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"Calling once, calling twice!" Wearing a black suit, the human auctioneer knocked his wooden black gavel firmly onto the block once and gestured to the audience. "And the first prototype recipe is sold to Buyer 23!"
A man in his middle age seated three rows near the stage rejoiced silently with his female partner beside him. However, a particular stranger sitting multiple rows behind them begged to differ as he yawned.
Instead of the usual dark coat and white shirt, Caelus now wore a simple white shirt and dark suit. His face bore a bored expression, and he sighed. "Not this one either. Did I enter the wrong auction...?"
The Trailblazer looked back at the pamphlet in his hand, the fanciful advertisement on this finely printed paper: 'Moment of Dusk Auction House: Date XXXXXX, Time (System Hours) XX:XX:XX,' and one of the photographs of items being auctioned was a shiny black-gold piece of what seemed to be part of the Astral Express.
"I thought it was a coincidence that something similar to the Express showed up here, but..." Caelus thought to himself. By chance, he was walking around in the Golder Hour of Penacony Dreamscape and snapped a photo of it to send to Pom-Pom to verify instantly.
=0=
Pom-Pom: No, I'm sure debris is part of the old carriage of the Express!
Caelus: But how do you know it is? Didn't you say that after the Elation Aeon, Aha, blew it up into two, all the pieces were scattered across the universe?
Caelus had seated himself on one of the benches to discuss with the Express Conductor. His face was curious yet skeptical of the furry rabbit-like creature's loud proclamation from their messages.
Pom-Pom: Because the proof is right here!
The following message from Pom-Pom was a zoom-in image of the exploded debris, which had strange yet colorful markings.
Pom-Pom: I worked hard every day to polish the tank to make it shine again. Those markings are unmistakably the signature designs of the Astral Express!
Caelus: I see... What do you suggest?
Pom-Pom: Bring it back to me, of course! I could rebuild the carriage onto Astral Express and restore its former glory with enough pieces!
Caelus: Understood. I'll see what I can do.
Putting his phone back, the Trailblazer stood up from the bench. If he recalled correctly, someone was standing near that poster near the Oti Mall where he saw it. They may know more details about this auction.
With that thought, Caelus traced his steps back to the shopping district. The possibility of acquiring a piece of the Astral Express was exciting, especially considering Pom-Pom's enthusiasm for restoring it to its former glory.
Upon reaching the area, he scanned the bustling street for anyone with information about the auction or the location. His yellow eyes soon landed on a brown-haired woman dressed in a white shirt, blue formal vest, and dark pants handing out pamphlets, hoping any passersby would take one.
"Excuse me, do you know anything about the Moment of Dusk Auction House?" Caelus approached the young woman with a polite smile.
The woman turned towards Caelus with a friendly smile, her green eyes brightening at his question. "Yes, I do! I'm actually one of the representatives. Are you interested in attending our auction?"
"Yes, I am." The Trailblazer nodded gratefully, having to find a link he could work on. "I heard about an item being auctioned that caught my interest. It's a piece of what seems to be the Astral Express. Do you have any information about that?"
The woman's smile widened, and she nodded enthusiastically. "We do! The piece of the Astral Express has been generating quite a bit of buzz. It's a rare find indeed. Our team believed 'The Great One' led our team to this treasure on their way back. Unfortunately, I don't have detailed information about it, but I can provide you with the auction schedule and address. Would you like one of our pamphlets?"
"Thank you." With a grateful smile, Caelus accepted the pamphlet and scanned it in his grip. The debris seemed to be one of the window frame pieces of the old Astral Express's carriage. He turned back to the lady. "Do you happen to know if there are any other items related to the Nameless being auctioned?"
The woman shook her head. "I'm not sure, but I can check our inventory list for you if you'd like."
She pulled a holographic screen from the air and tapped on it. After scrolling, she shook her head and faced the young man. "Unfortunately, this is the only item being auctioned today. But we have other things, such as Miss Robin's vintage limited edition concert tickets and her props, if you are interested!"
"Hmm, I guess it's better than having no leads about the past Nameless," Caelus murmured thoughtfully. He would need to take whatever he could get as part of their shared mission to find old clues of the past and smile at her. "Thanks for the help, I'll definitely attend the auction."
