Chapter 27: The Bidding Begins
The auction house's interior glowed with an ethereal light as the crowd settled into their seats. The atmosphere was electric, a potent mix of anticipation and tension. From tycoons in tailored suits to guild leaders adorned in ceremonial armor, the room was packed with the most powerful and influential players and NPCs in Eternal Dominion.
Liam remained seated in the back, his hood pulled low to conceal his face. His calm demeanor was a stark contrast to the murmurs and whispers that filled the air. The stakes were high, and every participant knew it.
"Do you think the Obsidian Core will go for over 10,000 gold?" a player whispered.
"Over 10,000? That's nothing. Did you see the lineup? The Dragon's Breath Bow is on the list too."
"I heard the Frost Consortium is planning to bid on everything. No way small fry like us stand a chance."
Liam smirked slightly. He knew how badly they underestimated him. His Obsidian Core was one of the most coveted items in the game, and the attention it was garnering was proof. For now, he stayed silent, observing the room like a predator watching its prey.
The Auctioneer Takes the Stage
The auctioneer, an NPC named Vernan Aurelius, commanded the room's attention with a single wave of his hand. Dressed in resplendent gold-trimmed robes, his every movement exuded authority.
"Welcome, esteemed bidders," Vernan began, his voice smooth and charismatic. "Tonight, we gather not just to exchange coin for goods but to shape the future of this realm. Each item presented tonight has been carefully selected for its rarity, value, and potential to alter the balance of power. Let us begin."
A round of polite applause rippled through the room.
[System Notification: Grand Auction is Live!]
The first item appeared on the holographic display above the stage—a shimmering Moonstone Amulet (Rank A).
[Item: Moonstone Amulet]
• Rank: A
• Effect: +50 Mana, +10% Spell Resistance
• Starting Bid: 50 Gold
"An excellent piece for any mage or spellcaster," Vernan announced. "We shall start the bidding at 50 gold. Do I hear 50?"
The Bidding Begins
Hands shot up immediately, voices calling out their bids.
"50!"
"60!"
"70!"
Liam watched as the bids climbed steadily, the excitement palpable. The amulet was a valuable item, but it wasn't what he or the major players in the room were truly after.
Final Bid: 140 Gold
The auctioneer's gavel came down with a resounding crack, signaling the sale. The winner, a mage clad in elaborate blue robes, nodded in satisfaction as the amulet was delivered to him by an NPC attendant.
Liam barely paid attention. This was just the warm-up.
Rising Tensions
As more items were presented, the bidding wars grew fiercer. A Rare Alchemist's Codex (Rank A) fetched 300 gold, and a Shadowfang Dagger (Rank S) climbed to an astounding 1,200 gold. Each item added fuel to the already blazing fire of ambition in the room.
Liam remained quiet, his focus unwavering. He was waiting for the moment his Obsidian Core would take center stage.
[System Notification: Item Listing Progress: 20% Complete]
The auctioneer raised his hands, signaling for the room to quiet down. "And now, esteemed guests, we come to one of the evening's most anticipated items."
The room fell silent.
The Obsidian Core
The holographic display shifted, revealing a jet-black crystal pulsating with an inner light. Even from the back of the room, Liam could feel the weight of its presence.
[Item: Obsidian Core]
• Rank: SS
• Effect: Essential crafting material for Legendary-tier equipment.
• Starting Bid: 1,000 Gold
Gasps filled the room, followed by a wave of whispered conversations. The Obsidian Core was one of the rarest crafting materials in the game, capable of elevating any crafted item to unparalleled heights.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Vernan said, his voice carrying a theatrical flair. "The bidding starts at 1,000 gold. Who will open the floor?"
The Frenzy Unleashed
It began with a single voice:
"1,000 gold!"
Then another.
"1,200!"
"1,500!"
The bids skyrocketed in seconds as players and NPC representatives clamored for the chance to claim the core.
"2,000 gold!"
"3,000!"
Liam leaned back, his expression calm. He could feel the tension in the room rising as the stakes grew higher.
"The Frost Consortium is in on this. They'll outbid everyone."
"No way. Did you see the Dawn Syndicate's representatives? They're holding nothing back."
"4,000 gold!" a voice thundered. The bidder, a player with the insignia of the Crimson Sovereignty, stood confidently.
"5,000 gold!" another called, a representative from the Eastern Dominion Alliance.
The numbers climbed higher and higher, the atmosphere growing increasingly heated.
A Show of Power
Liam watched as factions flexed their financial might. The bids surpassed 8,000 gold, then 10,000, drawing gasps from the crowd.
"10,000 gold from the Ironclad Empire! Do I hear 10,500?"
"12,000 gold!"
The auctioneer's gavel hovered in the air as the room collectively held its breath.
"14,000 gold," came a calm, measured voice. All eyes turned to the speaker—a middle-aged man in a black suit with silver cufflinks, a representative of the Eurasian Tycoons.
The silence that followed was deafening. No one dared to counter immediately.
Liam's Perspective
From his seat, Liam observed the chaos with a sense of detachment. This was exactly what he had anticipated. His Obsidian Core had become the focal point of the evening, a symbol of power and prestige.
[Current Bid: 14,000 Gold]
A new voice shattered the silence: "15,000 gold."
Heads turned as a young woman in elegant armor raised her hand. Her emblem bore the mark of the Celestial Vanguard, a guild known for its relentless ambition.
"This is madness," someone muttered.
"Madness or strategy. Whoever wins this core controls the market for Legendary gear."
"16,000 gold!"
The room buzzed with energy as the bidding war continued. Liam allowed himself a small smile. Every additional bid pushed his wealth to unimaginable heights.
The Final Moments
As the bids climbed past 18,000 gold, the tension reached its breaking point. The auctioneer's voice boomed over the chaos:
"18,500 gold! Going once… going twice…"
A final voice rang out: "19,000 gold!"
The room erupted in gasps and murmurs. The bidder was none other than Elena Frost, the tech mogul who had made headlines for her aggressive investment in the game.
The auctioneer smiled, clearly enjoying the spectacle. "19,000 gold. Do I hear 19,500?"
Silence.
"Going once… going twice… SOLD!"
The gavel came down with a sharp crack, and the room erupted into applause and whispers.
Aftermath
Liam leaned back in his chair, satisfied. He had just earned a fortune, and the ripple effects of this sale would be felt throughout the game.
[System Notification: Auction Item Sold!]
• Item: Obsidian Core
• Final Price: 19,000 Gold
• Earnings (after fees): 18,050 Gold
As the next item was introduced, Liam quietly left the auction house. His work here was done, and the wealth he now possessed would set the stage for even greater plans.