Chapter 456 Everyone is here
“Thank you all for coming today. We’re especially happy to see so many new faces around, but of course, we’re also elated to see the old ones return. Allow me to inform and remind you all that it’s in your own interest to stay respectful and follow the rules of our auction.
“For the first timers among you, be aware that any bid you make will be binding. Should your group be unable to pay the full sum, we’ll have our own ways to get our money.” The man stated with a mischievous smile without elaborating.
It was a pretty brazen thing to do to start off an auction with a threat directed to everyone in the room, especially in a place filled with leading figures who all had massive egos, yet not a single one said anything.
“With that out of the way, I won’t bore you any longer. Let's give you all what you are here for and introduce our first items.” The man said and pointed to the side.
The headlight pointed to a staff member who rolled the first item in, a large crater box. Upon opening the box, there were a load of illegal melee weapons inside. Immediately, multiple gangs started to raise their paddles, bidding for them one by one. Even the No Land Gang showed off their interest, though not a single Tier-2 or Tier-1 gang paid it any attention.
Once the bid was over, the crate of weapons was rolled away, before another one was rolled in, though this time it contained ranged weapons with ammunition. The man on stage would explain what they did, while showing off their power a little bit. Firing a bolt, it hit a target and began to electrify it greatly.
After seeing a few ordinary Anti-Altered weapons, what surprised Kai was the next set of items. Because only a screen projector was brought out. On the screen, it showed images of land and the name of the city.
‘Oh…they're selling land and buildings from their cities to others. I didn’t know this was a thing. Hmmm, it's quite a good strategy for expanding. It will allow one to enter another city, without causing trouble and if a higher gang buys it, then it's also a sign of cooperation.’ Kai thought.
The building and land was being sold for a crazy amount, though, with the Tier-1 and 2 cities being the ones fighting over it. Although it was a quick way to make money, for a gang that wanted to rise like the Howlers it wasn't a good idea to invite others in, at least not if they wanted to purchase it back.
They would either have to pay more for it, or force them somehow to take it back.
“You seem to be lacking funds, young one.” The man next to Kai commented. “Your group has yet to bid on a single item. If you plan to keep your position and protect yourself, these items are valuable to have, you know.
“In a way, even this auction house is a battlefield. There will be those that are taking note of what others have bought and it is a way to show off your power.”
Kai already knew this so he didn’t engage the conversation with the No Land leader. Due to the way Gary had asked the gang to make money, their source of revenue, despite being the top gang of their town, was far less than what the Underdogs or even the Grey Elephants would have brought along.
They didn't extort the people, down to the breadline so they could gain higher profits, nor did they delve into extremely illegal things like Olivia had been doing. They still made a lot of money. But didn't have as much as the surrounding gangs.
‘If only the guy knew how many Anti-Altered weapons we still have left over from the Underdogs. Even better, we have three Werewolves, who might be even stronger than your average Altered.’ Kai smiled to himself.
“You think what I said was entertaining, was it?” The man asked, having misunderstood his gesture. “Let me help a fellow newcomer out. If you take off that mask, and show that pretty face of yours, then I will be happy to lend you some money so you can have a bit of fun with the grown-ups.”
Although Kai hadn’t been laughing at the person originally, he was doing so now as he turned his head towards him.
“You seem very interested in what lies underneath my mask,” Kai stated as he leaned towards the gang leader. “However, are you sure you can actually afford to pay the price? because it will cost you your entire city.”
The moment he said those words, Kai's eyes started to glow blue, narrowing slightly, making him resemble a predator looking at his prey. The gang leader felt shivers run through his entire body and shifted his attention to the auction once more.
The next item that had been brought out was another weapon, this time a sword although it looked different to the one in the first batch. It was one of the olden style weapons, looking as if it had been carved out of an animal, quite similar to those that they had seen in paintings.
‘These weapons…are they similar to what Damion’s axes or Olivia’s whip? I’m guessing these are what those more experienced Altered Hunters use as well.’ Kai thought.
Just as the auction started, people started to raise their paddles one after another. It was the most popular item that had been shown today and it made Kai believe his hunch was right.
That's when he felt a nudge from Innu. “Hey, are you seeing what I'm seeing?”
The black skinned teenager was pointing downward to the lower seats. One of the guests holding their paddle up, had a recognisable face.
“That’s… Blake Hunt.” Kai said in surprise, not having expected to see him here.
*****
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If you guys didn't know, I and owner Jin started Shrine, trying to create a platform for Western artists to create content in the Manga style.
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