The hall froze. With every step Drew took on the red carpet the lead from the entrance, through the main hall and to the door of the main auction house, a sharp inhale was taken in freezing guests down to their bones. They could feel the chilly aura being emitted from Drew as he cooly gazed at every attendee and employee that was there. All eyes were on him. He was the star of today's show. A rather short and plump man emerged from the crowd of people. His outfit consisting of a double-breasted suit that didn't seem to fit his figure well because some gaps could be seen between the vest and the shirt linings, revealing his round belly. His face was clean but he had a rather large round nose that covered a large portion of his face making it stand out in a weird way. There was no doubt, that man was a Dwarf!
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Dwarves are a race originating from the Hetallica planet approximately ten light-years away from Kraus in the Cerber System. Unfortunately, the planet was destroyed in the Fifth Interstellar War causing the survivors to flee to other neighboring planets. Kraus was one of these planets thus the population of Dwarves is relatively high compared to most other planets in the Orion Alliance. Dwarves are known to be a short yet very intelligent race specializing in the metalworks, blacksmithing, and item appraising thus having a high affinity towards the Earth Otrio Attribute. They are said to be the best in the appraising field in the universe with Llelfs coming only second to them.
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"Welcome to the Ozwarth's Auction House, Mr. Snow!" The plump Dwarf welcomed, looking a bit flustered, holding out his hand which Drew accepted. "I'm the Head of the Auction House, Brandon Edgars. We've been awaiting your arrival for some time."
"Thank you, Mr. Edgars." Drew smiled retaining his frosty expression causing Edgars to retreat back a step. It was rare to see Edgars act like this which deviated from his usual aloof attitude. If he was acting like this in front of Mr. Snow, then that meant that Mr. Snow wasn't a force to be reckoned with. Thus, the guests at the auction begin to formulate their plans, on how to ally themselves with Mr. Snow. Those smiling demons...pretending to be good when, in reality, were hiding their malicious intents, concealing them well as they wait for the perfect chance to gain the upper hand. This was the world above the ground and it wasn't all flowers and rainbows one would think it is. This world was one where the weak should fear the strong, the powerful.
"Now then," He continued, adjusting his vest with his small fingers. "We've been informed of your purchase of the Snowstone Core. It is ready for you. You can pick it up now or after the auction."
"I'll take it now," Drew said in a cold voice that sent a shiver down his spine. Sweat, that was barely visible, dripped down his nape.
"Very well. Please give us a few minutes. In the meantime, enjoy the auction."
Edgars turned away from Drew before running off to the Auction House's storerooms. A sigh of relief could be heard from him as he disappeared into the crowd. Drew took a look around the auction hall, the atmosphere had completely changed. Some people avoided eye contact with him while others ignored him and resumed their conversations amongst each other. Witnessing Edgars and Drew's interaction, they began having second thoughts about trying to persuade Drew for their own personal benefit. No, they couldn't convince him to join their side even if they wanted too. He was way out of their league. It was as if he were in another realm, one that couldn't be touched by mere mortals like themselves. If anything, it would have to be Drew coming to them and they could only spin the roulette in hopes of being chosen but if they were, they would have to act cautiously around him.
Deja vu.
This was the exact same thing that occurred when Heartman submitted his regiment 'Morning Dew' to the auction house years ago. History was repeating itself here in the city of Ozwarth. Were the tabloids right? This man, this very man in front of them could become a legend and potentially go toe to toe with the already legendary Heartman himself? No one knew. Only time could tell but seeing Drew, as Mr. Snow, in person and his regiment in the display case, it was clear that he could do it. He could become Heartman's equal, no, he could surpass him in a few years...maybe less. Even though he hadn't done much, they could already tell that Mr. Snow was a monster. It was scary. It was frightening.
"Young Master." Gerald began, grabbing Drew's attention. "Have you found him."
Drew nodded as he shifted his eyes over to a rather familiar dirty blond-haired playboy holding a glass of champagne along with a plate of hors d'oeuvres laughing carelessly amongst his group of prodigal rich kids. It was Uenkram.
"Yes." He replied letting a small yet cruel smile form on his face as he made his way over to Uenkram.
