The Genesis Of A Necromancer

Chapter 84 - 84: An auction?

In the planes where the moon never seemed to wane, its cold silver glow bathed a world blanketed in unyielding darkness.

Shadows stretched endlessly, their jagged forms swallowing everything in sight.

The air carried a vile stench of decay, clinging to each breath—a constant reminder of the abyss that defined their reality.

The village square lay in tense silence as the head demon soldier's booming voice tore through the oppressive night.

"All of you idiots!" he roared, his voice reverberating across the square like a crack of thunder.

"How could intruders stroll into your village, and you welcome them as if they were kin? What's wrong with you all?!"

The beast beneath him snarled in apparent agreement, releasing a breath so hot it created a visible steam that mingled with the cold night air. Its massive claws scraped against the cobblestone, leaving deep, jagged marks on the ground.

The oppressive aura radiating from the commander pressed down on the gathered villagers.

Some buckled under the invisible weight, while others stood frozen, their trembling bodies betraying their fear. None dared meet his blazing crimson gaze.

"Find the little demon who was last seen with them," the commander barked. His fiery gaze swept over the cowering crowd.

"And if this ever happens again, if you even think of letting intruders in, I'll make sure you never live to see the next moon!"

The crowd murmured in panic, their voices low and incoherent, as if the mere act of speaking too loudly would summon his wrath anew.

The town square, though vast, held all the village's inhabitants—a grim testament to the demons' woefully low birthrate.

Their population was sparse, each life critical to their survival, yet here they stood, their collective fear leaving them paralyzed.

The commander's face twisted with frustration as he turned his attention inward.

'These idiots have caused me nothing but trouble. What am I supposed to tell Lord Zomaza? I can't return empty-handed.' A single bead of sweat trailed down his temple at the thought of Zomaza's wrath.

Failure was not an option.

"Men!" he bellowed, snapping his subordinates to attention.

"We're moving out. They can't have gone far.

"Weapons, ancient relics... anything that can strengthen a demonic bloodline. It's a display of wealth and influence. Everyone who's anyone will be there."

The mention of artifacts piqued Gale's interest.

'Jack might want to hear this.' He inclined his head in thanks and turned to leave, carrying the garments back toward the alley.

---

Back in the shadows, Jack watched Gale's approach, his curiosity evident. "You were gone long enough. What were you discussing?"

"Nothing much," Gale replied, handing the clothes to the others.

"But there's an auction happening right now. Demons are gathering to flaunt their power and bid on rare items. Could be worth checking out."

Jack's eyes lit up, a grin spreading across his face. "An auction, huh? Sounds like the perfect place to find a lead on the Chapters of Time." He glanced at the others, his excitement infectious. "This might actually work out in our favor."

Alisha raised an eyebrow. "And you're just assuming we can walk in unnoticed? Pretty sure they're not handing out invitations to people like us."

Jack chuckled, slipping into the newly acquired cloak. "We'll figure it out. If there's even a chance the Chapters of Time are there, we have to take it."

The group quickly changed into the demon's garments, each piece worn and weathered but effective in masking their identities. Jack inspected the cloak he'd donned, running his fingers over its coarse fabric. "Not exactly royal attire, but it'll do."

With their disguises in place, they moved toward the outskirts of the village.