PNB Chapter 114 Auction
Chapter 114 Auction
"Ladies and gentlemen, please pay attention."
As the young man's voice echoed through the hall, the lights gradually dimmed, and the hall fell silent.
All eyes were focused on the stage, where a young man stood, the spotlight shining on him. He seemed to be the star of the banquet, smiling as he looked at the guests before him.
He wore clothing from the world's most famous and expensive brands, and his gleaming green eyes were like those of a snake. His deep chestnut hair and extremely handsome face enhanced his charm, and the subtle pressure emanating from him made his aura even more powerful.
He was someone Irina knew very well.
This is the older brother of the person she has a crush on.
Caesar Black.
The current representative of the Black family, and also considered the most likely successor to the family business.
'His appearance does indeed resemble his.'
As Irina pondered this, she looked around, searching for the person she "had a crush on." But she ultimately didn't find him.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Caesar began, his voice loud and infectious. “It is a great honor to have you all here tonight. As you all know, the Black family has always been at the forefront of innovation, especially in the field of underground mining.”
As soon as he finished speaking, a holographic projection appeared on the stage, displaying a holographic map structure.
“This is a special type of dungeon that our family oversees,” he said, his gaze focused on the structure of the dungeon. “Today, I will show you the latest technology that our team has worked hard to develop.”
He went on to explain their new technology, a novel method for improving mining efficiency and extracting ore from underground cities. All the guests present listened intently, amazed by the progress made in this ancient industry.
Alice and Irina were the same. Both of them were involved in the underground mining industry because their families also ran some small companies. Therefore, they were able to see how effective this new method was.
"I didn't expect them to make such great progress," Irina said softly to Alice, looking at the data on display.
The Black family claimed to have improved efficiency by at least 12%, a groundbreaking achievement that was enough to attract the attention of all powers in the world.
“Indeed, but only if what they say is true,” Alice replied, a hint of doubt on her face.
“But tonight, I have even more exciting news for you,” Caesar continued, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. “Through our latest discovery, we have found a new and mysterious ore in the dungeons. This ore has enormous potential and could revolutionize many aspects of our world.”
The crowd murmured amongst themselves, their excitement palpable. Alice's curiosity was piqued; she leaned forward, her gaze fixed intently on Caesar.
Caesar's gaze swept over the crowd. "This ore, which we've named 'Neitherium,' possesses unique properties. It's not only stronger and more durable than most known materials, but it also boasts exceptional magical conductivity. We believe it will be key to breakthroughs in the fields of technology and magic."
His eyes gleamed, and the stone-like form of Nesirim appeared in the holographic projection, radiating a silvery-white glow.
The mention of magical conductivity immediately lit up everyone's eyes.
While the stability and durability of materials are important, nothing is more appealing than magical conductivity.
For an Awakened One, having a weapon that can effectively channel magical power is far more important than anything else.
“Our researchers are tirelessly studying Nesirim and exploring its full potential,” Caesar continued. “We anticipate it will play a significant role in forging more powerful weapons, more durable armor, and even as a catalyst for advanced magical spells.”
Clap! Clap! Clap!
As the applause subsided, he concluded, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your attention. We have high hopes for the future of Nesirim. Now, as a token of our gratitude for your support, we are pleased to announce tonight's grand finale: the Black Family Auction."
The hall was filled with anticipation as guests returned to their seats, eagerly awaiting what was to come. The Black family auctions were renowned for offering unique and valuable items and materials, which was one of the reasons so many people attended the event.
"It's finally here."
"Irina muttered under her breath. Although Caesar's speech and his unique charm were captivating, she was starting to get bored. Most of the speech was praising their products and using wordplay, which she hated most of all—it made her want to vomit."
Caesar gestured to his assistants to bring out a series of display cases showcasing the auction items. "Tonight, we have prepared many extraordinary items for you to bid on, all carefully collected and crafted by our family. From enchanted gems to rare magical artifacts, you're sure to find something that interests you."
