I Only Tame Dragons

The [Auction Crystal Card] was more than just an entry pass; it was a symbol of prestige, influence, and access to a world far beyond the reach of ordinary players.

Crafted from shimmering obsidian infused with rare arcane crystals, the card itself glowed faintly, as if it held a fragment of pure mana within its core.

It wasn't something one could simply buy or earn through quests.

No, the Crystal Card was a privilege granted only to the elite—those whose power, wealth, or connections extended far beyond the ordinary adventurers who populated the vast lands of Eternia.

Even within the top-tier guilds, where wealth and resources were abundant, not everyone was privileged enough to hold a Crystal Card.

It was a carefully guarded luxury, reserved for the highest-ranking members—guild masters, council members, or individuals whose reputation and achievements made them worthy of the auction's secrets.

These cards were issued by the Auction House's central committee, affiliated with the Merchant Federation, a shadowy organization known for its impeccable discretion and power.

The number of Crystal Cards circulating at any given time was incredibly limited, and each one was a mark of distinction, representing not just wealth, but influence.

For the big guilds, Auctions were a battleground where fortunes were won or lost with a single bid, and only those who wielded immense power could play in this arena.

Guild leaders wielding Crystal Cards were often those responsible for making game-changing purchases—legendary weapons, rare materials, or secret artifacts that could tip the balance of power in their favor.

Even in these powerful guilds, acquiring a Crystal Card was an accomplishment in itself, a sign that you were trusted to represent the guild at the highest levels.

Yet, even among these privileged few, not everyone was granted the same level of access. For the lower-tier members of these big guilds, participation in the auction was limited to ordinary bidding through intermediaries.

The privilege of walking through those gilded auction doors with a Crystal Card in hand belonged only to a select group, those who had not only proven their loyalty but also demonstrated that they had the power, resources, and savvy to navigate the high-stakes world of the Auction houses.

For independent players, the thought of holding a Crystal Card was almost unthinkable. These cards were often viewed as relics of an inaccessible world, reserved for the powerful and untouchable elites of the game.

Few independents ever gained such recognition unless they were legends in their own right, and even then, it was often through years of building influence, making powerful allies, or completing quests that shook the very foundations of the game's universe.

Horizon, as an independent player with a Bronze Badge and seemingly no backing, standing in line with the Crystal Card, was a rare anomaly.

The players in the crowd couldn't fathom how someone like him, who appeared to belong to no major guild, and certainly not one of the high elites, could possess something of such immense value.

The Crystal Card was beyond money. Even among the most prestigious, it was a sign of inclusion into the game's true upper echelon.

The players who witnessed Horizon's reveal were left grappling with questions. How could someone like him—an outsider by all appearances—have such unparalleled access?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

What kind of hidden power or influence did he wield?

Before anyone could ask their questions, the lead guard's eyes widened as he recognized the card. His whole demeanor shifted in an instant, from authoritative to respectful.

"Ah, my apologies, sir." He gave a curt nod to Horizon. "We didn't realize you were a Crystal Card holder."

He turned to the other guards. "Escort him inside."

The shift in the atmosphere was immediate. The guards, once ready to question Horizon, now moved quickly to clear the way. One of them gestured for Horizon to follow, giving him the kind of deference usually reserved for high-ranking guild leaders or top players.

The burly player who had been so eager to block Horizon's path stood frozen in place, his mouth hanging open in disbelief.

"W-what? But he's—he's just a bronze badge independent!" he sputtered, his earlier arrogance melting into confusion. "How does someone like him have a Crystal Card?"

The crowd around him buzzed with speculation, their mocking laughter replaced with hushed whispers of shock and curiosity.

"Who is he?"

"An independent with a Crystal Card? That's unheard of!"

"I thought only top guild leaders and powerful player got those invitations."

As the guards led Horizon through the grand entrance of the Auction House, the players left standing outside could only watch in awe, their earlier judgments crumbling before their eyes.

They had all assumed he was just another low-level player trying to bluff his way in, but now they were left grappling with the question: who was Horizon really?

