There are three Monarchs in Europe—the Phoenix Monarch, the Orion Monarch, and the Lupus Monarch.
Don't forget that.
Caelum had finally begun selling the Static Rune. It had taken a lot of effort and tireless preparation, but he was absolutely certain it would be worth it.
The first group to purchase the Static Rune from the Paladin Merchant Guild were adventurers from the Mercenary Guild.
Their name was Vermilion, a high-ranking team made up of five seasoned members.
Before setting out on a perilous mission beyond the city walls, they stopped by the market to shop for armor, weapons, and artifacts.
While browsing, they stumbled across a brand-new product that had just been released_The Static Rune, and decided to buy it on a whim.
After returning from their mission, alive and victorious, they couldn't stop praising the Static Rune. They spread word of its power across their social media platforms_Tiktak, YaoTube, Instragram, and Ficebook.
They even uploaded a combat video showing themselves fighting that day while using the Rune, and within just a few hours, the footage and the buzz surrounding the Static Rune had already reached millions of viewers.
Slowly but surely, word began reaching the higher powers in Europe.
Ring Ring Ring!
Phone call after phone call flooded Mr. Wess's line. Yet, with the calm of someone who had weathered storms for years, he answered every call with practiced professionalism.
Soon after, more boxes of the Static Rune sold out, and that's when things truly began to spiral upwards.
The next wave of customers who managed to purchase the Rune were just as amazed. Their glowing testimonies only added more fuel to the fire. The Static Rune's popularity wasn't just rising–it was exploding.
Amidst the chaos, Mr. Wess personally began pitching the Rune to high-value clients: counts, viscounts, nobles, and political figures.
At first, these influential elites didn't take it seriously. Despite all the viral footage and testimonies, they still doubted the Rune's true source. That changed the moment the Paladin Merchant Guild issued a formal statement, announcing that the Static Rune was extremely rare and difficult to acquire, only 200 units remained.
Panic hit immediately.
Even though some still hesitated, the undeniable effectiveness of the Rune made them anxious. Everyone's eyes turned sharply to those last two hundred.
It was war.
The ten greatest families clashed to secure as many Runes as possible before they were completely sold out. Every one of them was prepared to do whatever it took.
When representatives from these ten great families arrived at the Paladin Merchant Guild, chaos erupted.
Each envoy demanded priority.
_"I am a representative of the Justatius family! You will answer my request first!"
_"What? You Justatius dogs are only ranked 13th–how dare you!"
_"No, I should be the one to purchase first!"
_"Hmph. Says who?"
_"I'm from the House of Vladimir—I demand to be answered before anyone else!"
_"Insolent fool! Your Vladimir family is only ranked 3rd. The Chronostatis family is ranked 1st, and therefore, we must be answered first!"
The arguments grew hotter, until suddenly, the sound of weapons being drawn, magic spells being cast, and supernatural abilities activating filled the air.
Mr. Wess had to intervene.
"Gentlemen, please calm down," he said coolly. "Due to the limited quantity, only 200 Static Runes remaining–the price has officially doubled from one hundred thousand pounds to two hundred thousand pounds per Rune. Anyone who cannot afford this may leave now."
The announcement sent a ripple of shock through the room. Some representatives immediately called their patriarchs. Others wore dejected expressions, realizing they had been priced out. But a few looked proud, confident in the strength of their wallets. They knew they could still afford it.
Those who qualified were finally allowed inside. After some time, the chaos settled. More high-ranking individuals with hidden connections kept arriving, each eager to get their hands on a Static Rune.
Mr. Wess didn't get a moment's rest that day.
The next morning, the Paladin Merchant Guild released an official memo.
"Only 50 Static Runes remain. A public bidding will be held at the Town Arena in Kyiv, Ukraine–tomorrow."
The notice was bold. Loud. Unmistakable.
It caused an uproar.
Many who hesitated before were now full of regret. They knew they had no hope. Only those at the absolute pinnacle of power and wealth would be able to compete now.
This bidding would be brutal.
Back at the Valeborne Family's penthouse, reactions to the Static Rune's wild success varied.
—Lord Alaric and Seraphina Valeborne felt hopeful for the first time in many years.
—Lucien Valeborne wasn't too bothered that Lord Alaric preferred Caelum over him—but he remained cautiously observant nonetheless.
—Seraphina Valeborne wore a serious expression, quietly wondering what Caelum's true plan really was.
—Theron Valeborne was burning with jealousy and rage at Caelum's rising success.
—And as for Aeris Valeborne… she was simply happy. Her big brother was becoming a hero to the family.
Day of the Static Rune Bidding_ Town Arena, Kyiv, Ukraine.
The Town Arena was massive. Rows upon rows of neatly arranged seats stretched as far as the eye could see. The podium was elegant, regal–fit for royalty. Security was intense_three times tighter than what was present at the Red Carpet attack.
