Against The Eternity Chapter 108: [107] Chapter - 64: Auction Begins (Part - 1/2)

Read chapter 108 of Against The Eternity by Phoenixfly_steller on NovelPedia.

[107] Chapter - 64: Auction Begins (Part - 1/2) Anshvi sat composed beside Aashi. Her posture was straight yet relaxed, as though the weight in her heart had been carefully folded and set aside, for now. Before them stretched a grand viewing window, crystal-clear and faintly glowing with formation light, overlooking the inner auction hall that lay deeper within the structure. The true arena of the auction was not the entrance hall but this vast interior chamber—tiered like a royal court. At its centre floats a raised circular platform, illuminated by soft golden light from above, while concentric rows of seating extended outward, occupied by figures of influence—clan heads, elders, merchants, and warriors, each carrying their own intent beneath calm expressions. At the heart of every table rested a smooth, translucent orb—pale as moonlight, yet faintly pulsing with embedded formation lines. These were not mere ornaments but conduits of bidding, each one linked to the core array governing the entire auction. The atmosphere was restrained, yet heavy—like the stillness before the first strike in a duel where no one intended to lose. Then, from the side passage, a woman stepped forward. Her red and gold attire flowed with measured elegance, the fabric catching the light as she ascended the stairs and reached the platform’s centre. Her presence was refined, and her movements were precise. Her every step was practiced to command attention without demanding it. She paused, her gaze sweeping across the hall, ensuring silence had fully settled. “Esteemed guests,” she began, her voice clear and steady, resonating effortlessly through the hall, carried by subtle amplification from the formation. “Welcome… and thank you for attending this year’s annual auction.” A controlled brief pause followed. “As you can see,” she continued, gesturing lightly toward the orbs placed before each participant, “the bidding formation has already been prepared. To place a bid, simply rest your hand upon the orb… and state your amount clearly.” Her lips curved into a faint, professional smile. “The orb will record your bid and announce it across the hall the instant you place it.” The rules were simple, but the tension they carried was anything but. She brought her hands together in a single, measured clap. The clap was sharp enough to cut through the silence, yet controlled, as if even sound itself had to obey the rules of this place. From the side stairways, ten attendants emerged in perfect synchronisation, each carrying a covered tray draped in fine silk. Their steps were light, disciplined and almost ritualistic, as they ascended onto the platform one after another. Without a word, they moved into position—five to the left, five to the right—forming a balanced line that framed the stage like silent sentinels of value. The hall grew quieter still, eyes naturally drawn toward what lay hidden beneath those covers. The woman at the centre allowed a brief pause, letting anticipation settle fully before she spoke again. “Let us begin.” At that moment, the orbs placed before every participant flickered faintly. Soft lines of light traced across their surfaces before stabilising into clear projections. Room numbers began to appear above them—floating gently in the air, marking each bidder’s identity without revealing their face. In the private chamber above, the number four formed above Anshvi’s orb, glowing steadily—silent, yet now unmistakably part of the unfolding contest. A woman stepped forward from the left line and approached the host in red. With a graceful motion. She lifted the silk covering from the tray. Beneath it rested a finely crafted box, cushioned within, and inside lay a single pill. It was smooth, lustrous, and faintly glowing. The moment it was revealed. A rich herbal fragrance spread through the hall. The fragrance was dense with vitality, as if the essence of countless rare herbs had been condensed into that one object. The host extended