After the bidding was completed, the Eclipse Cat was taken behind the curtains.
Winners could claim their prizes after the auction concluded by paying the amount they have bidded.
"The Eclipse Cat goes to VIP Seat No. 3!" Trake announced with a large smile on his face.
"But don't let that dampen your spirits," he continued, his voice enthusiastic. "That was just the first beast of the final segment!"
Excitement rippled through the crowd as Trake gestured dramatically. "And now, moving to the second beast of the final segment…"
From behind the curtains, another circular table was rolled onto the stage, larger than the one used for the Eclipse Cat. On its cushion sat a cub that resembled a black panther, its glowing purple eyes scanning the room with an air of curiosity.
"...The Shadow Stalker!" Trake declared.
The hall erupted into murmurs once again.
Ignoring the noise, Trake pressed on. "The Shadow Stalker is a inhabitant of the Forest of [Eternal Darkness]. These beasts dwell deep within the forest's core.... the most dangerous part. Due to their exceptionally low fertility rate, capturing one is nearly impossible."
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In the VIP room, Felix straightened in his seat, his tone serious. "That one's mine. I hope none of you have a problem with that."
His words carried enough weight that everyone immediately understood how important this was to him.
"I don't even want that beast," Helda said, lounging back in her seat, having finally stopped clinging to Cassian.
Elisa huffed, crossing her arms. "Hmph. My cat is way cuter."
Vivienne shook her head with a small smile. "I have no interest in it."
"Same here," Theon added casually.
Felix grinned, his excitement showing. "Perfect. You guys don't know how many years I've begged my dad to get me a Shadow Stalker."
He then turned to Cassian. "What about you? You didn't say you don't want it."
Cassian gave him a blank look. "Do I look like someone who wants that?"
Felix chuckled, leaning back. "Bastard."
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"The starting bid will be... 5 million gold," Trake announced.
Almost immediately, the automated bidding system echoed through the hall:
"VIP Seat No. 7 has bid 5 million gold."
"VIP Seat No. 6 has bid 10 million gold."
And just like that, a fierce bidding war began.
"VIP Seat No. 7 has bid 14 million gold."
"VIP Seat No. 6 has bid 20 million gold."
"VIP Seat No. 7 has bid 21 million gold."
"VIP Seat No. 6 has bid 25 million gold."
"VIP Seat No. 7 has bid 27 million gold."
"VIP Seat No. 6 has bid 35 million gold."
After a few tense moments, the automated voice confirmed: "The Shadow Stalker goes to VIP Seat No. 6."
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In the VIP room, Felix exhaled a long breath, the tension leaving his shoulders.
"That... that bastard at Seat No. 7!" Felix growled, still visibly annoyed.
Helda, clearly amused by his reaction, chuckled softly. "Relax, Felix. You got what you came for, didn't you?"
Felix glanced at her, his irritation fading into a faint smile. "Yeah, you're right. It doesn't matter now. The Shadow Stalker is mine."
Theon laughed, shaking his head. "Good thing, too. You've been dreaming about that beast for years. If someone else had won it, you'd probably have cried like a baby."
"Shut up," Felix snapped back, though his tone was playful, and a small grin tugged at the corners of his mouth.
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"Congratulations to VIP Seat No. 6!" the host announced, his voice booming with enthusiasm.
"Now, moving to our third beast of the final segment..."
From behind the curtains, two ladies walked in gracefully, carrying a birdcage. Inside, a small crow perched on a branch. Its feathers shimmered in hues of orange and red, while its sharp yellow eyes scanned the room with curiosity.
"...The Ember Crow!" the host declared.
The crowd erupted into whispers.
"I know, I know," the host continued, raising his hands to quiet the murmurs. "You're all thinking, 'Aren't these extinct? How can this be real? Is this auction trying to scam us?'"
He smiled knowingly. "Believe us, we were just as shocked when this beast was submitted to the auction."
Pausing for dramatic effect, he added, "Oh, and not just this one... the entire final segment was submitted by a single individual with code name [Unknown]."
The room buzzed with speculation as the host moved on. "But let's not get sidetracked by mysteries. Let's start the bidding!"
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In the VIP room, Helda's eyes sparkled with excitement as she pointed at the Ember Crow. "That one's mine!" she declared confidently.
Elisa and Felix exchanged amused glances and nodded in agreement.
Vivienne and Theon soon followed with slight smiles, giving their silent consent.
Helda turned to Cassian, her puppy-dog eyes in full effect.
Cassian's mouth twitched slightly before he sighed. "I don't want it."
"Yay!" Helda cheered, her grin wide with victory.
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"The starting bid will be... 15 million gold!" the host announced.
Helda wasted no time, pressing the button immediately.
"VIP Seat No. 1 has bid 15 million gold," the automated system echoed.
"VIP Seat No. 7 has bid 20 million gold," followed soon after.
And just like that, another bidding war ignited between Helda and the mysterious occupant of Seat No. 7.
While the room buzzed with tension, Cassian leaned back in his seat, lost in thought.
'[Unknown] Who is this guy? In the game, it made sense for these beasts to show up in the tutorial auction... it felt natural.'
He frowned slightly, his mind churning. 'But now, living in this world, it's hard to believe someone possesses five legendary beasts and simply donates them for auction.'
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"VIP Seat No. 1 has bid 45 million gold!" the automated system declared.
As Cassian mulled over his thoughts, the bidding war reached its conclusion.
"Ember Crow goes to VIP Seat No. 1," the automated voice confirmed.
Helda leaned back into her seat, her satisfied smile practically glowing.
"That's how you win!" she said, casting a triumphant glance at the rest of the group.