Haste!

Jack and his companions stepped into the dimly lit backstage area, leaving the auction's fervent chaos behind.

Here, the air carried a different kind of tension—the weight of whispered deals and silent negotiations. As their footsteps echoed on the polished stone floor, the auctioneer emerged from the shadows, his golden garment glinting under the sparse light.

His sharp eyes twinkled as they fixed on Jack.

"Ah, young master!" the auctioneer greeted with a wide smile, spreading his arms as if welcoming an old friend.

"What a performance! We could use more exceptional merchants like you in our establishment. But judging from your demeanor, you're not from around here—a pity."

Jack's expression remained unreadable, his tone cutting through the pleasantries.

"I'm not interested in any of that. Where are the rewards?"

Behind his calm façade, Jack's mind was racing.