retired business tycoon, a tech entrepreneur, and a popular actress. It's like a celeb gossip magazine in here.

Hmm... So those are the religious group... This proves that the tome we're bidding for is real.

It is said that the tome contains the secret to immortality. It's a divine mystery of the Antiquity... How intriguing...

I'll spend whatever it takes, as long as I can have eternal beauty. That tome will be mine! Tee-hee...

Just look around the room... This is going to be one intense auction.

So here's a little token of my appreciation to help ya out.

Woah! That's a lot of ROC! We can't accept this.

Did ya really think ya could win with just the minimum bid?

Where did you get this money?

That's my secret. Ya think I've been takin' time off while you're huntin' treasures?

Thank you, Hardy... We'll make sure to use it well.

With all the ROC we've collected up til now, we can't lose this auction. Let's not hold anything back.

Thank you all for waiting. The auction shall now begin.

Our item today is...

This mystical holy book from ancient times! This is the final volume in the series The Shiny People.

It's a story written with silver ink by Saint Nimros, the one who created an ark to save his people from disaster. It's been confirmed that the tome itself holds magnificent magical power.

......

In addition, we've requested the chief of Macminal Museum to examine it as an expert in this field. Based on the formula of the ink, this tome was determined to be one of the very few original copies.

Though the Macminal Museum is currently closed, we were able to request a professional appraisement.

He might be 3rd-rate... No, 5th-rate businessman, but he know his stuff about antiquities. The tome must be for real.

That concludes the introduction.

Let's start the auction! Our starting bid is 5,000,000 ROC. The minimum raise is 10,000 ROC.

5.1 million.

5.2 million.

5.3 million.

5.4 million.

I expected this to happen, but this is insane. They're raisin' by 100,000 each time, which is like 10 million on the surface. Yet, they keep raisin' the price at a ridiculous rate.

We knew this would happen. But we've got enough to cover the price for now. We just need to wait for...

That's a huge jump. I can't deal with folks like this... I'll have to step aside for now.

A raise of more than 500,000 ROC... That's like a transaction of 500 million on the surface. Everyone is starting to panic. Do you think he'll continue?

I won't let him. Come on, Aldo!

Raise. 6 million.

Hmm. He's tougher than I expected. Well, it's my turn now.

Raise! 6.1 million.

Ugh. I'm not giving up just yet!

6.11 million!

6.2 million.

Not good! I think I made things worse.

Not quite. The numbers haven't gone up as drastically. I'm starting to see their limits.

Hmm...

Oh, I give up! I don't want to spend the rest of my life living as a poor, immortal person!

I can keep going a little longer, but even I know when to quit. Let's see who can keep this up.

Currently, the highest bid is 6.5 million ROC. Is there anyone else who would like to raise the bid? If not, then...

7 million!

We have 7 million! Anyone else?

Is there anyone else?

Going once, going twice... and sol...

Hold on!

Huh?

Whether it's just a book or not, all the wealth in the world belongs to me. I won't allow a commoner to take it...

8 million... No!

9.99 million! This is what one can do with the power of money!

You've got to be kiddin', old man. You're makin' your life shorter, ya know?

9.99 million?! I guess it's game over for us...

Ugh. Isn't there something we can do?

Anyone else...?

Very well. The bid is now 9.99 million, and...

Raise!

C-Cynthia?!

10 million ROC!

But how?

You've gotta be crazy. I understand why, but ya don't have that much cash. And if ya can't pay, then they'll revoke your Seeker license.

There's nothing to worry about.

You may use this if you do not have enough.

Is that your license?

Currently you own... 3 million ROC?! Cynthia, what's this about?

I've used relics of my country to earn some ROC just in case, to prepare for a situation like this.

There's no way I can allow you to...

That book means a lot to me and my country, too. This is exactly where the ROC should be spent.

Anyone else going for a raise?

Grrr... I still have the ROC... I really do, but...

Look at that gracious girl. She deserves to have the treasure more than I do...

I give up!

Going once, going twice...

Sold! For 10 million ROC. Congratulations!

Finally, the book is mine again!

We did it, Sister! We won!

Good for you, Sophia. I'm really happy for you.

For security reasons, the item will be given directly to the buyer by the seller. We'd like to invite a representative from each party to the VIP room once you're ready.

The VIP room, huh? That's real somethin'.

So, we need to choose a representative.

Isn't it obvious?

It's got to be Sister!

Are you all fine with that?

Of course. We're all here because we wanted you to end up getting that book.

Thank you. I couldn't have gotten the book back this way if it wasn't for you guys.

Well, I should get going.

We'll be waiting for you at the reception.

The VIP room is this way, Miss.

Sophia.

Yes?

Nothin'. Forget it.

There's the elevator that should take ya up to the VIP room. What you've been searchin' for is right ahead of ya.

Don't hate me, Little Lady.

I hate the feeling of having to wait like this.

She's just going up there to receive the tome. There's nothing to worry about.

I wonder what the VIP room looks like.

......

This must be it.

I wonder when the seller is going to arrive...

Is that it?

I've been waiting for hundreds... Thousands of years.

The final volume of a series that no one's seen before... And the lies that have to be dealt with, once and for all.

The Shiny People... The tale of the saint... The ink of falsehood shall be washed off, and I shall put an end to it!

It can't be. There's no way it's blank. My flower sensed the magic of ink within...

There it is! Some writing in silver ink! But this...

"The tome was finally within the grasp of the daughter of the ancestor. However, it was a fake tome." "By the time she realized this, it was too late. She was trapped in the story..."

It can't be!

