I WAS The Rank–1 Hero-Chapter 134: Auction House [5]

In a world where power decides. What does a life cost?

Is it measured in coins? In status? In strength… or in silence?

I've seen people kill for gold.

I've seen the powerful toss lives aside like scraps.

But even then… I never thought I'd see a person sold like an item.

Not until now.

The cage slowly rose onto the stage, harsh lights casting jagged shadows across her pale skin and slight white hairs. She squinted, trying to shield her eyes with her shackled hands. Softly nibbling the cloth tied over her lips, she darted her gaze around in terror.

"…"

I went numb for a second. Staring at her tattered clothes, my mind struggled to process the sight.

'Zane…' Sera called out to me, her voice trembling. 'S-She's just a child.'

I clenched my fists.

A flood of questions raced through my mind about this little elf girl.

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Who she was, why she exist, how she ended up here, what kind fate world allowed this to happen.

But I chose to ignore them.

To me, nothing in this auction house mattered anymore.

Not after witnessing Sera's memories… her pain… her suffering.

I had made my decision.

"Are you alright?"

Ruby's voice came from beside me, it laced with worry.

I turned to her and asked without hesitation, my voice a little colder than before.

"How much money do you have?"

"Huh?"

Her eyes widened, she seemed surprised by the sudden question.

But once she met my gaze, she understood I was serious.

"If I include the two billion in cash and a few other holdings," she answered, "then I'm carrying around 2.3 billion in total."

I paused for a moment, and did some quick calculations, then nodded my head.

"That's plenty. I'll be borrowing it for today." I said, "You don't mind right?"

Ruby didn't look surprised.

She had already guessed my intention.

Crossing her arms, she turned her gaze to the elf girl on stage.

"You said she's an elf, I head that," she muttered, glancing at me from the corner of her eye.

"I don't know where that term came from or what it ment or how you know it… but I'm sure you're hiding something. Just like before."

She paused, then continued.

"But like I told you earlier… when you're ready to open up to me, I'll be here to listen.

And that's a promise from the girl who swore to stay by your side, no matter how harsh the world turns against you."

Her words… They weren't just a reminder. They were her trust, and I respect her equally.

I took a deep breath and calmed myself.

Looking into her eyes, I said softly, "Thank you."

Then, almost under my breath, I added,

"I'm glad I fell for you."

"..hm?" Ruby tilted her head.

"Did you say something?"

I gave a faint smile and shook my head.

"No."

The auctioneer stretched his arms wide as the lights dimmed down.

[What you are witnessing is… a miracle. A living being, unknown to us. It was first captured from the northern part of Pyrestone, near an old forest that separates the Demon Continent from ours.]

The cage's bars opened up, revealing the elven girl completely.

[Pale skin, unidentifiable blood composition, and those pointy ears. Our experts have concluded that it's a completely new species.]

The auctioneer continued.

[...Now then. The bidding starts at 50 million. Let the bid begin!]

Almost instantly, surrounding the stage and echoing from nearly every room, the bidding values flocked in.

[Oh? Number 65 bids 55 million—Oh?! 80 million! By bidder number 15! Ah! It's bidder number 33 this time, it's 70 million!]

Looking at the stage, I witnessed the bid value rise higher every second.

I was planning to bid too, but I was waiting for the right moment.

[Hm? What's this… Oh dear, ladies and gentlemen, number 15 this time has bid a whopping 100 million! Now, can anyone beat thi—Number 33 with 105 million! Insane! Number 15 and 33 are at each other's throats. It's only a matter of time before we see who can have this beautiful creature in their collection!]

The auctioneer laughed before proceeding.

[Can anyone beat 105 million? Once? Twi—Oh! We've got number 15 once more with 110 million! Will number 33 be willing to break the record?]

"Number 15?" I noticed again.

He was the one who bid the highest amount for the piece of meteorite.

There must be something this number 15 knows.

Another Authority holder?

I hurriedly disbanded the thought.

No way, the chances are very low. But it can be considered.

Focusing back on the auction, I watched the scene unfold, drifting my eyes to that elf girl in the cage.

Still terrified by all the bidding noises, the elf covered her ears in pain. Crouching down, she hid her face behind them.

'She looks so miserable,' Sera said in a weak tone, as if she would start crying at any moment.

Noticing Sera's anxiety, I assured her.

Don't worry. I will get her out of this hell.

Racing my fingers over the keyboard, I inputted my bidding amount.

Listening to the auctioneer, I placed my finger on the bid button.

[Number 33 just now bid 130 million. Is there anyone else willing to bid again? Number 15? Will you?]

He taunted.

[I dare you to bid higher!—Oh?! It's number 15 with a sum of 150 million! Insane!!]

—Beep Beep.

[...Hm?]

The screen on my table lit up, displaying two digits—77.

[Ummm… is this a mis...take…?]

He was flabbergasted.

[Number 77 just now b-bid a total of… 1 billion?!]

[A Billion!! That's the highest ever recorded in our history!]

Listening to the announcer's voice, the bidding stopped for a few seconds, as they were all now looking at the window of a specific room.

From inside that room, I looked at them, even the staff were astounded.

[Number 77 with 1 billion in total. Is anyone daring enough to go even high—]

—Beep Beep!

[It's bidder 15 again with 1.1 billion! Ladies and gentlemen, will there be anyone else willing to break the record?]

"...Haah!"

Who is this bastard?!