The Primal Hunter Chapter 1221: An Explosive Auction

Jake observed the Malefic Viper from a distance as the man watched the auction house, slowly nursing his drink. It appeared he was waiting for the arrival of something—or perhaps someone specific.

While he sat there, a female beastkin with a beaming smile approached his table. “I apologize for the delay; you're aware of how difficult my father can be.”

“It is your career and your top priority, so who would I be to criticize that?” the Viper replied graciously, rising from his seat to welcome her.

Jake was nearly stunned by the following sight: the woman stepped close and pulled the Viper into an embrace. He returned the gesture, and their lips met for a fleeting second before they ended their public display of affection.

“I’ve missed you,” she whispered, taking his hand as she settled into a chair. “How was your assignment? Were you successful in finding it?”

“The search continues,” the Viper admitted with a shake of his head. “Evidence suggests the facility was stationed on a few different planets previously, but it keeps being relocated. We suspect high-level space magic is involved, though it’s too soon to be certain. It could also just be a highly efficient team capable of rapid assembly and disassembly.”

The woman laughed, recognizing the joke in his final remark. “Regardless, I hope your search ends soon. The City Lord has great confidence in your organization's skills.”

“I don't take that confidence lightly,” the Viper said. “But let's talk about you. Are your own arrangements proceeding as planned?”

“If you ask my father, we are falling far behind,” the beastkin woman replied with a straight face.

“So, everything is on track then?” the Viper asked with a chuckle.

“Exactly,” she smiled back. “Well, there have been some headaches with the security we hired. Those formation masters are obsessed with perfection. The rest of the security staff can be difficult, but their commander keeps them on a tight leash to prevent trouble before the grand auction.”

“I heard the security presence was bolstered significantly this time,” the Viper noted, his curiosity seemingly piqued. “Tell me... off the record, are the rumors regarding the featured item true?”

The woman hesitated briefly before leaning toward him. “Yes... I can’t fathom why the owner is selling it, but it’s authentic. My mother verified it herself, so there is no doubt.”

“I see... that certainly explains the influx of visitors and the City Lord’s stricter regulations,” Villy nodded. “In any case, it doesn’t really involve me, since I have no role in the auction.”

“Actually... there is a social event prior to the main auction, and I was hoping you would come with me?” the beastkin woman asked, her voice tinged with hope.

The Viper paused. “Would that be appropriate?”

“Totally,” she said with a radiant grin. “My father gave his blessing, and since he is the host, you’re all set.”

“Then it would be quite rude of me to decline, wouldn't it?” Villy remarked, sounding slightly hesitant even as he accepted.

“Wonderful!” she exclaimed, squeezing his hand. “And afterward...”

The Viper offered a knowing smirk, but their moment was interrupted by a waiter arriving to take her order.

The vision suddenly accelerated, blurring through the ordering process and their subsequent talk. Time resumed its normal pace just as the woman stood up to depart.

“Don’t you dare be late!” she reminded him, leaning down for a quick kiss.

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” the Viper answered in the same gentle tone he had maintained throughout the memory. He watched her walk away, and as she vanished, his warm smile slowly twisted into the predatory expression Jake was far more accustomed to seeing.

The vision began to fast-forward once more. This gap allowed Jake to process his thoughts, as he desperately needed a moment to digest the scene.

It was evident the Viper was romantically involved with this woman while simultaneously working for the City Lord. Based on her words, her family managed the auction house—the very place the Viper had just secured an invitation to.

Knowing the Malefic Viper, Jake suspected the entire situation was incredibly suspicious and likely a result of the snake god’s schemes. Despite his apparent interest in the auction house earlier, he had acted reluctant when invited...

Before Jake could analyze further, the vision jumped to the day of the auction. During the transition, Jake saw glimpses of the Viper wandering the massive city, touching various locations and leaving behind traces of mana.

When the scene stabilized, Jake was inhabiting the Viper’s perspective. He stood next to the beastkin woman in a grand ballroom. She wore a sophisticated gown, while the Viper was dressed in a sharp suit.

As they stood together, a large beastkin man in an opulent suit approached, causing the woman’s face to light up.

“Father! I thought we’d missed each other!” she greeted him happily.

