I felt Alvin Ward''s eyes burning into my back as I stood in the crowded auction hall. His murderous intent was almost tangible, though I couldn''t understand why. We had barely exchanged words before today, yet the hatred radiating from him felt deeply personal.


    "Final call for uncut stones," the auctioneer announced, pulling me from my thoughts.


    I sighed, disappointed. After examining dozens of specimens, I hadn''t found a single one worth bidding on. The truly promising ones had been imed by buyers with deeper pockets than mine.


    "Moving on to rare herbs," the auctioneer continued, gesturing to an attendant who carefully brought forward several small disy cases.


    My breath caught as I recognized several legendary specimens—Ghost Root, Nine-Lives Fungus, Starfall Petals—herbs so rare that most alchemists only read about them in ancient texts. Even with my extensive knowledge as an elder of the Celestial Apothecary Guild, I''d only worked with a few of these in my lifetime.


    "Opening bid for this century-old Ghost Root begins at five million," the auctioneer called.


    Leopold Shepherd whistled beside me. "Steep price for something that looks like a dead twig."


    "That ''dead twig'' could cure conditions that most physicians consider terminal," I exined. "It''s the foundation of at least twelve legendary elixirs."


    The bidding quickly escted past eight million. I watched, frustrated, as a representative from the Zhang family imed it with a casual wave of his hand.


    "This is how the Great Families maintain their power," I muttered to Alistair Northwood, who stood quietly observing. "They hoard resources that could benefit thousands."


    "The way of the world, unfortunately," Alistair replied with a philosophical shrug. <code ss="story-note-vis">Мy Virtuаl Librаry Еmpirе (М|V|LЕ1МРYR) thаnks yоu fоr rеаding аt thе sоurсе.</code>


    I managed to secure a few modest herbs with the funds avable to me—nothing exceptional, but useful enough for my medical practice. As I waspleting the transaction, a strange sensation prickled at the back of my neck.


    Dark energy. Powerful and ancient.


    I turned, scanning the room until my eyesnded on a carved stone statue being brought to the auction block. It depicted a seated figure with arms outstretched, its face worn smooth by time. To most, it would appear to be nothing more than an antique curiosity, but my senses screamed warnings.


    Before I could move closer, I noticed Alvin Ward''s sudden interest. His posture had changedpletely, his previous nonchnce reced by intense focus as he hurried toward the statue.


    "Our next itemes from an anonymous collection," the auctioneer announced. "Origin unknown, possibly pre-Dating Era. Two hundred million."


    The room fell silent at the astronomical price.


    "I''ll take it," Alvin called out immediately. "Two hundred million."


    Something about his eagerness convinced me I couldn''t let him have this artifact. Without hesitation, I stepped forward. "Two hundred and fifty million."


    Alvin''s head snapped in my direction, eyes narrowing dangerously.


    "Mr. Knight offers two hundred and fifty million," the auctioneer confirmed, clearly pleased by the unexpected bidding war. "Do I hear three hundred?"


    Alvin''s jaw tightened visibly. After a moment of calction, he forced a smile. "I defer to Mr. Knight''s... enthusiasm."


    "Sold to Mr. Knight for two hundred and fifty million," the auctioneer dered.


    I approached the payment counter, my mind racing. I didn''t have anywhere near that amount readily avable. "I''ll need an hour to secure the funds," I told the clerk. "Can you hold the item?"


    "Of course, Mr. Knight," the clerk replied respectfully. "Given your reputation, we''re happy to amodate."


    As I turned away, Alvin blocked my path.


    "You don''t know what you''re interfering with," he whispered, his pleasant facadepletely gone. "Step aside, or there will be consequences far beyond your ability to handle."


    I met his gaze steadily. "Threatening an Elder of the Celestial Apothecary Guild is unwise, Mr. Ward."


    "You have one hour," he replied with a cold smile. "Don''t spoil my ns, healer." He turned and walked away, leaving the implicit threat hanging in the air.


    I immediately sought out Leopold. "Mr. Shepherd, I need to borrow three hundred million. I''ll repay you within a month, with interest."


    Leopold''s eyes widened. "I''m sorry, Liam. That''s... substantial. My liquid assets are mostly tied up in ongoing ventures."


    Desperate, I approached Alistair next, only to receive a simr response.


    "I could perhaps arrange something in a week or two," he offered apologetically, "but not today."


    Returning to the main hall, I found Alvin watching me with smug satisfaction. "Time''s running short, Mr. Knight," he called loudly enough for others to hear. "Perhaps you should reconsider your impulse purchases."


    His public mockery made something snap inside me. If I couldn''t borrow the money, I''d earn it—right here, right now.


    I climbed onto an empty auction tform, drawing confused stares.


    "Ladies and gentlemen," I announced, my voice carrying across the hall. "I am Liam Knight, Elder of the Celestial Apothecary Guild and recognized master physician."


    The murmurs of the crowd confirmed my reputation preceded me. Good.


    "Today, I''m offering my services to the highest bidders. Three treatments from my hands—avable to anyone willing to pay. My techniques have cured conditions that confounded the greatest medical minds in Veridia City."


    The reaction was immediate. Wealthy merchants and minor noble family members pressed forward, their interest piqued. Many had heard stories of my abilities, of the "miracle doctor" who had saved countless lives.


    "Is this true?" a middle-aged woman asked, pushing to the front. "Can you really cure the Blood Decay Disease? My daughter has suffered for years."


    "The Withering Palsy?" called another. "My father can no longer walk."


    "Heart Meridian Blockage?"


    The questions flew at me from all directions as hope spread through the crowd. I''d treated all these conditions and more.


    "I can address most ailments," I confirmed. "Though some may require multiple sessions."


    "I''ll pay fifty million for priority treatment!" announced a wealthy merchant I recognized.


    "Sixty million!" countered another.


    The impromptu auction was working even better than I''d hoped. At this rate, I''d secure the funds in minutes.


    "One hundred million for exclusive rights to all three treatments," called a dignified elderly man, silencing the others with his staggering offer.


    Just as I was about to ept, Alvin Ward stepped forward, his voice cutting through the excited chatter.


    "Before anyonemits such a substantial sum," he projected loudly, "perhaps they should consider whether Mr. Knight will even survive long enough to provide these treatments."


    The crowd fell silent, all eyes turning to him.


    "What do you mean?" someone demanded.


    Alvin smiled, a predator sensing weakness. "I''m merely pointing out that Mr. Knight has recently enraged the Thornton Family. Their reputation for... addressing grievances is well known. Is an advance payment wise when the service provider might not see tomorrow''s sunrise?"


    Anxious murmurs spread through the crowd. The Thorntons'' power was legendary, their vengeance swift and terrible. Potential clients began exchanging worried nces, their earlier enthusiasm visibly cooling.


    I stood frozen on the tform, watching my desperate n crumble as Alvin Ward''s calcted words nted seeds of doubt in everyone''s mind. The statue—and whatever dark power it contained—seemed to be slipping from my grasp.