The price kept increasing, giving me time to choose whether to bid or not.
But there were many things I needed to consider, like whether it was really the right call to buy it and bond with it. Or if there was a limit to how much one could bond with a beast. If there was, I needed to be careful. I had to weigh the pros and cons, think about the future. And, as the auctioneer said, once I bonded with it, it would likely become my lifelong companion just like the weaver.
Then, there was its race and rank. Or how to hatch it and nurture it.
With that in mind, I already used the monocle on it, and it showed a bright and big S above, which indicated its potential was really high.
{Friend... I still sense it... Calling for help...}
I glanced to my left, where the small manifestation of the Rime Weaver floated. It reminded me of that cute and soft form, only this one was smaller and more adorable.
I replied to it via our mental connection.
This changed a lot of things. This was the first time the weaver came out on its own. I wasn’t worried about someone seeing or detecting it due to its powers. And thanks to the infinite loop, I could easily keep it in the real world. But only in its smaller forms.
{Do you think we should help it?}
The price had already gone over 10 million. I thought it was a good time to join the process.
I felt the weaver staring at me and easily understood what it was trying to convey. The same went for the weaver. It already knew what I wanted to do. There was no need for words between us.
"12,000,000! Is there any higher?"
"Oh, we have a gentleman from the 6th booth offering 13,000,000."
"Are there any higher?"
"13,500,000." Someone from the opposite side booths bid.
I kept silent, deciding to intervene at the right time. The price rose a few more times and reached 18,500,000.
Surprisingly, it was the Carmine girl who placed the highest bid. And maybe the other bidders recognized her, they stopped competing. Or the price was already within the normal range. They probably didn’t want to waste their money when they could choose the beasts they wanted in official beast shops.
Speaking of beast shops, I was somehow reminded of that event.
I wonder if those Emberwings hatched without a problem.
There was that noble girl as well. Was her name Vivien? Or Vivienne?
But I clearly remember her maid’s name - Lenora, as she was the one who left a clearer impression on me. She recognized me, what I was capable of, and asked for help.
Their shop must be doing fine as well. Cassandra said she would help them out back then, and Aeron was somehow connected to them due to the storyline. They would probably meet again.
Anyway, back to the present, I wondered whether I should compete with Carmine or not. Knowing her personality and cliche scenarios, I was sure she would find trouble with me after this.
Well, if she can find me, that is.
With Veil of the Nameless and a few other tricks, I could easily disappear. Heck, she won’t even remember me.
I decisively raised my voice, deep and clear, trying to give a powerful person’s vibe. Or a rich one.
Alongside the auctioneer’s joyful voice, I could faintly hear Carmine gritting her teeth. It seems like she was struggling to make a choice. I could already guess the reason - she had to save money for the relic, and she just wasted a few million on unnecessary items.
At least she was smart enough not to cause a scene.
A faint smile etched across my face.
The weaver said in a grateful tone.
I told it not to worry and that we were partners now.
I only hoped it would be worth the price. After all, it was a lot of money. The Eclipse Keep could run for about 3 years with it. But then again, beast taming tropes were always costly in terms of money and resources.
Still, 20 million huh...
I laughed at the situation, recalling how poor I was at the beginning and how I was already spending millions now.
You really never know what’s gonna happen in your life.
Especially as chaotic and mysterious as mine.
The door was knocked a few times, and I told them to enter. They brought in the egg I just purchased and waited for the payment.
"Here’s the payment." I handed a ring to the guy. "Can you fill it potions before returning?"
The attendant understood my meaning and quickly left the room with a bow. The weaver and I turned our attention to the egg. The auction was repeating that cycle again anyway.
We both touched the egg’s surface, its cold and frozen surface sending a jolt through my body and mind.
We exchanged a glance. Because just now... We sensed it.
We both felt it - the fear, the loneliness, and... the plea.
And, this egg... It was probably a mental-type monster.
It must have used its last bit of energy to send that message or signal just now.
But my thoughts were quickly replaced by another question.
...Did I hit another jackpot?
Because, if you think about it, it already had a consciousness. It could already use its power too. Well, I at least felt like that. And, coupled with its S rank potential, this creature might be on par with or even stronger than most of the Overlord Beasts.
Besides, psionic monsters were rarer than other types.
If we calculated its price, 20 million would be the bare minimum in my opinion.
...I definitely hit the jackpot.
{You are my lucky charm, aren’t you?}
I smiled at the weaver who was observing the faint mist surrounding the egg.
But it seems like the guy was engrossed in the task. So I decided not to disturb it.
...Should I name it Lucky?