The auction's first phase unfolded almost exactly as everyone had expected. The moment the eight pieces of Medium Golden equipment were revealed, the atmosphere inside the Arena ignited. Excited murmurs spread through the crowd like wildfire, eyes locking onto the glowing items displayed on the auction platform. Yet in sharp contrast, the leaders of the major Guilds, seated comfortably in the front rows of the VIP Section, remained perfectly composed, watching in silence, as if the spectacle unfolding before them was no more than a formality.
It was the smaller Guilds and independent groups packed into the rear of the Arena who truly reacted. After a quick glance at the Wealth Leaderboard confirmed what they already feared, that they stood no chance of competing for the night's real prize, they shifted their focus without hesitation. This was their opportunity to strengthen themselves, and they lunged for it with everything they had.
"One hundred fifty thousand gold coins."
