As the gigantic magical glass doors closed with a deep thud, the two maids quietly bowed and exited the room, their duties complete.
When they left, the enormous enchanted glass door closed behind them with a soft thud, sealing the room in silence.
Sunny leaned back, pouring himself a glass of chilled tequila. The crisp aroma of aged wine and polished oak filled the air, merging with the low hum of the grand auction hall below.
"Master, is the auction going to start soon?" Lilith asked lazily, lying on the couch with her back to the ceiling. She popped a handful of snacks into her mouth, legs swinging idly in the air.
"Yes," Sunny replied, savoring the drink's sharp flavor. His eyes remained fixed on the floor below through the enchanted glass.
Time passed quickly. Before they realized it, midnight had arrived.
A deep clang! echoed through the entire auction house — the sound of the ceremonial bell. The vibrations shook the walls, startling the few who had dozed off.
Lilith tilted her head curiously. "Mmm… Master, what was that?"
Sunny chuckled. "The auction bell. It means the games are about to begin." Adjusting the intricate mask over his face, he leaned forward.
The lights dimmed instantly, until the only illumination came from the auction platform — a pulsating blue glow that gave the hall an ethereal, almost divine atmosphere.
Then came a voice. Soft. Seductive. Commanding.
"May I have your attention, please?"
Every conversation died.
"Welcome, distinguished guests, to the second Black Moon Auction of the year," the woman continued. Her tone was refined — sweet enough to disarm, sharp enough to command obedience.
"I am Ella, your host for the evening. We are deeply honored by your presence. Without further delay, let us begin."
A man in a tuxedo wheeled out a cart draped in pristine white cloth. With a graceful gesture, Ella lifted her hand — and the cloth disintegrated into shimmering dust.
What remained on the cart drew a collective gasp.
A sword — easily four meters long — floated silently above the cart. Its blade was veined with pulsing dark energy, eyes embedded across its surface, each one blinking independently. A black mist coiled around it like a living shadow.
"This," Ella announced, "is the Immortal Sword of Corruption. Discovered deep within the Lost Plane of Dom, chained and sealed in the ruins of Vang. Legends say the one who wields it, and their summon, can transcend two minor ranks instantly while in combat."
The room erupted in whispers and gasps.
"And that is not all," Ella continued, a small smile curving her lips. "The sword can channel dark magic and be used by mages. A perfect artifact for those who dare to walk the path of power."
Her voice paused for effect. "The starting bid — four thousand Rubystones."
"Five thousand!"
"Seven thousand!"
"Twelve thousand Rubystones!"
The crowd turned sharply toward the bidder — but all faces were hidden behind enchanted masks.
"Going once, going twice—"
"Thirty thousand Rubystones."
The voice came from one of the VIP rooms. The entire hall fell silent. Even Ella's composure faltered for a brief second.
Inside one of the VIP suites, an elderly butler trembled, the tray in his hand shaking. "Young Lady," he whispered, bowing deeply. "Forgive my boldness, but such a bid… if the Mistress learns of this, she will be furious! I beg you to reconsider!"
Annabel only smiled, swirling the red wine in her glass. "You worry too much, Gux Ying. No one dares touch me — or your family."
She held out the empty glass, and the butler silently refilled it, his hands still trembling.
Back in Sunny's suite, he swirled his drink thoughtfully, eyes narrowing.
"Interesting," he murmured. "Even I wouldn't throw away thirty thousand Rubystones on a lost relic."
Ella cleared her throat on stage. "Thirty thousand Rubystones — going once, going twice… sold! Congratulations to our mysterious buyer. The sword will be delivered shortly."
Applause followed, and the tuxedoed attendant reappeared to collect the sword.
The auction continued. Item after item was unveiled — relics, weapons, artifacts, and curiosities. Each bid rose like a wave before crashing into silence as another item was sold.
"Master," Lilith said softly, her head resting on Sunny's lap. "Aren't you going to buy anything?"
He ran his fingers through her hair, eliciting a soft giggle. "Not yet. These are all glittering junk. Nothing worth my attention."
She smiled sleepily, while Sunny's eyes remained fixed on the stage, calculating. As one of the controlling shareholders of the Dark Web, he could see through the illusion of worth most bidders chased.
But not everything in the world appeared on the Dark Web — some treasures found their way into auctions like this, sold by those who didn't understand their true value.
And just when Sunny was about to lose interest and call it a night — the next item was brought out.