"Sure, I will help to process your registration. Could I have your VIP card?"
The gray-haired young man blinked his eyes twice. "My… What?"
"Oh, my apologies." The woman bowed her head apologetically. "The Moment of Dusk's auction house is only for VIPs and special invited guests. To participate, I need to see your VIP membership card, which grants you access to our exclusive auctions and events."
"I see. I'm not a member, but I'd like to register," Caelus nodded and asked again.
She shook her head at his request. "Unfortunately, there is no registration open for this auction. It is only for VIPs and invite-only guests."
The Trailblazer's hopes momentarily dimmed at the news of the auction's exclusivity. If he couldn't get in, Pom-Pom would throw a fit if someone else were to get their hands on them. He continued to inquire politely yet earnestly: "Is there any way for me to become a VIP member or receive an invitation for future auctions?"
The woman paused for a moment to consider his question. "Well, VIP membership is typically by invitation only, reserved for esteemed collectors, affiliated associates, and arts patrons. However, we occasionally offer opportunities for individuals to become VIP members through special promotions or donating a significant value of a fortunate item."
Caelus nodded to her words and thought to himself. "I don't have anything that grand to donate for the auction. I doubt Pela would allow any old museum artifacts to be sold off—."
"Go as far as to use me in turn — I welcome that notion. Because it will also show me your true value." Aventurine's faux-friendly words were directed to Caelus before the former left the room.
The words of the high-ranking IPC senior manager of the Ten Stonehearts echoed clearly in Caelus's mind. It left him uneasy about dealing against the cunning older blond-haired man, especially how his neon pink-blue eyes looked at him like a newfound interesting toy to gamble with. However, he still owed him gratitude for checking him into the Hotel Reverie on behalf of Himeko's request, lest he would be thrown out as an uninvited guest.
Yet, the Trailblazer mulled over Aventurine's words, recognizing the potential opportunity presented to him. Despite his reservations, he couldn't deny that the man held considerable influence within the IPC. It might be worth considering if leveraging his connection with Aventurine could secure him VIP access to the auction.
"Actually," Caelus smiled back to the brown-haired woman with a humbled grin. "I was invited here by Mr. Aventurine under his name. I have checked in under his name due to some… Technical difficulties. Would it be possible for me to join under his name?"
After all, if it meant acquiring a piece of the Nameless and preventing it from falling into the wrong hands, it was a gamble he was willing to take against another high-risk gambler. The woman nodded thoughtfully at his request. "Noted. Please hold on for a moment."
As Caelus waited for the woman, he could also feel discomfort for lying and using the man's name like this. However, high stakes meant high risk, and high risk would benefit with high reward. After a few moments, the woman returned with a nod. "Mr. Aventurine's name is part of the VIP guest list. You are now cleared to attend the auction. Enjoy the event, Mr...?"
"Caelus," The gray-haired young man supplied with a grateful smile. "Thanks for the help!"
With a pamphlet and VIP access secured, Caelus felt a surge of anticipation. The auction promised to uncover valuable clues about the Nameless and the Astral Express, and he was determined to make the most of this opportunity.
As he made his way to the auction house entrance, the Trailblazer couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. Whatever awaited him inside, he knew that he was stepping into a world of intrigue and danger.
=0=
As Caelus watched another high-priced antique sold to a buyer around the middle, he couldn't help but feel frustrated. That piece of debris he had hoped to acquire was still not showing up among the auction items.
Despite his disappointment, the young man remained determined. He scanned the auction floor, searching for any sign of the piece of the Astral Express that had piqued his interest. Perhaps it hadn't been listed yet, or maybe it was being held back for a later auction.
"Now, this is something I don't see every day at all… My friend." A familiar, sly voice purred into Caelus's left ear, flushing it red from the sudden contact of the warm breath.
