Dimension System: SSS Rank Talent Awakening

Chapter 161 Frustration and Opportunity

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Now that the task which was given by the headmaster Raghnall Ferrin of the the astral heaven academy is over.

Dabi passed the third semester final exam. He have one month of free time in his hand. He decided to look for aunt Nazu.

He couldn't find anything when Dabi , Eli and Mira encountered aunt Nazu in the auction house headquarters.

Dabi was busy and stuck in the orc kingdom dimension gate for three months. After coming back he was busy with the task.

Now is prefect time to look for aunt Nazu. In this one month he needs needs to find everything. He needs solve the mystery why she ignored them.

He decided to look into the auction house first. Someone must have known her in auction house headquarters.

The grand double doors of the Silver Glade Auction House loomed before Dabi, a testament to wealth and exclusivity.

He hesitated for a brief moment, aware that his worn, practical attire contrasted sharply with the opulence inside.

A deep breath steadied him. "Focus," he muttered to himself, gripping Aunt Nazu's photo tightly in his hand.

Pushing through the doors, Dabi entered a world of quiet luxury. The air was cool, scented faintly with lavender and aged parchment.

Polished marble floors reflected the golden light of chandeliers, and rows of glass cases displayed treasures ranging from ancient relics to glowing magical artifacts.

Attendants in crisp uniforms moved gracefully between high-profile clients, their hushed conversations barely audible over the soft strains of classical music.

Dabi approached the reception desk, where a woman in her mid-thirties with immaculate makeup greeted him with a professional, albeit detached, smile.

"Welcome to Silver Glade Auction House," she said smoothly. "How may I assist you today?"

Dabi placed the photo on the counter, sliding it toward her. "I'm looking for someone. Her name is Nazu. Has she attended any auctions here recently?"

The receptionist glanced at the photo with practiced indifference before lifting her gaze back to Dabi.

"I'm sorry, but we don't disclose information about our clients. It's a matter of privacy."

Dabi leaned forward slightly, his voice firm. "I'm not asking for her personal details. I just need to know if she's been here."

Her smile remained, unyielding. "I'm afraid I can't help you with that."

For a moment, Dabi considered pressing harder. He could feel the tension rising in his chest, frustration clawing at him.

But drawing attention here could jeopardize his chances of finding anything. With a curt nod, he withdrew the photo and stepped away from the desk.

Dabi wandered deeper into the auction house, his sharp eyes scanning the faces of clients and staff alike.

Wealth radiated from every corner luxurious clothing, enchanted accessories, and subtle displays of power.

These were the elite, untouchable and accustomed to getting what they wanted.

He tuned in to the conversations around him, his keen memory cataloging every detail.

"…the last auction was incredible. Did you see the obsidian blade from the Nether Rifts?"

"Yes, but the real star was the masked bidder. I've never seen someone spend so freely."

Dabi's ears perked up. A masked bidder? It wasn't much, but it was the first hint of intrigue he'd encountered.

Approaching a group of middle-aged merchants engrossed in their discussion, he tried to appear casual.

"Excuse me," he said, cutting into their conversation. "I couldn't help but overhear. You mentioned a masked bidder. Who are they?"

The merchants turned to him with varying degrees of curiosity and suspicion. "Why do you want to know?" one of them asked, his tone wary.

"I'm looking for someone," Dabi replied honestly. "I thought they might be connected."

Another merchant snorted. "Good luck. No one knows who the masked bidder is. They come and go, always cloaked in secrecy. All we know is that they have deep pockets."

"Not to mention impeccable taste," another added with a chuckle. "They always target the rarest items."

Dabi nodded, his expression neutral, though his mind raced. A cloaked, anonymous figure frequenting high profile auctions?

It could be nothing, or it could be someone deliberately avoiding detection someone like Aunt Nazu.

He spent the next hour probing discreetly, speaking to staff members and eavesdropping where he could.

A pattern began to emerge: vague mentions of unusual activity, hastily changed subjects, and nervous glances from attendants.

Something was being hidden here, but without more information, Dabi was at an impasse.

The afternoon sun cast long shadows over the city as Dabi exited the auction house, his steps heavy.

The bustling streets of the capital teemed with life, merchants shouting their wares, children weaving through the crowd, and adventurers boasting about their latest exploits.

