Echoes of Impact

The bid had stalled at 50 million Lux, a stunned silence gripping the audience.

Then Nyra stepped forward.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she said, voice crisp and clear, "there's one more thing you should know. The NEAR V2 you're bidding on—runs for one full year on a single charge."

Shock rippled through the crowd like lightning. Cameras zoomed in. Whispers turned into chaotic chatter. On the bidding screen, numbers began to spike.

60 million Lux… 70… 80… 90...

Then it locked at 100 million Lux.

From the side of the stage, a large man stepped forward—broad-shouldered, heavily accessorized, dressed in a sharp obsidian suit. His badge read:

Barron VraxCEO – VraxWorks MegastructuresNet Worth: ~34 Billion Lux

He approached Nyra with measured confidence.

"If this bot can really build, like you say... then I'm ready to put real trust into it."

The crowd quieted.

"Here's my offer: Sell me two units now, at 100 million Lux each. In exchange, I'll provide land, construction material, and task blueprints. Let them build. If they prove themselves…"

"...I'll place an order for 20 more units at the same price."

The crowd erupted in murmurs. News reporters began live transmissions. Investors whispered behind folded tablets.

Backstage, Raen glanced at Saelyn, Nyra, Korin, and Lira. His expression shifted from disbelief to a confident smirk.

"That's... 2.2 billion Lux on the line."

Nyra turned back toward Vrax, her face unreadable but eyes blazing with calm fire.

"You'll have your two units. They'll build. They'll prove themselves. And after that, Mr. Vrax…"

She smiled.

"You won't just want 20—you'll want hundreds."

Vrax chuckled and extended his hand. "Then surprise me."

As they shook hands, Raen muttered quietly, almost to himself:

"We're not a robotics company anymore. We're the future of labor itself."