Ugh...! It's the same power that sealed me in the past...but why?!

It's been a while, daughter of the ancestor.

...?! It not possible. It's been more than four thousand years since I sealed him away.

It's been thousands of days and nights, but you haven't changed. In fact, neither have I...

I haven't changed, except for the fact that I've become what you are, all in order to stay the same.

Nimros... Are you saying that the flower is also part of your work?!

Indeed. I continue studying during this long life thanks to the magic of the book... And with the power of science in this era, I was able to restore the magical essence within my eye. It was only possible because I, Nimros, was written in this book.

It's the true copy of the tome! So you're the one who took it!

At that time, I only had a little bit of ink left after I sealed you. I could only write a few more words. Yet, my flower is a replica. It's nothing compared to what you have... But despite that, the words I've written with the ink still hold magic power.

Urgh... What is it you guys want? If you can replicate my flower, having my book is no longer necessary. But you still try to seal me and demand the original copy of the tome.

You are terribly mistaken.

What?

I didn't capture you to get the book. You were the target all along. The tome was nothing more than bait.

You were after me?

I only required your cooperation. We... I mean, I am working on a new ark project.

What's taking her so long?

Yes. It's been a while.

I hope she didn't get lost!

That's impossible. She's Sophia...

Oh dear! Hang in there, Sister! I'm coming for you!

Cynthia?!

Oh well. I guess we really should go look for her. Maybe we should start by asking if anyone's seen her. Let's get going, Hardy.

This is really just the start of some crazy party. I am so ready for it.

She hasn't returned. I hope she's okay.

As I told you, my sister might be lost! Now, let me through!

This area is off-limits to anyone other than the representative.

I understand, but it's taking her too long to return. Can we please go and check to see if she's okay?

A moment, please.

Yes, it's me. Yes, I...

...Understood.

Oh. So are you letting us in?

Whoa. What's going on?!

Sister might be in danger! Quick, we must save her from these people!

No! We're getting surrounded!

Hey! This way!

Tch. I knew they'd come.

Gord! Where's Sophia?!

I've taken the girl to the VIP room, as promised to the seller. Oh, and I was told not to let anyone in until the tome has been handed over.

The seller? Is he the one who is after Sophia?

I knew it. It's the guy in white hood.

White hood? What's all this about? We were competing with them at the auction.

Yeah. He was trying to bid for the tome. How can he be a seller of the tome at the same time?

They were the ones who requested it. They said they were in possession of a valuable book, and they wanted it sold on the auction. We figured that we could increase the price of the book by encouraging the bidding.

So the entire thing was a huge setup?

Exactly. The auction was a huge success, thanks to people like you guys.

You and the Descendants of the Shiny People are just after the money.

Technically, yes. However, I'm the only winner here. I bought the book from that guy for the minimum bid. Our deal was that I wouldn't pay a single ROC no matter the final price.

So the hooded guy and his men won't take any coin no matter the price? That's shoddy business.

I don't get it. Why did they accept such a deal? And it's weird that they were the ones who proposed the offer.

Who knows? Perhaps they didn't even think that the book is worth a fortune. I wouldn't have had the value appraised if you guys hadn't been so interested in buying it.

I really admire your nose for findin' money. But it seems that nose can't do much else.

Huh?

Didn't ya think this job and the hooded guys were shady? Behind this imperfect business agreement, they were obviously after somethin' different. Now, why weren't ya concerned about what they were after? They could've been a great threat to us all.

You're right there. Doing business with strangers is risky for our organization.

However, with the ROC I'm gonna make, the organization could do with a little... restructuring.

I'd put myself in the boss' chair and no one'd oppose me!

So this auction was all about your ambitions.

There aren't too many people out there that'd buy a stone for gold. The money from this was enough. Whether those weirdos posed a threat to the organization made little difference.

So your intention is to crush the organization as it is.

Exactly. It's time for those fogies who only sit on their chairs and give out orders to step aside. But first...

I must get rid of the guard dog standing in my way.

No! Weren't you guys supposed to be allies?!

Allies? Don't make me laugh. He used his sharp fangs, acting like a dog that's trying to flatter its master. Anyway, I've told you all before you die. Wouldn't want anyone to find out my plans just yet.

Well, I guess this is it, then.

It's not easy being a dog, isn't it? You can't bite your enemy unless your master gives you the permission.

Hardy!

Ya hear that, boss? Yes. Gord just confessed to us all his plans against the organization.

What?! You were connected to them this whole time?!

Yes, boss...

The boss officially gave me my orders.

He ordered me to treat our traitor real nicely.

This was unexpected, but it changes nothing. What can you do against all my men? Your fate is already decided!

Watch out!

I'm sorry for havin' ya guys involved in this.

Don't you worry about it, Hardy! You're still our friend.

We need to deal with these people in order to save Sister, anyway. There's only one option for us!

Fools. Guys. Get me that thing!

Here they come!

Did we win?!

Darn it! How many are there?!

We can't be wasting too much time here...

......

Is that all you've got? That was quick.

I wouldn't say that if I were ya.

Aaaah!

What was that?!

Hey. Ya might wanna stay focused.

My bullets go faster than light.

Hardy!

Checkmate. Go on, Aldo. The hooded guys are probably after Sophia.

What about you, Hardy?

He and I need to talk. I'll catch up with ya later.

All right.

Hah... I guess my defeat was the only sure thing.

Now, you've got two options. Ya either die here like a man, or...

Was that a gunshot?

Let's hurry. We should be able to get to the VIP room by taking the elevator.

Right. Hang in there, Sophia. We're coming to save you!