The Invincible Auction House

Chapter 20: Baiting the Beast

The skies over Rydale loomed heavy, the promise of rain adding to the oppressive tension gripping the city. Factions braced for their next moves, the rebellion emboldened by fleeting victories, the Shadow Hand Cult grappling with internal unrest, and Adam—calm at the center—pulling the strings. His goal was clear: end the Shadow Hand Cult, and to do that, he needed to force Dusk into the open.

The auction house was quiet, its opulence a stark contrast to the city's turmoil. Adam stood before the glowing orb, its swirling light reflecting the chaos he had carefully orchestrated.

Ren entered, his usual composure intact. "Master Adam, Kaelin's forces are mobilizing. She's planning an assault on the catacombs, but their numbers are insufficient for a decisive victory."

Adam's smirk deepened. "Perfect. The rebellion doesn't need to win—they just need to flush Dusk out. Prepare our agents. Leak information about a supposed cache of gold and weapons stored in the cult's central chamber. Make it irresistible to Kaelin."

Ren inclined his head. "And the cult?"

Adam's eyes gleamed. "Spread whispers among Dusk's lieutenants—accuse him of hoarding resources for himself. Doubt is a powerful weapon."

In the rebellion's hideout, Kaelin stood before her fighters, pointing at the map spread across the table. Despite the fatigue in her eyes, her voice carried strength.

"This is our chance to deliver a decisive blow," she said. "The cult's main base is deep within the catacombs. Our sources confirm they've stockpiled weapons and gold there—resources we desperately need."

Jarek crossed his arms, his skepticism plain. "How reliable are these 'sources'? It reeks of a trap."

Kaelin's gaze was unwavering. "It could be. But if we hesitate, the cult will only grow stronger. We can't afford to let this opportunity slip."

The fighters exchanged uncertain glances, the weight of Kaelin's words settling over them.

"We've faced worse odds before," she continued. "We'll prevail again."

Reluctantly, the group nodded, their resolve hardening despite their doubts.

Deep within the labyrinthine catacombs, Dusk paced the central chamber, his black armor glinting in the dim torchlight. Around him, his remaining lieutenants stood in uneasy silence, tension thick in the air.

"The rebellion grows bold," Dusk said, his voice sharp. "They believe they can strike at us directly. We will remind them of the cost of defiance."

A burly lieutenant named Kael stepped forward. "With respect, Dusk, our numbers are thinning. If the rebellion attacks in force, we may not be able to hold them off."

Dusk's gaze turned icy. "Then we crush them before they reach us. Double the patrols. Kill anyone who dares to set foot near our territory."

Kael hesitated but nodded, retreating into the shadows with the others. The whispers planted by Adam had already begun to take root, and even Dusk's loyalists were starting to question his leadership.

Kaelin's forces descended into the catacombs under the cover of darkness. The narrow, damp tunnels amplified every sound, each step reverberating like a warning.

Jarek walked beside Kaelin, his blade drawn and his unease palpable. "I still don't like this. Everything about it screams setup."

"It might be," Kaelin admitted, her voice low. "But we can't back down now."

The fighters pressed forward, their nerves stretched taut as they navigated the labyrinth. Finally, they arrived at a massive stone door adorned with intricate carvings.

"This is it," Kaelin whispered, her fingers brushing the cold surface.

Jarek frowned, his grip tightening on his weapon. "Too quiet. Where are the guards?"

A shout from the rear answered his question. "They're here!"

The cult's ambush was swift and ruthless. Robed figures poured from the shadows, their weapons gleaming in the torchlight. Kaelin's fighters formed a hasty defensive line, the clash of steel echoing through the tunnels.

Kaelin fought at the forefront, her blade moving with deadly precision. But the cult's sheer numbers began to take their toll.

"We're outnumbered!" Jarek shouted, cutting down a cultist. "We need to retreat!"

Kaelin's eyes darted to the stone door. "Not yet. We're too close!"

Amid the chaos, a deep voice rang out, cold and commanding.

"So, the rebellion dares to invade my domain."

Dusk stepped into the light, his imposing figure drawing the rebellion's gaze. His presence was like a living shadow, his mask hiding all but his piercing eyes.

Kaelin stepped forward, defiance burning in her gaze. "Your reign ends here, Dusk."

Dusk laughed, the sound reverberating through the chamber. "Foolish girl. You don't even realize how outmatched you are. Very well—let's end this."

Their blades met in a flurry of sparks. Dusk's strength was overwhelming, each strike forcing Kaelin to retreat. But her resolve held firm, her movements sharp and calculated.

In the auction house, Adam watched the unfolding battle through the orb, his expression unreadable.

"Ren," he said, his voice cutting through the silence.

Ren stepped forward. "Yes, Master Adam?"

"It's time. Send Lira and her mercenaries to the catacombs. Make it clear—our intervention will be what saves the rebellion."

As Kaelin struggled against Dusk, a piercing whistle echoed through the chamber. Moments later, Lira and her mercenaries stormed in, their arrival throwing the battle into chaos.

Dusk's eyes narrowed behind his mask. "Who are they?"

Kaelin seized the moment, landing a blow that forced Dusk back. "Looks like your enemies are multiplying."

The mercenaries cut through the cultists with ruthless efficiency, their sudden presence tipping the scales. The rebellion's fighters regrouped, their morale surging.

Realizing the battle was lost, Dusk snarled. "This isn't over." He retreated into the shadows, his remaining forces following suit.

As the dust settled, Kaelin turned to Lira, her suspicion evident. "Why did you help us?"

Lira smirked. "Orders from Adam. He seems to think you're worth saving."

Kaelin's jaw tightened, but she nodded. "Thank him. For now."

Back at the auction house, Adam leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the orb as it displayed the aftermath.

Adam's lips curved into a faint smile. "The game is nearly over, but the final move will be mine."

The city's balance teetered, and Adam was poised to tip it in his favor. For him, victory wasn't just about power—it was about proving that no one could outmaneuver him.