After a somewhat lengthy bidding process, the [Supa Supa no Mi], to Alex's delight, also manages to sell for 800,000 FC, satisfying him immensely. However, Alex is slightly confused as it's once again won by someone anonymous on the second floor.
Softspark then sells Alex's old and beloved [Enchanted Runeblade] for a mere 140,000 FC, making him almost want to stop it, rush to the stage, and forcefully take it back.
Fuck... the requirements were too diverse and demanding! You need a Sword skill and the Basic Mana Control skill. You also need STR, PHY, and MNA. Only hybrid players would ever use this. For such a great weapon... only 140,000 FC... I guess hybrid players are rarer than I thought? Or just cheaper than I expected?
Lastly, before auctioning off Alex's two most treasured items, she offers the three Rokushiki skills Alex and Benezia have painstakingly collected after defeating the various CP9 members: [Skillbook: Soru], [Skillbook: Rankyaku], [Skillbook: Tekkai].
Without surprise, all sell without issue, with the crowd clearly understanding their value far better than the runeblade.
[Skillbook: Rankyaku] fetches the lowest price at a mere 29,000 FC, while [Skillbook: Soru] reaches a price of more than twice that, 61,000 FC, as it's known as a superior and reliable movement skill. Lastly, [Skillbook: Tekkai] manages to sell for a decent sum of 42,000 FC.
"Next, a truly unique item. As a member of the Goblin Union, I have to obey certain rules... but let me say as much. The next item is bordering on the level of Divinity. This is the absolute limit of High Quality items that most of you will ever hear of, much less obtain for yourself. Let me introduce you to a truly legendary weapon. The [Hades Hammer]."
She is hinting at Black items....
"Capable of dealing True damage, bypassing almost any armor, dealing five times as much damage to armor, and having the special effect of breaking any piece of equipment in a single attack," Softspark begins to explain. "This item is capable of breaking the usual limits of the Realm."
"We are starting at 1 million FC. Anything below that is an insult," Softspark explains, holding her posture steady.
Yeah, I agree.
However, much to Alex's surprise, everybody seems astounded and whispers amongst themselves, but nobody is actually speaking up or placing a bid. Not one voice, not even a hesitant one.
What?
"... do I hear any bids?" Softspark asks, trying to remain calm, yet showing a subtle hint of worry.
Thirty seconds pass, and Softspark's face changes into one full of determination. "Since this item is not appreciated, I'll end the bidding here. Anything below 1 million FC is not acceptable. My client will keep this item and trade it to someone who appreciates it, or may end up using it themself. Beware, if you are heavily armed and encounter this weapon in the future, you may end up regretting your decision not to buy this weapon."
Well... she is dramatic. I guess we failed to sell this one... really, this surprises me. This item... it should be worth it. Maybe they want to save their money for the fruit? Was this a mistake to sell this item beforehand? No... she probably thought that through. The fruit is the highlight, and she needs to sell it last, I guess.
"Now... we come to our highlight, the prime item of our auction. We'll present it and then pause the auction for five minutes. As you are aware, some information won't be available to you. As a member of the Union, I can't freely share that knowledge. Only bid on this article if you are aware of its uses—there are no refunds."
Softspark pauses, letting the tension sit for a moment, then continues, her voice clear and steady. "Now, I'll present the item and take a break. Please consider placing a bid on the... [Suna Suna no Mi]."
As the item is revealed, a few players nod, having predicted the exact fruit already, but the majority yell out in excitement.
Softspark briefly steps away from the podium as the hall erupts in a frenzy and pure unfiltered chaos, requiring the goblin attendants to move through the crowd and silence them.
"I am sorry, Alex," Softspark states. "I'm afraid I have failed. It was a mistake to sell the [Hades Hammer] like that.
"It was unavoidable," Benezia states. "The Logia Devil Fruit was promised to be the highlight and finale of the auction. I can assure you, sooner or later, I'll be able to trade this item for the minimum bid. In fact, I think 1 million FC is almost unsatisfactory."
