The lights dimmed.

It wasn't sudden, more like the slow wind after a heavy rainfall.

Everybody stopped talking and the buzz from the lower floors softened into a low hum.

Even in the VIP lounge, where the energy had been surprisingly relaxed moments ago, a quiet anticipation took hold.

We all had stood up from our places and leaned towards the glass balcony slightly, drawn in like moths to a flame.

A man in a black coat and golden cuffs stood atop the hovering obsidian platform.

Mr. Lapui.

Not the elegant auction lady from earlier.

No.

The head of the Lapui Trading house himself was now standing on stage, a deep bkack coat embroidered with golden thread, his long black hair tied back neatly.

His smile wasn't friendly, it was confident, the kind of expression a man wore when he knew the whole world had come to his doorstep.

Dario let out a low whistle. "Damn. He's serious."

"I've only ever seen him at rare occasions," Seraphina muttered.

Even King Philip looked impressed. He adjusted his coat and said softly, "Looks like we'll be witnessing something...historic today."

Sia, beside him, was unusually quiet.

But then she leaned forward, a slight twinkle in her eyes.

Her eyes locked on the stage. That reserved, distant look she always wore was still there—but for once, there was a crack in it.

I caught the faintest shimmer of excitement in her gaze.

She turned her head just enough to whisper to Aurelia, "He's not usually the one who hosts, right?"

Aurelia shook her head. "Only when it really matters."

Sia nodded, and I caught something strange in her expression.

Like she was letting herself forget whatever it was that had been bothering her since she got here.

She didn't look at King Philip. Not even once. But she did stand just a little closer to the rest of us.

Mr. Lapui raised his hand and the crowd quieted instantly. His voice boomed across the arena, carried by magic-enhanced speakers.

"Esteemed guests! Nobles, scholars, warriors, merchants, and sovereigns from every corner of the world...WELCOME!"

The walls of the building pulsed gently with a golden hue, responding to his voice.

"This time," he continued, "we gather not merely for profit, but for change. For a glimpse into the future.

A future built on the alliance of kingdoms, the rise of a New Age, and the treasures that are to be auctioned today!"

Murmurs spread like wildfire.

Beside me, King Philip said, chuckling. "He's announcing it already."

Grandpa muttered under his breath. "It's no longer a secret. The world's changing."

Seraphina tapped my leg. "Did you know about the academy stuff before today?"

"Not really," I admitted. "Grandfather mentioned something big was coming, but… I didn't expect this."

Down below, in the main floor, I saw nobles leaning in toward each other, whispering in urgent tones.

"The New Age Academy…is it real?"

"They say it's going to take in students from every nation—mages, warriors, summoners, even rogue bloodlines…"

"I heard it's being built on the old capital ruins."

"No way. That place is cursed."

"Exactly why it needs to be rebuilt."

Even common citizens had begun speculating.

"What do you think they'll teach there?"

"I just hope it's not like the old royal academies. My son's too poor for that nonsense."

"But if it's backed by all the kingdoms—maybe even poor folks will get a chance…"

Dario leaned back. "So that's what all those meetings behind closed doors were about."

"Yup," Erza said. "Uniting through education. Training a new generation together. Less war, more…whatever this is."

Venus let out a soft chuckle. "It's a gamble. But a smart one."

"And risky," King Philip added. "Which is why every kingdom's watching what gets sold here today. Especially the rare weapons."

Sia's fingers curled slightly around the edge of her chair. Her excitement hadn't faded. In fact, she looked almost…eager.

Then, finally, Mr. Lapui stretched out his arms.

"And now," he declared, "let us begin the Grand Auction!"

A golden bell rang—deep, resonant, and long.

All around the lower levels, curtains were pulled aside to reveal raised platforms guarded by armored elites. The items were displayed on floating orbs of glass, each glowing gently.

"The first item," Lapui said, "is a set of Grade-A Dragonsteel Armor—lightweight, flame-resistant, and capable of absorbing medium-tier mana attacks."

He gestured and the orb floated closer, revealing a mahogany set of dark silver armor that looked flexible yet deadly.

"Crafted in the southern forges of Syrrak, this armor is ideal for elite knights and mana-users alike. Bidding starts at 120,000 credits."

The crowd didn't hesitate.

"150,000!" a noble shouted from the second floor.

"160,000!"

"180,000!"

"200,000!"

The bids jumped fast.

Erza's eyes gleamed. "I want that." She said, a certain fire in her eyes.

"Don't even think about it," Seraphina warned. "You'd burn through your coin quota in two seconds, not to forget that it's literally just an A-tier item. Things like this can be easily bought from our families itself!"

Dario scoffed. "Says the girl who spent 300,000 credits on a cursed violin last year."

"That violin was elegant," the girl hissed, embarassed at the mention of it.

Meanwhile, I glanced at Sia again.

She was leaning forward with the rest of us now, one hand supporting her chin, her long black gloves creasing just slightly at the wrist.

She was…smiling?

Not the sarcastic or sly one I was used to. It was a real smile. Bright-eyed, curious, and alive.

I couldn't help but smile too.

For now, whatever tension had been weighing on her had been buried beneath the lights, the gold, and the wonder of it all.

The first item was still being fought over when one of the bids silenced the entire crowd.

The man was wearing a mask, something most of the people had brought in the past 30 minutes to keep a sense of anonymity and save themselves from the clutches of this so called greed.

Sound of his teeth grinding could almost be heard beneath the man's mask as he screamed.

"I BID 1 MILLION CREDITS!!"

***