"Ladies and gentlemen, the auction of the Dergo Trading Company is about to begin. Prepare your wealth, for the items in this auction are unmatched!"
In a dimly lit auction room, a man in a fox mask and a sharp black suit stood before the microphone, commanding the attention of the wealthy attendees. He was known as The Fox, a mysterious and charismatic auctioneer.
"Well then, if everyone is ready, the first item we present is the Blood Sword of Madness—a blade discovered in the lair of an evil sorcerer. The power within this sword is cruel and unmatched. The bidding will start at 10 gold."
"20 gold."
"50 gold."
"130 gold."
A voice echoed from the shadows, calm yet unsettling, leaving the crowd stunned. Only a mad noble could so casually bid such an exorbitant amount on an item shrouded in mystery.
"The highest bid stands at 130 gold. Is there anyone willing to go higher?"
3…
2…
1…
DING!
"Congratulations to VIP No. 3 for securing the Blood Sword of Madness!"
The room fell silent for a moment.
"Now then," The Fox continued, his voice shifting to a more dramatic tone. "Since it seems many of you are losing energy, let us move on to the main event: the slave auction!"
A ripple of excitement swept through the crowd as the announcement electrified the room. The attendees, mostly men, leaned forward eagerly, their anticipation palpable.
"Ladies and gentlemen," The Fox began, "we have five slaves to start the evening's main event. Among them are three elves, one dark elf, and one human."
The room buzzed with curiosity. It was rare to see a human offered at an auction. Speculations filled the air—was the boy a fallen noble, or simply an unfortunate soul caught by slavers?
The podium lights flared, illuminating five figures bound in heavy iron chains. To the far left stood an elf, appearing youthful with golden hair and pointed ears. Beside him was a dark elf, her dusky skin and silver hair a stark contrast, her eyes covered by a cloth.
But it was the human boy in the center who captured every gaze. His thin frame, platinum-blond hair with golden hues, and striking amethyst eyes made him stand out among the others. The boy, no older than ten, kept his head bowed, as though silently praying for release from this living nightmare.
"Behold!" The Fox gestured dramatically. "Three elves—fugitives from their sacred haven, now rendered powerless. A dark elf—a warrior strong enough to defeat noble knights, perfect for wielding as a blade or a decoy. And finally, a special human—this poor, beautiful boy whose village was destroyed by demons, only to fall into the hands of slavers."
The audience's attention locked onto the human boy, their fascination growing.
"We shall begin with this human child. The bidding starts at 50 gold!"
A woman in a mask, unable to conceal her hunger, stood and offered 200 gold.
But the bids didn't stop.
"250 gold."
"320 gold."
"350 gold."
"600 gold."
A hush fell over the hall when the token of VIP No. 1 rang out.
"1,500 gold."
The voice was calm, commanding, and sent shockwaves through the room. It was the same enigmatic figure from VIP No. 3 earlier.
"1,500 gold," The Fox's voice trembled slightly, betraying his excitement. "1,500 gold! Does anyone dare go higher?"
3…
2…
1…
DING!
"Congratulations to VIP No. 3 for purchasing this human child for 1,500 gold!"
....
Inside VIP Room 3
"My lady, don't you think spending 1,500 gold on a slave is a bit… reckless?" A maid in a neat black uniform addressed the masked woman seated beside her.
The woman, wearing an elegant gown and a gold-feathered mask, replied in a soft, yet excited voice. "Not at all. There's something strange about that boy's eyes."
The maid, Evelyn, raised an eyebrow. "So you didn't buy him simply because he's… attractive?"
The woman sighed, her tone growing annoyed. "Evelyn, I'm 19 years old. Do you really think I'd be interested in a 10-year-old boy?"
Evelyn glanced out the window of their private room, noticing a few older women in the crowd who looked disheartened at losing the bid. She chuckled quietly.
"Still, my lady, if Lord finds out you spent this much gold, he'll be furious."
The woman only smiled and leaned back. "That's why I only brought you along, my dear Evelyn."
The maid shivered. Though her mistress's smile was as lovely as spring, it carried the weight of authority, making Evelyn feel as though an invisible noose had tightened around her neck.