Caelus nearly jumped out, turning to where the voice was to see the blond-haired man now dressed in a sharp, high-quality two-piece suit of a dark-colored blazer and turquoise green shirt. He greeted him with a somewhat forced smile. "Aventurine. What brings you here? "
The Trailblazer watched the blond-haired man make himself comfortable by taking the unoccupied seat on the young man's left with an unreadable and friendly smile. Aventurine's neon eyes gleamed with amusement as the young man's reaction: "Just a bit of leisure browsing. An auction is another game of chance. But what about you? I must say, I never expected to see you at such an exclusive event."
"I'm here on a... A personal matter," Caelus replied cautiously, choosing his words carefully. After all, their interactions had always been shrouded in ambiguity and ulterior motives. "I heard an item being auctioned caught my interest, and I wanted to join."
The senior manager's lips curled into a knowing smile as if he could see right through his friend's facade. "Ah, I see. You certainly have a knack for finding yourself in the most intriguing situations, don't you?"
Caelus forced a laugh, though it felt hollow in his ears. He couldn't shake the feeling that Aventurine was toying with him, manipulating him like a puppet on a string.
"Perhaps we could continue this conversation over a drink," Aventurine suggested smoothly, his gaze never leaving the Trailblazer's face as one of his arms crossed his seat. The young man could smell a whiff of an unknown and expensive cologne. "I know a charming little café just down the street—!"
Suddenly, a muscular arm dressed in a blue blazer with gold trims and a dark-colored shirt pulled Caelus away from the senior manager. The Trailblazer whipped his head to identify the intruder, only to have yellow eyes grow surprised upon recognizing. "Dr. Ratio, what are you doing here…?!"
The dark purple-haired scholar only flickered his pinkish-red eyes to the young man and then darted back at the devilish blond-haired man with a glare. "Have you considered getting yourself leashed with your confounding lack of restraint?"
"What? I'm here to chat with my good friend here, doctor," Aventurine answered with an amused voice. "I also don't picture you the kind to sit here and watch 'fools dwindling their wealth for materialistic to inflate their idiocy.'"
Dr. Ratio's expression remained stern as he pulled the hand gripping Caelus to cross his arms on his chest. "I've received an additional request from the Intelligentsia Guild to retrieve a certain artifact held in this auction. Unlike someone here, I don't have the luxury of indulging in frivolous pursuits."
Aventurine chuckled, his own gaze unfazed by the doctor's disapproval. "So, you're here for the same request too. But where's the fun in always being so serious, Ratio? Life is meant to be enjoyed, after all."
"I beg to differ from your own perception of entertainment, gambler. Keep your feathers to yourself instead."
The tension between the two men was palpable, sending a shiver down Caelus's spine. He had never seen Dr. Ratio and Aventurine interact before, but there was clearly no love lost between them. The Trailblazer cleared his throat nervously. "It looks like I have taken the wrong seat. Anyway, it's been nice seeing you guys here, I should take my leave—!"
"And where do you think you're going?"
Dr. Ratio and Aventurine grabbed Caelus's shoulders on his right and left to stop him. Caelus felt a surge of panic rising within him. He glanced nervously between the two men, searching for an escape route, but was effectively trapped. "Gentlemen. I shouldn't be intruding myself in personal matters I have no part of."
"Who says this doesn't involve you, my friend?" Aventurine quirked an eyebrow and smiled devilishly.
"Did anyone not teach you manners, especially not simply walking out on others when we're not done?" Dr. Ratio's grip only tightened; his stern expression remained unyielding. "You're not going until we've sorted out this situation."
On the other hand, the blond-haired man maintained his easygoing demeanor despite a dangerous glint in his neon eyes. "Indeed. We wouldn't want you to miss all the excitement, would we, friend?"
Caelus swallowed hard, feeling a sense of dread settle in the pit of his stomach. He was clearly caught in the middle of something much bigger than himself, and he had no idea how to extricate himself from the situation.
As he was forced to sit back down, sandwiched between both older men by sitting in the middle, the Trailblazer sighed resignedly. "So… Ahem, you said you two were for the same item, huh? Quite a coincidence! So, what item is it? Maybe I could help you guys keep a look out for it while I'm here."
Caelus's attempt to diffuse the tension with a casual offer of assistance seemed to momentarily catch Aventurine and Dr. Ratio off guard. They were left to mull over silently before returning their attention to him.
