Chapter 243 - Poke?Ball?

    (3rd Person POV)

    Though the dragons were mere juveniles, their ages ranged from 20 to 30 years old - a testament to their immense potential. The power they wielded, even at such a young age, drew the covetous gazes of countless individuals, their status and influence notwithstanding.

    Acquiring an adult dragon was a feat beyond the reach of most, the creatures'' might far too great for any but the strongest to handle. But a juvenile dragon presented a rare opportunity - a chance to tame and shape a legendary beast, ensuring its loyalty even as it grew into the fullness of its power.

    In a secluded section of the amphitheater sat Crown Prince Drakon of Wales, flanked by his butler and younger sister, Rika.

    Rika clung to her brother''s arm, her deep blue eyes wide with a mix of awe and apprehension as she watched the dragons roar, their cries shaking even the unflappable Queen of Roses. "Royal brother," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly, "can we truly tame such fearsome creatures?"

    The butler, adjusting his glasses with a practiced motion, spoke up before Drakon could respond. "Fret not, Princess Rika," he assured, his tone brimming with confidence. "While these dragons are indeed formidable, they pale in comparison to the might of Crown Prince Drakon."

    Rika''s eyes widened further, her gaze shifting to her brother. "Is this true?"

    Drakon smiled warmly, patting his sister''s head with an affectionate touch. "Indeed it is," he confirmed. "The beasts I encountered in the Nether Realm make these juvenile dragons seem like mere playthings."

    "The creatures of the Nether Realm are truly so terrifying?" Rika asked, her curiosity piqued.

    "To put it in perspective," Drakon explained, his voice lowering conspiratorially, "these dragons, unless fully grown, would stand little chance against even a B-Grade Nether Beast."

    Rika''s expression transformed, wonder and admiration shining in her eyes as she regarded her brother anew.

    On the stage, Queen Delaney once again addressed the gathered crowd, her voice amplified by the enchanted microphone. "As you can all bear witness, these dragons, though young, possess a fierceness and dominance that belies their age. I must caution any potential buyers - to successfully purchase and control one of these magnificent creatures, you will need someone of significant power to calm them."

    She paused, holding aloft a small, intricately crafted device that seemed to pulse with an inner light. "Once a purchase is made, the dragon will be contained within this ancient technological marvel - the Pocket Vault." The device gleamed in her hand, its surface etched with arcane symbols that seemed to dance and shift before the eyes.

    "However," Delaney continued, her expression growing somber, "a powerful mage must continuously infuse this artifact with magical energy to maintain the dragon''s containment. Should the magical power prove insufficient, there is a grave risk of the dragon breaking free."

    A murmur rippled through the gathered nobles and elites, their eyes fixated on the Pocket Vault with a mix of reverence and disbelief.

    "Impossible," one whispered, awestruck. "I thought the art of crafting Pocket Vaults was lost centuries ago."

    When the bidding reached a staggering four and a half million dollars, Firfel leaned closer to Arthur, her voice tinged with curiosity. "You''ve been awfully quiet. Are you having second thoughts about purchasing a dragon?"

    Arthur chuckled, his confidence unwavering. "Me? Hesitating?" He settled back in his seat, resting his chin on his hand with a self-assured air. "Have you forgotten that I have billions in the bank? A few million is hardly a concern."

    Firfel and Shafel exchanged another glance, silently acknowledging the truth in Arthur''s words.

    With the staggering success of his films, Arthur''s wealth had grown to unimaginable heights. The day''s box office earnings alone could easily cover the current bid several times over.

    The bidding reached a staggering 5.8 million dollars, and Arthur''s gaze landed on the individual responsible for the hefty sum - none other than his brother, Crown Prince Azazel Morningstar of the Morningstar Kingdom. Beside Azazel sat Apollonia, her eyes fixed on the dragons with rapt attention.

    So, they''ve set their sights on the dragons as well, Arthur mused silently, his mind racing with the implications of this development.

    A momentary hush fell over the room following Azazel''s bid, only to be shattered by a booming voice. "Seven million dollars!"

    All eyes turned to the source of the declaration, revealing Billy Dark - the wealthy dwarf whose presence had been highly anticipated. This marked his first foray into the bidding war.

    The assembled crown princes exchanged glances laden with concern. While they had access to vast kingdom funds, potentially exceeding billions, they were acutely aware of the consequences of overspending. Every coin diverted to the auction was a coin taken from the people they were sworn to serve.

    "Eight million!" Drakon''s voice rang out, his gaze locking with Billy''s. "Mr. Dark, if you would be so kind as to concede the dragon to me, I assure you, your generosity will not be forgotten."

    Billy paused, considering the Crown Prince of Wales'' words. Though a billionaire in his own right, he recognized the value of forging connections with influential figures like Drakon. In truth, he had little personal use for a dragon - his bidding served more as a calculated move to gauge the reactions of those around him.

    "Ten million!" The shout came from Kurogami Akuma, the Crown Prince of Japon. He, too, sought to curry favor with Billy. "Your support in this matter would be most appreciated, Mr. Dark."

    Kurogami then turned to Drakon, his voice lowering. "Perhaps it would be wise for us to cease our competition, Prince Drakon. After all, there are still two other dragons to be won. Surely we can come to an arrangement that benefits us both."

    Drakon''s fingers tapped against the armrest, his mind weighing the options before him.

    Delaney''s voice cut through the murmurs. "Going once... going twice..."

    Many assumed the Crimson Dragon would be claimed for the princely sum of ten million. But just as the final call was about to be made, a youthful voice pierced the air.

    "Twenty million dollars!"