[Young Master Neon from VIP 112 bids one hundred million CCC.]
'What the hell?' I screamed internally, stunned into silence by Black's absurd announcement.
The entire venue fell into dead silence. Though the VIP bidders were unseen, I can tell they feel shocked just as much as the normal bidders.
'Black, did you mess up, or did he really just bid that?' I asked, connecting to Black through my smartwatch.
[Yes. Young Master Neon really did bid that, and according to protocol, the amount has been temporarily deposited in the auction's pre-sale account.]
'Hmmm. Thanks, Black,' I disconnected from the brief exchange and focused back on the auction.
"We have a new bid—one hundred million CCC. Does anyone want to bid higher?"
My voice reverberated through the venue, snapping the audience from their daze.
"One hundred... that's insane."
"Especially for the first bid."
"Right? But who is this Young Master Neon?"
Conversations buzzed around the hall, trying to guess the identity of the 'young master'.
"VIPs are anonymous, but usually, we can guess the family from the names. I've never heard of 'Young Master Neon.'"
"True. Could he be one of those 'Shooting Stars' newcomers?"
"Maybe, but even they shouldn't have access to that kind of money. And no way they'd waste it on the first round."
"Who cares, it's their money."
The murmurs grew as the auction-goers recovered from the shock, their curiosity rising.
"No further bids... One hundred million, going once... twice... sold!" I declared, still marveling at the number as I spoke. "Young Master Neon is now the owner of the Jrysaq Amulet."
The amulet was swiftly moved backstage for delivery. "As per Black Auction protocol, all goods will be delivered immediately to the winning bidders," I added as it disappeared from view.
"Next, let's move on to the second item."
_______________________________________________
[Neon's POV]
In VIP Room 112
The Jrysaq Amulet floated into the room through a mini teleportation gate. I stood, walked over to it, and took it out of its case. Holding it, I could feel the immense power in the amulet, probably more than even the Siglas suspected.
I turned toward Jess, who still hadn't moved, her eyes wide with shock. I smirked, walking up to her and dangling the amulet in front of her face.
"Look, my princess," I said with a teasing grin. "This knight has secured a gift for you."
She blinked, then slapped her face lightly, as if waking from a dream. "Seriously?" she sputtered. "Did you seriously just bid a hundred million CCC for an amulet?"
"Well, I—"
"Wait," she cut me off. "You already bought it. So, the real question is: did you seriously spend a hundred million CCC on that?"
"As I was trying to say," I smiled calmly, "all I did was buy an amulet for my princess. After all, money is no issue for Young Master Neon."
"Money isn't a problem?" She stared at me, flustered. "But seriously... wasn't this a bit unnecessary? Now we can't afford any of the other items!"
I smiled inwardly, amused by her reaction. 'This is the first time I've seen her flustered... Must be the gesture. Maybe she's not used to being given gifts. Should I have spent more as a symbol of my first gift to her?'
I stepped closer and held the amulet up to her again. "The more important question is... do you like it?"
She stared at the amulet, then stood up and handed it back to me. With a gentle smile, she said, "You bought it, you wear it."
'You don't have to tell me twice,' I thought. To her, I simply said, "Well, your wish is my command, my princess," as I took the amulet and carefully fastened it around her neck.
"It's beautiful," I said, admiring the sight in front of me—a beautiful amulet worn by an even more beautiful woman. The blue gem at the center of the amulet highlighted Jess's golden-brown eyes, bringing out their color, while the soft glow perfectly complemented her graceful, light-blue hair.
"Thanks," she answered, a slight blush creeping across her face.
"I think it suits you," I said as she twirled lightly, the blush turning into a smile.
"Now, let's go on a bidding spree, shall we?" I sat back down and gestured for her to join me.
"Bidding spree?" Jess raised an eyebrow, taking her seat. "Do you seriously have more money for that?"
"Of course. Money is no issue for Young Master Neon." I winked, watching her smile widen.
________________________________________________
[ Jean's POV ]
'This is the fifth item, the speed and rate at which the VIPs participates bid has more than doubled the expected target. They were probably influenced by young master Neon wealth. Wait... why am I calling him young master'
"Seven hundred thousand."
"Eight hundred thousand."
[ Dry-Sand from VIP room 59 bids one million CCC ]
'Seems we have a winner,' I thought as I prepared to close the bidding. "One million... going once... going twice... go—"
[Young Master Neon from VIP room 112 bids five million CCC.]
'Well, here we go again...' I sighed internally.
"Sold! To Young Master Neon."
The audience barely had time to react before the next item was revealed. "The sixth item: the Map of Abundance. A treasure map that promises to lead whoever it deems lucky to an extraordinary treasure."
[Young Master Neon from VIP room 112 bids seven million CCC.]
"Seventh item, Tola—the Sword of Control."
[Young Master Neon from VIP room 112 bids ten million CCC.]
"Eighth item, Bud—the Helmet of the Strong. An enchanted helmet that fuses with its wearer, becoming invisible. It offers protection from mind manipulation and acts as impenetrable head armor."
[Young Master Neon from VIP room 112 bids five million CCC.]
"Ninth item, the Staff of Heroes, Flenum..."
[Young Master Neon from VIP room 112 bids three million CCC.]
...
"Fiftieth item, and our last before we move on to the final three special biddings: The Light Bulb—a self-illuminating artifact. Starting bid is ten thousand CCC."
[Young Master Neon from VIP room 112 bids twenty million CCC.]
'Twenty million? For a light bulb?!' I marveled at the absurdity. 'Where did this guy even come from? Doesn't he know he's drawing unnecessary attention—and hate—from the other VIPs?'
Throughout the auction, Young Master Neon had snatched up almost everything, his bids relentless. Some of the other VIPs managed to outbid him a few times, but he never went above ten million—until now.
Finally, I turned back to the stage, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "It's time to begin the special bidding," I announced, anticipation filling the room.