I Only Tame Dragons

Horizon's thoughts drifted to the Auction.

This wasn't just any auction—it was where top-tier gear, rare materials, and special items would be up for grabs, a gathering of the best guilds and individual players in one place, all vying for an edge before the competition.

With a new sense of purpose to go to this auction, Horizon prepared himself. This wasn't just a chance to observe—he was curious to see how the Auction would unfold and what game-changing items might show up.

His eyes gleamed with excitement. He wondered how much his [Dragonkin Blade] would fetch?

If it could fetch at least 1 Aurum from the sale, Horizon knew exactly what he'd do—secure the Forging Studio for another 10 days. If possible, he would like to rent it for the duration of the competition.

Not only would it block other guilds out from using the place, but it would also give him an edge during competition breaks.

While others would scramble to find resources or wait in line for a blacksmith to maintain their equipment, Horizon would have his own space, fully equipped to maintain and upgrade their gear mid-battle.

It was a strategic move, one that could mean the difference between victory and defeat.

Horizon smiled at the thought. If all went according to plan, the Auction would be the start to dominating both on and off the field. He must secure some money through it and rent the Forging Studio for two months.

"Frigid, want to come to the auction with me?" Horizon asked, glancing at the towering Frost Giant, his voice casual.

Frigid didn't even look up, merely shook his head. "I'll stay here and guard."

Horizon raised an eyebrow. "You don't have to guard this place, you know. The entire area is protected by advanced magical arrays. No one's getting in if they don't have the key." His words hung in the air, hoping to convince the stoic giant to join him.

But Frigid was unmoved. "I'm not good with crowds," he grumbled. "Auctions are boring."

Boring? Horizon couldn't help but glance around the quiet, empty surroundings. The thought crossed his mind—wasn't laying around here all day even more boring?

But he bit back the question, knowing it wasn't worth arguing. Frigid had his reasons, and Horizon wasn't about to push him.

To each their own, he guessed.

As he turned away, a soft voice interrupted his thoughts. "Are we going to the auction?" Nyx suddenly sprang to life, her skeletal wings raffling with excitement.

Horizon chuckled. "That's right. I've got a feeling we might find some amazing items there."

Nyx clawed Horizon's hair and made herself cozy in there. "Yeah, but you're broke, remember?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Horizon groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know, I know. But the money I'll get from selling the items I forged should more than make up for it . . . hopefully."

Nyx giggled, and stretched herself, her bones crackling. "Hope isn't a strategy, Horizon."

"Yeah, yeah, I'll figure it out. Let's go."

Together, Horizon and Nyx made their way to the auction, weaving through the dense city until they reached the sprawling marketplace.

The air was buzzing with energy, vendors shouting out deals, players from all over gathering for the grand event.

The auction house itself was an imposing building, adorned with golden banners and glowing runes. A long line of eager bidders stretched far beyond the entrance, all waiting to get in.

Horizon whistled low. "Looks like we're not the only ones with high hopes for this auction."

"Looks like it," Nyx said, floating above the line to get a better view. "This place is packed. You sure your item's going to stand out?"

"I don't know, but I hope it will. They're Drakhan equipment after all. They're higher tier than their Eternian counterpart."

As they joined the queue, Horizon's mind raced with thoughts of what could be waiting inside. Rare weapons, legendary artifacts, exclusive gear, royal items—there was always something in these auctions that made it worth the trip.

And if he played his cards right, he might walk away with something game-changing.

Horizon stood at the edge of the long, winding line that stretched out in front of the Auction House. Hundreds of players were lined up, waiting their turn to enter.

Most of them had determined expressions, eager to snag the rare items they'd heard about.

But Horizon? He had no intention of waiting in that line.

He glanced down at the sleek, black Crystal Card in his hand. It felt cool to the touch, a symbol of privilege. This card was his golden ticket—an invitation to bypass the crowd and waltz straight into the auction without breaking a sweat.

Those without the card? Well, they were stuck waiting, hoping for their turn.

Casually, Horizon began to make his way toward the front entrance, moving past the endless queue.

Players glanced at him as he walked by, their eyes narrowing in confusion and suspicion. He wasn't wearing any prestigious guild insignia or flashy armor.

In fact, with his bronze badge pinned to his chest, he looked like a low-ranking independent player, someone who barely had enough clout to survive in the competitive world of high-tier auctions.

As he approached the grand steps leading up to the entrance, a burly player with spiked armor stepped out of line, blocking his path.

The guy had a smug look plastered on his face, his arms crossed over his chest as if daring Horizon to challenge him.

"Hey, you. Where do you think you're going?" the player growled, his voice dripping with arrogance. "You think you can cut in line just like that?"

Horizon stopped, glancing up at the guy. He was a good foot taller and built like a tank, probably from one of the bigger guilds. A few other players started to gather, curious about the commotion.

"I'm just heading in," Horizon said nonchalantly, making no effort to stop his stride.

But the player stepped forward again, this time with a mocking sneer. "Oh, you're just 'heading in,' huh? You got a Platinum badge or something, tough guy? Or are you just another independent wannabe who thinks the rules don't apply to him?"

The crowd around them began to murmur, a few chuckles echoing from the line. One guy with a flashy set of Iron gear shook his head, laughing.

"Look at him," one of the players said, his voice loud enough for Horizon to hear. "Probably thinks he's some big shot. But with that bronze badge? Pathetic. Independent players like him don't even last a week in competition like this."

"Yeah, good luck, buddy," another mocked. "If you even make it in."

Horizon's fingers tightened around the Crystal Card, but he kept his cool, sneering inwardly at the situation. These guys were so quick to judge, always assuming that rank and appearance were all that mattered.

The burly player blocking him puffed out his chest, clearly enjoying the attention. "Why don't you head back to the end of the line where you belong, little Bronze badge? This auction's for the big leagues."

Horizon didn't flinch as the crowd's murmurs grew louder, their whispers filling the air with doubt and mockery.

The situation had attracted even more attention, and before long, the guards standing at the front of the Auction House took notice of the commotion.

Dressed in sharp, silver armor, they moved, their expressions stern as they approached.

"Problem here?" one of the guards asked, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword, eyes scanning the gathered crowd with a piercing gaze.

The burly player who had blocked Horizon earlier was quick to jump at the opportunity. "Yeah, there's a problem!" he barked, pointing an accusing finger at Horizon. "This guy thinks he can just cut in line, like the rest of us aren't standing here waiting our turn!"

Several players in the crowd nodded in agreement, their faces twisted with frustration. "Who does he think he is? Just strollin' up to the front like he's some kind of VIP," one of them muttered.

"He's just got a bronze badge! Does he even have 10 Bullions for the entrance fee?" another chimed in, his tone thick with indignation.

The guards exchanged looks before turning to Horizon. The leader of the group, a tall, imposing figure with a scar running down the side of his face, stepped forward. "You got an invitation or something, kid? If not, you're going to have to head to the back of the line like everyone else."

Horizon kept his cool, ignoring the accusing eyes and the mocking sneers of the players around him. Without a word, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the gleaming black Crystal Card. The sleek surface caught the light, its sharp edges reflecting a hint of violet as he held it up for the guards to see.

The players who had been grumbling seconds earlier suddenly fell silent, their eyes locked onto the card. The smug grins disappeared from their faces, replaced by wide-eyed shock.

"That . . . That's Eldrasil Auction House Crystal Card," someone in the back whispered, his voice barely audible over the stunned silence.

"Wait, that means he's—"