They would never allow a catastrophe like that to happen again. Even if Mr. Unicorn dared to attack tonight, they were confident_he would be caught.
Once most of the guests had arrived, a blinding beam of light struck the stage, revealing a sharply dressed man in a sleek suit, his expression bright and cheerful.
The crowd gasped softly in surprise.
It was none other than Baro Mulcaster.
He had taken the role of anchor for tonight's bidding, not because he cared about the Rune, but because deep inside, he hoped Mr. Unicorn would show up. If that happened, he planned to use the Static Rune's power to overpower him… and take revenge for his brother's sake.
Ever since Bari Mulcaster had returned from being kidnapped, he had changed. He spoke little of what happened. He donated to orphanages. He looked at the poor with kindness.
But to Baro… it was unnatural. Wrong.
He had known his twin brother his entire life, and this wasn't him.
Baro was now convinced: Mr. Unicorn and his accomplice must have used magic on Bari. Some form of mental manipulation. Something foul.
And tonight, he would be ready.
He would avenge his brother.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to tonight's special event_the Static Rune Bidding Competition," Baro began, his voice echoing across the majestic Town Arena. "I don't have to say much about this magnificent rune. You all wouldn't be here if you didn't already understand its effects, so without further delay, we shall begin right away."
Only fifty Static Runes remain.
"The bidding opens at two hundred and fifty thousand pounds," Baro announced.
Immediately, hands shot into the air. On the signboards given to each guest, amounts and rune quantities were scribbled down in bold.
_"Two million pounds for five."
_"Five million pounds for twelve!"
_"Thirteen million for twenty!"
_"One million pounds for three."
The bidding war had begun, and it was fierce. Noble families, wealthy elites, and mysterious individuals all clashed silently, determined to get their hands on the Static Rune. No amount was too high. The power it granted was simply too valuable to ignore.
But what most of the guests didn't realize… was that among them sat three of the most influential figures in all of Europe.
They hadn't come to spectate.
They had come with a singular purpose: to claim as many Static Runes as possible — even if it meant buying all fifty in one sweep.
_"Twenty million for twenty-five!"
_"Seventy million for fifty!"
_"Seven million for sixteen!"
_"Two point five million for seven!"
The numbers kept climbing.
Only the highest bid for a specific quantity would be accepted.
For instance, bidding for five Static Runes at the base rate would cost £1,250,000. But if another guest bid £3 million for the same five, the higher bidder would secure them without question.
Suddenly–three voices thundered through the arena. And with them, everything shifted.
_"One hundred million pounds for all fifty!"
_"No, one hundred and fifty million for fifty!"
_"…Then I'll bid two hundred million pounds for all fifty."
Shhh!
The entire Town Arena fell silent.
Everyone turned to locate the three voices.
Slam!
When the crowd saw who had spoken, their hearts sank. Instantly, they realized the truth:
They stood no chance tonight.
The bidding war was over.
These three weren't just anyone, they were the Heirs of the Monarchs.
-Jaden Ignatius Orion_heir of the Orion Monarch, sat calmly, arms folded, radiating quiet confidence.
Beside him, with eyes blazing and fiery hair cascading behind him, was_Zenith Vermillion Phoenix, heir to the Phoenix Monarch.
Behind them stood_David Callux, the cold and composed right-hand of the Lupus Monarch himself.
The titans had arrived.
Each of them battled in silence, trying to prove who held the deepest coffers. But it was Jaden who threw down the highest bid:
Two hundred million pounds.
"Well," Jaden said smoothly, twirling a lollipop in his mouth as he turned around. "Does anyone want to bid higher than I?"
Though he was the youngest of the three, everyone knew, Jaden Orion's strength was in a league of its own.
"Tch. I'll let you have this win today… for political reasons," David Callux muttered before turning and leaving the building.
"…So will I. Hmph," Zenith Phoenix said sharply, his cloak swirling behind him as he exited with quiet dignity.
Jaden grinned. "I guess that means I win. Father will be pleased."
He popped the lollipop back into his mouth, his eyes gleaming with victory.
Baro Mulcaster raised his hand high and declared, "Incredible! We have a winner_and at an astonishing price of two hundred million pounds!"
The crowd erupted in applause, though many were still stunned speechless.
Baro wore a cheerful expression, but deep down, frustration twisted inside him.
So much for tonight's plan.
He had hoped Mr. Unicorn or one of his mysterious accomplices might show up tonight so he could finally get revenge using the Static Rune. But now… with these three monstrous powerhouses in the room?
Mr. Unicorn wouldn't even stand a chance.
In truth, neither Zenith Phoenix nor David Callux had any desire to provoke the Orion heir. Jaden was not just powerful, he was the son of the strongest Monarch in Europe, and crossing him could result in serious political consequences. Better to back down… for now.
And with that, the grand Bidding Competition officially came to an end.
Total Static Runes Created: 500
Total Amount Earned: £235,000,000
This was minus the paladin Merchant Gulid share.