*
Meanwhile, in a room on the third floor of the auction hall.
The atmosphere in the room was extremely oppressive.
A row of black-clad men stood neatly in formation, hunched over, heads bowed.
If you looked closely, you could see fine beads of cold sweat appearing on their foreheads.
Seated on the sofa in the center of the room was a young man.
His face was obscured by a black crescent-shaped mask, with golden patterns subtly adorning it, carved to resemble thorns.
Among the thorns bloomed a small flower.
The thorny flower symbolized the Colombo Family forging a Thorny Throne through blood and fire.
His legs were crossed, his posture tall and graceful.
In his right hand, he held a wine glass, with half a glass of wine remaining inside.
His left hand rested on the sofa beside him, fingertips unconsciously tapping on the unlit black screen.
The room was terrifyingly quiet; with each tap, the row of black-clad men grew ever more anxious.