Aventurine's smirk widened, and his eyes twinkled. "Why, isn't that generous of you, my friend? Offering to assist us in our little endeavor while achieving your own goals too."
"I'm not entirely convinced of your motives considering your..." Dr. Ratio's stoic expression was now mixed with skepticism, and he threw a dubious look at the young man. "Half-hearted attempts which are clearly open like an empty book."
Caelus shifted uncomfortably under their scrutiny, acutely aware of the delicate balance he was trying to maintain between the two men. "I'm telling you guys the truth! I only want to help you get your items in the auction!"
"Ah, but that's what I like about you so much," The blond-haired man chuckled softly, leaning in to whisper into his ears. "Yet, I wonder if you would keep your promise when the main attraction is finally here."
Caelus's heart raced as the senior manager's whispered words sent a chill down his spine. The insinuation hung heavy in the air, and he grappled with the weight of the implied threat. "What do you….?"
"And now, the biggest prize everyone has been waiting for is finally here!" The almost-forgotten auctioneer announced loudly to catch all of his audience's attention. On the stage, a bulky item was covered in a white cloth for dramatic effect. "It is said that The Great One has led our team with THEIR songs to this treasure drifting across the universe. Historians, archaeologists, and treasure hunters have sought this countless times. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you... The carriage of the Astral Express!"
On cue, the white cloth was removed to reveal a once majestic black and gold train carriage, now its broken debris. Yet the luster was never lost on the carriage as gasps of awe and wonder ripped through the crowd.
But as Caelus watched, a sense of foreboding washed over him. The atmosphere in the room had shifted, becoming charged with tension and anticipation. He could feel the eyes of Aventurine and Dr. Ratio boring into him, their gazes weighing heavily upon his conscience.
"Would you look at that, my friend?" Aventurine whistled, his smile growing wider. "The big prize is finally here."
"So… This is what you're after in the auction?" The Trailblazer asked in a disbelieving tone.
Dr. Ratio interjected before the senior manager to unnecessarily provoke the young man with a neutral voice. "The history of the Nameless and its disappearance after the Akivili's downfall is fascinating. And an intriguing puzzle many wished to solve of the mystery, to gather every piece of evidence they could find. It's no wonder that it has attracted the attention of so many."
Caelus returned with an understanding nod as he processed the revelation. The broken debris of the old Astral Express held a significance far beyond what he had initially imagined. It was a relic of a bygone era, a history shrouded in mystery and intrigue they wished to know why.
But as he glanced between Aventurine and Dr. Ratio, he couldn't shake the feeling that their interest in the artifact was deeper than met the eye. "What do you plan to do with it?"
"Wouldn't you like to know, friend?" Aventurine laughed, and his neon eyes glittering with mischief. "But alas, some secrets are best kept hidden."
"I have already told you. Don't ask a question if it would no help or benefit to yourself." The dark purple-haired scholar's expression remained impassive, though there was a hint of something unreadable lurking in his eyes.
A surge of frustration rushed through the Trailblazer's veins, irritated that he was being kept in the dark and manipulated as a pawn in their cat-and-mouse game. But as Dr. Ratio mentioned, if Caelus were to confront them now, it would only lead to more questions than answers.
"And now, let the bidding begin!" The auctioneer's voice boomed through the hall, breaking the silence in the room. The air crackled with excitement as eager bidders raised their paddles, each vying to claim the coveted antique as their own.
Caelus darted his gaze back to the front, watching the crowd throwing out different yet increasing prices they offered.
"One million!"
"Twenty million!"
"Three billion!!!"
It was madness to observe the audience engaging in a frenzy of bidding, each determined to outdo the other in their pursuit of the Astral Express wreckage. Caelus felt a knot tighten in his stomach as he realized the sheer magnitude of the stakes involved.
Aventurine leaned in close, his voice barely above a whisper, tickling against the younger man's ear. "Isn't it exhilarating, my friend? The thrill of the chase, the rush of competition. This is what makes life worth living."
"58 trillion credits! Is there anyone else willing to bid higher than this?!" The auctioneer screamed in astonishment at the newest amount offered.
Caelus focused on the blond-haired man's holographic screen, which matched the price that had just been announced. Aventurine turned back to him and declared. "So, why don't we play a game if you could win the bid between the Doctor—."
