The biology laboratory hummed with celestial static as twelve holographic sigils rotated above the central table, radiating blinding divine light.
"The bids are climbing past eight million astral credits in less than thirty seconds," the frost mage reported, staring at the cascading numbers on the main display.
"Twelve higher astral deities are placing simultaneous purchase claims on your soul contract."
"Look at the patron titles appearing on the celestial auction board," the dark-haired striker noted, crossing her arms with a cold scowl.
"The Sun Monarch of the Seventh Astral Court, the Iron Tyrant of the Abyssal Forge, and the Sovereign of Radiant Dawn."
"They consider our world an entertainment commodity and view human players as prize racehorses," the youth replied calmly, watching the numbers tick upward without blinking.
"They believe everything in the cosmos has a price tag."
