The Extra's Rise

Chapter 656 - 656: Masquerade Auction (3)

During the intermission, Arthur and Reika moved through the mansion's corridors with the casual curiosity of wealthy collectors admiring their host's estate. To any observer, they appeared to be nothing more than a couple exploring the impressive collection of art and artifacts that lined the walls. In reality, Arthur was conducting reconnaissance with the precision of a military strategist.

The mansion's layout was more complex than it appeared from the outside. Hidden passages branched off from the main corridors, concealed behind rotating bookcases and false walls that only someone with Arthur's enhanced perception would notice. He counted at least thirty guards positioned throughout the building—far more than necessary for a simple auction, even one dealing in illegal goods.

"The security seems quite thorough," Reika murmured as they paused before a particularly grotesque painting depicting what appeared to be a ritual sacrifice.

"Indeed," Arthur replied, his attention focused on the magical ward patterns woven into the mansion's architecture. "Our host clearly values discretion above all else."

They passed a study where several masked figures engaged in hushed conversation, their voices too low for normal hearing but perfectly clear to Arthur's enhanced senses. He caught references to shipping schedules, laboratory results, and something called "the Awakening Protocol" that made his blood run cold.

"Darling," Reika said softly, her hand tightening on his arm, "perhaps we should return to the auction hall. I wouldn't want to miss the finale."

Arthur nodded, but not before making mental note of the study's occupants. The woman in the raven mask was definitely Red Chalice, her magical signature bearing the distinctive taint of blood magic. The others were harder to identify, but their casual discussion of human experimentation marked them as willing collaborators rather than unknowing dupes.

When they returned to the auction hall, the atmosphere had shifted. Where before there had been excitement tinged with greed, now there was something approaching reverence. Whatever Corwin had planned for the evening's final acts, it was clearly something special.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Corwin announced as the last guests took their seats, "we now come to the crown jewels of tonight's collection. What you are about to see represents months of careful acquisition and preparation."

The stage lights dimmed, and when they rose again, a new item had appeared—a sophisticated containment unit holding what appeared to be a sample of some unknown substance that seemed to bend light around itself.

"Metamaterial from the Chernobyl-7 Incident," Corwin declared, his voice carrying genuine awe. "Harvested from the epicenter of the dimensional breach and stabilized using classified technology. The applications are... limitless."

Arthur felt his breath catch. Dimensional metamaterial was theoretical at best—the idea that someone had actually managed to harvest and contain such a thing was staggering. More disturbing was the implication of how such an acquisition might have been accomplished.

The bidding was immediate and fierce. Unlike the previous items, which had attracted collectors and criminal organizations, this drew the attention of what Arthur recognized as several major political figures. Duke Ravencrest was bidding again, as was a woman whose bearing suggested high military rank despite her elaborate mask.

"70 million crypto," called out a voice from the front row that Arthur recognized with a chill. General Morrison, one of the Empire's most decorated war heroes and a man whose public stance against dangerous re

The real show was just beginning.