n

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nJulius smiled as he sat in his office. He laid his back on his chair and balanced himself comfortably there, humming to himself.

n

"So far I've been able to sell a million and half Ancient Coins. That's over two trillion coins already, just in the past week, since I sell higher than the original market value

" He calculated.

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"If I subtract the money owed to Mr Rio Xarion out of it, I still have nearly a trillion left.

"

n

"It was a good idea not to tie any of this to the company itself. This way, I'll be able to earn even more than some Royals will ever receive in their lifetime. At this rate... I'll be even richer than the King.

" He laughed.

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"I've made sure to shut the mouth of all my employees who even know about this remotely. Whether by force, or by using some leftover scraps from what I possess. No one can threaten my business as I stand now... Hehehehe

" He chuckled.

nHe remembered how he met the fortunate stranger who actually had 50 million ancient coins, and happened to be at his doorstep. What were the odds?

n

"Lady fate sure loves me

" He smiled.

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"I've ended up making so much money that I'll soon be able to pay off his debt while having more Ancient coins in stock. Then there are those foreign buyers coming in the next month. Oh, this is just too exhilarating. To swim in money like this... So this is what it's like?

" He grinned.

n

"After serving so many rich brats and wasteful idiots in this auction I finally have the means to establish my own, and soon I'll have more than enough to even buy the entire Imperius Auction House of the Western Kingdom

"

nAnd all of these things are thanks to one man!

n

"Ah, I don't even know his real name, but he sure is a stroke of good fortune.

" He said.

n

"When dealing with him I had the greatest gut feeling I ever had not to get on his bad side. Fortunately, it looks like I impressed him with my words and managed to convince him to sell those coins,

"

n

"I'm surprised though. I never expected him to take the deal. There was never anything to gain from taking the deal, even I know that much, especially after realizing the full extent of his means. Even with his conditions, they are nothing compared to the value of the coins he sold to me at market value. Heh, what a fool

" He snickered.

nThanks to the rich sucker's wastefulness, he was going to be stinking filthy rich in no time at all.

n

"Luck is truly on my side

" He closed his eyes as he smiled comfortably.

n

"S-Sir... Sir!!! We have a problem!

" One of the employees of the company rushed into Julius' office in panic.

nIt was Lorna, a receptionist of the Auction House, and she was sweating profusely, with a desperate look on her face. Julius frowned his face as he felt the disturbance coming from the staff.

n(Who remembers Lorna here? Hexarion's favorite receptionist)

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"How many times have I told you not to disturb me whenever I'm resting? What's your problem? How dare you!

" He said, exhuming more authority than usual.

n

"B-But sir, it's really urgent.

" She responded anxiously.

n

"Tsk, Lorna..What could possibly be worth disturbing me at such an inoportune time? We have no important auction to be held today. We also have no notable visitors or appointments today. What requires my attention so urgently?

" He asked her with annoyance.

nThen suddenly a thought flashed in his mind.

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"Could it be... Another cash opportunity like with that man? In that case... Maybe it wouldn't be too bad for me to go out an check things for myself

"

nHe smiled. Lady luck still had more in store for him, and of course he would seize every opportunity that comes his way. After all, this is how he got to become the head of this branch of Imperius Auction House at such a young age.

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"Fine Lorna. Lead the way

" He sighed, standin up from his comfortable chair.

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"Might as well just see what it is

" He thought.

nLorna quickened her pace as she ran back to the reception. Julius, noticing the urgency in the matter decided to hurry himself up too.

nAs they got closer to the reception, Julius could already hear some noise.

n

"Oi! I said bring the man in charge of this establishment here right this instant!

" A thick and gruffy voice was heard.

nBefore Julius could properly analyze and react to the voice he heard, he was already at the reception.

nHis eyes widened as he saw the sight in front of him.

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"I said... Where is the one in charge here?

" A large, tall and huge looking man said.

nHe was well built, had no vest on him and wore a very tight red and black trouser, with dark shoes to match. His muscles and biceps gave him the look of a warrior and his height resembled that if a giant.

nHe threw a table at the reception away, flinging it so effortlessly as though it was merely a piece of cloth.

nJulius froze at the sight if the monster of a man. There was only one thing the giant man asked.

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"Where is the one in charge here?!

"

nAs soon as he was visible on the reception, all eyes in the room went to him. Before he could do anything to escape view or turn back, he was noticed even by everyone in the reception, including the menacing giant.

