Celebration, Awards, and Auction

The grand hall of the Hunter Association was abuzz with energy as Hunters, participants, and notable figures gathered for the celebration and award ceremony. The hall, adorned with glittering chandeliers and banners bearing the Hunter Association's crest, exuded an air of prestige. The grandeur of the Hunter Association's banquet hall was unmatched. The room was alive with chatter, laughter, and the occasional clink of glasses as Hunters from across the region celebrated their achievements in the Hunter Team Tournament. Sirius, Luna, and Ron stood out among the crowd, the winners of the tournament. Their success had earned them the respect and admiration of seasoned Hunters, and tonight was their moment to shine.

The announcer's voice boomed through the hall as the champions were called to the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, let us welcome the winners of this year's tournament—Sirius Starblade, Luna Snowheart, and Ron Blackstone!"

The trio ascended the stage amid thunderous applause. Each was handed an elegant trophy, a symbol of their triumph. Finally, the announcer unveiled the grand prize: a Talent Crystal, its swirling energy captivating the audience.

Sirius accepted the crystal on behalf of the team, bowing slightly. He couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as the crowd cheered.

Leon's team and Sibling Dou's team were also called and given their prize. Teams that made it to the Top Ten were also given a million credits each. 

The ceremony transitioned into a lavish party. Sirius, Luna, and Ron mingled with other Hunters, many of whom congratulated them and inquired about their strategies.

"You three make quite the team," one Hunter said.

Luna smiled graciously. "It's all about trust and coordination."

Then Luna, holding a glass of sparkling juice, approached Sirius. "This is a lot more formal than I expected. Not that I'm complaining—it's nice to relax for a change."

Ron, already halfway through a plate of roasted beast meat, chuckled. "Relax? This is just another kind of battlefield. Look at all these teams sizing each other up."

Sirius smiled faintly. "True, but it's also an opportunity. Speaking of which, there's an auction after this. I have a plan to make some serious money."

Sirius left the party early to prepare for the auction. In his private suite at the Hunter Association, he summoned his Awakening Panel and activated his Predator Talent's Genesis ability. The glowing interface allowed him to create Skill Books and Talent Cards from the talents and skills he had acquired.

He focused his energy, producing the following items:

Skill Books

Lightning Cloak – Grants the ability to surround oneself with an armor of crackling lightning, enhancing speed and defense.

Thunderbolt – Summons a spear of lightning that can be hurled with devastating force.

Gale Foot – A movement skill that allows for incredible agility and wind-enhanced dashes.

Talent Cards

Lightning Strike (C) – Bestows the ability to channel and release powerful lightning attacks.

Stealth (C) – Grants the user the ability to move undetected for a limited duration.

Silent Steps (D) – Enhances one's ability to move without making a sound.

The glowing books and cards materialized before him, each one imbued with an aura of power. Sirius carefully packed them into a case and headed to the auction hall. He handed them to Auctionist. He then met with Luna and ROn and headed to the Auction Hall.

The auction hall was packed with Hunters and wealthy patrons eager to bid on rare treasures. The stage was set with items of all kinds: enchanted weapons, mystical artifacts, and rare beast eggs.

The bidding wars were fierce, with items fetching prices in the hundreds of thousands. But when Sirius's items were announced, the energy in the room shifted.

Sirius turned his attention to the items he wanted to acquire.

The auctioneer unveiled a set of four Beast Contract Scrolls, their parchment glowing faintly with runic inscriptions.

"These rare scrolls allow the user to form permanent contracts with spirit beasts, summoning them at will," the auctioneer explained.

Sirius bid aggressively, fending off challengers until he secured the set for 12 million credits.

Next, Sirius purchased a pair of Enchanted Gauntlets for Ron. These gauntlets enhanced strength-based talents and allowed their wearer to channel elemental energy. Along with the gauntlets, he acquired a massive, rune-engraved Battle Axe for 8 million credits.

Sirius also purchased a set of two Space Rings, small items that offered limited storage space. The set went for 3.5 million credits.

The auctioneer then held up the first Skill Book, Lightning Cloak, its electric glow drawing murmurs of excitement.

"An exceptional skill for any Hunter seeking speed and protection. Starting bid: 400,000 credits!"

The bidding was instant and aggressive, with multiple buyers raising the price in rapid succession.

Lightning Cloak sold for 1.2 million credits.

Thunderbolt fetched 1.1 million credits.

Gale Foot closed at 950,000 credits.

The crowd's excitement peaked when the Talent Cards were revealed.

"Next, we have a Lightning Strike Talent Card! Starting bid: 5 million credits!"

Gasps filled the room. Talent Cards were exceedingly rare, and their ability to grant talents made them invaluable.

Lightning Strike sold for 10.5 million credits.

Stealth went for 9.8 million credits.

Silent Steps reached 7.2 million credits.

By the end of the sale, Sirius had earned a staggering 10 million credits, an amount that left Luna and Ron in awe.

The final item of the night was an old, battered book titled Chaos Magic Art. Its leather cover was cracked, and its edges were frayed. Unlike the other treasures, it lacked any visible aura, and the room fell silent as it was presented.

"An ancient tome of unknown origin," the auctioneer said. "Starting bid: 5,000 credits."

No one moved. Most dismissed it as worthless, but Sirius felt an inexplicable pull toward the book. It resonated with him, as though it held secrets meant for him alone.

"I'll take it," Sirius said, raising his paddle.

"Sold to Sirius Starblade for 5,000 credits!"

Luna gave him a curious look as they left the hall. "What do you think is in that book?"

"I don't know," Sirius admitted, holding it tightly. "But I have a feeling it's important."

Back in their suite, Sirius, Luna, and Ron reviewed their new acquisitions. Ron tested his Enchanted Gauntlets, marveling at their power, while Sirius inspected the Beast Contract Scrolls, already planning which beasts he might bind to his service.

The battered Chaos Magic Art sat on the table, its presence oddly commanding despite its worn appearance.

"This is just the beginning," Sirius said, his voice filled with determination. "We have the tools, the skills, and the talent. Now, it's time to see how far we can go."

Their journey as Hunters was far from over, but with new resources and mysteries in hand, the future was brighter—and more unpredictable—than ever.