He led Ash through a side corridor, the walls shifting to reveal private viewing rooms where elite bidders lounged. The air grew richer, scented with rare incense, as they entered a plush chamber—shadow-silk cushions, holographic displays, a central table of polished obsidian.
"Present them all," the appraiser instructed, activating a recording array.
Ash obliged, releasing the full inventory in a controlled cascade. Thousands of items filled the room, hovering in organized tiers—Ultimate weapons glinting, Mythic armor shifting, Divine relics humming, Paragon peaks dominating the center like monarchs.
The appraiser's hands shook as he appraised, jade talisman glowing brighter with each scan.
"Un.... unprecedented," he muttered. "I must summon the higher-ups."
He tapped a talisman, and the room's aura shifted—powerful presences stirring beyond.
Minutes later, the doors opened.