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"So it's you

" The man said, glaring at Julius.

nJulius gulped as the man approached him.

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"I come bearing a message from my boss.

" He said to him.

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"W-What are you talking about? What boss? Do you understand the repercussion of this tantrum and mayhem you have caused here today. This form of behavior is punishable by long service term in prison, even longer since this is a very well established and reputable company.

" Julius said, putting on his brave front.

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"Buahahahaha

" The man laughed.

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"What are you going to do about it? The man asked Julius.

nJulius didn't want to further provoke the man and so he chose the peaceful way out.

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"What do you want to say?

" Julius finally gave in.

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"Wise choice

" He smiled at Julius, who tried to hide his embarrassment and discomfort.

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"You, Mr Julius have highly disrespected and dishonored my boss

" The man said.

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"Dishonor? Me? Who is this person you speak of? And how is it related to this Auction for you to damage this Auction this badly. DO you have any idea how much-

" Julius said in feigned anger.

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"Oh? My business is with you and you alone! This Auction House is just collateral damage. Besides, I have it on good authority that money is not a problem for you

"

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"Like I said, who is this master you speak of?

" Julius said, trying to figure out the identity of the master of such a ruffian.

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"Could it be... Mr Rio?! No, it can't be... This isn't his style. Then who?

" She agonized within herself.

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"A Ruler of the underworld table of the Black Market... Mr Borgos

" The man smiled scarily.

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"W-What?!

" He said, looking terrified to hear that name.

nIt was a name he heard only in the lores and gossips in the black market. Yet, he never expected it to be in reality.

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"Mr Borgos is a myth... Same with these so called Rulers of the Black Market.

" Julius said defiantly to the huge man.

nImmediately, before Julius could react, the man grabbed him by the neck and raised him up.

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"Oh, but 'he' is very much a real deal within the Trade underworld. He is a member of the Rulers, head of the Black Market system, as well as the one in charge of this city, Artia.

" The man said to Julius, who started choking bit by bit.

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"Anyway, my message is this; You, Julius Bodenheim will forfeit all your assets gotten from the Ancient coins, whether liquidated or not. You will also give, as a price for the offence you committed, not informing the Rulers of such a scale at that kind of level, and refusing to pay the award accorded to them which is stipulated in the Black Market codes, and tribute to their authority... The remaining Ancient coins in your possession.

nJulius's eyes widened as soon as he heard this.

n

"T-That's...

" Julius stuttered as he heard the man. Sweat formed on his face and it took all he had to maintain some degree of self control. The hands of the man wasn't tight on his throat, however it was still greatly uncomfortable for him.

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"Re-Release me this instant!

" Julius said to the large man.

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"You have less than 12 hours to decide. I'll be back soon. This time... I'll be prepared to take it by force!. Be ready with your answer by then...

" He said, releasing Julius from his great hand.

nHe fell on the cold tile floor and winced in pain.

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"<>

"

nJulius coughed and had some drool coming from his mouth as a result of the man's grip.

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"The message has been delivered

" He said and then he finally left.

n

"W-What was that?

" He asked himself.

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"Boss, sir... What do we do?

" Lorna asked.

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"Will you shut up? I'm trying to think!

" He told her.

nHe slowly rose up and dusted his stained outfit. Almost immediately, while Julius was still taking away the dust, another receptionist ran to Julius.

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"Urgent news sir! It's...

" The girl said.

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"Will you zip it? Can't you see I'm thinking. What could be more important than the situation we are facing now?

" The Julius said.

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"Oh?

" A voice came from behind him.

nHe recognized the voice all too well! The deep and calm voice which contained a dark foreboding. Julius froze at the sound of his voice. The shadowy silhouette walked forward slowly, as his face was revealed in the Auction House.

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"M-M-Mr....

" Julius stuttered as he finally saw the person. It was....

nMY TURN

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"Looks like you've been busy... Julius.

" I said with a cold expression on my face and my eyes glowing purple.

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"Is anything the matter? I asked.

nWith my grim look, stern face and evil looking glare, I gazed down upon my loyal dog and faithful pawn. I then looked around the Auction House. It was a terrible mess. I turned back to look at a scared and nervous Julius. He was shaken by the latest developments and demand of the strange aggressive visitor.

nI smiled inwardly.

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"All the pieces are finally beginning to move, eh?

"

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