"Do not involve me in your ridiculous game, gambler." Dr. Ratio interrupted with a cold and harsh voice to the senior manager.
Yet, Aventurine wasn't fettered as he went on. "And I, this artifact is all yours, my friend."
"And… What if I lose?" The Trailblazer replied with his yellow eyes never turning away from those now sinister neon eyes. The background noise of the auctioneer still seeking from those on the ground to bid out their higher prices.
"Oh, my dear friend." Aventurine's smirk widened as he leaned back in his seat. "If you lose, it'll be up to me to decide. A small price to pay for entry into the auction, a chance to claim such a remarkable treasure, wouldn't you agree?"
Caelus's heart pounded rapidly in his chest as he considered his few options. There was no telling what the blond-haired man would be up to. No matter what, He'd have to win to get the debris for Pom-Pom.
As he turned to where Dr. Ratio, the older man simply huffed in exasperation without uttering a word. But as the bidding war raged around him, the young man knew he couldn't afford to back down now.
With a steely resolve, Caelus turned to Aventurine and met his gaze head-on. "70 trillion credits!"
"70 trillion credits?!" The auctioneer repeated. "Any higher? Anyone?"
The blond-haired man smiled triumphantly at getting the Trailblazer wrapped around his finger. "Excellent choice, friend. I knew you would see things my way. May the best bidder win. 100 trillion credit."
When the IPC manager's bid shocked and awed the audience, Caelus's fist tightened at the counterattack. The stakes had skyrocketed to an unfathomable level, far beyond anything he had anticipated. But he couldn't afford to let his fear paralyze him now.
Taking a deep breath, the Trailblazer turned back on his screen to plan his next move. "I'll have to make sure Pom-Pom understands why we will blow our budget for this old carriage they requested. And it doesn't seem like anyone else is bidding on the debris except him... And maybe Dr. Ratio, too, if he does join in."
Summoning every ounce of courage, Caelus entered his new price into the screen and called out. "150 trillion credits!"
The room erupted into a cacophony of gasps and whispers as the young man's bid reverberated through the hall. Aventurine's eyes widened in surprise, his smirk faltering for a moment before he regained his composure with a pleased grin. "Well, well, it seems our friend has quite the risk appetite, Ratio."
"You only have yourself to blame for biting off more than you can chew," Dr. Ratio remarked coolly, his gaze remaining at the front.
Aventurine keyed in his price again. "200 trillion credits."
"250 trillion credits," Caelus countered back with an unwavering voice that matched his determination.
The tension in the room was palpable as the bidding war escalated to unprecedented heights. Every eye in the hall was fixed on Caelus and Aventurine, their gazes locked in a battle of wills as they fought for control of the coveted artifact.
"370 trillion credits," Dr. Ratio's voice announced from his seat, startling Caelus intensely at the scholar's unexpected move.
It even made Aventurine quirked an eyebrow at the dark purple-haired man. "So, you finally decided to play your hand out?"
"Watching a game of child's play gave me a headache that was more painful than it usually was," Dr. Ratio answered calmly and collectedly despite the tension. "To hear two idiots arguing back and forth, I would only pity the poor auctioneer as a doctor whose ears will wear out if the auction does not end now."
Aventurine snorted as he shot back, "I see. Then, I will also have to raise my chips higher—410 trillion credits."
As the dark, purple-haired older man finally entered the fray in his own way, Caelus realized that the game had taken an unexpected turn and hurriedly keyed in his bid. "I'm not done yet. 550 trillion credits!"
The bidding war had reached a fever pitch, with each bid pushing the stakes higher and higher. Aventurine raised his bid on his turn with confidence. "600 trillion credits."
"700 trillion credits," The Trailblazer announced, feeling his nerves starting to overwhelm him from the adrenaline rush.
"Nice move, my friend," Aventurine admitted with a tinge of admiration for the young man in his voice. "But let's see if you're willing to go the distance. 800 trillion credits!"
The room erupted into gasps and loud discussions as the blond-haired man's bid reverberated through the hall. Caelus gritted his teeth. The stakes had reached unprecedented heights, and he knew that he would have to soar even higher than them to emerge victorious.
