Kai sat with the obsidian token resting in his palm, its surface absorbing even the dim light of the dorm lamp. The ring on his finger pulsed again—faint, but in sync with the coin.
He didn't know what triggered it. Maybe proximity. Maybe curiosity. Maybe fate.
"Activate teleport," he whispered.
The room didn't shake. There was no bright light or magical circle.
Reality simply blinked.
He was standing on a floating platform in midair.
A dozen other platforms drifted around like islands suspended by invisible threads. Each one connected by thin bridges made of light, softly pulsing purple, barely wide enough for two people to walk side by side.
The sky above was pitch black, but stars twinkled far too close. Below… there was no ground. Only a swirling void.
It wasn't just beautiful. It was overwhelming.
Kai took a shaky breath.
Is this… a pocket dimension?
A voice echoed in his mind.
Welcome, Obsidian Tier Guest.
Your token has been verified.
Entry permitted to the Hidden Auction in the Sky.
Footsteps approached. A figure in a black cloak, face hidden by a silver mask, stopped a few feet away.
"Name?"
Kai blinked. "Uh… Kai."
"Alias, please. We don't use real names here."
He hesitated. "Voidwalker."
The masked figure tilted their head slightly. "Fitting. Follow the light. You'll be guided to your seat."
Kai walked across the bridge, keeping his steps steady. He didn't want to imagine what would happen if someone fell off.
As he crossed, he saw glimpses of other figures—some cloaked, some in dazzling robes, even one in a golden wheelchair that hovered in place. Everyone here radiated wealth, secrecy, and danger.
He reached a circular platform filled with chairs made of voidstone—black with purple veins. Each seat was etched with runes.
The moment he sat, the system pinged.
[Passive Skill Boost Activated: Void Insight]
Detects false bids, reveals approximate artifact value.
Duration: Auction event only.
Kai leaned back and tried not to grin.
"Alright," he whispered. "Let's see what rich people hide when they think no one's watching."
A gong sounded in the distance.
The center of the floating arena lit up. A translucent dome appeared, and within it floated the auctioneer—an elegant figure draped in a flowing robe made of silver mist. Their face was a swirl of symbols, constantly shifting.
"Honored guests of the sky, welcome."
Their voice carried smoothly, neither male nor female.
"Tonight's auction will feature thirty-two rare items. From cursed blades to dragon-forged rings… and one item never before seen by the mortal plane."
Kai raised an eyebrow.
"Let us begin."
The dome shifted. A stand rose from below, displaying the first item—an orb that seemed to contain a mini thunderstorm.
"Item One: Skybound Essence Core. Lightning-class, high tier. Starting bid: 500,000 Credits."
Kai blinked.
Makes sense. This place isn't for peasants.
Someone raised their hand immediately.
"Six hundred thousand."
"Eight hundred."
"900."
Kai's ring buzzed faintly.
The system whispered in his ear.
[Void Insight]: Market value—620,000. Bid exceeding worth.
He smiled.
So that's how rich people overpay. Half of them probably don't even know the real value.
The orb was sold for 1.1 million to a cloaked figure with gold trim on their hood.
The next few items passed in a blur—enchanted cloaks, beast blood crystals, a sword that sang when swung.
Kai stayed quiet, absorbing everything.
His bracelet whispered conversations from around the auction. Not real voices—just soft impressions.
"…this one's a fake…"
"…she's bidding for the Empire…"
"…watch the seat three rows behind you…"
Kai looked where the bracelet indicated. A pale girl with red eyes met his gaze for a split second before looking away.
He made a mental note.
Then came the tenth item.
A large case floated into the dome, opened by invisible hands. Inside, wrapped in silk, was a black dagger with a hollow core.
The moment it appeared, Kai's heart skipped a beat.
[Void-Touched Fang – Sealed]
True origin: Unknown.
Estimated Value: Priceless to Void-compatible users.
Reaction detected with user.
He raised his hand before the auctioneer even spoke.
"Starting bid?" he asked.
The figure smiled. "No base. This item is an unknown relic. The auction will begin at zero."
Someone snorted.
"One thousand."
Kai raised his hand. "Ten thousand."
Laughter from the other platform.
"Fifty," another voice said.
"Hundred thousand," came a bored reply.
Kai waited.
The system buzzed again.
[Insight]: Artifact is resonating. Limited time. If not claimed, it will become dormant.
He raised his hand slowly.
"One million."
Silence.
The masked auctioneer tilted their head. "One million from Voidwalker."
"Ridiculous," someone muttered.
"It's a broken weapon."
"A Void idiot's overpaying."
Kai felt his stomach twist, but he didn't back down.
Void Insight: Successful binding will unlock second stage of Void Gaze.
He stared at the dagger, mind whirling.
Was this part of the quest?
The auctioneer waited. "Any counter offers?"
No one spoke.
"Going once."
The dagger began to hum faintly in his vision.
"Going twice."
Kai's fingers twitched.
"Sold."
The dagger vanished from the display and appeared beside him, neatly sealed in a protective case.
He let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.
"You're either brilliant or stupid," someone whispered behind him.
Kai didn't turn around. He didn't care.
He was already gripping the case, feeling its power leak through.
Another notification blinked in his vision.
[Void Gaze – Evolution Path Unlocked]
Void Gaze (Rank 1) → Void Perception (Rank 1.5)
Hidden paths now include soul traces, incomplete rifts, and faded spatial memories.
He laughed under his breath.
Every other awakened was chasing numbers—rank boosts, battle gear, stronger stats.
Kai was chasing secrets the world didn't know existed.
And right now?
He was in the middle of the sky, surrounded by riches, mystery, and people who had no clue what he really was.
Just how he liked it.