"I guess so," Alex says, agreeing. "As long as the fruit sells... that should be enough funds for now. There is no need to rush. Maybe... I'll use it myself."
Before the finale can conclude, more and more people enter the auction, the hall now completely filled up, with even more people entering unable to find a seat.
What the?! There were more?!
"This is not unexpected," Softspark says. "In fact, we welcome it. The more people bid, the better for you. Surely you agree?"
Alex, now completely suspicious about anything, does not respond and instead looks at Benezia.
Smiling for the first time in a while, she swiftly replies, "Sorry for reading your thoughts again, but I believe this to be true. I don't see a trap anywhere. It all depends on the guilds... if there are no rich solo players attending, the guilds may have come up with backdoor deals. I am interested in seeing you solve the issue, little Goblin."
"..."
Is she getting cheeky now?
"I have... a plan. In any case, I'll restart the auction soon. You don't have to worry; if this sells for an amount that I deem too low, I'll abort it. The [Moku Moku no Mi] sold for 3.6 million FC not too long ago. I hate to admit it, but while this fruit is superior in its offensive abilities, it has arguably more weaknesses. The utility factor of the [Moku Moku no Mi] is superior. Also, this auction is smaller. In any case, my goal is to somehow achieve a price slightly below that."
"Benezia," Alex says. "Tell her, please."
"What is it?" Softspark asks, now confused.
"We've discussed this extensively. I have also talked with your mistress, Glimmerwhisk," Benezia explains slowly. "We can't accept anything below 2.5 million FC."
"A steep price," Softspark says, looking a little stressed. "I wonder why I wasn't told that. I'll do my very best to achieve such a price; should I fail, I'll ask for your confirmation before ending the auction."
"Calm down, child," Benezia says, grabbing Softspark's shoulder. "You are doing an excellent job, and I've spotted a few notable players entering. I believe you can succeed in your endeavour."
"Thank you," Softspark says, looking a little disappointed in herself before quickly recovering.
Stepping back to the podium, the auction begins anew.
Alex looks through the audience but is overwhelmed by the number of players, not sure where to look.
"Now, I welcome all the new players," Softspark says, appearing confident again. "I will not go over the rules again. However, be aware that I will not tolerate any kind of disruption. Guards, close the doors now!" she yells.
Without any time to rest, Softspark punctually steps back, her voice sharp.
"We are bidding in steps of 50,000 FC. Anything below that will just waste our time and turn this auction into a farce," Softspark says.
"We are starting with a bid of 2 million FC," Softspark declares loudly.
"What?! 2 million? Are you fucking insane?!" a rough-looking bearded man in the front yells. "You greedy goblin who—" Another tries to say, but Softspark quickly reacts.
"Guards!" Softspark orders in a commanding voice.
Immediately, two goblins carrying long sticks with weird yellow crystals attached to the front end appear before the offending player and touch him with it, enveloping him in a golden light and making him disappear instantly.
"As I said..." Softspark repeats, her voice clear and stern. "Bidding will start at 2 Million FC."
"..."
The hall quiets down, everyone staring, but nobody reacting.
Alex gulps.
Really...? Could this really fail... That would really suc—
"2.1 Million FC!"
"2.15 Million FC!"
"2.3 Million, come on!"
"I bid 2.35 Million!"
Before Alex can blink, the bids rush in, the hall erupting like magma.
I counted at least 1 non-anonymous bid! Good.
Despite that, Alex can clearly tell that most bids are coming from the big guilds or from the anonymous bidders at the top.
Quickly, the price climbs all the way to 2.75 million, the identity of the person bidding still hidden. Still, the price by now surpasses Alex's expectations.
Not sure what to focus on, he looks at the two guild leaders of the Trade and Mercenary Alliance. Their faces are calm and controlled.
They don't look surprised. I fear... this runs deeper than I thought. However, so many players are here... it should sell for a good price... right? I mean... this is already quite nice.