"850 trillion credits," Dr. Ratio simply bid next while the Trailblazer was in his internal monologue.
Every eye in the hall was fixed on the three men, their wills locked in a battle for control over the coveted debris. But amidst the chaos, Caelus wondered to himself, "Does the IPC and the guild have that much funds at their disposal? But they don't seem bothered about going too far."
But, that would be the least of his concerns, observing Aventurine's calm smile and Dr. Ratio's neutral expression. The latter's gaze was still focusing on the front of the stage, seemingly unaffected by the escalating bids. It was as if he had already calculated every possible outcome and was merely playing his part in the game.
"No need to rush. Patience breeds success," The scholar's words echoed inside Caelus's mind as he pondered. He had heard of this when he and Dr. Ratio were working together to hunt down Ifrit and the phase flame before he completely threw the whole space station into the sea of fire.
The Trailblazer also needed to be cautious and not allow fear or doubt to cloud his strategizing of his next move. With one last deep breath and a resolute face, he entered what he hoped would be the final bid to win it all: "1 quadrillion and 850 trillion credits!"
The room fell stunned as Caelus's resolute voice echoed through the hall. Not only Aventurine's eyes but Dr. Ratio's too widened in surprise from the amount that nearly doubled what they bid.
While the dark purple-haired scholar's face was unreadable, his pinkish-red eyes hinted faintly with pride and softness to Caelus at the well-calculated and bold move. The three men locked gazes for a moment, each silently assessing the others' resolve.
Then, with a soft sigh, Aventurine lowered his hand and clapped both gloved hands to the Trailblazer. "Well played, my friend. It seems you have bested us in this game of wits. The Astral Express wreckage is all yours."
"And the carriage of the Astral Express is sold to buyer 26!" The auctioneer declared, and the room erupted into applause, the sound echoing through the hall like a thunderous roar. Yet Caelus couldn't shake the feeling of disbelief that washed over him.
The gracious smile on the blond-haired man's lips and Dr. Ratio's unsettling stoic expression left a sense of unease gnawing at his insides. Caelus gave a slight nod and quietly uttered, "Thanks… Please excuse me."
He stood up from his seat and made his way out of the hall to reclaim his prize, but the gaze from the two older men never left him as they watched in silence.
=0=
Outside the hall, in the cool corridors of the auction house, Caelus took a moment to collect his thoughts. "Weird… Why didn't they bid any higher than I did? Dr. Ratio and Aventurine wanted the debris as part of their job they got. Why did they give it up so easily?"
Pondering over the events in the auction hall, his nerves remained jittery as the Trailblazer recalled. The abrupt end to the bidding war, especially considering the astronomical amount he had bid, left him questioning the motives of Aventurine and Dr. Ratio.
Walking through the corridors, Caelus couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to their actions than met the eye. Why did they back down so easily? Were they playing a game, or was there a more profound strategy?
With each step, the gray-haired young man mulled over the possibilities. Perhaps Aventurine and Dr. Ratio had other plans for the artifact that didn't involve acquiring it through the auction. Or they had already achieved what they set out to do, and the artifact was no longer of interest to them.
Upon reaching the entrance, a man dressed in black noticed Caelus's approaching presence and greeted him. "Hello there. Are you here to claim your auction item? I would like to see your ID."
The gray-haired young man nodded and reached into his pocket, retrieving his identification card. He handed it to the auction personnel, who examined it briefly before nodding in acknowledgment.
"Thank you," the man said, returning the ID to Caelus. "Please follow me, and I'll escort you to your item."
As they walked through the corridors, Caelus couldn't shake the unease lingering in the auction hall. He couldn't help but wonder again about Aventurine and Dr. Ratio's sudden withdrawal from the bidding war. Was there more to their actions than met the eye? And what did they ultimately gain from letting him win?
Lost in his thoughts, the Trailblazer followed the man in black until they reached a secure room where the artifact was being held. The man opened the door, revealing the wreckage of the Astral Express inside.
"Here it is, as promised," the man said, gesturing toward the debris. "But before we begin the transaction, may I have your VIP card?"
