The underground auction hall resembled a cathedral built for greed.

Golden chandeliers hung from a ceiling lost in darkness, their warm light spilling across polished black marble and rows of crimson velvet seats. Expensive perfume mingled with the scent of aged liquor, while hidden intentions lingered beneath every polite smile. Crime lords, information brokers, corporate executives, mercenaries, and power brokers filled the chamber, their identities concealed behind ornate masks and carefully crafted reputations.

Tonight, they had all gathered for the same reason.

The final lot.

Upon the elevated stage, beneath the unforgiving glare of a single spotlight, stood User.

The atmosphere felt different.

Heavier.

Sharper.

As though the entire room was holding its breath.

Even among those accustomed to buying lives and selling destinies, this particular auction had attracted unusual attention.

The auctioneer spread his arms wide, his voice echoing across the grand chamber.

"Ladies and gentlemen... our final lot of the evening."

A murmur immediately swept through the audience.

The massive holographic display above the stage flickered to life, projecting figures and bidding information across the darkness. The opening price appeared.

Several paddles rose at once.

"Twenty million."

"Thirty million."

"Fifty million."

The numbers climbed relentlessly.

Without hesitation.

Without mercy.

The bidders fought with an intensity that bordered on desperation, as though losing this auction would cost them far more than money.

Then, suddenly—

A metallic flutter cut through the noise.

The sound was subtle.

Yet it silenced the room more effectively than a gunshot.

Heads turned upward.

A black crow emerged from the darkness above, gliding effortlessly through the golden light. For a brief moment it appeared ordinary, until the gleam of polished metal became visible beneath its feathers.

Mephisto.

The mechanical crow descended onto the balcony overlooking the auction floor.

Several faces visibly paled.

The room fell silent.

Because everyone knew what its presence meant.

Someone had arrived.

A private elevator slid open at the far end of the chamber, spilling warm golden light across the marble floor. Every conversation died instantly.

The figure who emerged moved without urgency, yet somehow commanded the attention of every person present. Silver hair gleamed beneath the chandeliers, framing sharp features that seemed carved from stone. Crimson eyes drifted lazily across the room, calm and unreadable, while his black tailored suit remained immaculate amidst the tension gripping the hall.

Sylus.

The name itself carried weight.

No announcement was necessary.

No introduction was needed.

The subtle shift in the room said enough. Several bidders lowered their gazes. Others straightened unconsciously in their seats. Even those who had never met him before immediately understood they were standing in the presence of someone dangerous.

Not because he demanded attention.

But because he simply possessed it.

Sylus stepped onto the balcony overlooking the stage, one gloved hand resting casually against the railing. His gaze drifted toward the holographic display, then toward the figure standing beneath the spotlight.

For several long moments, he said nothing.

His eyes lingered.

Studying.

Observing.

As though he had discovered a single misplaced piece within a puzzle no one else realized existed.

A faint smile touched his lips.

Not warmth.

Not kindness.

Interest.

The auctioneer swallowed visibly.

"W-Welcome, Mr. Sylus."

Silence answered him.

The entire room waited.

Then Sylus finally spoke.

"...Interesting."

His voice was low and calm, yet it carried effortlessly throughout the chamber.

The single word sent another ripple of unease through the audience.

The auctioneer forced a nervous laugh.

"Would you care to place a bid, Mr. Sylus?"

Sylus's gaze never left the stage.

A moment passed.

Then another.

Finally—

"One hundred million."

For a heartbeat, nobody reacted.

Then the entire hall erupted.

Whispers swept through the audience like a violent storm. Several bidders stared at Sylus as though questioning whether they had heard correctly, while others immediately lowered their paddles, abandoning the auction without hesitation. Even among the wealthy predators gathered within the chamber, a hundred million credits was enough to leave people speechless.

The auctioneer nearly dropped his tablet.

Nobody challenged the bid.

Nobody dared.

The countdown reached its end.

The gavel fell.

"Sold!"

The sharp crack echoed throughout the hall like the closing of a prison gate.

Yet Sylus showed no reaction.

No triumph.

No satisfaction.

Nothing.

As though spending one hundred million credits meant no more to him than ordering a drink.

His attention remained fixed upon the stage.

Upon User.

Upon the mystery he had just purchased.

Nearby, Luke's usual grin had disappeared. Even Kieran's calm expression carried the slightest hint of concern.

Because they had noticed it too.

Something wasn't right.

And whatever secret had drawn so many powerful organizations here tonight...

Now belonged to Sylus.

The auction hall slowly began to empty.

One by one, disappointed bidders disappeared into private elevators and hidden corridors, taking their frustrations with them. The spotlight above the stage dimmed, casting long shadows across the polished floor.

A metallic click echoed softly.

The restraints securing the final lot released.

Footsteps approached.

Luke stepped onto the stage first, hands tucked casually into his pockets.

"Well," he mused, glancing around the now-empty hall, "that was expensive."

Kieran followed behind him with considerably less enthusiasm.

"You say that every time."

"Because Boss-man keeps setting new records."

Despite the joke, neither twin looked amused.

They stopped before User.

Luke tilted his head.

"Congratulations."

A pause.

"Or condolences."

Kieran sighed.

"That wasn't helpful."

"I wasn't trying to be helpful."

Several Onychinus operatives emerged from the surrounding shadows. Their movements were quiet, disciplined, and precise. Within moments, every visible exit had been secured.

Not aggressively.

Simply efficiently.

The message was unmistakable.

There would be no leaving.

Not tonight.

Luke glanced toward a nearby corridor as a private elevator slid open once more.

Warm golden light spilled across the darkened auction hall.

Somewhere beyond that illuminated passage waited the man responsible for all of this.

The man feared throughout the N109 Zone.

The man powerful enough to make entire organizations retreat with a single bid.

The man who now wanted answers.

Luke gestured toward the open elevator.

"Boss wants to see you."

The smile on his face returned, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Trust me."

A brief pause.

"You're not really in a position to refuse."

Kieran adjusted his gloves.

"That wasn't a request."

The elevator doors remained open.

Waiting.

Above, beyond the golden corridor and countless layers of security, sat the most dangerous man in the building.

And for reasons known only to himself—

Sylus had decided that User was worth one hundred million credits.