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Meanwhile, Uenkram was hanging around his circle of 'friends'. Of course, some of them were his genuine friends but the others were just there for his father's money, not for him. To these other 'friends', Uenkram seemed like an irresponsible playboy who was an easy target to pick on. Not that Uenkram liked to appear that way. It was out of necessity in order for his 'activities ' to go completely under the radar. No one would suspect that someone like him could be a drug lord in the underworld, if they even had a suspicion, he would be the last one on the list. To others, it was almost inconceivable.
Keeping up airs, Uenkram continued his careless, rambunctious acting until he saw, from the corner of his eyes, a blue-haired figure dressed in a simple black suit with a sharp, white long coat. The chilly aura from his body couldn't be concealed as it pricked Uenkram's body causing each hair to stand up, his nerves to freeze, causing him to almost lose hold of his champagne glass. The fizzy, carbon bubbles dispersing the moment they reached the surface of the golden liquid.
It was Mr. Snow and he was heading in his direction. Thoughts ran wild in Uenkram's head as he watched this terrifying Snowhawk approach his group. Cold sweat ran down his nape.
What could he possibly want with me? I know I covered up my tracks very well...maybe he's got his eyes set on someone else. Yeah, that could be it!
Boy was Uenkram completely wrong but it was too late. Uenkram's group had spread out, creating room for Mr. Snow to join in. His frosty eyes fixated on Uenkram's. Uenkram was startled. Now that Mr. Snow was before him, he had to treat him with the utmost respect. After all, it was never a good thing to get on the bad side of Alchemist.
Alchemists are highly valued in the universe. Only a handful of Genetic Warriors are capable of becoming one and out of those, only a small percentage were able to climb to the top. Thus, any Alchemist was to be treated as an outstanding figure especially Mr. Snow, who swept all of Ozwarth off its feet overnight. He appeared out of nowhere and created a regiment that had never existed in all of history. This kind of man could not be offended at all costs regardless of his family or warrior status. Any person with a brain knew that.
"Mr. Snow, welcome to the auction." Uenkram greeted a hint of fear that could be heard in his voice as he placed down his plate of food on a nearby table to free up his hand. "My name is Ling Uenkram, the third son of the Uenkram Family who runs many banks here on Kraus."
Mr. Snow accepted his free hand, pressing his thumb into the loose skin between Uenkram's thumb and index finger causing Uenkram to wince slightly. His wrist-twisting to the left as Mr. Snow pressed harder. He tried strengthening his grip but he couldn't move. All he could do was resists as much as possible, letting his muscled tense while retaining his composure in order not to ruin his reputation even farther than it already has in front of this crowd. No words were exchanged between them for a solid ten seconds.
Mr. Snow leaned over to Uenkrams ear with an evil smile curling even wider on his face. His cold breath tickling his ear.
"Hello, Uenkram." Mr. Snow's greeted in a wicked tone that nearly made him wet his pants. "Do you remember me."
Uenkram's eyes shot open. He would never forget that voice up close. It was from the one person he hoped he'd never had to deal with again.
"You..."He grit as he focused his eyes on the young man in front of him.
"Let me refresh your memory." Mr. Snow continued in a low voice revealing his sharp canines increasing the pressure on Uenkram's hand. "3. 9. 6. 0."
Every number etched itself into Uenkram's mind.
"How?" Was the only thing he could muster as Mr. Snow released his hand from Uenkram's. The red mark created by Mr. Snow on his hand throbbed as he felt his strength return to his body.
Mr. Snow pressed a finger to his lips.
"That's a secret."
"What do you want?"
"A few things." He replied curtly. That devilish smile remained on his face activating an application on his communication device as he gestured Uenkram over to another part of the hall. "Shall we discuss this in private?"
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Drew activated a special application on his communication device. This application allows two people, whose communication devices are linked, to communicate through their thoughts with the assistance of a combination of electromagnetic waves and some other complex programs that alter the body's senses temporarily, messing around with the nervous system but not making any physical changes to the body. Anyone could download this application but many major corporations and businessmen would alter it to suit their own privacy needs. Of course, Drew had the altered version since he wouldn't want anyone eavesdropping in their conversation. Uenkram wouldn't either since he didn't want his cover to be blown.
Uenkram took the initiative.
