[Chapter 151: Volunteer]
The room suddenly fell silent.
No one stepped forward to take the stage.
Every person present was a billionaire -- shrewd, calculating individuals who wouldn't act on impulse. Though Frank Douglas's massive transformation seemed incredible, who would dare try it without witnessing the change firsthand?
And the starting bid? Tempting, perhaps, but not a compelling deal for them... at least, not yet.
"Is no one willing?" Frank asked. "If no one steps up, I'll have someone else verify it."
He scanned the room, but still no one moved. He was ready to call someone up.
"I'll volunteer."
A sudden, aged female voice rang out. Everyone turned to see a white-haired woman in her sixties step forward.
"Ms. Yelena," Frank said, "are you sure?"
Yelena nodded. "I have spent my whole life chasing youth and beauty, but time is ruthless and fair to us all. It steals our youth without mercy. While money can delay the inevitable, it's only a delay. Frank, you've given me hope to defy time itself. I'm willing to try."
"But first," she added firmly, "we must sign a contract. If I suffer any harm during this trial, Frank Douglas, you will be fully responsible."
"That's a wise decision," Frank replied. "Bring the contract."
He already had it prepared. Soon, it was signed.
...
Yelena stepped onto the stage. Though considered an old woman, she was well-maintained -- still mobile and alert. After all, sixty was hardly ancient.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Frank began, "before you arrived, I told you this auction would last over three hours. If you're ready, we'll begin the verification."
"Stop stalling. Let's start."
The crowd murmured, urging him on.
Frank smiled and pulled a crystal vial from his pocket. He poured a Spirit Transformation Elixir into his palm and offered it to Yelena.
"Please take this, Ms. Yelena."
She examined the vial, hesitated for a moment, then took it and swallowed.
Her eyes widened instantly, and a look of ecstasy spread across her face.
"This... this is incredible," she gasped.
The crowd looked on, bewildered by her reaction.
Some began to suspect collusion -- that Yelena and Frank were staging a scam to drive up prices for these small, candy-like elixirs.
But as time passed, they noticed something remarkable.
The wrinkles around Yelena's eyes began to soften.
Her pale skin turned plumper and more radiant.
Even her eyes seemed brighter, more alive.
"This can't be real..."
The crowd was stunned.
Had they not witnessed it themselves, they might never have believed it.
Still, many remained skeptical, wondering if Frank had used some trick they didn't know about.
Yelena's joy was unmistakable. "Frank, this little elixir is extraordinary! How many more do you have? I want them all."
Frank Douglas smiled. "Too soon for purchases. Let's continue. However, after taking this elixir, you'll need to use the restroom immediately. I suggest we wait near the entrance. That's why we chose this auction hall -- there's a restroom right next door. Please, follow me."
Still hopeful, Yelena followed Frank to the restroom entrance.
He handed her the Foundational Reinforcement Elixir, which she swallowed without hesitation.
Her expression shifted, and she hurried inside.
The crowd remained skeptical.
Some were still recovering from the effects of the first elixir; others watched eagerly for this next one.
Frank said, "This step will take between half an hour and an hour. You're welcome to wait here or go elsewhere as you please."
But no one left.
Several women even stepped in to check that Yelena was still inside, confirming no swap had occurred.
...
Time passed quickly.
Finally, Yelena emerged.
The crowd gasped again.
She looked radiant -- transformed.
Her posture was upright and confident, her steps light and brisk.
The small belly that had come with age had diminished.
Though her face showed little change, her entire demeanor was vibrant and youthful.
"Truly miraculous."
"But it still doesn't compare to Frank's transformation," someone murmured.
Frank raised a hand to silence them. "Don't be impatient. That was just the second elixir. Next is the third."
He produced the Osteogenic Elixir.
Yelena's eyes sparked with anticipation.
"This elixir strengthens your bones and tendons, and it will make you grow taller," Frank explained. "However, during this process, your bones cannot bear weight or they may be damaged. That's why we prepared a bed."
As he spoke, several staff pushed a bed onto the stage.
Yelena didn't hesitate. She lay down in front of everyone, took the Osteogenic Elixir, and swallowed.
Frank said, "This will take about an hour. Feel free to arrange your time as you wish."
Still, no one left.
A few went to the restroom, but most kept their eyes fixed on Yelena, eager to see if she would grow taller.
Some took business calls -- but their attention never wavered.
...
Time ticked by.
Suddenly, a voice shouted, "She's really grown taller! A little less than an inch. Look -- I made a mark on the floor earlier, and now her feet are past it, but her head hasn't moved."
"She's actually grown! This is incredible..."
Excited murmurs spread through the crowd.
Height was a sensitive issue for many.
For adults to grow taller, the only option was rarely considered: risky and painful bone-lengthening surgery with severe side effects.
No sane person would choose it unless desperate.
"She grew again!"
Another voice called out.
Exclamations became more frequent.
The room buzzed with excitement.
When the effects of the Osteogenic Elixir wore off completely, Yelena stood.
Her clothes hung awkwardly as her pants and sleeves were suddenly a little short.
She had grown about 1.5 inch.
Previously 5'3.5" meters tall, she now stood at 5'5" meters.
With heels, she could reach 5'7" effortlessly.
Joy radiated from her face.
"This is truly miraculous! I'm 63 years old this year -- I never expected to grow taller. It's not just about height; my body, my bones, feel stronger than ever. This is pure magic."
Frank still smiled. "Ms. Yelena, don't celebrate just yet. The best is yet to come."
He unveiled a milky-white vial -- the Marrow Cleansing Pill.
The crowd's eyes lit up instantly.
*****
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