Murphy returned to his seat and continued to watch the action on stage. As per the Holy Charm's demand, each lot was moving quickly, and soon the moment of the auction's climax arrived.
— The long-awaited, exciting moment has arrived! The final lot — I think everyone already knows what it is! So! Open your eyes wide and enjoy this rare spectacle! — the host announced.
He didn't need to explain much - most of those present already knew what it was. They had studied the catalogue beforehand, and many had come specifically for this purpose.
The stage hands pulled back the curtain and the stormy atmosphere died down for a moment before the audience literally exploded with even more fervent applause.
- So this is what she is like, a mermaid! This is the first time I've seen her in real life!
- What beauty, my heart melts!
- Even if I have to go broke, I have to get it!
On stage, in a giant aquarium filled with water, a beautiful figure leaned against the glass. Under wavy sky-blue hair, frightened large eyes looked at the audience, and a fish tail moved smoothly in the water, creating seductive lines.
This collar spoils the look a bit... and these shells too...
Murphy had never seen a mermaid before and was also somewhat interested. This race was usually distinguished by its innate beauty, and it was difficult to find unattractive specimens among them.
- Okay, I think everyone can't wait. I won't waste time on words, let's start bidding! The starting price is 70 million beli! - the host waved his hand, and a multitude of bidding signs immediately flashed below.
70 million belli is a considerable sum, but those gathered here were either nobles or rich people who, with some effort, could manage it.
- Haha, you all seem to be very impatient! Let's see, this gentleman has 120 million beli - the highest bid so far... - the host did not have time to finish the sentence, as the price had already changed.
People didn't even have time to raise their signs - some were impatiently shouting out higher rates.
- 130 million belli!
- 150 million belli!
- 158 million belli!
Murphy sat and watched this crazy spectacle, rubbing his index finger across his chin. These people probably had no idea that while they were circling the mermaid, the world had already changed.
But they were all just small figures. Murphy looked at Saint Charm, who still hadn't made a single bid. It would probably only take one bid from him to end the auction.
And indeed, after some time, Saint Charm, with a bored expression on his face, named a price that made everyone's jaws drop: "Five hundred million beli."
Everyone fell silent, looking at Tenryubito with complicated looks.
Murphy wasn't surprised - he remembered similar scenes. All the Tenryubito behaved the same way.
"At first I thought it was funny to watch you commoners compete with each other, but I got tired of it! It's too boring!" Saint Charm said indifferently, but everyone knew that no one would dare contradict him, let alone oppose him.
"My brother can't wait any longer. It would be interesting to watch these lowly commoners fight each other, hee hee!" Saint Itilia said quietly, covering her mouth.
In the quiet room, her taunts were clearly audible, but everyone remained silent, pretending that they had not heard anything.
"Is there a bet higher than 500 million belli?" the host asked from the stage, but no one answered.
- In that case, I congratulate the esteemed Saint Charm on acquiring a mermaid!
- Dear customers, who have successfully purchased the goods, please go backstage to receive them. This concludes the auction, thank you all for participating! We are waiting for you in exactly one month, on the same day! - the host summed up the results.
The crowd began to disperse and Murphy headed backstage.
The space behind the scenes was no less in size than the main hall - it was spacious, and here people who had bought goods or slaves gathered to collect their purchases.
"I've come to collect item number 13, Saburosa," Murphy said.
"Okay, sir, everything is confirmed. Here is your item," the worker replied.
Receiving the sword, Murphy swung it casually, leaving a cut on the table.
Really spicy!
He opened [Enhancement] and saw six enhancement options in the interface. In addition to the four initial options, [Will Enhancement] and [Weapon Mastery] also appeared.
[Willpower Enhancement] appeared after he exchanged points for the base level of Willpower.
[Weapon Mastery] was apparently something that had just appeared. When he opened this section, there were various weapons listed, but only Sword Mastery was active, the rest were grayed out.
[Spend 1000 points on Basic Sword Mastery Enhancement?]
- Yes.
1000 points didn't bother him much anymore - he could restore them in a day. He just didn't have 10,000 points now, otherwise he would have immediately improved to the average level.
New techniques and understanding of fencing appeared in his mind. He casually performed a few movements with the sword, and then put the short blade in his belt.
As Murphy was about to leave, he noticed that everyone's eyes were focused on the next booth. He looked there too and saw two Tenryubito talking to the workers.
- Dear Saint Charm, the mermaid's name is Sheila. Here is the key to her collar, please take good care of it.
The worker, bending down in a bow, extended the key to Saint Charm with both hands.
Charm took out a bunch of keys and added the key to Sheila's collar to it.
Another worker was pulling Sheila, tugging and pushing her. The mermaid was not in the water now—she had a bubble of air around her waist that allowed her to move without touching the ground. Without this device, mermaids could not move on land.
Sheila was completely uncooperative, constantly writhing and resisting until the shot rang out.
Saint Charm held the smoking pistol impatiently on his face. The bullet didn't hit anyone, but it made everyone flinch.
"You dare to resist me? Faster!" demanded Saint Charm.
After the shot, Sheila stopped resisting. The worker led her over and handed one end of the chain to the Holy Charm, while the other end was attached to Sheila's neck.
There was a look of despair on her face. It seemed she knew about Tenryubito's habits and imagined her future fate.
"Let's go home, I can't wait," said Saint Charm, turning to Saint Itilia.
"Brother made an excellent purchase. It's a pity that I didn't find anything for myself today," Saint Itilia said disappointedly.
They were talking as they walked towards the exit. Murphy was standing right next to their booth, and as soon as they turned around, they met his curious gaze.
The just disappointed Saint Itilia suddenly laughed coquettishly: "And here comes that cute country bumpkin! Looks like the day isn't completely wasted, hee hee!"