The capital's underworld was buzzing.
Tonight marked the long-awaited Whispering Auction, an event held only once every ten years, deep within the Moonshadow District. Only those with secret passes—or deep enough pockets—were allowed entry.
And Priyanshu had both.
Dressed in a black silk robe embroidered with golden vines, his face was hidden behind a porcelain mask. His aura was perfectly restrained. No one could sense even a flicker of his power.
This was not a place for pride. This was a place for predators.
[Quest Triggered]Task: Win the hidden artifact "Eye of the Forgotten" in the Whispering AuctionReward: +300 Evil Karma, Unique Artifact (Unknown Effect), Access to Forbidden Item Tier I
Priyanshu entered through the back entrance using a token provided by Lady Samira—an act that would later earn her both gratitude and warning.
Inside the auction house, noble degenerates and infamous criminals sat side by side, separated only by the weight of their secrets. Beautiful auctioneers moved across the dark velvet stage, veiled and silent.
The items came in waves: Blood-forged weapons, cursed tomes, beast cores from ancient realms.
But Priyanshu waited.
He wasn't here for power he could buy—he was here for something rarer.
Something that couldn't be sold to just anyone.
"Now," the announcer's voice echoed, "we present the final piece for tonight… the Eye of the Forgotten."
A black, crystalized orb floated above the stage, radiating an eerie emptiness.
"It's said to hold a memory not meant for mortals—perhaps of a fallen god, perhaps of an erased realm. Starting bid—10 million spirit coins."
Bids exploded.
11 million… 12.5 million… 14 million…
Priyanshu remained silent.
17 million… 18 million…
Only two bidders remained: a veiled lady from the Eastern Sea Sect, and a corpulent merchant known for trading souls.
"20 million."
The merchant grinned wide.
"25 million," Priyanshu said softly, his voice magically distorted.
Gasps echoed.
The merchant's smile faded. "30 million."
Priyanshu didn't blink. "40 million."
Silence fell. Even the auctioneer looked stunned.
No one raised a hand. No one dared.
[Artifact Acquired – Eye of the Forgotten]Binding in progress…Compatibility: 100%Hidden Effect: Unlocks suppressed timeline memory fragmentsBonus: +1 Forbidden Memory Slot
Later that night, as Priyanshu examined the orb in his private quarters, a burning pain seared into his mind.
A vision.
He saw a throne floating in the void, surrounded by stars, where a version of himself sat, cloaked in universal darkness—his face older, colder, ruling countless realities.
"Why does this feel… familiar?" he whispered.
[System Notice]Past Life Fragment Awakened.Identity: The Forgotten Monarch – Title UnlockedPassive Effect: Enemies below your realm feel inexplicable fear.Skill Unlocked: Monarch's Gaze – Instantly lowers morale of enemies within 50 meters.
He stared at his reflection in the black orb, eyes narrowing.
"So… even the heavens tried to erase me."
He let out a soft, dangerous chuckle.
"But I remembered."
And that made him more dangerous than ever.