[The auction begins now!]
The holographic screen displayed the image of a painting portraying a woman taking a selfie with her cellphone.
Who would even want to buy something like tha-
"I want to buy it . . "
"Dan?"
"No, it's nothing. I won't be able to afford it anyway"
"If you want it then you should bid for it"
[Bidding officially opens now. To all prospective buyers, please place your bids using the screen in front of you]
"Besides, it looks like a simple artwork, I doubt it will cost much-"
[Starting bid of 8 million Crons!]
"Huh?"
[10 million Crons]
[11 million Crons]
[12 million Crons]
"Seriously?"
[15 millions Crons]
[The bid will end in 3. . 2. . 1]
[This item has been sold for 15 million Crons!]
Rune didn't know the value of Crons in this era but she assumed millions would be worth a lot.
"Dan, what can you buy with 15 million Crons?"
"Probably a penthouse at a Skyscraper"
"R-Really?"
The value of paintings should not be underestimated!
The next item looked like an old smartphone which sold for 20 million Crons.
20 million? I could buy a penthouse and go on a shopping spree with that kind of money.
I was tempted to auction my own phone.
After a few more items, the host announced the auction was nearing its end.
[And last but not the least. The final volume of the legendary series from the 21st century. .]
[The 10th volume of Shipping Wars!!]
The crowd had mixed reactions, some were in a frenzy while those without knowledge of the legendary book remained silent and confused.
[The starting bid is . . 10 million Crons!]
"10 million? Is Shipping Wars considered a legendary series?"
"I heard numerous issues arose during the serialization due to the chronic health condition of the author which led to frequent hiatus.
In addition, the disagreements between the publisher and printing company resulted in limited copies released for the final volumes, especially the 10th volume"
[20 million Crons]
[25 million Crons]
"25 million?!"
"It's an enormous amount of money but it's not enough. Just a bit more . ."
"What's wrong? That's the highest bid today"
"At least 5 more million"
The bid stopped at 25 million Crons and did not increase further.
Rune noticed Dan looked agitated even after gaining the highest bid among the auctioned items today.
[3 minutes left until the bidding closes]
Rune pulled out white rolled item from her bag.
"Dan, can we still add this item?"
"This is. . Alright, I'll go ask them now"
After Rune gave him the item, Dan hurriedly left the room.
[10]
[9]
[Our deepest apologies for the sudden interruption There was a sudden change in the auctioned item. In addition to volume 10, the item shown on your screens will be included in the winning bid]
The bidding extended for another minute.
[Dear Bidders, this is the last call! Please place your final bid now]
[5]
[4]
[3]
[2]
[1]
"[The Bidding has officially ended. The final bid is. .40 million Crons!]
40 million!? That's the highest bid today!!
[Congratulations to the winning bids! Thank you for joining today's Cyber Auction]
Life can be so unpredictable. I went from being broke yesterday to becoming a millionare the next day.
"Thanks for giving me that item, Rune. The bidding amount increased quite a lot"
"No problem. I thought adding a freebie poster would increase the bidding amount. But the amount was quite more than expected. Why do you need to raise such a large amount of money? Do you want me to lend it to you?"
"No, the money is all yours"
"Huh? Then why?"
"I have a favor to ask you"
The conversation was interrupted by a new message from the holographic screen requesting us to collect the money at the VIP Lounge.
The door suddenly opened then a medium sized white robot with wheels appeared.
We were guided to the VIP Lounge. The minimalist interior and the expensive-looking items on display exuded luxury.
The robot served a plate with an assortment of orange, pink and violet colored jelly cubes.
"What are these?"
Dan gestured me to be quiet. The two middle aged men entered the room and took a seat at our table.
"First of all, I would like to express our appreciation for choosing the Cyber Auction House to sell your item. Please proceed to review the contract displayed on the hologram in front of you and sign with your fingerprint"
I began to read the contract but. . I couldn't understand it at all.
Is this a new language or something?
Dan seemed to notice I was having trouble reading the contract. Wait a minute. Is he trying to trick me since he knew I can't read the contract?
He said he didn't need the money but still. . I hope he isn't planning to scam me.
When Dan finished reading the contract, he began to negotiate with the auctioneers.
"I would like to request access to the Palace in the Sky"
"What do you mean, sir?"
"I know it's possible to enter the Palace in the Sky if the consignor of the auctioned item receives more than 30 million Crons"
"We apologize however access to the Palace is strictly limited"
"Grant us access there in exchange for 4 million Crons including the 2 million service fee stipulated in the contract"
The eyes of the two auctioneers glistened and their tone shifted all of a sudden, treating us more politely.
Even after a century passed, people are still as greedy as ever.
"We will seek permission first and arrange your access to the Palace in the Sky. Once confirmed, we will contact you as soon as possible"
"Sure. Let's revise the contract first then you can keep the additional 2 million Crons as advanced payment"
"Understood. We will proceed to issue the payment. May we ask you to wear your smart glasses during the transfer?"
"I don't use smart glasses"
"Excuse me?"
Both auctioneers looked visibly surprised.
The negotiation finally came to a close. We were given free smart glasses and a physical card containing 36 million Crons. It feels surreal to have such a huge amount of money.
"Sorry, Rune. I'll pay you back for the additional 2 million Crons"
"It's alright. I just need money for food and lodging. I don't have the slightest idea what to buy here"
"Then would you like to go on a shopping spree in the 22nd Century?"
Well, that's an offer I can't refuse.