Celestial Era: The Rise of the Full-Time Enhancer

"First of all, Congratulations on passing… Welcome to the Guardian's Auction House." Olivier said after they have arrived in his office.

The room is quite huge like a house itself with a complete living room.

"Thank you, Sir Olivier."

The two new Appraisers answered in unison. Olivier's stern voice was now gentler as they have passed the test.

He then revealed the conditions for being hired as Vincent confirmed that the two-months period was indeed just a probation period. If they performed well, they would have a chance to get a permanent position and it would double the amount of their salary and more benefits will be opened for them.

'I only need more opportunities to Appraise more items though… Perhaps I could also consider enhancing the items to +4 or +5.' Vincent thought as he imagined himself being exposed to many Magic Tools or Weapons.

'Right, my enhancement is about to reach Lv9… Perhaps I can get another hidden quest reward.' Vincent smiled as he listened to Olivier's words.

The latter then brought out the contract paper for them to sign.

When signing, Vincent decided not to use his last name since they might think that he's some kind of a noble. He thought of researching the Kayser Family first before he can decide how to use his last name.

It might just bring unnecessary trouble to him after all.

"Alright… Cedric, go to Manager Therese so she can give you a little orientation about what you will be doing here starting tomorrow. As for you, Vincent, I need to talk with you for a second." Olivier said as he gestured for Cedric to get out.

Vincent smiled nervously as was left alone with this person. He knows that Olivier didn't mean the last bit of his words. There was no way this would last a second.

"Vincent… I won't be asking how you managed to give a decent Appraisal with those two ancient items. It matters not to me whether it's a skill or some knowledge you possess. What matters to me is whether you'd be causing trouble to our Auction House in the future."

"That won't happen, Senior. The truth is that I just want to get experience working as an Appraiser. I'm actually planning to move to a different city after a few months." Vincent decided to reveal his plans seeing that there's no harm to it. He already signed the contract anyway so there shouldn't be any problems.

They also talked about his background and revealed the identity of his grandfather. Unfortunately, he doesn't know Raizen as well.

"Right, Are you planning to visit the capital?" Olivier asked. It's normal for people to desire to visit the most prosperous city of the Kingdom. Furthermore, that is where he lives as well.

"Well, I'm not sure. But I'm planning to visit the Zemin Clan. Have you heard of them?" Vincent curiously asked.

"Zemin Clan from the Thorn City? Of course. They are known for their salt trade. I heard they have two mountains where they can mine salt. How envious…"

"Thorn City? Salt Trade?" Vincent heard some new information.

At first, he thought that Zemin Clan is some kind of family of magicians or knights. However, are they actually a family of merchants?

It seems that Olivier read his mind so he explained it to him clearly.

"I can see your confused face. Although their clan has many businesses related to alchemy and craft, the salt trade can't be underestimated. That is their main source of revenue since our continent is still dominated by normal people so don't think lightly of it."

Olivier's explanation made sense indeed.𝐟r𝒆ℯ𝘄𝑒𝒃𝚗𝒐𝘃e𝗹.c𝘰𝐦

Magic Weapons, Celestial Items, Alchemy Products, and other things related to magic are indeed only useful to Mana Practitioners. So the salt which is highly accepted everywhere is indeed a very good source of stable income.

"I see… That explains it then. Thank you for informing me about them."

"No worries… Thorn City is further north of the kingdom and you will be passing the capital before you get there. You can pay me a visit there if there's a chance."

Apparently, Olivier will only stay here in the Hearts City for a couple more days. He needed to return to the main branch in the capital after this.

After spending about half an hour in his office, Vincent was finally allowed to leave or receive the orientation from Therese.

Therese isn't just the Resident Appraiser but the Manager of the Auction House as well.

She introduced him to two other Junior Appraisers who have been working here for six months already. It seems that they will be transferred to a different place so this branch was hiring new Appraisers.

"Do you have any questions?" Therese asked feebly. She was tired already. If she knows that Olivier wouldn't orient this person, she would have waited for Vincent so she won't be repeating what she just did to Cedric.

"Y-yes… Is it possible that I can start now? I would like to start appraising the crate of new items here."

Vincent asked hesitantly hoping that his request will be granted. Since he only lacks a few hundred experience points to level up his Enhancement Skill and he has over 400 units in his Mana right now, he wanted to end his day hearing the melodious sound of level-up notification.

Therese found Vincent quite amusing. This is her first time seeing someone this eager to work.

Nevertheless, after thinking about it, there was no reason for her to refuse it.

"Hmm… Alright. Follow me, you will need the appraiser's robe so you can walk around here."

Soon, Vincent was able to get his uniform and work on a simple red and white robe with a huge mark of the Guardian's Auction House's Emblem on the back.

It is the emblem of a shield grasped by a large hand.

"These five are the items I appraised myself. You have to appraise them and then see if we match."

Therese explained. Instead of bringing him to the Appraisal Room where he should work tomorrow, he was brought to her office instead.

Anyway, the Appraisal process of the Auction House is very interesting. There will be three appraisals from three different people and the final appraisal will be from the Resident Appraiser.

A total of four Appraisals!

It is no wonder this Auction House is so trusted considering how serious they are with the job.

If there are large discrepancies from all the appraisals, it would be discussed by the Resident Appraisers to give the final decision.

'Hmm… If she appraised these items, then it means that it already received the fourth appraisal. Is she still trying to test me? Ugh… Forget it. I just want to advance my Appraisal Skill and secretly enhance them.'