[CH200+ Continued] Dungeon Diver: Stealing A Monster's Power

Chapter 301

Chester looks at me with a confused expression, not exactly catching on to why I'm asking about the auction. He replies anyway.

"Well, anything really. There are a few of them every month, but I've heard this one is supposed to be one of the most interesting ones in a while."

I raise an eyebrow.

"Why's that?"

"Well, with the recent surges, not only was Solara hit hard. One of the prospectors at the old den told me that the Sector 2 Labyrinth had a collapse as well. Luckily it was defeated by an A-Rank from the Association, but loot always manages to slip out. People have to make their money somehow."

He smirks.

I reply.

"Interesting... So could we find any mana supplements there? Like bundles of potions or possibly even high-density mana crystals, like monster essence?"

My mind immediately thinks back to the Blue Ogre break my team and I subjugated on our way over here. Those mana supplement crystals and Abby's restoration magic are the only reason we were able to make it this far. Without them, I'm unsure if the Labyrinth run could have gone so smoothly.

While deep in thought, remembering back to this time, Chester lets out a laugh.

"You never cease to amaze me, kid. Ha! I know you all are strong hunters and all, but monster essence? You think you can handle one of those? I'm surprised you even know what they are."

He laughs again.

"You know what? This might actually be the one time of the season when they would show up at the auction."

He scratches his beard.

"After a Labyrinth break would make sense. Essence crystals are rarely farmed from anything under a B-Class Dungeon. Even so, unless the dungeon is breaking, there isn't enough mana for them to consolidate in the fallen monsters. They're fairly hard to find on the market because the hunter that farmed them would most likely be the only one capable of absorbing the energy within. They're useless to almost everyone except those with exceptional mana control."

I nod. Curious about the true depths of Chester's knowledge on dungeons and magical items, but I brush it off for now to focus on the main concern at hand.

"Okay, but just assume I can handle it. Or better yet, say I wanted to buy a few of them. What could the 263 gold here possibly get me?"

Chester pauses, thinking to himself again for a moment, then lets out a reply.

"It's hard to say. If any show up at the auction and there are no high rollers, any essence you find is as good as yours. Most common people don't know its capabilities nor know anyone able to even absorb them. If you're not an experienced trader or an elite diver, the items just look like fancy gemstones. It's a niche material. Extremely valuable, but only to the right buyers. This is a special auction, so anything can show up. I'm sure there will be many other crystals and enhancement items aside from just essence stones, so the only way to find out is to attend the auction and see for yourself."

I gulp, thinking over the logistics in my head.

"Fine. Let's head to the auction—"

The front door swings open as I make my decision. Both Fisher and Arie come walking in with grins on their faces.

I mutter under my breath to the old man as they do.

"We'll continue this conversation once everyone arrives."

The archer is the first to make eye contact and speak up.

"Hey, look who's back so soon! How'd everything go out in the desert today? Any new discoveries?"