The crystal was translucent, its core pulsing with a faint glow. It appeared as if it were alive, shifting and changing in response to the surrounding energy.
The auctioneer smiled, clearly delighted by the attention the item had already drawn. His voice echoed through the hall, amplified by the speakers as he began to speak.
“Ladies and gentlemen, what we have here is an artifact of rare origin, known as the Phantom Crystal. This item was acquired from an SS ranked dungeon knows as Void Rift, a place where the boundaries between dimensions thin and the laws of physics are warped beyond recognition.”
The auctioneer continued, his voice carrying a sense of awe. “The Phantom Crystal is not just a decorative piece. It is a powerful relic that channels energy from the very fabric of reality itself. Capable of bending light and sound, it can create temporary rifts in space… small, but significant… allowing for instantaneous movement over short distances. It’s a perfect tool for anyone in need of quick escape or tactical advantage.”
He paused for a moment, allowing the crowd to take in the information, before adding, “However, it does come with a downside. The crystal is unstable. Using it too often or in quick succession can cause severe disorientation or even permanent rifts that could be dangerous to the user. It is, in essence, a double-edged sword.”
The room buzzed with intrigue and apprehension. A few wealthy figures in the crowd exchanged glances, while others leaned forward, their attention fixed on the shimmering crystal.
Vira, sitting next to Quinton, raised an eyebrow. “A dungeon artifact that creates rifts? Sounds like something out of a horror movie.” ƒгeewebnovёl.com
The auctioneer pointed grandly toward the Phantom Crystal as he spoke.
“We shall start the bidding for the Phantom Crystal at 1.5 million Union Credits!”
A hushed murmur swept through the room before the first hand shot up, a man in an extravagant gold suit raising his holographic bidding paddle.
“1.5 million!”
“1.7 million!” a woman’s voice rang out from the opposite side of the room.
“1.9 million.”
The bids came faster now, with numbers escalating rapidly as various wealthy figures joined the fray. Each shout raised the stakes.
“2.4 million!”
“2.6!”
“3 million!”
Vira watched, leaning back in her seat and tapping her armrest impatiently. She glanced at Quinton, who seemed utterly unperturbed by the frenzy around him, his eyes calmly fixed on the stage.
“3.4 million!”
“3.6!”
Finally, the bidding slowed as the price reached a staggering 4.2 million Union Credits. A well-dressed man with a sharply tailored navy suit raised his paddle one last time, the room falling silent as no one else countered.
The auctioneer looked around the room, his grin widening as he lifted his wooden hammer. “Going once… going twice… sold! To the gentleman in navy for 4.2 million Union Credits!”
The sound of the hammer striking the podium echoed through the hall, followed by polite applause. The successful bidder gave a satisfied nod as the Phantom Crystal was carefully removed from the stage by attendants.
The auctioneer wasted no time, signaling for the next item to be brought forth. A pair of staff members wheeled out a small pedestal covered in a sleek black cloth.
With a dramatic pull, the auctioneer unveiled it, revealing an nicely designed metallic gauntlet, its surface etched with glowing blue runes.
“Ladies and gentlemen.”
“…our next item is the Arcane Gauntlet, retrieved from the ruins of the Elemental Abyss, an S- ranked dungeon. This relic is said to amplify the user’s elemental affinity, granting them greater control over fire, water, and earth elemental talents. It is a must-have for any
elemental awakened seeking to elevate their skills to unparalleled heights.”
“The bidding for this exceptional item will begin at 1 million Union Credits!”
Once again, the room erupted into a flurry of bids.
Vira, her patience wearing thin, crossed her arms and leaned toward Quinton. “How long until we get what we came for? We’ve been sitting here while people throw money around for shiny toys.”
Quinton turned to her with a faint smirk, his tone laced with calm assurance. “Patience, Vira. Good things come to those who wait for their moment.” He leaned back slightly, his gaze sharpening. “And when the time comes, we’ll seize it.”
Vira let out a low sigh, her violet eyes narrowing as she resumed her watch of the stage. “This better be worth it.”
“It always is,” Quinton replied confidently.
The hall quieted after a few more items were sold, the buzz of conversation fading as the auctioneer stepped forward once again. This time, his demeanor was more serious.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, pausing for dramatic effect as the tension in the room thickened.
“It is now time for our final item of the evening. Unlike the treasures before it, this one was discovered not in a dungeon, but deep within the Wastelands… a place where even the bravest dare not tread lightly.”
The crowd stirred at the mention of the Wastelands, whispers rippling through the attendees. The auctioneer continued, “Our experts believe this item to be a relic of extraordinary value, with potent alchemical properties capable of revolutionizing modern applications in medicine, weaponry, and more. Its potential is limitless, though its full power remains a mystery.”
Next to Quinton, Vira straightened, her irritation turning into curiosity. She cast him a sidelong glance, only to find a crazy smile on his face.
“This is it,” Quinton murmured, with a touch of excitement.
The double doors at the back of the stage opened, and a sleek black cart was wheeled in by two attendants. Atop the cart was a pedestal draped with a pristine white cloth that shimmered faintly under the stage lights, as though it, too, held some hidden magic.
The auctioneer pointed dramatically as the attendants reached the center of the stage. One of them carefully pulled the cloth away, revealing the final item: a smooth, pearlescent stone, white as the moon itself and glowing faintly with an soft light. Its surface seemed alive, shifting slowly with its radiance.
“The Ethereal Moonstone,” the auctioneer announced, his voice filled with awe.
“A treasure from the depths of the Wastelands, imbued with properties yet to be fully understood. Our experts suspect it to be one of the rarest and most powerful alchemical ingredients ever discovered.”
The audience leaned forward, captivated by the shimmering stone.
“The bidding for this unparalleled artifact will start at-”
“1 billion Union Credits.”
Before the auctioneer could finish his sentence, Quinton rose smoothly from his seat, his
voice cutting through the silence with this sense of… absolute authority.