LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 376: The Auction Start [2]
"This way." The woman led Nox out of the private room into another room filled with people who wanted to sell their items to be auctioned.
As soon as Nox entered, a man in a neatly pressed suit approached him with a polite yet professional demeanor. "Sir, are you here to sell an item directly, or do you wish to place it in the auction?"
Nox's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered the question. He remembered what the raven-haired woman who had acted as their guide had told them earlier: there were two distinct ways to sell an item in the Black Market Auction.
The man seemed to notice his pause and continued, "If you're unfamiliar, allow me to explain the two methods available to sellers."
Nox nodded slightly, gesturing for him to continue.
"First," the man began, "there is the direct sale method. In this method, you negotiate directly with one of our appraisers here in this room. Once an agreement is reached, the Black Market purchases the item from you outright. You receive immediate payment based on the agreed-upon value. This method is quick and efficient, favored by those who want instant returns without waiting for the auction."
Nox glanced around the room, noting several appraisers seated behind ornate desks, speaking with various sellers. A few were carefully examining items with specialized tools, while others were meticulously recording notes in thick ledgers.
"And the second method?" Nox asked, his tone calm but curious.
"The second method," the man explained, "is the auction consignment method. In this case, you entrust your item to the Black Market Auction. It will then be listed as one of the lots in the auction itself. This method is more time-consuming, but it comes with the potential for higher profits, as bidding wars can drive the price far beyond the item's appraised value. However, the Black Market retains a percentage of the final sale price as a commission."
Nox's dark eyes gleamed with interest. Both methods had their advantages, but the second option intrigued him more. The thought of skilled bidders fighting over an item, driving its price sky-high, had its appeal.
"Of course," the man added, sensing Nox's contemplation, "our appraisers will still assess your item before it's placed in the auction to ensure its quality and starting bid are appropriate. Additionally, if you choose the auction consignment method, we provide you with a status update on the item's placement and estimated bidding interest prior to the event."
"Understood," Nox replied, his voice measured. "I'll decide after speaking with one of your appraisers."
The man bowed slightly. "Very well, sir. Please follow me, and I'll take you to one of our best appraisers."
Soon, Nox stopped before one of the desks and brought out the ice elemental crystal that had been with him all these years, along with the items he had found in that secret chamber beneath the lake. Nox kept the three best items, which were at the Epic rank, and sold the remaining 197 items.
'It seems whoever owns that place already took all the best items, but it's fine.' As for the 12 soul fruits, Nox didn't sell them outright, as he had plans to consume them to increase his levels.
In total, the 197 items were sold for 150,000 golden coins. Now Nox had about 1,150,000 golden coins, with a couple of silver coins lying around in his inventory.
However, when it came time to sell the ice elemental crystal, he said to the appraiser, "How much would this cost?" Nox held up the gleaming blue crystal in his hands and handed it to the man.
"T-this..." There was a bit of skepticism in the appraiser's eyes when he first saw the crystal. However, as soon as he held it and felt the texture, the man's expression lit up.
At the same time, a charming smile appeared on Nox's face. Just from the appraiser's expression, he already made a decision in his heart about which of the two methods to take.
Some time later, Nox returned to the VIP room. He discovered that the VIP area was now filled up, and down below, it was even more rowdy. Staff of the Black Market Guild were actively trying to calm the crowd of people, who were all enthusiastically discussing the items that would be sold in the auction.
The entire atmosphere was electric and filled with excitement. It would be a lie to say Nox wasn't feeling excited at this moment.
Why wouldn't he be excited? Anya Parker had, after all, assured him that all the items he would need for his pet's evolution would be arranged. Though he still had a bit of doubt in his heart, Nox couldn't help but feel a bit hopeful for once.
'I have a million-plus to play with. I hope this so-called Black Market Auction lives up to the hype.' A silver light passed through his eyes as he walked past the private boxes and entered his own private room.
Meanwhile, in the room beside Nox, Amox was glancing down at the stage where the auction would be held with a bored expression, unaware that the one he had been searching for over the last five years was staying in the box beside him.
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"I wonder how rich these humans are? Can they keep up with all the wealth I've accumulated during my time as the Lord of the Blight Castle?" Amox mumbled to himself with a greedy glint in his eyes.
Nox took a seat beside Wendy just in time before the lights were turned off. From the box, the auction hall below was in perfect view. The stage, lit by several bright lamps, stood out like a beacon, ensuring that everyone could clearly see the items being displayed. The seats for the regular participants were lined up in neat rows beneath the VIP boxes, looking far less luxurious than where Nox sat.
It didn't take long for Nox's gaze to settle on Anya Parker, who was making her way to the stage with confident and measured strides. Seeing her, the hall became even more charged with excitement!
Nox smiled. The long-awaited auction was about to start.