Chapter 273 High Price
"The Gilded Form?"
"Not bad, it boosts strength and defense."
"Isn't there a zombie skill kinda like this?" The crowd buzzed.
William jumped in, "Yeah, that zombie's crazy hard to kill. This skill is just like that zombie's natural ability."
Accraville City was a breeding ground for all sorts of mutated undead. The Throat Seizer that had attacked Cloud Peak Manor had hailed from those very streets. The fact that some in the crowd barely batted an eyelid spoke volumes about the skill's potency.
While everyone was chatting, Darryl and Sasha gave William a different look. They'd fought the zombie horde and saw how much trouble the level-four Throat Seizer's Gilded Form caused. Now, William had a skill scroll with the same ability. It made them wonder if William could actually take abilities from zombies.
If that were true, William would be scary powerful.
But they quickly brushed off the idea. If it were true, everyone at Cloud Peak Manor would have skills by now.
Still, this mysterious method made them realize again how powerful and mysterious William was.
"What's the price?" Chester's eyes lit up. This skill was perfect for him.
Chester's job was 'Copper Fist,' a martial art that boosted defense and punch power. He didn't use weapons, which is why he sold that white weapon earlier.
Seeing The Gilded Form now, Chester was more excited than anyone. If he got this skill, his defense and strength would skyrocket. It'd be like upgrading his job skills, maybe even more than once. When he leveled up, his skills would be way stronger than other survivors at the same level.
So, Chester, the leader of the Mercy Vanguard warband and the strongest in Accraville City, eagerly asked about the price.
Chester had already decided to get it, no matter what. He was even willing to do some shady stuff if he had to.
"Alright, everyone, make your offers. If I like it, I'll trade." William patted the scroll, making everyone's heart skip a beat, worried he might tear it.
No one spoke for a moment, thinking about the skill's value and what they'd need to offer.
"One bottle of two-star Evolution Elixir." Someone finally offered a two-star Evolution Elixir, which they hadn't traded for the Career Scroll earlier.
This didn't mean the skill was better than a profession, but since William had clearly stated what the skill was, those who needed it valued it highly, making a high offer understandable.
This price was pretty high. Even Chester raised an eyebrow and looked at the bidder, already thinking about whether to deal with this person or William.
"I don't need anything but a three-star Evolution Elixir." Surprisingly, William shook his head and refused.
Everyone knew skills were inherently more valuable than Elixirs. A good skill could fetch the same price as a high-level Elixir, seven stars or more. After all, Magic Crystals could be acquired with enough effort, luck, and manpower. Skill scrolls? Those were rare, their appearance a cause for celebration and fierce competition.
The basic Gilded Form skill, before William's rebirth, could easily fetch a six-star Evolution Elixir. But that was ten years down the line, not now. By today's standards, a three-star Evolution Elixir would be a fair trade.
"It's overpriced," Derek, the leader of the Kiel Knights, sneered. "Sure, it's a good skill, but it's not worth a three-star Evolution Elixir. You're dreaming."
Derek had no love for William, who had made waves at the trade fair with Basil. Since Derek had snatched the Burning Fury Squad's invitation card, he and Basil were enemies. Naturally, anyone allied with his enemy was also his enemy.
William didn't even glance at Derek, just kept waiting for offers, which only made Derek more frustrated.
"I'll trade it for this sword," Carlos, the general manager of Star Beauty Company, said, pulling out the white weapon he had traded from Chester, looking a bit reluctant.
Star Beauty Company, the second-ranked force in Accraville City, had an interesting setup. The leader, Stella, who called herself the president, never showed up at these events, leaving Carlos to handle everything.
In truth, Carlos wasn't as reluctant as he seemed. Although the white weapon had cost him a lot, it wasn't a major loss. His offer was mainly to mess with Chester.
He knew Chester's profession, and The Gilded Form skill was practically made for him. If Chester got it, his strength would skyrocket, making the Mercy Vanguard warband even stronger than Star Beauty Company.
A flash of anger crossed Chester's face.
William pursed his lips, thinking, 'I have plenty of those white weapons. Do I need yours? Besides, I didn't bid during the auction earlier. Why would I need this now?'
Seeing William shake his head and refuse Carlos, Chester, who had been silent, finally made an offer.
"Career Promotion Scroll," Chester said.
"How many?" William asked.
Chester raised an eyebrow, "How many do you want?"
"Without two, I won't trade," William replied.
Chester looked at William with some resentment, thinking, 'How dare you really ask.' If it weren't for The Gilded Form being so useful to Chester and able to partially replace the Career Promotion Scroll, he wouldn't even part with one. Now William wanted two.
"This price is very fair," Chester said, stroking his chin, his tone carrying a hint of warning.
"Two, or no deal," William said.
Chester was a bit exasperated. Even a single Career Promotion Scroll was a hard-won prize. He didn't have a second one to spare.
Seeing the offers, the others knew they had no chance of getting the skill scroll and watched the scene unfold.
"I'll add a Career Scroll, but let's be clear, my two items are worth more than yours. You'll need to sweeten the pot." Chester said, pulling out a scroll from his coat pocket, causing those around to gasp. Clearly, this was his hidden stash.
William was also surprised. He hadn't expected Chester to bring out a Career Scroll for this skill. It seemed The Gilded Form had a high compatibility with Chester's profession or abilities.
"Five bottles of one-star Evolution Elixir."
"Ten bottles, or no deal."
"Deal!"
William made the deal in the end.
Meanwhile, loud shouts and sounds of fighting suddenly came from downstairs.
