Arc 6: Rise of the Mogul
Chapter 5: The VIP Auction
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The invitation arrived the next morning.
A sleek black envelope was delivered to Kai's penthouse, sealed with a golden insignia. No sender. No return address. Just a name.
The Orion Auction.
Yuna stood by the dining table, arms crossed, as Kai examined the letter. "I don't like this," she muttered. "Orion Auctions are underground, invite-only events. Even billionaires struggle to get in."
Kai smirked, flipping the envelope between his fingers. "Sounds like I'm making an impression."
"You don't just walk into these things," Yuna pressed. "They auction off anything—companies, land, priceless artifacts… even people."
Kai's eyes flickered with interest. "And that's exactly why I need to be there."
Yuna sighed, knowing she couldn't change his mind. "So what's the plan?"
Kai broke the seal, pulling out the invitation card.
"You are cordially invited to the Orion Auction, an exclusive gathering of the world's wealthiest and most powerful individuals. The night will feature rare and unparalleled opportunities. Only those with the means to shape the world may attend."
At the bottom, in elegant cursive, it read:
Minimum buy-in: 10 billion dollars.
Kai chuckled. "Looks like I'm going shopping."
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The Night of the Auction
The Orion Auction was held in a private estate on a secluded island, accessible only by personal invitation.
Kai arrived in a tailored black suit, exuding confidence as he stepped off his private jet. Isabella Laurent accompanied him, dressed in an elegant crimson gown.
"Why did you bring me?" Isabella asked, arching an eyebrow.
Kai smirked. "Because you hate Nexus as much as I do. And because I need a designer's eye for the real prizes tonight."
She scoffed but didn't argue.
As they approached the grand hall, a dozen of the richest and most powerful figures in the world milled about—CEOs, royalty, oil tycoons, arms dealers.
The air was thick with power, greed, and ambition.
A voice echoed through the hall as the auctioneer took the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Orion Auction. Tonight, we offer you the rarest assets, the most exclusive acquisitions… and, as always, an opportunity to reshape the world as you see fit."
Kai took a seat in the front row, Isabella beside him. The stakes were high—but that only made it more exciting.
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Round 1: The Corporate Buyout
The first few items were rare artifacts and luxury estates, but Kai didn't even blink. He wasn't here for art.
Then, the real game began.
A sleek tech startup appeared on the screen, valued at $15 billion dollars.
Victor Harrington, still bitter from his defeat at the poker table, raised his paddle. "15 billion."
Kai smirked. Time to mess with him.
"25 billion," he said casually.
Victor clenched his jaw. "30 billion."
Kai didn't even hesitate. "50."
The room went silent.
Victor glared at Kai but didn't counter. He knew he couldn't match that level of recklessness.
The auctioneer smiled. "Sold. To Mr. Kai Ashton."
Kai leaned back in his chair, victorious. He had just stolen a company Victor wanted—and humiliated him in front of the elite.
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Round 2: The Mystery Asset
Then, the next item appeared.
A black screen, no details. Just a title.
"Lot #21 – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity."
The auctioneer's voice lowered. "This is a confidential asset, available only to the boldest bidder. Starting at 20 billion."
Murmurs spread through the crowd. Even Isabella frowned. "What kind of deal doesn't even tell you what you're buying?"
Kai's pulse quickened. This was dangerous. And intriguing.
Victor leaned forward, clearly interested. "20 billion."
Kai smirked. He wasn't letting Victor win anything tonight.
"30 billion."
Victor scowled. "40."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "50."
Victor hesitated.
The auctioneer glanced around. "Going once… going twice…"
Victor clenched his fist. "55."
Kai smirked. He knew Victor's limit.
"100 billion."
The crowd gasped. Even Isabella's eyes widened.
Victor's face turned red. He couldn't match it.
The gavel slammed down. "Sold. To Mr. Kai Ashton."
Kai leaned back, satisfied. He had no idea what he had just bought.
But he knew it was important.
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The Reveal
After the auction ended, Kai was escorted to a private meeting room.
A woman stood waiting—a Nexus representative.
She smiled. "Congratulations, Mr. Ashton. You've just purchased classified Nexus intelligence."
Kai's smirk didn't fade. "Well, well. Looks like I just bought myself an advantage."
The woman placed a file on the table. "Inside is everything Nexus doesn't want the world to know. Their hidden accounts, secret facilities… even their biggest weaknesses."
Kai picked up the file, flipping it open.
A new war had just begun.
And he held all the cards.
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System Notification:
[Business Expansion Progress: 60%]
[New Mission Unlocked: Expose Nexus's Secrets – Choose How to Use the Information.]
Kai smirked.
This is going to be fun.
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End of Chapter 5.