“Last-minute details kept me busy,” the man told his daughter before shifting his gaze to the Viper. “At last, we meet. The City Lord has spoken of you often. It is a pity we haven't crossed paths before now, considering you are courting my daughter.”

His tone was a strange blend of formal courtesy and underlying sternness, which the Viper seemed to ignore completely.

“The pleasure is mine. I also regret that our paths didn't cross sooner, but as the saying goes, better late than never,” the future snake god chuckled, pivoting the conversation quickly. “I must remark, this venue is breathtaking. The auction hall itself looked flawless when I caught a glimpse of it earlier.”

“Hmph, keep your hollow flattery,” the beastkin man grunted, though he clearly enjoyed the praise.

“I am being sincere,” the Viper insisted in that soft voice Jake found so unsettling. “Everything is magnificent. And as you can see, my taste for beauty is unrivaled.”

He leaned toward the beastkin woman as he spoke, causing her to blush at the compliment.

“You certainly have a way with words,” the father noted, his attitude becoming significantly friendlier.

“I am merely a man of honesty,” the Viper smiled, then acted as if a thought had just occurred to him. “By the way, I expected the City Lord to be here today, but I haven't spotted him. I was hoping to see him, as I have an important item I'd like to deliver personally.”

“He won’t appear until the auction begins,” the man explained, shaking his head.

“I see,” the Viper sighed audibly.

“Why the disappointment?” the auction manager asked, crossing his arms. “Simply attend the event yourself.”

“I lack the funds for such an event,” the Viper claimed, raising his hands in a gesture of poverty.

“You aren't required to buy anything. Issuing one more entry number isn't an issue. Besides, a larger crowd encourages more spirited bidding, even if you don't participate,” the man said, gesturing for the Viper to enter the hall.

“I would be foolish to miss it then,” the Viper conceded. “I assume the real players today will be the A-grades, correct?”

This was Jake’s first confirmation that A-grades were in attendance, making him wonder even more about the Viper’s current strength. It struck Jake as odd that he couldn't sense the Viper’s rank despite his use of magic, but he decided to simply enjoy the show and wait for the real action to start.

He wouldn't have to wait long.

“Indeed they are,” the beastkin confirmed. “So ensure you are on your best behavior. Your friendship with the City Lord won't save you if you offend the wrong person. You may be a peak B-grade, but the chasm between ranks is massive and not something any of us can easily bridge.”

“I am well aware,” the Viper nodded gravely. “Though I still harbor the hope of one day achieving evolution...”

“I believe you’ve been at the peak of B-grade for several centuries now, haven't you?” the man asked, raising an eyebrow. When the Viper confirmed it, he added, “I suppose that makes you relatively young. I won't say it's impossible, but it certainly won't be simple.”

The Viper continued to nod as the man sighed. “Listen, I can vouch for you with the Golden Road Emporium. If you perform a few tasks for us, perhaps we can secure a prestigious teacher for you.”

“That would be a great honor,” the Viper replied, his face brightening at the prospect.

“See that you appreciate it,” the man huffed, glancing at his daughter. “But if you truly wish to repay me...”

“I understand,” the Malefic Viper nodded. The woman took his arm and leaned against him. The Viper reciprocated by putting his arm around her, which made the father look slightly annoyed, though he remained silent.

“Well, I must return to my duties; we aren't quite ready,” the beastkin sighed.

“Of course,” the Viper said, extending a hand. “It was a genuine pleasure meeting you, sir.”

The father of the Viper’s supposed girlfriend shook the hand, nodding in approval. He failed to notice the subtle traces of poison the snake god transferred into him during the handshake.

Minutes later, a plaque granting auction entry was delivered to the Viper.

Once he had the plaque, time skipped forward again. When the vision stabilized, they were inside a gargantuan auction hall filled with private booths and people in lavish attire. On the stage below stood the beastkin father, looking regal as a pedestal rose in the center of the platform.

Many individuals in the room made no effort to conceal their power, letting their A-grade auras flare openly.

Various items were being showcased. During the fast-forward, Jake saw weapons, armor, a strange meteorite, and other treasures being sold. Jake couldn't judge their exact worth, but it was clear the next item was the true prize.

Silence fell over the hall as the auctioneer began the introduction.

“And now, for the moment you have all been anticipating. As you likely recall, a recent system event for A-grades concluded with the distribution of specific rewards. One might assume these treasures are already consumed or tucked away... yet one individual has decided that Credits are more valuable than this priceless artifact.”

