"Wealth is also a weapon, if wielded correctly," Vikram said, weighing the bag of counterfeit dollars in his hand.
The bag contained hundreds of 'Primitive Gene Solutions.' The shapeshifter had amassed this fortune by looting weak hunters for months. Furthermore, Vikram still possessed the Life Crystal of that 'Elite Blue-Blood Spider,' which alone was enough to purchase a small city.
"Spell," Vikram looked at his gun-girl. "I need armor. Real armor."
Spell nodded in understanding. Using her mechanical powers, she dismantled the hideous armor made of counterfeit dollars and reshaped it to fit Vikram's physique. Vikram infused it with a trace of energy from the 'Origin-Source Gene.'
Consequently, the cheap armor transformed into a deep black and gold hue. A strange, ancient, and chilling aura radiated from it.
Now, he was ready.
Black-Rock Auction House
It was the most opulent building in 'Iron-Cliff City.' Everything was sold here, from slaves to rare gene weapons.
The city's most powerful people sat in the hall's VIP section. On one side sat Lady Scarlet, looking as dangerous as ever in her red dress. On the other side sat the city's ruler—The Duke. The Duke was a fat and cruel man, with two 'Mutant' bodyguards standing behind him.
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" The announcer stepped onto the stage. "Today's special auction item... a fallen noble possessing knowledge of ancient Gene Arts—Master Yu!"
An iron cage was brought onto the stage. Inside, Master Yu was bound in chains. He looked weak, but his eyes still held a sense of dignity.
"Bidding starts at—50,000 Origin Coins!"
"60,000!" Lady Scarlet called out immediately. She wanted Master Yu for her army.
"70,000!" The Duke laughed. "I need a new cook who can prepare Gene food."
The crowd laughed. It was humiliating.
The price kept rising. 100,000... 150,000...
When Scarlet said "200,000," a silence fell over the hall. It was a huge sum for a slave.
"200,000, going once... 200,000, going twice..." The announcer raised his gavel.
Just then, a heavy, mechanical voice echoed from the back door of the hall.
"500,000."
The entire hall was stunned. Every neck craned backward.
A figure stood at the entrance. Deep black armor with gold engravings. His face was covered by a mask bearing a single symbol—$ (Dollar).
A small mechanical girl (Spell) sat on his shoulder, her eyes glowing blue.
"Dollar?" Scarlet whispered. "What is he doing here?"
The Duke's face turned red with anger. "Who is this insulting me? 500,000? Do you even have that kind of money?"
Dollar (Vikram) walked slowly toward the VIP box. His gait held a glimpse of the 'Void Walk'—one moment he was here, and the very next moment, ten steps ahead.
He slammed a pouch onto the table. The pouch opened, and blue light spilled out.
"Elite... Elite Life Crystal!" a jeweler shouted. "And this purity... it's over 90%! This is worth at least one million coins!"
The Duke's mouth hung open. A strange glint appeared in Lady Scarlet's eyes.
"Does anyone else want to bid?" Dollar asked, looking directly into the Duke's eyes. The aura of his 'Origin-Source Gene' forced the Duke to shudder for a moment. The Duke felt as if he were staring into a bottomless abyss.
"No..." The Duke conceded. He didn't want to waste his fortune on a slave.
"Sold! For 500,000... to Lord Dollar!"
Vikram went to the stage. He didn't see the need to break the cage's lock. He took the key and unlocked it.
Master Yu looked up, astonished. He hadn't expected anyone to buy him for such a huge sum. When he saw the '$' sign on the armor, he couldn't make sense of it.
"Stand up," Dollar extended his hand.
Master Yu grasped Dollar's hand with trembling hands. As they touched, Vikram made a slight movement with his finger—a secret signal they had taught each other in the mine.
Master Yu's eyes widened. "Vikram? But this power... this money...?"
Vikram signaled him to stay quiet.
He turned to leave. But his path was blocked.
Lady Scarlet and her guards were standing in front.
"Wait, Mr. Dollar," Scarlet said with her seductive smile. "You've caused quite a stir in our city. First infiltrating my arena, and now this. Can we talk over a drink?"
It was a trap. Vikram knew that if he went, there was a risk of his true identity being revealed.
"Apologies, My Lady," Dollar said in a cold tone. "I do not like crowds."
"Then I will have to stop you," Scarlet signaled with her finger.
Laser grids activated from all four corners of the hall. Dollar and Master Yu were surrounded.
"Money can buy slaves," Scarlet said. "But for freedom... you need power."
Vikram smiled inside his armor. He had just obtained the 'Origin-Source Gene,' and he was desperate to test it.
"Power?" Vikram took a step forward.
He did not activate 'God Mode.' He only awakened his fifth secret gene.
Suddenly, the hall lights began to flicker. The shadow beneath Vikram's feet started to expand, as if the darkness itself had come alive.
"Spell," Vikram said. "Make a way."