Murmurs rippled through the demons as newcors arrived in steady streams.
Wealthy rchants clustered together, their expensive accessories glinting under the platform’s lights. Noble families occupied pri viewing positions, their retinues creating small islands of privilege.
The turnout exceeds my wildest expectations. This is going to be massive.
Viscount Vex arrived with his cape billowing despite the absence of any wind.
Precious perched behind his ear, her needle-sharp teeth clicking with excitent. Behind him, servants carried ornate cases that presumably contained his promised Demonica specins.
He brought backup plants...
A commotion near the plaza’s eastern entrance announced more significant arrivals. Guards in royal livery cleared pathways through the crowd, their formation speaking to serious security protocols.
Royal entourage. This is really happening.
Prince Malphas erged from the protective formation like a figure from legend. His presence took everyone’s imdiate attention.
He was tall, imposing, with features that spoke to generations of selective breeding for power and intimidation. Every demon in the plaza seed to unconsciously step back, creating space around his arrival.
The prince’s gaze swept across the assembled crowd with a soft smile. His expression suggested soone who viewed the evening’s proceedings as entertainnt rather than a serious challenge.
Lola appeared beside Noah with her usual dramatic timing, appearing as if she’d stepped out of the shadows rather than simply walked through the crowd.
Noah got jumpscared by her sudden appearance.
"You scared . Can you stop with this sudden appearance?"
"Hehe," She giggled at his reaction.
Her outfit for the evening was particularly stunning—elegant enough for royal company, provocative enough to distract male bidders.
"Excellent turnout," she murmured, her ruby eyes tracking various arrivals with interest.
She’s already analysing the competition. This woman doesn’t miss anything.
More notable figures continued arriving.
A group of demon rchants whose expensive carriages suggested that they had so serious purchasing power.
Several mages whose robes displayed guild affiliations and academic credentials. Even a few adventuring parties who’d apparently pooled resources for tonight’s opportunity.
Diverse crowd. Multiple bidding strategies will erge once the action starts.
The auctioneer called for attention as the final stragglers found positions. His voice carried across the plaza with professional authority that silenced conversations and focused every eye on the central platform.
"Distinguished guests of Sin City," he began, his tone building anticipation like a master storyteller.
"Tonight, we auction an item of unprecedented magical properties. Permanent attribute enhancent—a treasure that kingdoms have waged wars to possess!"
Building excitent through scarcity and exaggeration. This guy knows his business.
Excited murmurs rippled through the crowd.
Permanent enhancent represented the holy grail of magical developnt—benefits that would last lifetis rather than temporary boosts.
"Bidding will comnce shortly," the auctioneer continued, "but first, allow to explain the extraordinary properties of tonight’s centrepiece..."
Noah felt his pulse quicken as hundreds of demon eyes fixed on the platform where his product would soon be displayed.
He had initially wanted to keep his product inside the store, But Lola convinced him that she would protect it. Thus, he decided to place it there.
If anything goes wrong...She will pay for it.
Lola’s hand briefly touched his shoulder, a gesture of support mixed with anticipation for the chaos she was about to unleash.
"Ready?" she whispered.
Noah nodded, watching Prince Malphas take his position near the platform’s front.
Ready as I’ll ever be. Let’s see what happens when royalty ets marketplace competition.
The auction was about to begin.
...
The plaza settled into place as the demons found their designated seating.
Everyone’s here. Ti to see how this unfolds.
The auctioneer stepped forward, his silver horns gleaming under the dramatic illumination. His voice carried across the assembled crowd with commanding presence.
"Once again. Welco, distinguished guests, to tonight’s extraordinary auction! We begin this evening with exceptional items from Sin City’s finest craftsn and rchants."
Smart to start with regular items. Build excitent before the main event.
"Our first lot cos from Master Korgan’s renowned forge—a Tier 3 blade of exceptional quality!"
Two assistants carried a display case onto the platform, revealing a sword. The weapon’s dark steel held an almost liquid quality; it was easy to discern its amazing craftsmanship just by looking.
That’s definitely not standard craftsmanship. Korgan really is one of the best blacksmiths in Sin City.
"Behold the Ironcutter Blade!" the auctioneer announced with theatrical flourish. "Tier 3 enhancent with magic affinity channelling, self-sharpening properties, and armour-penetration capabilities. Master Korgan has declared this among his finest works! It’s considered the best in its tier."
Murmurs of appreciation rippled through the crowd as experienced warriors recognised superior weaponry. The blade’s craftsmanship spoke of its maker’s skills.
"Bidding opens at fifty golden coins!"
Fifty coins for a Tier 3 weapon. That’s actually a reasonable starting price given the quality.
Hands rose imdiately as serious collectors competed for Korgan’s masterwork. The price climbed steadily—120, 140, 160 coins as determined bidders refused to yield.
"Sold to Lord Theron for one hundred sixty-five golden coins!" the auctioneer declared as a demon noble claid his prize with obvious satisfaction.
Strong opening. Good sign for tonight’s main event.
"Next, we present an enchanted shield from the workshop of Artificer Myrax!"
The subsequent item was a tower shield that seed to shimr with protective energy.
"The Aegis Ward—Tier 2 magical protection with damage absorption, elental resistance, and automatic repair functions. Opening bid: Thirty golden coins!"
The bidding proceeded with enthusiasm that suggested the evening’s crowd had co prepared for serious spending. Adventurers competed against nobles while rchant collectors drove prices toward their maximum thresholds.
"Sold for ninety-five golden coins!"
Consistent strong results. The crowd’s definitely ready to spend.
Additional items followed in rapid succession—a pair of boots that enhanced movent speed, a cloak that provided magical concealnt, and a staff that amplified elental spells. Each lot drew competitive bidding that pushed final prices well above opening amounts.
This is a perfect warm-up. Everyone’s getting comfortable with the bidding process.
"And now," the auctioneer’s voice dropped to build dramatic tension.
"We present a collection of rare alchemical ingredients from the private vault of Master Chemist Valdris!"
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