The main characters had carefully studied the auction catalog and discussed their bidding targets. They were ready, but not everyone present was.
When Caesar gestured toward the display case, the items hidden behind it elicited expectant glances from some guests, who leaned forward, eager to get a closer look at the items about to be auctioned.
“The auction is about to begin,” Caesar announced, a hint of excitement in his voice. “But before that, we will have our staff distribute the bidding numbers.”
The guests began to whisper among themselves, their excitement growing as the auction items were about to be revealed, filling the room with an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
As the waiters began moving through the crowd distributing bidding numbers, each guest received a small tag engraved with a unique number, which was an essential tool for participating in the auction.
While everyone else was getting their numbers, Irina was busy looking around, searching for Victor.
He specifically invited Julia, which infuriated her, but it also convinced her that he would be there.
As she looked around, she suddenly felt a touch on her arm.
"Ok?"
She looked ahead and saw the waiter in front of her bowing his head and handing her a number plate.
"Oh, I'm sorry."
The waiter said apologetically.
Irina realized that he might have accidentally touched her arm.
"It's ok."
Normally, she would get angry and blame the other person, but seeing that the other person immediately bowed their head and apologized, she decided not to waste any more time.
However, as she gestured for the waiter to leave, she noticed Alice's gaze was fixed on him.
Alice's sudden interest in the waiter piqued Irina's curiosity. She knew Alice too well to notice someone without a reason.
“Wait a minute,” Alice said, her eyes narrowing slightly.
The waiter was startled, looked up, and met the probing gaze. Under the scrutiny, he seemed somewhat nervous.
"What's your name?" Alice asked, her tone polite and decisive.
“Uh… my name is Leonard,” the waiter stammered, nervously glancing between the two.
"Could you show us your identification?" Alice continued, her gaze fixed on the waiter.
Leonard hesitated for a moment, then nodded. He carefully took out his ID card from his pocket and handed it over.
Irina leaned closer and examined the ID card more closely. In the dim light, her gaze fell on the bracelet on his wrist.
For some reason, she felt that the bracelet was somewhat familiar.
'Have I seen this somewhere before?' she asked herself. The bracelet wasn't flashy, but it had a unique charm.
'Never mind.' However, she quickly dismissed the thought.
For an ordinary waiter, being able to occupy a place in her mind is already something he should be grateful for.
Bang!
Just as Alice was about to say something, the stage lights suddenly focused again, and the first item to be auctioned was revealed.
"you can go now."
Seeing this, Alice also pulled herself together and decided not to pursue the matter further. The commotion of the crowd had long since subsided, and causing trouble at the Black family's banquet might anger them, which was not something she wanted.
At that moment, a female auctioneer dressed in a black dress walked onto the stage. As she began to introduce the first item for auction, the anticipation in the hall was almost palpable.
"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight's auction will begin with an extraordinary piece of jewelry, an enchanted sapphire pendant," the auctioneer announced, unveiling the exquisite gem in a glass display case.
As the bidding began, whispers filled the hall, and the excitement grew stronger as guests began placing their bids with their bidding numbers.
Not everyone present came from a prominent family. There were also some who were not well-known, or who were merely talented, and therefore, they were trying to enter the wealthy class through such auctions.
Meanwhile, Leonard also took the opportunity to slip away quietly.
He had completed his task of distributing the bidding numbers and did not want to attract any further unnecessary attention.
His departure went unnoticed amidst the clamor of the auction.
Although Irina remained somewhat curious about the bracelet and the fleeting memories it evoked, she refocused her attention on the auction. The bidding continued, with each item generating fierce competition.
One by one, the auction items were unveiled: a set of enchanted rings, a rare spellbook, and a pair of magic-powered boots.
With each new item added to the auction, the bidding intensified, filling the auction hall with a passionate atmosphere and anticipation for the next item.
boom!
Then a loud explosion blared, illuminating the previously dimly lit banquet hall in an instant...