Silence took over the vip lounge again.
The kind of quiet that wasn't awkward, just… thoughtful.
I leaned back into the velvet cushions, my eyes drifting around the room.
The soft hum of mana still lingered in the air, but it wasn't overwhelming. It felt like the calm before a storm, a pause before something big.
The glass walls in front of us gave the perfect view of the grand auction stage below, still empty and waiting.
Only 5 minutes or so we left before the people started filling in.
Everyone from across the world were slowly filing in. Nobles in glittering robes, warriors wearing weapons like jewelry, magicians dressed in long enchanted coats that shimmered slightly when they moved.
If there was one major difference between then and now, it was that everyone seemed to be carrying more riches around them.
Everyone was getting ready, as if the world was watching.
Inside our lounge, it felt like a bubble separated from the chaos. Safe, but not for long.
