Absolute Beast Dominion

Dale had his mouth agape, and so did the people around him, including the high-ranking appraiser who had been specially called to appraise Leo's treasure.

[Sunblood Pearl] - Low Orange(6-star) Tier Treasure

Estimated Price: 100,000 Gold Coins - 250 Million AC

But that was only the ending that left people dumbfounded; the shock had started much earlier.

[Inferno Marrow Lotus] - Pseudo Purple(4-star) Tier × 5 = 3000 Gold Coins

[Inferno Marrow Lotus] - Low Purple Tier × 1 = 1000 Gold Coins

[Inferno Marrow Lotus] - Mid Purple Tier × 1 = 1400 Gold Coins

[Furnace Vein Moss] - Pseudo Purple Tier - 0.1 KG = 600 Gold Coins

[Magmaheart Peach] - Pseudo Purple Tier × 1 = 650 Gold Coins

[Emberbone Lychee] - Low Purple Tier × 1 = 950 Gold Coins

Total: 107,600 + 4000 (previously sold treasures) = 1116 Platinum Coins

"S-student Leo... a-are you planning to auction the [Sunblood Pearl]?" the appraiser asked, his expression full of disbelief.

"Such treasures existed inside the realm...?" others murmured, equally stunned.

The spectacle was so captivating that it had even attracted Ashton's attention. His eyes remained glued to the pearl resting ceremoniously on the appraisal desk. Even the appraiser himself kept a respectful distance from the treasure that could become priceless under the right circumstances.

Leo smiled slyly after making sure he had Ashton's attention.

Then he stretched lazily.

"I mean... I could have auctioned it since I already consumed a higher-tier pearl, but no. I am a petty man, so I won't auction it here because of how I was treated in the city. It would be better to give it to my servants, who will at least work for me."

Saying that, Leo waved his hand over the displayed treasures and stored all of them away.

But his words struck everyone around him.

He... he already consumed a higher-tier [Sunblood Pearl]...?

People had no words left. Even if Leo was bluffing about consuming a higher-tier treasure, the one that had just been displayed before them was no joke.

But there was one particular group that believed Leo's words. They were Dale, Aaron, Ronan, the students of Aurelius Beast Academy, and, of course, Ashton.

Because Ashton had finally realized why Leo's presence had been giving him such a strange feeling.

It was the [Infernal Sunblood Physique].

In other words, Leo's words about already consuming a higher-tier pearl were trustworthy.

Ashton couldn't help but press his fingers against his forehead before digging a nail into his own skin, making blood seep out in utter regret and rage.

Nirvan!!

He cursed inwardly. He wanted nothing more than to drag Nirvan out of wherever Jubal had dumped him and strangle him to death.

That boy had made him suffer so much loss because of his lewd nature. Among them, the most prominent were the strained relationship with the Virex family and now this.

It was evident just how strained that relationship had become from the satisfied look on Ronan's face ever since he heard Nirvan had been expelled and banished from both the family and Ember City.

Ashton sighed.

Maybe I should have given an actually useful treasure...

He grimaced. The pearl was so valuable that it could have even helped Ashton himself, making him an impregnable Fire user across the Empire in the General rank category, even surpassing the Virex family. That thought alone was a pain in the butt.

Back at Leo's location, Dale awkwardly had his treasures appraised, feeling far too inferior compared to Leo. Still, he was actually the highest after him.

Dale: 12,700 Gold Coins

Leo was pleasantly surprised.

"Hoh? You were actually taking more than 10,000 Gold Coins' worth of natural treasures home?"

Dale awkwardly scratched his head.

"Haha, they were all vitality- and physical attribute-boosting treasures, so I needed them for myself and my girls."

With that, the rankings were announced.

1. Leo [ABA]: 1116 Platinum Coins

2. Dale [VRA]: 12,700 Gold Coins

3. Aaron Stone [ABA]: 7700 Gold Coins

4. Ronan Virex [ABA]: 7500 Gold Coins

5. Cecil Milton [ABA]: 3400 Gold Coins

6. Yano Gilbert [ABA]: 1900 Gold Coins

...

"Damn, Aurelius Beast Academy dominates..." a few people muttered after seeing the rankings. Five out of the top ten were from Aurelius Beast Academy.

People were also shocked by the disparity between the top 5 and everyone else.

And, of course, Leo's score was simply unmatched.

The prizes were then distributed.

As for Leo's prize, it was inside a small cage. It was a serpent-like beast, currently coiled up and resting.

Sandfang Serpent (Low 1-star) - Super Bloodline

It was a hatchling no longer than 1 meter, with smooth golden-tan scales that shimmered like sunlit sandstone.

When it noticed Leo's gaze, the beast opened its oversized amber eyes. It had a rounded snout that gave it a deceptively adorable appearance, while tiny ivory fangs peeked from its mouth, occasionally dripping harmless traces of mineral-rich venom as if the baby wasn't yet able to control its poison secretion.

Leo clicked his tongue inwardly.

This is troublesome...

He had completely planned to hold a private auction for the beast between Aaron and Dale, but Aaron already had an earth-element serpent beast, which meant he probably wouldn't be that interested in it.

Leo sneakily glanced toward Dale and Aaron. Even though both seemed interested in the beast, Dale was far more so. He looked as though he wanted to have a chat with Leo, whereas Aaron didn't seem to be in any hurry.

Hmm, I would need to compromise.

With that thought, Leo walked toward Dale.

Dale immediately turned in the opposite direction and started talking to a random person, afraid that Leo might have noticed him staring earlier.

"Dale!" Leo called.

Dale turned around.

"Sir Leo?"

"You wanted to talk about something with me?" Leo asked.

Dale panicked.

"N-no, what makes you think so?"

Leo sighed.

"Too bad. I thought you wanted to buy this beast from me. Well, looks like I need to approach Aaron."

Dale's eyes widened.

"Wait!!"

And so, Leo began his bargaining.

When it ended, Leo acquired three things.

[Frostvine Grape] - High Purple(4) Tier Treasure

- Clusters of icy-blue grapes that hang from vines that never melt despite growing in warm climates.

It stabilises emotions, reducing impulsiveness while increasing precision and control over mana.

[Molten Honeycomb] - Mid Blue(3) Tier Treasure - 2.5 Litres

- A naturally occurring honeycomb built by fire bees inside volcanic caverns. The honey glows amber.

It rapidly restores stamina, enhances speed for a short duration, and strengthens joints and muscles.

And finally, 200 Gold Coins.

The reason Leo asked for 200 Gold Coins was to push his reserves past the 5000 Gold Coin mark.

As for the other two, the first was obviously beneficial for practising new abilities, while the second was ideal for training the members of his territory.

Dale ended up paying nearly 15 million AC, or 6000 Gold Coins' worth of resources, just to acquire a beast with a Super Bloodline.

A thought suddenly crossed Leo's mind.

What if I focus on mastering my talent so I can increase the bloodline of untamed beasts and start a business selling them?

Leo couldn't help but think it was incredibly profitable.

People would pay almost any amount just to obtain a beast with a guaranteed bloodline rank, and Dale had just proven exactly that.

It was finally time for the Grand Auction.