However, much to Alex's dread, the bidding stops.
"Are there any more bids?" Softspark asks with a clear voice, maintaining her cool.
"Well, I guess I'll simply offer a traditional countdown then... 2.75 million FC, counting one, counting twice..." Softspark says.
Benezia suddenly whispers, "She won't let it end like that... she smells that something is off. The question is how far she'll push it. She should not sacrifice the sale for a tiny bit of additional profit."
I agree.
"The price is more than we were willing to accept... I hope this damn manipulation doesn't fuck up everything..." Alex mutters silently.
"2.85 Million!" a male voice speaks from one of the top booths, his identity not revealed.
Alex then, using Gyo, looks back towards the guild leaders and sees the faces of a few players close to them change, ever so slightly.
They are in cahoots... at least partially... now Softspark really needs to be careful not to push the limit.
"2.9 Million," the same player bidding earlier states.
"2.95 Million...!" The player Alex suspects is working for Softspark yells.
"3 Million! Take it or leave it!"
Softspark, still calm, pauses, the room growing completely silent.
Finally, she counts down. "Going once... twice... sold. Congratulations to the anonymous player in booth 7."
Everyone claps, and some people even whistle.
"Crazy...!"
"3 Million... so much time... I could live..."
"Man, so unfair..."
"I want that fruit!"
"Who was it?!"
"Damn anonymous bidding!"
"SILENCE!" Softspark yells.
"This event is not quite over," she says, revealing a small, hidden smile. "I am contractually required to keep this event going for just a few more minutes."
"I am excited for the winners, and wish you all the best, but I have to inform you that another VIP player who wishes to remain anonymous has submitted a few more items. Please take a few minutes and observe. Afterwards, our two main sponsors who have now finished their part will begin the little after auction trade fair," Softspark explains.
"Please, take a look at this. [Seastone (Small)]. Starting bid, 30,000 FC," Softspark says, smiling sweetly.
What the... I thought she had forgotten them, or was unwilling to sell them... but this?! Right after selling the fruits... and now that I think about it, that's fucking evil...!
"This... lady Softspark," Samantha, the leader of the Trade Alliance, says. "I believe this is highly improper."
"Excuse me?" Softspark asks. "Why are you concerned? The winner's identity remains anonymous. I won't accept anyone else complaining, and even then, what is supposed to be improper? This auction's main theme is items from the Pirate world. I believe this particular item fits that criteria..."
"Heh, 30,000 FC!" someone yells, grinning at Samantha.
"50,000 FC!" another screams.
Frenzied, with some people smelling an opportunity and others simply wanting revenge for losing the bidding process, they begin to shout offers over each other.
The simple [Seastone (Small)] sells for an astonishing 145,000 FC, with the same player who won the Logia devil fruit in booth 7 also winning the stone.
"Congratulations," Softspark says, grinning. "Next we have... another [Seastone (Small)]."
"This... this is a farce!" Samantha yells, and even Tierra looks disturbed.
"No fucking way..." someone yells.
"Hahahahaha, the big guilds had it coming. Finally."
"You better don't fuck with the Union, haha!"
"Hahaha, I bid 40,000 FC!"
Under growing protests, and with even some players—apparently connected to the big guilds—walking out, Softspark sells a total of 7 [Seastone (Small)], fetching 145,000 FC, 135,000 FC, 125,000 FC, 130,000 FC, 120,000 FC, 130,000 FC, and finally 150,000 FC respectively. Various players make chaotic, emotional bids, with smiling faces, and more and more people in the booths join in.
What the fuck... this is beyond illogical?! This is a carnival. Are the big guilds this unpopular? Trade Union... Merchant Union... I guess they've extracted a lot of FC from small-time players, now they gotta pay the price... not that it's much, but still... the attitude surprises me.
"What a pleasant and energy-filled auction," Softspark says, smiling. "I thank you all for your participation, and anyone who wants to offer something to our two main sponsors and guest hosts, please stay behind."
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