As soon as the bid was announced, a faint presence behind a heavy curtain on the third floor stirred slightly.
Bloodthorn Castle paused for a few moments, and the Swamp Clan remained silent, simply gesturing for the attendant to raise another round.
For a long time thereafter, only a few voices remained in the White Star Hall.
One number after another was raised, pressed down, and raised again by them.
When it reached thirty billion, even the attendees began leaning back in their chairs, ceasing to whisper.
At thirty-five billion, several elders seated on the first floor shook their heads.
At forty billion, Annabelle leaned slightly toward Duke and whispered, "Now the real contest begins."
Duke did not respond, for he fully understood what she meant.
For forces of this level, money no longer entirely determines the outcome.
Once a critical point is reached, each subsequent number becomes less significant than the previous billion.
