Valeris narrowed her eyes. "Spatial restructuring matrix. Impressive."
"As expected of World Heart City," Asher replied. "This place is designed for spectacle."
The Spiremaster stepped forward again, this time dressed in deep violet ceremonial robes, his earlier cheer replaced by a dignified calm.
"Welcome," he said, voice carrying to every corner of the transformed room. "To the World Auction."
Silence reigned. Every guest, no matter how aloof, was paying attention now.
"As many of you know," the Spiremaster continued, "each year, items of immeasurable worth—artifacts, techniques, materials—are recovered, uncovered, or awakened. Most never leave the faction that finds them. But some… come here."
The crystal hovering above the pedestal pulsed once.
"I present to you five items," he said, raising five fingers. "Only five. But each one is enough to start a war. Or end one."
Gasps spread around the room.
