“Welcome, ladies, gentlemen, and all indigenous species of our humble universe. My name is Connor Baines, and this is my beloved wife and partner, Elizabeth Baines. We will be your hosts for this special event that shall occur very, very infrequently within the years to come, the Grand Universe Auction!”

Connor spoke softly and elegantly, but his words were easily transmitted throughout the large venue and even to the homes or workplaces of various watchers using technology.

“However, before we begin, I would like to inform you of some very important things. Firstly, if you successfully win a bid for any item that is sold today, you are automatically agreeing to the terms that were publicized a few days ago.”

Connor looked at the crowd pointedly, with a slight smirk. “I’m not going to be vague for the purpose of legality. I’m specifically referring to the clause that any party that makes a purchase of things sold by universe-renowned powerhouse, Dante Alighieri, would be required to enter the First Gate for at least a year.”

When Connor said this, there was a collective groan as many parties hoped that this matter would have been dropped or was just a joke or something. Hearing that Dante was actually serious about it made many faces become ugly.

However, they lowered their heads as a light of cunningness flashed in them, thinking of various ways to deal with this problem efficiently. Connor glanced at the crowd and laughed softly.

“Of course, I know this requirement is not desirable for all parties, but the seller has put this forth, so what can one do? Also…”

Connor’s eyes narrowed. “I know many have ideas right now, from various methods of cleverly sidestepping the task or trying to use loopholes, to outright planning to take the goods without heeding the requirement.”

As he said this, the lips of everyone twitched slightly as they knew they had been seen through. Their hearts sank because this meant that Connor – through the source that was Dante – would definitely place safeguards against such things.

And their worst fears came to light as Connor continued. “In the end, contracts and agreements are only considered binding if they can be enforced. The agreements we have with you are enforced by the strength of Dante and his allies, including Portia Portinari and Beatrice.”

“If you feel your fist is as strong as theirs or even stronger, you can freely ignore all terms stated and do what you want because you can weather the consequences. If you don’t have equivalent strength and still dare to do so, you should not be too surprised when your entire lineage is destroyed.” Connor concluded with a slight bow.

The atmosphere in the avenue became tense as many faces hardened in response to Connor’s words. After all, this was a threat, a blatant and unconcealed threat, but as Connor himself stated, the stakes were too high.

“Secondly, the format of the bidding has changed. Rather than have everyone submit what they think is valuable, we will use a special method to scan for the most valuable item worthwhile to what we’re exchanging and inform the prospective bidder. The bidder can then choose to make the bid or not, and others can compete if necessary.”

Connor didn’t allow the crowd to enter unrest because of the sudden change, as he was the one who thought it up himself after learning more about Dante. With this, he should be able to secure the most valuable goods that the Eternal Universe had to offer.

“Without further ado, let us begin!” Connor began the event right away.

A tray was wheeled up by some androids, and a holographic image of the item on it was broadcasted to the crowd visually and digitally. The holograph was huge and perfectly replicated the item while highlighting its strength and weaknesses.

The item in question was the sword Excalibur from Arthurian Fantasy, taken right from a quantum world with that theme. The Golden Sword of Victory shone with a resplendent light, making all those who gazed upon it feel the kingly virtues and the lion’s might from it.

Everyone’s interest was piqued, and as for those swordsmen and sword fanatics, they were being driven crazy. If it wasn’t for the strange bidding mechanic, they would have already roared out their bids by now.

“Those who wish to secure the item, please forward your names to me,” Connor requested with a smile.

Upon being done, he forwarded it to Dante, who turned to the calm Levi. “Well, which one among these has the best item most suitable for me, my family, my purposes, and my goals?”

Levi closed his eyes and lowered his head, seemingly entering deep thought mode. When he opened his eyes, they flashed with knowledge and insight.

“The Loncano Family. They are a mixed-breed family who merged with the cursed swords alien race, so they have the ability to devour swords to increase their sword’s ability.”

“The one who wishes to buy is not scared of entering the First Gate after seeing Excalibur, for if he is able to consume it, he could easily carve himself a tiny territory in the easier parts of the First Gate.”

“However, what he has to offer is the best. As a cursed sword mixed breed, they have acquired a special cursed sword that perfectly suits the demonic nature of the Deadly Sins, especially Wrath. If you ever create a Wrath-sin hellfire demon, they would have their power effectively doubled by using this item.”

Dante nodded and relayed the information to Connor, whose eyes flashed with surprise. He turned to the anxious-looking young man from the Loncano family who was sent here because he was currently their heir and the most talented youth in their family.

“Patriarch Loncano, it seems you’re in luck. Your clan has something we want and are willing to trade for Excalibur. Are you willing?” Connor asked straightforwardly.

All eyes fell on the Loncano Family group, and their faces changed greatly when put under this scrutiny. However, they also felt joy within at being the ones picked because they really couldn’t sit still in the face of something so great.

“We are willing! May we know what item we possess that interests you?” The Patriarch quickly replied while placing a palm on his restless son’s head to calm him down.

“It is the Ancient Demonic Sword,” Connor said simply.

Hearing this, the faces of the Loncano family changed greatly. If it weren’t for the venue, they would have stood up and roared their disbelief because this was their clan’s deepest secret that they had never revealed since inception.

In fact, not everyone in the family knew,?as that was reserved for the main line and elders only. If they didn’t know that they were a relatively small clan even among the top factions and had never leaked their secret, they would begin to suspect that they had a traitor in their clan.

“Is there a problem?” Connor asked knowingly, smiling pointedly.

Patriarch Loncano’s face settled as he smiled bitterly. “None whatsoever.” .

At this point, he had to trade even if he didn’t want to. Now that Dante knew he possessed this item and wanted it, who knew what he would do to get it if he was refused here and now? Rather than court death or disaster, it was best to give up that troublesome and unruly sword for something that could change their family’s fate forever!

The more he thought about it, the more Patriarch Loncano felt like his reaction was foolish; he was the one winning out from all angles, trading a rare but useless item – to him and his family – for something that was more than useful.

Most importantly, if this had been a normal auction that required monetary bidding, he would not have been able to outbid more powerful clans and factions. It could be said that his family had been the direct beneficiary of this strange auction.

Soon, the next item was brought up, and it was another legendary sword from mythology that was swiped from the quantum worlds and replicated to be usable in reality by Dante.

The auction went on like this, with Connor representing the goods, taking the names of those willing to bid and passing them to Dante, with Dante also taking them and inquiring from Levi as to which bidder had what he needed most.

Upon getting the details, he would relay it back to Connor who would announce the details to the crowd and inquire from the bidder if they were willing. If the bidder agreed, it was all roses and peaches, but if they refused, the item would be moved down to the second best bidder.

Of course, like Patriarch Loncano, most forces chose to trade because they realized that Dante having knowledge about these things and wanting them might lead to disasters, so it was better to trade it off. Besides, what they were getting was in no way worse and in some ways, was even far better.

Of course… there were some who were oblivious to this fact and actually refused head-on.

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