klisemfg Chapter 494 Aurie Silver Heart
Chapter 494 Aurie Silver Heart
Chapter 494 Aurie Silver Heart
"Hello, you can just call me Xia Nan."
When the half-elf appraiser greeted him, Xia Nan felt slightly embarrassed because his nickname had been called out in public, but he still maintained his politeness and stepped forward to shake hands and introduce himself.
"I've heard so much about you, I've heard so much about you." Aurie smiled gently and complimented, "Baron Faro mentioned you to me at the banquet a while ago, saying you are a powerful and highly ethical adventurer. Meeting you today, I can see you are indeed extraordinary."
"I was just fulfilling my duties as usual, nothing as exaggerated as the Baron makes it out to be."
Xia Nan said modestly.
It is worth mentioning that Baron Faro played a significant role in the widespread use of his nickname "The Hague" in Baron Fish Bay during this period.
Xia Nan, who rescued the Shark Gang's daughter, "Miss Ellie," gained Baron Faro's friendship. Ostensibly as a reward for his mission, the Baron not only paid for all the expenses of modifying and repairing the pirate ship and provided him with access to many excellent shipwrights, but also offered to owe Xia Nan a favor.
Behind the scenes, as the charterer of Fish Bay and a legitimate nobleman with a title, Xia Nan's name is often mentioned in many social occasions, making many upper-class people with similar noble backgrounds aware of the recent appearance of a person named "The Hague".
To some extent, as a professional adventurer who frequents the Three-Legged Sea Dog Tavern and the Wavebreaker Wharf, Xia Nan's current fame in the Harp Bay is actually the highest among the three districts in the White Cliff District.
"Excuse me, I haven't introduced myself yet."
The half-elf straightened up, adjusted his collar, and spoke in a relatively solemn manner.
“I am Aurel Silverheart. I used to run an auction house in Barracuda Bay. Now I am basically retired and enjoy collecting odd and quirky little things.”
Upon hearing this, Xia Nan's expression remained unchanged.
He had heard of the name Oriel.
Having been in Suyu Bay for so long, he must have gotten to know some of the well-known figures there.
Aurelius is one of the more well-regarded ones. He has a wide range of interests, comes from an auction house background, has a keen eye as an appraiser, and has a substantial personal fortune, which often allows adventurers who acquire good loot during missions to sell it to him for considerable profits.
Xia Nan had thought that he might have the opportunity to expand this channel in the future, so that he could handle some spoils of war more conveniently. However, due to various things in Suoyu Bay, he gradually put it out of his mind. He never expected to run into it in this kind of situation today.
For Aurelius, the sheer number of exquisite pieces of equipment that Xia Nan possessed, which appeared to be enchanted, was already enough to pique his interest. Coupled with the recent rumors surrounding his title "The Hague," he was already considering befriending him.
However, since they were in the association's meeting room and the main task of the day had not yet been completed, they only exchanged a few pleasantries before returning to the operating table to continue the examination.
"Didn't you go to the coral reef? Why are you back so late? Did you catch a big fish?"
Beside him, the barbarian Arken crossed his arms, his muscles as hard and firm as rocks, and casually asked Xia Nan a question.
"The harvest was indeed quite good." Recalling the giant grouper currently lying in the storage space of the [White Pot] pocket watch, Xia Nan nodded without changing his expression. "Mainly, we encountered some unexpected situations."
"Oh?" Hearing this, Lorraine, who was focused on the appraiser, turned her head and her attention was drawn to the conversation.
"What's going on? Are they adventurers from another team?"
"No, it was just a minor incident." Hein shook her head and explained, "A few thugs from the Tide Retreat Gang wanted to fish on the coral reef. They weren't very brave, and they ran away after being scared a couple of times. It wasn't a big deal."
"It's that Tidefall Gang again!?"
Clearly still resentful of the experience of being surrounded by the halfling Alton at the docks, Arken's reaction upon hearing that familiar name again was quite strong.
The muscles bulged and expanded, causing the veins on his bald head, covered in flashy tattoos, to stand out.
