POV: Global Livestream – Redemption Auction, Day Two
The holographic arena shimmered with gold and obsidian as the world's wealthiest gathered—hover-limousines docking, guards in chrome, silent elite with numbers pinned to their chests. The Redemption Auction was already the most-watched event in history. But no one expected what came next.
Chris—Blackwood 1—stood at the center of the stage. Clad in a robe woven with Blackwood-coded silk, his eyes surveyed the crowd with quiet domination.
The numbers 5 through 10 had already been sold.
Number 5i: Lady Irelia Blackwood, heir to the Tech-Arm Division — Purchased for 12 billion BC.
Number 6: General Valen of the Iron Dominion — 9 billion BC, military assets.
Number 7: CEO Damiroth, Galactic Traders Guild — 8.5 billion BC, liquid gold reserves.
Number 8: Actress-turned-CryptoQueen Lilith V — 8 billion BC, net worth backed by her film empire and coins.
Number 9: Lord Ivan Drax of the Aether Consortium — 7.4 billion BC, from the asteroid markets.
Number 10: Duchess Syra of Veyla — 7 billion BC, known for controlling the entire eastern food market.
Each had stepped forward, bled on stage, and had their number implanted in gold beneath the skin of their hand.
The crowd had been electric—until Chris raised his hand.
Silence.
> "Today," he said, "I open the unthinkable. I place Number 1… my own number, for auction."
Gasps exploded across the arena. Even Amara and Christiana rose to their feet.
> "I do this not because I am weak—but to remind you of power. Let's see who dares to bid for God's seat."
The entire empire froze.
Starting bid: 10 trillion Blackwood Currency.
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First Bidder:
Name: Harkon Vade
Net Worth: 38 Trillion BC
Source: Galactic Mining & AI Colonization
Bid: 11 Trillion BC
Second Bidder:
Name: Empress Lirenne of the Fallen Suns
Net Worth: 42 Trillion BC
Source: Solar Taxation & Energy
Bid: 13 Trillion BC
Third Bidder:
Name: Shadow Order (Unnamed Syndicate)
Net Worth: Unknown
Source: Rumored Multiverse Cartel
Bid: 15 Trillion BC
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Chaos broke out across screens, families pledging entire bloodlines to syndicates for loans, territories ready to sell continents for a chance.
Suddenly—
Chris spoke again.
> "This auction is not for your money. It is a trap. A test. And you have all failed."
The bids froze. Silence.
> "I remain Number 1. Eternal. Untouchable. Those who bid… are now under observation. Your ambitions… will cost you."
Shockwaves rippled through the elite. Chris smiled.
> "The price of power is not what you pay… it's what you're willing to pay."
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