Chapter Sixty-Five: The Weaver of Time's Dreams

Midiel glanced at Elton, his voice low, magnetic, and tinged with hoarseness. "If you buy it, I can share my insights with you. For you, it would be like getting something worth ten million for just seven million. Quite a bargain, wouldn't you say?"

Elton simply smiled and ignored him, replying instead, "This time, Pat chose to hold the auction in the Starlight Hall. I’ve heard some inside information—most likely, that thing you’ve been seeking will make an appearance."

Midiel’s expression grew serious, and he asked in a deep voice, "You mean… the mysterious object?"

Around Elton, starlight flickered, shimmering in and out. He spoke softly, "It should be a newly born rare artifact. Its uses might seem trivial to a wizard, but it’s still a rare artifact. What’s more, with Deimos present, you also…"

Elton left his sentence unfinished, but Midiel raised his hand to cut him off, focusing his attention on the auction floor below, saying nothing more.

Elton didn’t mind and turned to converse with Melanie.

In the end, the World Core fetched a price of 8.3 million magic crystals, shattering the record for the highest sale in the Pat Auction House in nearly a century. The atmosphere in the hall soared to a new peak, leaving everyone even more eager for the items to come.

Clearly, the hosts of the Pat Auction House did not disappoint. Soon, attendants brought out a mirror draped in fine silk.

The moment Elvis lifted the silk, it drew every gaze in the hall.

The mirror’s frame was crafted entirely from rare mithril alloy, gleaming with a faint silvery luster under the lights—both sturdy and resplendent. The frame was adorned with intricate carvings: ancient magical runes, enigmatic constellations, and entwined vines and flowers. Every line was smooth and vivid, almost alive.

Qi Xiao merely glimpsed the frame and felt a shiver run through him. The wealth and extravagance on display were striking—mithril alone was exorbitant, and mithril alloy was several times more so.

The tiny piece of mithril he’d obtained from Lonicaya was already worth ten thousand magic crystals on the market. By his rough estimation, discounting the intricate engravings, the frame alone would cost no less than a million magic crystals.

The mirror itself was of moderate size, about the height of a person—perfect as an interior ornament. Its surface was crystal clear, reflecting a gentle radiance that was never harsh to the eye.

The overall design fused classical and modern elements, exuding an air both stately and elegantly simple—a balance of old-world grandeur and contemporary refinement.

In one corner of the mirror was a barely noticeable mark: the maker’s insignia, denoting its origin and guaranteeing its quality. Even from a distance, Qi Xiao could recognize it.

"It’s actually a work of Master Cleveland… I had only ever heard of his mechanical alchemy reaching the pinnacle of the craft; never did I know he made mirrors as well."

Moreover, the mirror was being auctioned here in such a grand manner, with the maker’s insignia proudly displayed. This meant the Pat Auction House had certainly verified its authenticity.

Qi Xiao mused to himself, but he was far from the only one who recognized its worth; most with even a basic understanding of alchemy grew visibly excited.

This was, after all, a piece by the alchemical master of the Research Institute—the so-called "Father of Mechanisms," Lord Cleveland. The name alone would ensure the mirror's price would not fall below three million.

Elvis was clearly pleased with the crowd’s reaction and introduced the item with pride: "For this auction, we personally commissioned Lord Cleveland to craft this exceptional-level magical mirror, officially named the 'Dreamweaver of Time.'

"First, it can reflect the user’s innermost desires and even materialize them, conjuring illusions almost indistinguishable from reality.

"Second, the mirror can delve into the user’s soul, revealing their deepest longings and fears, offering opportunities for introspection and self-understanding.

"As a masterpiece by Master Cleveland, this mirror offers an extraordinary augmentation for illusion magic—even the simplest spell, when cast with its aid, can unleash astonishing power.

"The Dreamweaver of Time can also alter the flow of time in its vicinity, creating zones where time passes more slowly or swiftly, providing a tactical advantage.

"Furthermore, the mirror can subtly distort space, causing scenes viewed through it to shift or warp, granting the user unique perspectives.

"Most wondrously, when placed in a location, it can automatically replay significant events that took place within several miles, events worth recording—an invaluable trait for any wizard.

"There are other minor features, such as dream exploration and true illusions. In short, this is an impeccable masterpiece, a perfect fusion of dream and time magic."

Elvis paused, then continued, "Master Cleveland left a message as well. He regrets not having raised the Dreamweaver of Time to the level of an extraordinary artifact, but it retains the potential for such advancement. Should you gather sufficient materials in the future, you may seek him out, and he will do his utmost to assist you. This promise stands forever."

Feeling the mood had reached its peak, Elvis brought down the gavel, announcing the start of the bidding.

Qi Xiao observed every detail of the mirror on the large screen, marveling at its craftsmanship.

As an Illusionist Witch, Melanie was clearly interested in the mirror. Unfortunately, as an exceptional-level alchemical artifact with extraordinary potential, its price was well beyond her means. She placed a few bids, then had to give up with regret.

Even a third-tier formal wizard would be lucky to possess a single extraordinary-level artifact. At this level, such alchemical creations were considered strategic resources; even a lifetime might not yield more than a few for an alchemy master.

And while the Dreamweaver of Time fell short of extraordinary-level, its rarity as a time-based artifact meant the price would not be much less. Melanie could only try her luck.

Just from studying the mirror’s appearance on the screen, Qi Xiao felt he had gained much; he dared not imagine how much he might learn if given the chance to converse with such masters face to face.

Even though Qi Xiao knew he was dreaming, his first goal in this world was indeed to join the Research Institute.

The Research Institute was a place reserved for only the most elite alchemists in the wizarding world. There were three ways to join: first, to craft an extraordinary-level alchemical artifact and gain at least a two-thirds vote from all members.

Second, to become a legendary alchemist, in which case the Institute would invite you directly, no vote required.

Third, to become a mysterious alchemist, also meriting a direct invitation.

Though it seemed there were three paths, the latter two were nigh impossible—essentially designed as a polite response to those who wondered why they had not been invited.

For in truth, anyone with the potential to achieve either of those latter two would almost certainly qualify through the first requirement in any case.