"So how are you enjoying the auction?" He asked.
Translation: What the actual fuck do you want, you monster?
Drew chuckled.
"It's boring. The high life is full of a lot of fakers. I have to say, they are good actors. You are an exceptional one if I'd have to say so myself."
Translation: I want to make a deal with you, Weasel. One that you can't refuse.
Uenkram spat. "That's normal. You have to be on guard whenever you make contact with someone here. From the way it sounds, it doesn't seem like you've been up here for too long."
Translation: Spill it. I don't have all day.
"I've been here all my life. I don't like these events. Everyone here is basically your enemy. I'd say only ten people here could be considered your allies."
Translation: I'm offering you to be my source. You are good at doing things without being caught and I'm willing to pay you. I'd say ten million as a down payment."
"Where did you even get that number?"
Translation: Explain.
Drew snapped his fingers, letting out a light scoff before popping a cracker with cream cheese and smoked salmon into his mouth. The buttery cracker disintegrating in his mouth letting the cream coated salmon slide down his throat.
"Not out of anywhere in particular. It's just a random number. I think you'd also agree."
Translation: As an Alchemist, I need a steady supply of herbs and a good transportation network in order for that to happen. What I'm contacting you about is transportation. I've already made an enemy out of Heartman so I need to keep the cards in my hand concealed as much as possible. You are the first person I thought about as such, I was thinking of creating a partnership with you. The ten million, as I said, would be a down payment for our cooperation.
"That is true but what else do you have?" Uenkram asked finishing his glass of champagne, placing it on a passing waiter's tray, brushing back his hair with his hand.
Translation: What else can you offer me?
"Much more. This is just the tip of the iceberg."
Translation: I know you desire to become the top of the underground drug market. I can offer you protection. With me as your backer, you won't have to fear many groups. Additionally, I can help you cover your activities. It's already difficult on your own and I'm willing to shoulder a portion of your burden.
"How can I trust you?"
Drew didn't say anything out loud. Instead, he gave Uenkram a hand gesture, two fingers.
Translation: You did when you gave me that rating. I'm just paying back my debt. I have two reasons. The first is that I don't want Heartman to catch wind of my activities. The second is, after considering for some time, I could create a win-win situation. I get my resources and transportation and you get your money and power.
Now, Uenkram was intrigued. He had nothing to lose from this!
"How much are we talking?"
"Two parts," Drew replied. "But that'll change."
Translation: Ten million as deposit and a hundred million a year. This is much more than what you are currently making in the underworld and if all goes well, your payment will increase by leaps and bounds. After doing some calculations, I would be able to offer you a billion for your services in two years, maybe less.
"My god." He gasped.
Two years! Uenkram was expecting longer but this was completely out of his expectations then again, it was possible since it he was both Dealer 3690 and Mr. Snow. In today's auction, the starting price for his regiment was 500,000,000 Kalas. Knowing how many people here wanted to obtain it, that price could get up to 700,000,000 Kalas and if they were really desperate... it could go up to a billion Kalas. If this continues, if he sells one or two of these regiments a month, Mr. Snow could accumulate enough money to rival those top billionaires in the universe and. That's right, not just Ozwarth, Kraus, or the Orion Alliance but the universe! With that kind of money and his ever-so increasing influence, not even the law could bind him anymore. His words weren't empty. If Uenkram supported him, he would get a share of this unmeasurable power. That means he would no longer have to hide and he could do things in broad daylight without anyone caring one bit. This was an opportunity that he would never get any time else in his life!
"What do you say?" Drew grinned.
"I have no doubts." Uenkram had lost to this monster twice. The first time in the Borealis and the second time here. What a terrifying guy.
"Then it's a deal. It's a pleasure doing business with you once again, Mr. Uenkram." Drew smiled as he sent ten million Kalas over to Uenkram's account.
Translation: I'll deposit ten million into your account right now.
"I should say the same to you." Uenkram sighed in defeat, looking at the notification that had popped up on his communication device.
Translation: I've lost to you twice. I don't want to for the third time.
Drew chuckled as he closed the application. "At least you've noticed that."
"Then enjoy your time here at the auction."
"I will." Drew waved as he and Uenkram went their separate ways.