Without a doubt, if anyone were to provoke him even slightly, this barbarian, whose heart was always filled with rage, would pick up his anchor-shaped giant axe and charge straight towards the Tidefall Gang's lair.
Everyone on the field knew his temperament and would not deliberately provoke him at this moment.
but……
"This ebb tide gang has indeed been quite high-profile lately."
Lorraine's face showed no particular expression, but her tone involuntarily revealed a hint of coldness.
The "Blade of Vengeance" squad has earned its reputation in the Southern Islands not only because it has successfully completed numerous challenging adventure missions, but also because of its tough stance towards the outside world.
Or rather, anyone who can gain a certain reputation in this dangerous sea area is unlikely to be weak to the outside world.
Because if you show even the slightest vulnerability, you will be targeted by those greedy hyenas who will exploit you to the bone and drain you dry.
"I'll go back and ask Hera for details, and if it's appropriate... teach them a lesson."
Of course, she needed to be firm, but as the squad leader, Lorraine definitely had more to consider than Arken and the others.
After all, who knows if this newly emerging Tide Retreat Gang is just another powerful figure promoting a group, only to be inexplicably drawn into a more dangerous vortex of conflict because of a petty squabble, ultimately suffering more losses than gains?
Xia Nan did not participate in this topic.
Although he was standing nearby listening, his attention was more focused on Orie, who was examining the operating table.
With his attribute panel, he was undoubtedly one of the world's top appraisers, at least in terms of equipment. Even those strange special effects that were usually impossible to trigger were clearly visible on the panel.
On the other hand, it must be admitted that this is indeed a shortcut.
He might be able to describe the attributes and effects of the appraised equipment more clearly than an ordinary appraiser, but he lacks the countless days and nights of accumulation of professional knowledge that the other party has made.
For the same piece of armor, Xia Nan only needs less than a second to fully identify its specific effects and attributes, and even learn some unknown secrets about the equipment through the "Description" section on the attribute panel.
But only there.
Those highly skilled and experienced appraisers can even deduce the identity of the armor's forger, the specific source of the materials used, which parts have flaws that can be improved, and what type of attack might cause more serious consequences by examining the details on the armor...
This accumulation of professional knowledge and experience is precisely what Xia Nan lacks.
He also wanted to take this opportunity to carefully observe how a true senior appraiser examines an item.
When Origin noticed that several members of the Oath of Vengeance squad mentioned the name "Tidefall Gang," Oriel's brow furrowed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.
"despair."
The index finger bent, and the knuckle gently tapped against the marble surface of the operating table, making a crisp sound.
His status as the young master of an auction house meant that he grew up surrounded by all sorts of strange and unusual items, and these past experiences have become his valuable expertise as an appraiser today.
Suddenly, as if sensing something, Aurelius clenched his five fingers into a palm and hovered above the operating table.
A pair of silver-grey eyes, born of elven blood, were fixed on his right hand, which was suspended in mid-air.
Under normal circumstances, unless one is a professional with superhuman control over their muscles and bones, an ordinary person's hand will tremble slightly when maintaining a raised arm. But right now, Aurelius keenly noticed that his suspended hand seemed more stable than usual?
He stood to one side, manually controlling the variables, his suspended hand moving back and forth on the edge of the operating table.
Oriel didn’t consciously control his arm muscles, but he could clearly see that the trembling became more pronounced when his palm was moved to the outside of the operating table.
The half-elf nodded thoughtfully, and at the same time, his repeated back-and-forth movements above the edge of the operating table made him notice a deeper level of influence.
"Snapped!"
With four fingers bent inward and the index finger extended forward, the right hand suddenly drops down, the fingertip landing on a blood-red line on the table.
After repeated experiments, Aurelius couldn't help but show an amused expression.
"It is interesting."
He suddenly spoke.
"This marble platform seems to have a similar effect on improving the stability of arm muscles, while also enhancing the coordination of the hands, eyes, and mind."
"Perfect for delicate work on a work surface."
Upon hearing this, Xia Nan was secretly amazed and impressed by the other party's sharp insight.
Keep in mind that it had only been less than ten minutes since he entered the meeting room.