Excited whispers rippled through the audience as curiosity reached a fever pitch.

“Instead of a long-winded speech to sell you on this rare opportunity... why don't I let you witness it for yourselves? Behold, the Eye of the Magus!”

The center of the pedestal retracted and then rose again, revealing the item. Jake watched with fascination as the Eye of the Magus appeared... and honestly, it looked absolutely revolting.

It was a severed hand that seemed to have grown into a piece of stone. The hand was somehow still living, clutching a massive eyeball that it could barely hold. The eye was also alive, darting around frantically without focusing on anything.

Despite its gruesome appearance, Jake felt its power. It radiated intense magic and a specific sensation that Jake was currently very attuned to.

In many respects, the Eye of the Magus reminded Jake of the energy beyond the gate. It was far less powerful, of course, but likely much easier to assimilate. It seemed to embody concepts of pure magic. Jake’s intuition was confirmed when the auctioneer spoke again.

“A true marvel that only the system could produce! A treasure for any mage or scholar of the arcane! However, I must caution you: our tests indicate that anyone below A-grade should not attempt to harness the Eye of the Magus,” the beastkin warned.

“But for the one who successfully integrates it, prepared to have your magical talent elevated to unprecedented heights! Perceive the fundamental nature of the universe with the system's aid, gaining insights that are truly beyond value... though today, we shall attempt to price them regardless.”

The room buzzed with fervor as the auctioneer took a breath. “The bidding opens at fifty million Credits!”

Jake was confused by the starting price. Fifty million? That seemed low. Even as an E-grade, Jake had billions. He was exceptionally wealthy for his rank, but still. He could only assume that massive inflation had occurred over the countless eras since this event.

“Fifty million!”

“Sixty!”

“Seventy!”

“One hundred million!”

The price for the Eye of the Magus surged as the A-grades competed fiercely. Jake understood the appeal, especially for that era. Records and growth opportunities were scarce then. They lacked places like Nevermore or the vast inter-universal teleportation networks that allowed for easy travel and inspiration.

Even in the present day, the Eye of the Magus would be considered a top-tier treasure. Jake saw why they wanted it... but he also knew none of these bidders would keep it. He was watching from the eyes of the man who would ultimately take it.

Until now, the Malefic Viper had just watched the bidding escalate. As the tension peaked... the Viper acted.

It was a quiet move, but Jake felt the subtle pulse of magic from the future Primordial. He triggered the Touch of the Malefic Viper, and seconds later, the room descended into total chaos.

Multiple B-grades in the audience suddenly fell deathly ill, collapsing and coughing up blood. Most were the weaker kin of the powerful A-grades, instantly drawing the attention of the heavy hitters.

The auction halted. Before the auctioneer could react, his own eyes went wide. Blood began streaming down his face, and he vomited a crimson spray.

Beside the Viper, the beastkin woman panicked and rushed toward the stage. “Father!”

Security scrambled, but no one blocked her path given her identity. This allowed the Viper to follow her onto the stage unnoticed.

The powerful auras of A-grades exploded throughout the hall, some reaching the mid-tier. Security tried to seal the exits and maintain order. Healers rushed forward to help while everyone searched for the source of the hidden strike.

“Father... Father, what’s happening?” the woman cried, kneeling by her dad. The Viper approached, his face masked with worry. A ring of guards formed around them, leaving only the Viper, his girlfriend, and the dying auctioneer inside—along with the Eye of the Magus.

“Sir, take this,” the Viper urged, pulling a red vial from his spatial storage.

The man looked surprised but took the potion. Simultaneously, the Viper produced two more bottles, handing one to the woman. “Drink this; it’s a resistance flask.”

He downed a matching flask himself, and she followed his lead. Once she finished the liquid... the Viper’s entire aura shifted.

“My love,” he whispered, leaning in and cupping her cheek. She looked at him with confusion as he continued. “You have played your part perfectly. Now, it is time for your final contribution.”

Before she could process his words, the Viper’s hand began to glow. Her face and body began to bloat instantly. She only had time to look at him with a mix of shock and heartbreak before her body expanded like a balloon and violently ruptured.

A colossal cloud of toxic gas flooded the entire room, a