Realm of Myths and Legends Chapter 1292: The Valkoryi

"Forty-three million gold coins. All previously mentioned benefits still apply. Should you have a specific treasure in mind, we can certainly discuss it at your convenience. If there's one thing our Golden Dragon Association doesn't lack, it's both gold and treasures," the representative from the Golden Dragon Association declared.

In a mere instant, the bidding had been whittled down to five contenders: the Duvelle family, the Golden Dragon Association, the Formation Master Guild, the Lunar Palace, and one enigmatic group that maintained their anonymity.

The Lunar Palace stood as a prominent sect situated in the northern reaches of the Amaharpe Kingdom. While their disciples predominantly honed their skills in swordsmanship, some explored alternative weaponry to showcase their formidable prowess.

A cultivator's mastery within the Lunar Palace's artistic traditions was gauged by the type of moon they could manifest during the execution of the sect's signature techniques. Upon achieving the ninth stage, an individual was recognized as a master of the Lunar Palace's arts, irrespective of their chosen weapon.

Currently, the representative for the Lunar Palace was an aged woman globally acclaimed as the Lunar Butterfly, Nila. She was a respected Elder of the Lunar Palace, having attained the eighth stage of their unique arts.

"The Lunar Palace is prepared to offer forty-three million, five hundred thousand gold coins. Furthermore, we are willing to provide two refined bars of One-Thousand-Year Crescent Lunar Iron. If you desire, our artisans can craft an item of your choosing using this material," Nila proposed.

The bidding had already escalated to an astonishing 43,500,000 gold coins, a sum that, considering the current exchange rates, was equivalent to approximately !

Setting aside any individual wealth, even if all ten of the top guilds pooled their annual budgets, the total would fall short of even 10% of this colossal figure!

"Forty-five million gold coins!" Burake bellowed, casting a sharp glance towards Black Fox.

"Blast it...! Given our significant investment in expanding our influence throughout Danaharpe City, our financial reserves are somewhat strained..! Even this sum pushes the very limits of our current capacity!" Burake lamented internally.

"The Kroma family bids forty-six-" A voice commenced from one of the private chambers, only to abruptly cease.

After a brief pause, the voice resumed, stating, "The Kroma family will henceforth withdraw from this bidding war."

Burake's eyes gleamed upon hearing this declaration. With the Kroma family's withdrawal, no other entity could match the immediate advantages his Duvelle family offered, save for the Golden Dragon Association. Yet, despite their superior power and overall influence, even they lacked the pervasive sway the Duvelle family commanded within Danharpe!

"We too shall cease our participation in this bid," a voice announced from another of the secluded rooms.

This pronouncement came from the mysterious faction that had steadfastly refused to reveal their identity throughout the proceedings.

With two bidders eliminated, only Burake, the Golden Dragon Association, and the Formation Master Guild remained. However, a considerable amount of time had elapsed since the Formation Master Guild's last offer.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Abruptly, Izroth detected a series of distinct knocks upon his door.

"En-" Izroth began, but before he could utter a single syllable, the door's surface seemed to warp and ripple, much like the waves created by a stone cast into still water.

In the ensuing moment, a familiar silhouette glided through the entryway as if the barrier were entirely permeable.

"You certainly possess a unique method of maintaining a low profile. It appears I have acquired quite a fascinating student," Hyrell remarked, approaching Izroth.

"Teacher," Izroth responded, rising to his feet and performing the customary gesture of cupping his hand into a fist.

Although Hyrell was not his direct master, she was designated to impart the knowledge and understanding crucial for becoming an Arcane Script Runemaster. For Izroth, such a mentor warranted the utmost degree of respect.

"I never anticipated you would be the proprietor of that particular treasure. Had it not been for the scroll you dispatched, I suppose I would remain unaware. Setting that aside, are you quite serious about the matter you conveyed in your message?" Hyrell inquired.

"I, Izroth, am never one to renege on my word. If you require the Transforming Rebirth's Embrace, I will accept your offer without delay," Izroth stated, his voice unwavering and his eyes devoid of any hesitation or regret.

"You… The more I contemplate it, the more I lament that you are not my direct disciple," Hyrell confessed, releasing a sigh tinged with regret.

In Izroth's estimation, the value of the Transforming Rebirth's Embrace paled in comparison to the potential for cultivating and solidifying his connection with Hyrell. Furthermore, it was not as though he would gain nothing from this arrangement. And, if it was something she desperately needed, Izroth felt no qualms about deferring immediate personal profit.

"As tempting as that sounds, I will have to decline. What kind of teacher would I be if I took advantage of my student's kindness? While it's true that this treasure can help to restore my strength at an accelerated rate, overall, it does not have much use to me. I simply wished to study it for personal matters." Hyrell explained.

"Oh? If it's just that much, there's no need to bid on it any further. I can arrange for its delivery to be delayed so that you may study it for a bit. How long do you need?" Izroth asked.

"Just a couple of hours is fine." Hyrell responded.

"Then, I'll see that it's done. Though, I am curious. What is it that you wish to study about it?" Izroth questioned.

"Hm... While I will have to take a closer look to be absolutely certain, if I am not mistaken, that coffin may have belonged to a member of the now extinct ancient race, the Valkoryi." Hyrell answered.

"The Valkoryi? I've never heard of them." Izroth commented.

"That's not surprising. Even during my time 150 years ago, they had already been extinct for nearly 1,000 years." Hyrell stated.

"If you're interested in them—is it related to magic formations? Or, perhaps, does it have to do with Arcane Script Runemasters?" Izroth said in a meaningful tone.

"You catch on fast. As you know, I had to create my own path to becoming an Arcane Script Runemaster. During those years of research, there was one word that came up continuously—Valkoryi. At first, I thought it was just an unknown term used by Arcane Script Runemasters. However, I eventually discovered that it is the name of a now extinct ancient race. While I have no definitive proof, it is my own theory that the Valkoryi are the ones responsible for the creation of Arcane Scripts and were the first Arcane Script Runemasters." Hyrell revealed.