As the auction continued, the nobles from prominent families persisted in their fierce bidding war, each trying to outdo the other to claim the precious crystal containing the primordial water droplet.
However, to the astonishment of all, a few brave commoners decided to enter the bidding fray. Their presence in this high-stakes competition surprised both the nobles and the commoners alike.
"Eleven billion five hundred million!" one of the courageous commoners shouted, prompting whispers and gasps from the crowd.
"Are they out of their minds?" a noble muttered to his companion.
The auction hall had become a battleground, not just between rival noble families but also between the social classes.
The sudden participation of commoners in the bidding didn't sit well with Rurik and the other nobles. They were initially stunned, but their surprise quickly turned into irritation. Rurik, in particular, couldn't believe what he was witnessing.
