By now, the auction had run into the early hours of the morning.
With hundreds of lots, another auction could have gone on for seven days and nights.
Once the Mechanical Hand had been presented, some people thought the auction was finally over.
But no one left. The Pluton Pirates had yet to announce its end, and even those fighting sleep forced themselves to stay awake.
Sure enough, Aaron the auctioneer spoke again.
"Everyone, before the auction officially ends, there's one more thing."
Hades slowly rose from his seat and walked toward the stage.
His footsteps rang out in a steady rhythm, almost as though they held some magic. As they fell in time with everyone's heartbeat, the crowd's drowsiness gradually faded.
At the same time, everyone wondered what the Pluton Pirates were about to announce.
Hades himself had stepped forward.
The image on the giant projection screen changed.
It showed an ocean beneath the night sky.
In the distance, many noticed a speck of golden light.
The Den Den Mushi carrying the live broadcast seemed to be flying toward it. The sound of wind could be heard as it drew closer.
There seemed to be an island there. As the Den Den Mushi approached, the golden glow grew brighter and more striking.
At last, when it was about three kilometers from the island, everyone saw it.
A colossal pyramid-like structure rose like a pillar holding up the sky, blazing with golden neon against the boundless night. It was beyond compare.
It was a magnificent building, and the closer the view came, the more immense it appeared.
Its height alone was staggering. Onscreen, the surrounding buildings looked like ants beside it.
Then the view climbed to the pyramid's summit and turned, looking down over the entire island.
Some recognized it