At Auction House under the Donquixote Family in Grove 1.
Like most auction houses, the inside had a stage for pre-show performances and displaying "products," followed by tiered seats farther out, with the entrance beyond them.
The auction house was already packed. The news that a mermaid was about to be auctioned had drawn a large crowd.
"Sorry to keep you all waiting."
The auction house was somewhat dim. Onstage, a staff member holding a microphone pressed one hand downward, signaling the bidders below to quiet down.
"The monthly GR-1 Human Auction is about to begin. And of course, today's host is..."
The staff member invited the auction's host onto the stage. Disco, dressed in gorgeous attire, stepped into the spotlight.
"Hello, everyone. We've prepared some high-quality slaves for you today as well. You're all very lucky today, because this hot item..."
After Disco rambled on for a few words, the auction began amid an enthusiastic atmosphere.
backstage, inside the cell holding the slaves, an old man with a head of white hair and rimless glasses sat with his eyes tightly shut.
"What... is going on?"
The white-haired old man opened his eyes, confusion showing in his gaze.
Outside the auction house, numerous Contractors hid in the shadows. They were waiting for the beginning of a "celebration."
Half a kilometer from the auction house, atop a towering mangrove at least a hundred meters high, Su Xiao lay on a branch. A piece of grass-green cloth covered him, while the Emperor of Extinction rested in front of him.
"How's the progress?"
Su Xiao spoke. A moment later, he received Bubu Wang's reply through the Team Channel. It contained only three words: "We're inside."
Bubu Wang meant that the mission target, the Celestial Dragon, had appeared.
The atmosphere inside the auction house