End of Auction: Claiming The Elemental Beast?

The small auction room was thick with tension as the bidding war for the Infernal Emberhawk raged on. As if that wasn't enough, the flames on the hawk also seemed to flicker fiercely, mirroring the intense competition.

"Nine million golden coins!" Nox shouted in a slightly shaky voice.

A collective gasp filled the hall, and for a moment, the hall fell into a brief, stunned silence. Nine million was a sum that not many could casually throw around.

However, another bidder shouted almost immediately, breaking the brief silence. "Nine point five million!"

"Damn these old monsters!" Nox clenched his fists, his palms already damp with sweat. His heart was pounding against his ribcage like a war drum. His eyes darted toward the hawk, which seemed to stare in his direction as well.