It was a world full of opportunities, yet Dabi felt no closer to his goal.

He found himself in a quiet square, the centerpiece a grand fountain adorned with lion-shaped spouts.

Water cascaded into a crystal-clear basin, its rhythmic flow oddly soothing.

Dabi sat on the edge of the fountain, pulling Aunt Nazu's photo from his pocket.

The image was old, the edges worn from years of handling. Her smile, radiant and full of warmth, seemed almost mocking now.

How had she vanished so completely? And why did it feel like the entire world was conspiring to keep her hidden?

Dabi's thoughts drifted to his siblings, Eli and Mira. They were waiting for him, counting on him to unravel the mysteries of their family's past.

He couldn't afford to fail them.

"I'll find you," he whispered, his grip tightening on the photo. "No matter what it takes."

As the academy gates came into view, a sleek, black carriage pulled up along the cobblestone path.

The door opened to reveal a young woman stepping down with practiced elegance.

Her silver hair shimmered in the fading light, and her emerald-green gown clung to her figure like liquid silk.

A tiara adorned her head, subtle yet unmistakable a mark of nobility.

"Dabi," she called, her voice melodic yet commanding.

Dabi stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing. "Who's asking?"

The woman approached, her movements fluid and deliberate.

She offered a small, practiced smile, one that spoke of confidence and control.

"I am Althea Illyrian, Do you remember me ? Dabi says let's lady Althea Illyrian I remember you. What brings you here ?

I a new transfer student at Astral Heaven Academy."

"what! Why are you here....?" Dabi couldn't believe what he heard. A royal transfer here at this time.

She tilted her head, studying him as if he were a puzzle to be solved. "You've made quite the impression, you know.

Top place in the nationally raking, a rising star among commoners and with an air of mystery about you. Naturally, I'm curious."

Dabi's expression remained guarded. "Curiosity doesn't explain why you stopped me."

I wanted give you my offer again. Why don't you join my family. I will give you he best position. My family values talents over anything.

Dabi says no. I am good. I don't want to join any family. If there nothing else you have to say. I should leave.

Althea's smile widened slightly. Ok I got it. Then let's be friends for now. "I'm hosting a gathering tomorrow evening.

A high-society event, you might say. I believe someone like you could benefit from attending."

Her words hung in the air, tempting yet suspicious. Dabi crossed his arms. "I don't see the point. I'm not interested in mingling with nobles."

"Perhaps not," Althea said, unfazed by his rejection. "But consider this: a man in your position could use connections.

Information flows freely at such events if you know how to listen."

Dabi frowned, his instincts telling him to decline. The world of nobles was a web of deceit and manipulation, and he had no desire to entangle himself in their schemes.

"I'll pass," he said curtly, turning to leave.

"Wait," Althea called after him, her tone softening. "I understand your hesitation, but think of the opportunities.

You're searching for something, aren't you? Or perhaps someone?"

Dabi froze, her words striking a nerve. He glanced back at her, his expression unreadable.

Continue reading at empire

"If you come," she continued, "you might find what you're looking for or at least I find someone who can point you in the right direction."

Her offer lingered in his mind. As much as he hated to admit it, she had a point.

The auction house had been a dead end, and his options were running out.

Attending the party might yield nothing, but it was a chance he couldn't afford to ignore.

"Fine," he said reluctantly. "I'll go."

Althea's smile brightened, her eyes glinting with satisfaction. "Excellent. I'll send someone to escort you. Formal attire is required, of course."

As she returned to her carriage, Dabi called out, "Why me? Why invite someone like me?"

She paused, glancing over her shoulder. "Because you're different, Dabi. And in a world like ours, 'different' is always interesting."

Back in his room, Dabi sat by the window, the city lights twinkling in the distance. The photo of Aunt Nazu lay on the desk beside him, a silent reminder of his purpose.

He hated the idea of attending the noble party, hated the thought of rubbing elbows with people who saw him as little more than a curiosity.

But if there was even a slim chance of finding a lead, he couldn't let his pride stand in the way.

"This isn't over," he murmured to himself, his resolve hardening. "Not until I find her."

If needed, I will search the hole country to find her.....

I just need to attend a Nobel party. "I can do it..."

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