Chapter 21: The Auction
"Do you want to go?" Nioh asked the twins, his gaze flickering between them.
They shook their heads enthusiastically, signaling their willingness to participate in the auction.
"Are you sure you're not too tired?" he pressed.
They shook their heads again, more emphatically this time.
"Alright then, lead the way!" Nioh said with a small smile, his tone indicating his readiness to assist.
"This way, please," the old man said, guiding them behind the store to a hidden elevator. Inside, he used his token to reveal a concealed panel with additional buttons. The twins exchanged amazed glances as the old man pressed the button for the lowest level.
The ride took five minutes, during which the atmosphere grew increasingly tense. When the elevator doors opened, they found themselves in a vast underground arena. The space was impressive, with multiple rooms, giant screens displaying information, and rows upon rows of seating. At the center, a young woman presented the auction items, her voice lively as she described the goods and narrated the bidding.
"All our VIP suites are booked, but I will take you to a regular suite," the old man explained as he escorted them. Once they were seated, he gestured to a sleek screen on the wall. "You can access the item list here."
From their vantage point, they could clearly see the presenter in the arena. Her voice carried over the speakers.
"This is an A-class shield made with a mechanical wood biocore and a steel-reinforced alloy. Ideal for Aegis-class corebinders, especially those with wood-aligned cores. It requires a three-star mech for optimal use. Details are available on your screens. Bidding starts at one million credits."
Nioh noticed Iris's eyes light up with interest. "Do you want it?" he asked casually.