The announcer's final words echoed in the silent amphitheater. Sealing their fate.
"You will, one by one, step forward. State your name. And describe your skills."
All eyes were on them. Hundreds of eyes. Thousands maybe.
The stares of the most powerful beings in this world felt like physical weight. A collection of sharp, analytical points pressing in from all sides. Measuring. Calculating. Pricing.
They weren't seeing people. They were seeing assets. Weapons. Tools to be cataloged and claimed.
The air was thick with the scent of power, wealth, and cold predatory ambition.
They stood on the central stage. A small isolated island surrounded by vultures. The luxury and peace of the camp now felt like a distant mocking dream.
This was their new reality. A gilded auction block.
Jin was the first to break the tense silence. He turned to Dante, his hand resting on his sword's hilt. His face showed grim uncertainty.