"VIP card?" Caelus repeated. It was déjà vu again when the lady asked him for that object. He had fooled her into thinking he was with Aventurine and it would be this man's turn next.
"I'm sorry," The Trailblazer said, looking apologetic. I don't have the card with me, but I'm a guest under Mr. Aventurine's name on the IPC in the list. Is it possible for us to proceed with it?"
The auction personnel's expression tightened slightly, flickering with suspicion. But the man in black maintained his professionalism and nodded. "Understood. Please give me a moment."
A holographic screen appeared before the man in black to verify through the records. Caelus was left to realize something was strange here. Was there really another need to verify his identity again? Nothing was stated in the terms and conditions of the auction before it began.
"Just as I suspected," The man in black said after a moment, his tone now tinged with misgiving and hostility. "You are neither a VIP nor a guest of Mr. Aventurine. I'm afraid we cannot allow you to leave with our item."
Raised a hand to snap his fingers, two large muscular men in white shirts, matching black formal vests, and pants stepped out from the shadows, recognizing them as members and guards of the Bloodhound family.
The gray-haired young man froze as the situation escalated beyond his control. Realizing his deception had been uncovered sent a shiver down his spine, his body switched to now a fight-or-flight instinct.
"I'm telling you the truth!" Caelus began, his voice expressing frustration and anger. "You could verify the information with the staff of Hotel Reverie."
But his words fell on deaf ears as the two guards moved closer, their imposing figures casting a shadow over him. The man in black stepped forward with a disgusted look and sneered at the Trailblazer. "That is what all stowaway claims when they tried to weasel themselves into the embrace of the Great One."
"Tch," Brandishing out his curio bat from his inventory, Caelus prepared himself to deal with the guards. If they couldn't listen to reason, it would be brute force!
With a swift motion, one of the guards lunged forward, aiming to restrain the Trailblazer. But he sidestepped the attack, dodging the guard's grasp with practiced agility. In response, he swung his bat precisely, aiming for the guard's midsection.
The blow connected with a satisfying thud, causing the guard to stagger backward, momentarily stunned. Seizing the opportunity, another guard dashed forward and was about to grab him…
Until Caelus was yanked behind by his collar with a powerful force, as a familiar man with dark purple hair and a large muscular frame dressed in a blue blazer stepped forward to intercept the attack.
And then, with his pinkish-red eyes flashing a hint of chilling glare, he used one hand to grab hold of the guard before flipping and slamming him down onto the floor with practiced ease.
"Woah, you're safe there, friend," Another familiar voice safely caught him from the back as they whispered to his ear.
Caelus turned around to see Aventurine's usual smile at him and breathlessly questioned. "Aventurine…. And, Dr. Ratio… How?"
"It was commendable that you tried to reason your logic with them, Caelus. However, spoken languages are hardly enough in certain situations, and physical means transcend them all." Dr. Ratio answered, standing back up to take out a handkerchief from his inner blazer pocket and wipe his hand.
The blond-haired man looked at Dr. Ratio with exasperation and huffed. "And you call me a brute of all people? But anyway, we're glad we came at the right time, my friend."
After reassuringly smiling to Caelus to pat his shoulder, Aventurine stepped forward towards the auction personnel. Although his smile was still polite and charmingly professional, his neon eyes were anything but that, with how cold they had turned. "Now, I believe there seems to be some misunderstanding between my dear friend and you."
The auction personnel, now visibly shaken by the sudden events, stammered as he attempted to regain his composure. "I-I apologize, Mr. Aventurine. I was only following protocol..."
"Indeed, you did. You believe my friend here was lying about his identity," The blond-haired man raised a hand, cutting him off with a gentle yet commanding gesture. "But, I can vouch on his behalf. There has been a mutual agreement with Ms. Navigator to hand him over as my 'partner' during my stay here."
Upon saying that, Dr. Ratio let out a rude and undignified scoff at the man's claim. But, Aventurine simply turned to Caelus, putting his arm around his waist to pull him close. "Isn't that right, friend?"
"Right. Yeah," Caelus awkwardly answered, unable to move away from the older man as he could. Especially when the man in black and Dr. Ratio could get the wrong ideas about their relationship.