Nyx floated beside him, unable to suppress a snicker. "That went better than expected," she whispered with a sly grin. "The look on their faces—priceless."

Horizon didn't respond. He didn't care for the gossip or the looks of envy—what mattered was that he had entered the Auction House without much drama.

As they entered the grand hall of the Auction House, the inside was just as impressive as Horizon had imagined. Lavish chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room. Rich, crimson carpets lined the floors, and the scent of rare incense filled the air.

Players and natives alike mingled in the spacious hall, many of them dressed in ornate outfits, their guild insignias glimmering on their chests.

Nyx floated closer to Horizon. "Alright, let's see what treasures we can find in here. And let's hope we don't have to empty our pockets too much."

Horizon nodded, his eyes scanning the room.

The guard ushered Horizon through the ornate hallways of the Eldrasil Auction House, finally leading him to a secluded corner. With a quiet nod, they guided him onto a private balcony, hidden away from the eyes of the public.

As soon as he stepped through the threshold, a soft shimmer of magic rippled in the air, an invisible barrier snapping into place around him. Heavy velvet curtains, embroidered with gold and enchanted with secrecy spells, shielded his presence from the rest.

Horizon's seat wasn't just any seat—it was a luxury befitting the elites. Plush cushions lined the intricately carved wooden couch, and a polished table in front of him was already set with a fine spread of delicacies: glazed fruits, savory pastries, and even a goblet of chilled nectar that sparkled with a faint luminescence.

"If you need anything at all, sir, don't hesitate to ring the bell over there," one of the guards said, his voice low and respectful, as if Horizon's status demanded reverence. He gestured to a small, golden bell on the small table beside the chair. "Someone will attend to your needs right away."

Horizon gave a curt nod in acknowledgment. "Thanks."

As the guards retreated, their footsteps fading into silence, Horizon turned his attention to the balcony. The moment he leaned over the railing, a strange sensation washed over him.

Though he knew the magic of the barrier was at work, his vision became sharper, almost unnaturally so. Below, the massive stage stretched out, fully illuminated, with artifacts and rare items already beginning to be displayed in glass cases.

He could see everything in perfect clarity despite the distance—every glint of metal, the way the light reflected off the rare gems, the subtle arcane energy radiating from enchanted relics.

But it wasn't just the items he noticed. Along the towering walls of the auction house, similar balconies dotted the structure, their darkened interiors hidden behind layers of arcane shielding and heavy curtains just like his.

Horizon couldn't see a single face from any of the other balconies. There were dozens of them, maybe more, and he knew they weren't just for anyone.

Those balconies were reserved for the true elites of Eternia—leaders of the biggest guilds, influential solo players, high-ranking natives, and even ancient creatures whose mere presence would send shockwaves through the world.

Horizon sank back into the couch. He let his mind drift for a moment, his eyes fixed on the stage as more items were brought out for display.

Some of them were truly remarkable: a crystal-encrusted sword that pulsed with dark energy, a scroll that radiated an aura of ancient magic, and a set of armor rumored to be forged from the scales of a fallen dragon.

As the first item was brought to the center—a gleaming, ancient staff that crackled with elemental energy—the auctioneer's voice rang out, commanding the attention of the entire room.

The bidding war began in earnest.

Horizon barely spared a glance at the staff on display. It wasn't that it wasn't impressive—an ancient relic crackling with elemental energy, its aura radiating power—but it held no value for him. He had no use for staves, especially since he had already crafted something far superior for Silphie.

The Drakhan Staff, forged from the Apple Tree Dragon's branch and imbued with the essence of the feys, was leagues ahead of what was being auctioned now.

Horizon knew its worth. He'd spent countless hours perfecting it, and the materials woven into its core made it a one-of-a-kind artifact. The staff being auctioned, by comparison, seemed like a low-grade Silver Equipment.

Horizon read the description of the staff on the hologram in front of him, and nodded to himself.

Yep. Drakhan Staff was more superior than the Eternian made staff.