The half-elf appraiser in front of them, named "Aurie Silverheart," managed to pinpoint most of the special effects of the [Bloodstone Comprehensive Operating Table] using only his professional skills.
The "+3% success rate of precision operation", "+15% operator arm stability" and "+5% hand-eye coordination" perfectly match the other party's description.
In other words, the identification time is short and the environment is limited; otherwise, the other party might also be able to detect the remaining two points related to the patient's bleeding and surgical infection rate through some means.
“Yes, I’m very interested in this item.”
Unlike the usual deliberate attempts to conceal their interest when buying and selling goods at a stall, Aurelius made his interest in the operating table very clear to Lorraine and the others.
"Name your price, I'll take this."
On one side are experienced professional adventurers, and on the other side is a well-known appraiser in town. Neither of them are naive newbies who can be easily fooled, so there won't be any of the ridiculous "getting a bargain" stories that bards talk about.
“650 gold.” Clearly prepared with the price of the operating table in advance, Lorraine exchanged a few glances with the members beside her before giving them the price they had already agreed upon.
Fortunately, it's within the normal range.
Xia Nan thought to himself.
650 gold is roughly the price between a top-tier white item of very high quality and a green item of ordinary quality. Considering the level of the operating table as displayed on the attribute panel, this price is reasonable.
"500 gold."
Of course, he wouldn't agree immediately. Although he might be wealthy, Aurier, as a renowned collector, was quite cautious when it came to transactions.
By lowering the price by 150 gold, it avoids making the seller seem insincere while still leaving room for negotiation.
The two experienced individuals didn't waste any time with their words, and gradually narrowed down the price range by going back and forth.
In just three minutes, the price of the [Blood Vein Comprehensive Operating Bed] was finally set at 600 gold.
Everyone was happy, and the transaction was successfully completed.
"It's a pleasure doing business with you. I'll cover the transaction fees."
With the exotic marble countertop in hand, Aurelius's expression was relaxed and pleased.
On the other hand, Lorraine was in a good mood after adding another 600 gold to the team members' loot income.
Aken even took the initiative to invite the other party to come to the Three-Legged Seal Tavern later to drink with him and others.
"I'm so sorry, but I have an appointment to meet someone this afternoon, and I'm not sure I'll be able to find the time tonight."
"Next time, come to my house sometime, and I'll treat you."
Oriel's tone was sincere, not like a polite refusal, but rather a genuine arrangement.
Since he had already said that, Arken didn't say anything more.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the half-elf took his leave.
It's worth mentioning that before leaving the conference room, Aurie greeted Xia Nan again and left his address, saying that he could contact him if he wanted to deal with any spoils of war in the future.
Recalling the first time the other party saw him, his gaze lingered on the various pieces of equipment on the half-elf's body, he realized that it must have been the enchanted equipment he was wearing that had attracted the half-elf's attention.
Xia Nan pondered whether he should continue to explore this channel.
"So, what about you? Are you going back to the tavern? Let's talk."
Lorraine turned her head to look at the black-haired youth beside her, and said meaningfully.
Just a few days ago, Xia Nan had already briefly revealed to the other party the content of his communication with Ellison that day, pointing out that he and Lorraine shared a common goal.
The female captain's words clearly indicate that she wants to discuss some details of the cooperation with him.
Xia Nan naturally had no choice but to agree. Just as he was about to agree, he heard a series of hurried footsteps coming from outside the conference room.
"Knock knock knock".
There was a knock on the door from the outside.
The young association staff member who had previously guided Haiyin and Xia Nan entered the conference room after receiving permission, and went straight to Xia Nan under everyone's gaze.
“Mr. Xia Nan, there is a message from someone whose contact name is 'Ellison'. They say that the channels I planned to introduce to you are ready and are asking if you have time now?”
Oh?
Xia Nan raised an eyebrow, as if he had vaguely guessed something.
When Lorraine heard the name "Ellison," she paused for a moment, but didn't say much, only patted his shoulder.
"You go ahead with your work, we can talk about the rest when we get back to the tavern tonight."
(End of this chapter)