It was clear that Darius' item had reached a level of value that was higher than most common items. Even though it wasn't too outrageous for the various powerhouses and wealthy in Elysium, it was quite an amount to the young clerk seated in the room with them.
Kilobar breathed deeply. "I repeat once more, we're willing to buy this at 106,200 Dius!"
Darius smiled. "Since the Spark Potions are similar but work for a different power system, I assume the price should be the same?"
Kilobar nodded. "Exactly what I thought too. The Spark Potions are also valued at 70,800 Dius, which we too would be for 50% extra."
Darius nodded. "Now, Mr. Kilobar, please be honest with me and state how much you think each item could bring if placed as the final items of the incoming auction?"
Kilobar was tongue-tied. If he gave a truthful answer and Darius decided not to sell to the guild, he would have failed his duty. Yet, he also didn't dare to incur Darius' answer in case he was testing him, as he could take his items back and sell them to another auction house in the city. After all, theirs wasn't the only one, just the biggest.
Kilobar closed his eyes and weighed his options solemnly before making a wise decision.
"Your teleportation scrolls could fetch an estimated price of 10,000-12,000 Dius each on auction. Your Scrolls of Awakening and Spark Potions could each sell for an estimated 200,000-300,000 Dius depending on how well we market it in the coming days."
Darius felt that this was about right. He couldn't be entirely sure, but seeing Kilobar's expression and body language was enough to tell him that the fellow was mostly honest.
Even if he was faking it or had given him a very careful estimation, Darius was satisfied with the prices reported. "I wish to sell all three Warp scrolls, one Scroll of Awakening, and one Spark Potion in the auction. The rest shall be sold to your auction house in order to foster goodwill between us and pave the way for future collaborations."
Before Kilobar and the clerk could die from excitement, Darius poured cold water on their heads. "That is however under the condition that the ones I sell to you cannot be sold in this very same auction!"
When they heard this, they were at first a bit miffed, then they slapped themselves. If they used hunger marketing and sold one potion and scroll at each subsequent auction, it would do more to boost the reputation and drive up the price of these items!
Darius was basically giving them a huge gift and they dared to be momentarily displeased!
Kilobar stood up and shook Darius's hand vigorously and adopted a more servile attitude. "Thank you for your kindness, Esteemed Sir. May I know your name please?"
"I am called Darius Stone. Behind me are my wards, Gunner Stone and Xela Stone." Darius replied easily.
Kilobar noted their names while the clerk furiously wrote their names down. The clerk then went upstairs to consult the higher-ups on what to do with these VVIPs while Kilobar continued to host them.
Darius then dove into something he had been planning all this while. "You know, I'm something of an Appraiser myself."
"You are?" Kilobar was stunned by this confirmation, but also happy as the other possibilities would have been far more outrageous.
"That's right. I was hoping to have my skills recognized and registered by the Appraisers Guild, so I was wondering if you could walk me through the process." Darius asked humbly.
Kilobar beamed amicably. "It is not a problem. To qualify as an F-Rank appraiser, one must be able to at least identify the quality of anything below the Intermediate grade. This is the strictest requirement among various Appraiser organizations in all of Faust, but it's why ours is the most respected and recognized."
"As for the exam, it is held once every month. Aspiring appraisers register up to 7 days before the date and appear at the venue. Everyone would be given the same item to identify."
"The duration is a maximum of 1 hour, and candidates write down their answers. Since only the top 10 are admitted each batch, candidates are required to add more details that they have managed to gleam. The more numerous and the more accurate, the more points you will score."
"That's about it." Kilobar ended his explanation with a shrug.
Darius raised an eyebrow. "While this is interesting, I don't think everyone uses this method, right? How could apprentices of high-rank appraisers like yourself mingle with the randoms?"
Kilobar smiled widely at this, showing a crafty glint in his eye. "True, that is the method for those without backing. For… special… candidates, appraisers at the D-Rank and above can write a recommendation letter to the guild. Depending on the Rank of the writer, the candidate will be given different levels of testing and priority entrance."
Darius smiled softly but did not say a word, only glancing at Kilobar pointedly. Understanding the hidden message, Kilobar chuckled and nodded. "Luckily, I have yet to pick any apprentices and have never used my recommendation slots. Since you were able to self appraise these items, I see a bright future for you in appraising and would like to recommend you. Of course, only you wish for that."
Darius grinned. "How can I refuse the goodwill of Master Kilobar? I'll remember this kindness for sure!"
Hearing exactly what he wanted to, Kilobar wasted no more time. He took some supplies from the desk and wrote up a letter as smartly and professionally as he could.
He then checked and double-checked it before folding it neatly and placing it within an envelope which he then sealed and addressed properly. He handed the envelop over to Darius to received it gracefully.
"You can present it to any receptionist at the Appraisers Guild and they have their ways of verifying it. As for the test they will make you perform, it should not be too complex, but still strict enough to make sure that we aren't admitting chaff." Kilobar explained pointedly.
Darius chuckled, understanding Kilobar's worries. "Don't worry, Master Kilobar. I am confident enough in my skill to not embarrass myself or my friends."
