The young man sighed and set down his bidding paddle.
Four and a half million for an 85% quality Leaf Stone was indeed a little steep. He did not continue bidding.
Shigeru Nagano swept his gaze across the room, slowed his speech, and called out word by word, "Four and a half million, going once—"
"Four and a half million, going twice—"
"Four and a half million, going three times—"
The gavel fell with a crisp thud.
"Sold! Congratulations to this lady for winning Lot Number Eleven—the Leaf Stone—for four and a half million!"
Rika Yuzuki let out a breath of relief, the corners of her lips lifting slightly as a glimmer of satisfaction flashed in her eyes.
She leaned gently against the back of her chair, her fingers absentmindedly stroking the thorns atop the Roselia beside her.
"Rosi!"
Roselia seemed to sense her trainer's mood. She raised her head, rubbed it against Rika's palm, and let out a soft cry.
Yuma Kamiya looked at her, his voice calm and gentle. "Do you still have enough money? If you don't have enough for the Shiny Stone, just tell me."
"Okay, I understand." Rika smiled softly and nodded at Yuma.
Ryosuke Onodera watched the scene and shook his head with a smile, but said nothing.
His gaze returned to the auction stage as he waited for the next lot to appear.
The auction continued.
The twelfth lot was a Thunder Stone with 86% quality, starting at one million.
Several trainers specializing in Electric types competed for a few rounds before it was finally sold for 4.1 million.
The thirteenth lot was a Water Stone with 84% quality, starting at one million.
There were fewer bidders than for the Thunder Stone, but the competition remained fierce. It was ultimately won for 3.9