The Hero’s Party Members Treat Me Well for Some Reason - Chapter 44

44 – Selling, Buying, Auction (2)

There are various kinds of mataps in the Demon Lord and the Hero Party.

Just as magic does not have only one attribute, there are separate mataps for each attribute.

Thanks to that, there are many matap leaders, and there are also various specialized magics.

And in the capital of the empire, there were a total of two mataps erected.

The Red Matap and the Yellow Matap.

They were mataps that primarily focused on fire and lightning attribute magic, respectively. Many flashy and powerful magicians resided there.

It suited the empire well because of its brilliance.

“It’s a bit of a shame that there is no Black Matap…”

Well, honestly, I didn’t expect that. A black matap, befitting its color, was naturally a matap that mainly studied black magic.

It’s strange that a study like that is located in the center of where humans live.

But it’s okay. Just like mold that grows in damp places, if you’re determined to find black magic, you can find it anytime.

If you wanted to learn genuine black magic, it would be better to visit the black market on the outskirts.

“I’ll go there later.”

With that thought in mind, I resumed walking.

Today, the places I was going to visit were the library located near the mataps and the auction house.

According to the merchants, today happened to be the day when an auction was being held.

It was a special auction organized directly by the Red Matap, and they said that many precious magical items would be exhibited.

Anyone can participate as long as they have money and credentials…

There’s no reason for me not to participate.

I have plenty of bullets.

I practically emptied the Wholesale Guild’s cash. And even if I don’t make any purchases, it will still be a good experience just to confirm.

As befitting of a roguelike game, most of the items that appear in the auction house are random.

So, a lot of the items that come out, I don’t know much about.

But at least I knew one characteristic well.

It’s that occasionally, there’s a jackpot among the randomly appearing items. You could call it a gacha system unique to this game.

As I entered the Red Matap, a magician sitting at the central counter welcomed me.

“Ahem… Welcome, please come in.”

Although I didn’t have much respect for him from the start.

But I can overlook it as long as his manner of speech isn’t too bad.

I showed him the hero party that I had kept in my backpack all this time. I had to prove my identity anyway.

From Noble mtl dot com

If that’s the case, it’s best to start by pinching the prideful magician’s nose.

“Just a moment, this is…”

A splendidly shining hero’s proof.

As expected, as soon as he saw it, his eyes widened.

“A hero’s proof? How did you get that… Wait, could it be…?”

“I’m trying to participate in the auction. How much would it cost to participate?”

“Wait, are you also trying to participate in the auction? Today’s auction?”

“Well, why else would I be here?”

The magician awkwardly scratched his head.

His initially annoying attitude had disappeared, but there was a hint of something bothering him.

I raised an eyebrow.

What’s going on? In most games, if you show your hero status, they’d let you in without a second thought.

Could there be something I don’t know?

With that thought in mind, the magician cautiously spoke again.

“Um, are you the hero who caused a commotion at the banquet yesterday?”

“Hmm?”

It seemed like the incident from yesterday had already spread. Well, with mostly noble people down there, it wouldn’t take long for rumors to spread. They had quite a gossip network.

Thanks to that, I could figure out what was bothering him.

“Don’t worry, I won’t cause any trouble inside the auction house, at least. I’m a human with that much discretion.”

“No, it’s not about that. It’s just that… The rumor has it that you’ve learned dark magic, sir.”

“Ah.”

Finally, I understood what he was concerned about. After all, I wasn’t the only one at that banquet; rumors could easily spread.

“Come to think of it, there were cases like this in the game too…”

Choosing the dark magician tree would trigger such events.

Magicians, in general, had a strong aversion to dark magicians, almost like the clergy.

It seems like being in the same profession leads to corruption. It’s thinking that all dark wizards are weak and lacking in character.

Because of this, there were times when I would get stuck like this.

But it’s okay. It’s just a precaution, it doesn’t mean I’m legally forbidden from entering.

I placed the money bag on the counter and said,

“I can pay as much as you want, so please give me a ticket.”

“It seems like you don’t deny the stories of dark magic.”

“I’m not the type to hide the truth that will soon be revealed.”

“Well, surely you’re not really…? As a hero, you’re not embarrassed?”

In an instant, a feeling of disgust flashed in his eyes. The way he looked at me, as if it wasn’t enough that I was cursed, but also because the dark magic was revealed, was unusual.

But I was confident.

“Why, is there a problem? Dark magic isn’t illegal, is it?”

As I said before, dark magic is not a subject of condemnation.

In the past, it was like that… but now, thanks to numerous h

“I made a good choice by reserving the VIP room.”

There is a system like this in the auction house.

By paying more money, you can sit in a private room separate from other guests. There are no other special features, just the small advantage of being able to assert authority.

In other words, it’s all about money.

Despite being a system that nobles rarely use due to its high price compared to efficiency… it was perfect for me.

Because I can minimize contact with people.

By reducing contact, I can avoid unnecessary friction.

