In the auction hall, the atmosphere was electric.
Seeing the fervor sparked by the Toxic Spider King Pet Egg, Bastion was surprised. He had underestimated its allure—not just to fresh graduates, but to experienced Beast Summoners as well.
A man stood up and addressed the crowd.
"This pet egg is indeed boss-tier, but let's not forget—it's the Toxic Spider King. While its combat prowess is undeniable, it lacks defensive capabilities. For most professions, especially those like mages or archers who require protection, this pet may help you level up quickly in the early stages. However, in later stages, its lack of survivability could become a fatal flaw."
He glanced around, then added with a knowing smirk, "Only Beast Summoners or tanks looking for a damage-dealing companion will truly benefit from this. And remember, while this is a Level 10 boss, it pales in comparison to bosses from higher-level dungeons."
His words had the intended effect—dousing the crowd's excitement like cold water. Some potential bidders began to reconsider.
The man's subtle smile betrayed his intentions. As a Beast Summoner himself, he was eager to reduce the competition for the egg.
Sienna, the auctioneer, let out a charming laugh, breaking the tension.
"Hehehe, that's certainly a fair point. Please do consider your choices carefully before bidding."
She paused, then tilted her head with a mischievous smile.
"That said, may I remind you of one thing? For fresh graduates preparing for the College Entrance Trials, gaining even a slight advantage could mean the difference between mediocrity and standing out among the best. The resources held by top academies are unparalleled. To access them, you need to rise above the crowd—every level counts."
Her voice turned sultry as she added, "And as for defense… isn't the best defense simply eliminating all your enemies?"
Her words, coupled with a flirtatious gesture, reignited the crowd's enthusiasm.
From his seat, Bastion observed the scene with a smirk. Sienna is worth every penny. She was an expert at stoking the flames of desire in her audience.
With a wave of her hand, Sienna announced, "Let the bidding for the Toxic Spider King Pet Egg begin! Starting price: 100,000 credits, with minimum increments of 10,000!"
"200,000!"
The words had barely left her lips when someone raised their paddle, doubling the starting price.
"250,000!"
"300,000!"
The bids climbed rapidly, reaching the Trading Company's initial estimate in mere moments.
Ryan's expression darkened. He hadn't expected the price to skyrocket so quickly. Glancing at his father, he pleaded silently with wide, desperate eyes.
Francis sighed but nodded reluctantly. Ryan, bolstered by his father's approval, raised their paddle high.
"400,000!"
The room fell silent for a moment. Many bidders turned to look at Ryan and his father, gauging their resolve. For most, 400,000 was already near the psychological limit for a pet egg of this level.
"410,000!"
The earlier Beast Summoner gritted his teeth and made another bid.
"410,000 going once!" Sienna's melodious voice rang out as she glanced at Ryan and his father, a playful glint in her eye.
Francis squirmed under her gaze, but before he could back out, Ryan blurted, "430,000!"
The Beast Summoner scowled, his face dark with frustration. After a moment's hesitation, he lowered his paddle.
"430,000 going once!"
"430,000 going twice!"
The auctioneer's gavel was poised to fall, and Ryan's heart raced in anticipation.
Just as Bastion thought the auction was about to end, a crisp, bell-like female voice echoed from Room 5.
"500,000!"
Even Sienna couldn't hide her surprise. A flicker of shock crossed her otherwise composed face.
Room 5.
She knew its occupant and hadn't expected them to take interest in this item.
Ryan's face turned pale, and Francis's expression grew tense.
Anyone seated in the first ten numbered rooms was undoubtedly a figure of immense wealth and influence. To challenge them carried risks far beyond monetary loss.
"500,000…" Francis hesitated, grappling with the price and the potential consequences.
But before he could speak, Ryan raised his paddle again, shouting, "510,000!"
Francis froze in horror.
"Ryan!" He yanked at his son's arm, attempting to cancel the bid, but Ryan stood firm.
"Dad," Ryan hissed urgently, "this pet will secure my future! I'll rise to the top, I swear it. No one will care about a small disagreement over a pet!"
"And don't forget," he added, his voice low, "the phenomenon during my job change. I'm destined for greatness. With this pet, I'll prove it."
Francis hesitated, memories of that fateful day flashing through his mind. The terrifying anomaly that had occurred during Ryan's job change had shaken the heavens and earth. It was a day of unprecedented glory for their family.
His phone had buzzed non-stop as distant relatives, long silent, suddenly clamored to reconnect. Everyone hailed Ryan as a prodigy—a future titan of the battlefield.
If this pet egg could help Ryan realize his potential, then perhaps even those in Room 5 would one day seek their favor.
Resolving himself, Francis fell silent, leaving the bid unchallenged.
Meanwhile, in Room 5, a young woman in a pale blue gown sat gracefully, her gaze fixed on the auction floor.
Her features were otherworldly, as if sculpted by the gods themselves. Her eyes sparkled like twin galaxies, every blink a celestial event.
Hearing Ryan's bid, she furrowed her brows slightly.
"A boss pet, huh? Its offensive capabilities could be useful… but it's just a Level 10 boss. And a spider at that. Forget it."
She shook her head, setting her paddle down.
With no further bids from Room 5, the auction for the pet egg concluded.
"510,000 going once!"
"510,000 going twice!"
"510,000—sold to bidder 1069!"
Sienna's gavel struck, sealing the deal.
Ryan's fists clenched in triumph. His eyes burned with newfound confidence.
With this pet, I'll level up faster than ever. Who cares if Bastion broke the Initiation Dungeon record? I'll surpass him in no time.
This is a boss-tier pet. It's leagues beyond that Fire Fox of his.
Just wait, Bastion. I'm the chosen one. I'm the true prodigy!