Aventurine's arm around the young man's waist tightened slightly, and he moved closer until they were hip to hip. Despite the discomfort of the situation, Caelus couldn't help but appreciate the support from his unexpected ally.
The man in black seemed to falter and glanced between Caelus and Aventurine, uncertainty clouding his expression. "I... I see. My apologies for the misunderstanding, Mr. Aventurine. It seems there has been a miscommunication."
Aventurine offered the man a gracious smile, his charm working its magic again. "No harm done, my friend. But let's ensure we rectify this swiftly. My associate here simply wishes to claim his rightfully won item."
"Of course, we'll begin the transaction right away."
"Also, please allow me to make the payment on his behalf," the blond-haired man said, handing out a black card to the personnel. "Consider this a token of our appreciation for your understanding and cooperation."
The auction personnel accepted the card with a nod and a bow, his demeanor instantly shifting from hostility to deference. "Thank you, Mr. Aventurine. Your generosity is greatly appreciated."
With the transaction swiftly concluded, Caelus could finally leave the auction house with the wreckage of the Astral Express in his possession. A Pepeshi staff member informed the young man that it would take a while for the transfer process between the dreamscape and reality to be completed.
Upon stepping back into the streets of the Golden Hour, he walked alongside Aventurine and Dr. Ratio on his left and right. Caelus stopped in his steps and bowed to them. "Thank you very much again, Aventurine and Dr. Ratio. For helping me back there and paying on behalf of the Astral Express. We promise to return the payment to you as soon as possible."
"Think nothing of it," Aventurine smiled kindly, his neon eyes gleaming with amusement. "I like your performance today. It was fascinating to watch you meet against the challenge to win.
"Right…," Caelus rolled his eyes at the remark. "But, you guys could've won instead of me. Why didn't you?"
The blond-haired let out an amused laugh at the question. "Where's the fun in that, my friend? It's boring if you are often on a winning streak. Sometimes, it is nice to watch someone like you, who could use a bit of excitement in your life."
Dr. Ratio rolled his eyes at the senior manager's reply and answered. "While the guild does wish to have a piece of the Astral Express of the past to research further, I don't find myself the necessity to assist their incompetency. As long as the object returns to the rightful owner, the Council of Mundanites has no objections."
"I see…" A small smile curled on the Trailblazer's lips as he nodded. "Thanks, you guys. For giving us part of our old carriage back. I will repay you guys as soon as possible."
"Oh? If you insist on repaying the favor, I have something in mind." Aventurine purred sweetly, finding his arm rightfully back at the young man's waist.
Caelus stared at the older man with a pointed look and raised an eyebrow. "What do you have in mind?"
The blond-haired man pretended to ponder for a moment, then curled a devilish grin on his lips. "How about a drink I suggested earlier over a cafe? I know a good place where we could have privacy."
Before Caelus could object, Dr. Ratio put his arm around the young man's shoulders and glared at him. "And on what assumptions do you base your facts he would be going with you, gambler?"
"Why so protective, Ratio? Or, are you finally showing your true feelings when you are the first among us both to protect our friend here when he's about to be attacked?" The senior manager teased with a playful glint in his neon eyes.
The scholar scoffed at the accusation unamused. "I'm merely ensuring Caelus doesn't fall into the wrong company. He has enough lessons learned for the day."
"Right, whatever you say, doctor," Aventurine said with a simple yet knowing smirk.
As Caelus watched the two banter, he couldn't help but curl a sheepish and warm grin. "Well, I do know a bar to get a good drink. The owner is a pretty cool lady, and she taught me to make a few drinks myself when she asked for my help running her place!"
"Sweet!" The blond-haired man's smile widened, and he kept the hand on the young man's waist firm. "Lead the way, my friend."
Dr. Ratio also then rested his arms around Caelus's shoulders firmly and hummed. "I could use some well-deserved after today's events."
With Aventurine and Dr. Ratio following him, Caelus led the way through the streets of the Golden Hour, navigating the winding paths with ease through the lively streets. The tension earlier that the Trailblazer noticed was now replaced with a sense of bond with the two men forging deeper beyond friendship he had yet to realize.