The voice sounded slightly indifferent, as if the speaker didn't care about the amount of money being discussed. It was nothing more than a cautious gamble.
When his offer was heard, many in the audience, particularly those seated on the first floor, turned to look at him as though he were some wealthy fool. Spending a hundred million Pokecoins on an item with unknown effects seemed reckless, even if it contained Smooth Rock—less than half of which was usable.
"One hundred million... one hundred and one million!" Just as everyone assumed Aoki had secured the bid, another voice cut through the silence.
Aoki's brow furrowed beneath his hood.
Does someone else recognize the Mega Stone?
Another bidder had emerged.
The murmurs in the crowd died down. People wondered if the item truly held value—after all, two bidders couldn't both be mistaken.
Aoki remained silent for a moment. If he raised the bid now, it would only draw more attention. The other bidder might just be testing the waters, seeing if anyone else recognized the stone's significance.
But now, the second bidder hesitated. No further offers came.
Did I just make a fool of myself?
Was the first bidder a Team Rocket plant?
Doubt swirled in his mind, and he wasn't alone—many in the audience likely shared the same suspicion.
"One hundred and one million… going once… going twice—"
"One hundred and twenty million!" Aoki spoke just as the auctioneer raised the gavel.
His concealed gaze locked onto the rival bidder, another figure seated in a private booth. If they countered again, Aoki would have to withdraw—drawing more attention now would be dangerous.
But if the other buyer won, Aoki would track them down afterward.
That Mega Stone…
It must be mine.
Even if force was necessary.
Yet the hesitation in the other bidder's silence told Aoki everything. They had already given up, relieved not to have wasted more money on a gamble.
For Aoki, the Riolu Egg had been a risk—but this Mega Stone? A guaranteed victory.
"One hundred and twenty million—sold! Congratulations once again to this gentleman!" The auctioneer remembered Aoki's seat number well—he had won multiple bids tonight.
Beneath his cloak, Aoki exhaled slowly.
If not for fear of drawing attention, he would have bid five hundred million without hesitation.
With the gavel's strike, the deal was sealed. As long as he could produce the funds, there would be no issue.
Worst case, he could reveal his identity. Few would dare withhold an item from him, not with Sakaki's influence backing him.
Should I report this to Boss Sakaki? Aoki mused. Leaving it unmentioned might leave a bad impression.
Sakaki might not care, but Aoki knew better than to take chances.
"And now, the final item of tonight's auction—the grand finale! I'm certain many of you have been waiting for this!"
The awkward second-to-last item had finally concluded, and the hostess was eager to move on. While the elite attendees might not have minded, the tension in the room had been palpable.
But now—the true finale.
Every occupant of the private rooms straightened in anticipation.
Powerful figures had gathered for this auction—even the likes of the Yulong family had arrived discreetly. And they weren't the only ones.
None wished to reveal themselves, of course.
Given their status, they already knew what the last item was.
But most of those seated below had no clue.
Aoki himself didn't know—but his curiosity was piqued.
That Dratini Egg could have easily been the finale. What could possibly surpass it?
In the Team Rocket-exclusive booth on the fourth floor, Apollo drained his glass of wine as the auction neared its end.
"Mr. Kuseloski, it seems your item has been claimed by someone else."
Kuseloski waved a hand dismissively. "Merely a test of luck. Truthfully, our institute still possesses several similar specimens—though their exact properties remain unknown."
Apollo nodded, rising to his feet. "We'll discuss the details later. For now, the final item requires my attention. Athena, Lance—entertain our guest."
With that, he strode out.
Athena and Lance exchanged glances.
Lately, Apollo had begun acting as though he commanded them.
Still, Kuseloski was a valuable contact. His combat suits were exceptional, and if Team Rocket mass-produced them, the four major legions would be the first to benefit.
Once outfitted, their forces would become significantly more formidable.
Though Team Rocket was currently lying low, war with the League was inevitable. Now was the time to prepare.
They trusted Sakaki wouldn't remain idle forever.
Soon, the auction hall's center stage.
The last item was wheeled out—this time, not escorted by a team, but by a single, elegantly composed figure.
Apollo himself.
The hostess bowed respectfully as he approached.
Every Team Rocket member in the hall snapped to attention, voices ringing in unison.
"Lord Apollo!"
Their discipline was unmistakable—these were clearly members of the Apollo Legion, one of Team Rocket's four elite divisions.
A deliberate show of force.
Apollo accepted the microphone with a smile.
"Thank you all for attending tonight's auction. I'm sure many of you are curious about our final offering. Without further delay—behold!"
With a flourish, he removed the red cloth covering the cart.
A single Poké Ball.
What could be rarer than an Extreme speed Dratini Egg?
Yet no one doubted the value of the Pokémon inside. Even without explanation, Apollo's presence alone signaled its worth.
His grin widened. Taking a deep breath, he announced:
"The Pokémon within this Poké Ball is none other than Moltres—one of the three legendary birds!"
The room erupted.
Even Aoki, who had remained composed throughout the night, shot to his feet in shock.