The middle-aged man walked to the auction podium, bracing both hands on its surface. His gaze swept across all the guests below, a perfectly measured smile on his lips.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen."
His voice was loud and penetrating, echoing through the quiet hall. Even without a microphone, the guests in the last row could hear him clearly.
"Welcome to tonight's charity auction. I am tonight's auctioneer, Shigeru Nagano."
He gave a slight bow in greeting.
"There are forty-seven lots in tonight's auction, covering Evolution Stones, Pokémon items, rare Berries, high-potential Pokémon Eggs, and more. Every lot has undergone strict review by professional appraisers, and its quality is guaranteed. Please bid with confidence."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the hall.
"The rules are simple—raise your paddle to place a bid, and each increase must be no less than the stipulated amount. The highest final bidder wins."
"In addition," he added, the smile at his lips deepening, "all proceeds from tonight's auction will be donated to the Pokémon Rescue Foundation in the Hoenn Region, to help injured or stray Pokémon. So, your bids are not only for the lots you desire, but also contributions to a charitable cause."
A round of polite applause rose from the audience.
After the applause subsided, Shigeru Nagano picked up the gavel from the podium and lightly tapped it against the surface.
Thunk—
The crisp sound echoed through the hall.
"Then, the auction officially begins."
"The first lot—" He turned and pointed toward the side of the stage, where a staff member was pushing a small cart onto the platform.
The cart was covered in dark crimson velvet, concealing whatever lay beneath it.
The staff member stopped the cart beside the auction podium and lifted the velvet cloth—
A pure silver Antique Poké Ball