That Beyonder Weapon was merely the appetizer Hobart had prepared. Under normal circumstances, its value would have topped out at around 2,000 Gold Lire.
He had made it the first lot only because of its rarity.
But auctions were different, especially with these tycoons who did not care much about a few thousand Gold Lire. Once the atmosphere had been built up, they seemed more to be enjoying the bidding process itself.
The second lot was a Sequence 7 Interrogator's Extraordinary Characteristics.
Since members of the Royal Family were present, Hobart explained, "Everyone should know that George III of Loen has placed a bounty of 10,000 Pounds—12,000 Gold Lire—for my head.
"Many people who did not know their own limits wanted to earn that enormous bounty. In the end, none of them managed to leave my territory.
"The second lot is the contribution of a Mercenary Team from the Loen Kingdom: an Interrogator's Extraordinary Characteristics."
The nobles could barely look away. Both royal families maintained extremely strict control over the Extraordinary Characteristics of this pathway, and noble families often had only a single Middle Sequence Beyonder.
Whoever obtained this Extraordinary Characteristics would see their family's strength increase dramatically.
There were also some barons who had remained at Sequence 8 for several generations, forever searching for an opportunity to advance further.
Their gazes grew exceedingly fervent.
Seeing that he had fully drawn everyone's attention, Hobart immediately began the auction. "The starting price is 1,500 Gold Lire, with increments of 100 Gold Lire. The auction begins now!"
A baron said blandly, "1,800 Gold Lire!"
Hobart had not expected things to become so intense from the very start. "1,800! Going once for 1,800..."
Before he could finish, a viscount said just as calmly, "2,500!"
Hobart smiled. "This gentleman who understands its value has