This seat, which may seem insignificant to others, is very valuable to me.

Anyway, the auction started in that state.

“Welcome, distinguished guests!”

The auctioneer captures the people with skillful speech.

As an auction house, most of the items coming up are definitely rare.

Staff used by the Red Magic Tower for training in the distant past.

Attack scrolls created by the researchers of the Magic Tower.

And even luxury items handcrafted by the top artisans.

But for someone like me, a gamer, it was just okay.

“There’s no jackpot this time…”

It was because there weren’t many items worth using.

The staff. It definitely increases magical efficiency, but it’s not suitable as a main weapon.

The scrolls, they certainly provide assistance, but their efficiency compared to price is trash.

And the luxury items. What am I supposed to do with those?

Thanks to that, I could only watch for a long time.

“Is it a loss this time…”

Just as I was starting to think that,

The auctioneer introduced one more item.

“Alright! This item is… Oh, yes. It’s this.”

A somewhat awkward voice.

The item he showed this time was a gold necklace with a diamond-shaped ruby. At first glance, it may seem like a luxury item, but it is clearly a magical item.

And it was something I knew.

The Blood Pouch Necklace.

“To be honest, this product is a fake. It wasn’t directly made by Matap, but rather something that was accidentally picked up. Let me introduce it first. This is a very old magical device that was created by a famous sorcerer. The effect is simple, when you drop a little bit of blood like this…”

The presenter pricked his finger with a needle. Then, droplets of blood formed on his hand.

When the presenter dropped the droplets of blood onto the gemstone embedded in the necklace, the gemstone absorbed the blood greedily.

“As you can see, we store blood in this way. By infusing it with magic again, you can release the stored blood. I haven’t personally used it, but I’ve heard that the storage capacity is quite substantial.”

“…It’s a sinister object.”

“It absorbs blood. Who would want to use something so unpleasant?”

Criticism emerged from all corners. Since it was an item used by a sorcerer, there was naturally a sense of rejection. The presenter continued with a wry smile.

“Yes, I expected that. That’s why I’ll offer this item at a lower price. However, the materials that make up the necklace are genuine ruby and pure gold. Taking into account those who enjoy dangerous and occult items, starting from a mere 200,000 gold…”

“One million.”

I immediately raised my hand.

As someone who had learned blood magic, there was no reason for me not to buy it.

Self-recovery, recharging magic power, temporary attacks. There was no reason for me to give up on such a versatile item.

“Um…yes?”

“I’ll pay one million gold.”

So hand it over immediately.

*

Thunk, thunk, thunk!

Fortunately, the auction ended quickly. Maybe because I had bid aggressively from the beginning, or maybe because no one wanted to get involved with this eerie magical item.

The fact that it was a sinister sorcery item probably played a part as well.

Thanks to that, I was able to obtain it at a cheaper price than expected.

It takes quite a long time to acquire this item directly.

“Lucky me.”

It was more than a decent bargain, even if it wasn’t a jackpot.

Thus, after the auction, I eagerly awaited the arrival of the item.

I could already imagine the ruby necklace adorning my neck.

However, the item never reached me.

“It’s impossible.”

“What?”

The presenter scratched his head as if in distress.

Naturally, I had to ask for clarification.

“No, why doesn’t it work? I paid the money properly and followed the procedures properly.”

“Well… I want to give it to you too, but the provider refused to provide it…”

“What?”

“They said they can’t give dark magic items to a dark magician. The Red Magic Tower themselves… said it directly.”

So, that means…

The Red Magic Tower was restraining me. Because I am a dark magician. They refused to provide the item because they said they couldn’t give a gun to a dangerous black man who might cause trouble.

“Ha.”

“I’m really sorry. I’ll return the prepayment. I hope you can let this incident go…”

“Ha, hahahahaha.”

A hollow laugh escaped.

Being cheated on the price because of a curse? I can let it go.

The magician at the counter welcoming me with a hostile attitude? I can let it go.

Being looked down upon because I’m a dark magician? I can let it go.

That much, except for the fact that it bothers me, is something I can personally resolve.

But to have paid the selling price properly and followed the procedures properly, only to have the deal fall apart like this at the end?

This is not acceptable.

Especially if the reason is just some petty excuse, I can’t sit still.

“I’m really sorry. I apologize once again…”

“It’s fine.”

“What?”

“I’ll go visit them myself.”

I have to show them.

What a damn fool, what kind of scoundrel he is. It’s time to show the intimidation of a black human rights activist.

From now on, I am Martin Luther King, Jr.

Immediately after the auction ended, I stormed into the Red Magic Tower.

Bang!

I forcefully broke the door and intruded into the lobby.

Surprised guests and magicians screamed.

“aaah!”

“What is this nonsense!”

“What rude scoundrel dares to invade Matap… Who are you!”

I said with an angry voice.

“It’s me, you little sh*ts.”

Give me back my belongings.