Chapter 105: The Auction Begins Murmurs rippled through the demons as newcomers arrived in steady streams. Wealthy merchants clustered together, their expensive accessories glinting under the platform’s lights. Noble families occupied prime 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 excitement. Behind him, servants carried ornate cases that presumably contained his promised Demonica specimens. 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 emerged from the protective formation like a figure from legend. His presence took everyone’s immediate attention. He was tall, imposing, with features that spoke to generations of selective breeding for power and intimidation. Every demon in the plaza seemed 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 someone who viewed the evening’s proceedings as entertainment 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 me. 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 merchants whose expensive carriages suggested that they had some 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 emerge 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 enhancement—a treasure that kingdoms have waged wars to possess!" Building excitement through scarcity and exaggeration. This guy knows his business. Excited murmurs rippled through the crowd. Permanent enhancement represented the holy grail of magical development—benefits that would last lifetimes rather than temporary boosts. "Bidding will commence shortly," the auctioneer continued, "but first, allow me 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 meets marketplace competition. The auction was about to begin. ... The plaza settled into place as the demons found their designated seating. Everyone’s here. Time 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. Welcome, distinguished guests, to tonight’s extraordinary auction! We begin this evening with exceptional items from Sin City’s finest craftsmen and merchants." Smart to start with regular items. Build excitement before the main event. "Our first lot comes 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 enhancement 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 immediately 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 claimed 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 seemed to shimmer with protective energy. "The Aegis Ward—Tier 2 magical protection with damage absorption, elemental resistance, and automatic repair functions. Opening bid: Thirty golden coins!" The bidding proceeded with enthusiasm that suggested the evening’s crowd had come prepared for serious spending. Adventurers competed against nobles while merchant 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 movement speed, a cloak that provided magical concealment, and a staff that amplified elemental 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!"