He grinned widely.
"Let the Secret Auction begin!"
Rhys swallowed hard.
"…I have a bad feeling about this."
Sophia slapped his back.
"That's the spirit. Let's get you something cool."
Puddle nodded firmly.
"Master will find treasure. Or explosion. Both fun."
Rhys groaned as the first item was brought out—a glowing black box shaking violently.
Sophia leaned over and whispered,
"…Okay yeah, that one might explode."
Rhys buried his face in his hands.
"Why am I here again?"
Caria patted his shoulder cheerfully.
"Because this is your life now."
The auctioneer lifted the item dramatically.
"Item #1! A Epic Sword of UNKNOWN origin! Starting bid: 50,000 gold!"
Rhys stared at the glowing sword inside the black box.
It pulsed with purple light, humming like it was alive.
Sophia whistled.
"An Epic sword as the first item? They're starting strong."
Caria leaned forward.
"Looks cursed."
Lyra nodded.
"Definitely cursed."
Aria tilted her head.
"…But also powerful."
