The atmosphere in the auction hall was electric.
Shouts of bids and the clinking of high-stakes deals filled the air, turning the space into a den of opulence, where the thrill of spending vast amounts of Jenny brought an intoxicating satisfaction to many.
Caught up in the fervent energy, some bidders couldn't help but let their emotions overtake reason, yelling out bids far beyond what they could afford.
Among the sea of flushed faces, only a select few remained calm. Battera and Gon's group, focused intently on securing Greed Island, stood apart. Similarly, Feitan and Phinks watched with impassive eyes, betraying none of their thoughts.
Elsewhere in the hall, Ronnel and Milluki seemed detached from the frenzy.
Ronnel, in particular, showed little interest in the items up for grabs. Milluki, however, appeared dejected—this rare outing had yielded nothing of value for him. The Zoldyck scion had only managed to enjoy a meal in Yorknew City before returning home empty-handed.
Yet, Milluki's stoic disposition reflected the typical Zoldyck mindset: if a goal or item was unattainable, he'd simply withdraw, leaving no lingering attachment. It was a trait shared by his father and great-grandfather, though exceptions existed—Killua being one of them.
The Auction spanned five days, from September 6th to 10th, with two sessions held daily. Among the most coveted items were seven copies of Greed Island, strategically scattered throughout the sessions.
As the morning auction drew to a close, anticipation reached its peak. The first copy of Greed Island was finally presented, eliciting a collective murmur of excitement.
Many in attendance, including power players privy to rumors of the game's treasures, joined the bidding frenzy. However, against Battera's unwavering resolve to acquire the game, their efforts were futile.
Even Milluki, with an expression resembling mild constipation, could only watch as Battera secured Greed Island.
With the auction concluded, Gon and Killua headed straight to Battera to undergo the screening process required to play the game.
Meanwhile, at a quieter corner of the venue, Phinks and Feitan observed from the shadows.
"A screening process, huh?" Phinks muttered, leaning against the wall. "Guess we're thieves, after all."
Feitan remained silent, listening as Gon and Battera negotiated terms.
"I was hoping we could just play," Phinks continued. "But with all this screening nonsense…"
Spotting Ronnel walking by, he called out, "Hey, want to join us?"
Ronnel shook his head, raising his phone with a casual smile. "No thanks. I've got another appointment. Catch you later."
Phinks adjusted his tie uncomfortably as Ronnel walked away.
"Zoldyck's second son?" he asked rhetorically, though Feitan had already begun walking toward the exit. With a shrug, Phinks followed.
Ronnel turned to see Milluki emerging from the hall, snapping his fingers in irritation as he mentally calculated his budget for the day.
"Excuse me," Ronnel greeted politely, stepping into Milluki's path.
"Huh?" Milluki blinked, looking up to see Ronnel smiling warmly.
"We spoke earlier. You invited me to lunch to discuss some matters, remember?"
Recognition dawned on Milluki's face, his expression shifting from confusion to delight.
"Ronnel?" he exclaimed. Stars practically sparkled in his eyes. "Wait, you're the same Ronnel who won the last Battle Olympia!?"
"Guilty as charged," Ronnel replied, amused by Milluki's enthusiasm.
"When Ickshonpe recommended you, I thought your name sounded familiar," Milluki continued, his words tumbling out in a rush. "I didn't expect it was you! I watched that entire tournament, you know. You were amazing! And thanks to my bets on you, I made a tidy profit, too."
Ronnel chuckled politely as Milluki went on, praising his strength and achievements. Though Milluki's exuberance was genuine, Ronnel knew better than to take it at face value.
The Zoldyck family was not known for their emotional transparency, and Milluki was no exception.
Still, the atmosphere between the two was cordial as Milluki waved a hand, inviting Ronnel to join him at a restaurant he'd picked out.
At a private room in a well-known steakhouse, plates of mouthwatering food adorned the table.
With a grin, Milluki poured Ronnel a glass of fruit wine, raising his own for a toast.
"Cheers," he said, his usual aloofness melting into a rare moment of camaraderie.
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