Chapter 268

Chapter 268: Out of Control

Someone wanted the ice-breaking technology?

Victoria immediately tensed up.

28,000 Crystal Coins – a reasonable final price showing the guest in box No. 9 was both experienced at auctions and skilled at mind games.

But why would they bid above the limit? Did they truly need the technique that badly, or were they after the same hidden secrets behind it like Victoria’s group?

The brilliant heavenly girl started rapid mental calculations until a warm hand touched her shoulder.

"Lord Blade?" She turned to face the black-haired youth who’d interrupted her thoughts.

"Don’t overcomplicate this," Midi said calmly. "Their motives don’t matter. We just need to win the bid."

Though unfamiliar with commercial trade, the genius commander knew one battlefield truth – when ambushed by unknown enemies, you strike back first and ask questions later. Survive first, analyze after victory. No hesitation in battle.

Victoria snapped to attention. Instead of puzzling over the rival bidder’s intentions, she needed to focus on securing the technology.

"30,000 Crystal Coins."

Midi’s voice cut through the auction hall as the dark elf auctioneer called the first confirmation. The new bid showed determination without recklessness – a rational increase rather than wild inflation.

If 28,000 was the "final price", then 30,000 became the "final final price". They could’ve spiked it to 100,000, but Midi refused. Excessive bids would make others suspect hidden value in the supposedly ordinary technology, attracting more bidders. Even if successful, they’d draw dangerous attention after leaving the secure auction house.

30,000 sent a clear message – "We want this tech at reasonable value, no games". But box No. 9’s response came swift and cold:

"40,000 Crystal Coins."

A low voice from box No. 9 abruptly raised the price by ten thousand. This wasn’t rational bidding anymore—it had become a blatant challenge. The message was clear: money meant nothing here.

Midi sighed, sensing the auction slipping into chaos, yet calmly countered, "Forty-two thousand Crystal Coins." He had ample funds too but wanted to secure the ice-breaking technology discreetly before things escalated. His measured two-thousand increase carried an unspoken plea for restraint.

The veteran bidder in box No.9 ignored this entirely. "Fifty thousand," came the reply—not even acknowledging Midi’s bid, simply adding another ten thousand to their own previous offer.

"Fifty-two thous—" Midi began.

"Sixty thousand," box No.9 cut in coldly.

The absurd sum cast an uneasy hush over the auction hall. Sharp-eyed buyers exchanged glances. Why bid so fiercely for basic ice-breaking techniques that barely improved Skyships? This felt more like a duel over Ice Blood Potion.

Victoria bit her lip. Though clever beyond her eighteen years, the tension of this invisible battle frayed her nerves. "What now?"

Midi gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. "Twenty thousand Crystal Coins."

His casual tone dropped like a boulder in still water. Gasps erupted across the hall, whispers piercing through privacy curtains. Even the unflappable dark elf auctioneer blurted, "Did… did you say *twenty thousand*?"

Bids were irreversible once spoken. An auctioneer questioning a bidder? Unheard of. Yet none blamed her—this wasn’t gold coins but Crystal Coins. Twenty thousand could fund an entire new Skyship fleet with crews. All that, wasted on filler-item technology?

Seasoned bidders reconstructed the battle silently. Box No.9’s reckless arrogance versus Midi’s calm restraint… until this explosion. Why?

"Fiery temper!" chuckled an old man’s voice from another box.

"Reveal yourself, mystery bidder!" purred a woman.

Comments rained down—mocking, curious, impressed—all targeting Midi, not the technology. Exactly as planned. A slow climb to twenty thousand would’ve raised suspicions. This wild leap? Pure personal drama. Let them think it a clash of egos, not hidden value.

Only one flaw: box No.9’s rage.

"Dare repeat that bid to my face?!" The voice thundered.

Rip! Box No.9’s curtain tore away like shattered wings, revealing a hulking figure stepping from shadows.