A slug -299

Norman Osborn's bid had turned every head in the room. He wasn't usually so open in his desires, but the intensity in his eyes made his motives clear. Osborn saw this fragment not just as a sample of indestructible biology but as a potential key to solving his own personal afflictions, the weaknesses that threatened both his health and legacy.

Tony's gaze shifted to Osborn, catching a glimpse of the man's desperation. He realized that for Osborn, this wasn't simply another weapon or piece of power—it was hope, a way to potentially overcome his own deteriorating genetic condition.

Brune, meanwhile, stayed silent. Having thought about Osborn, he didn't see any harm in letting him have this one. While most of the public was ignorant of the troubles plaguing his health, those of their bracket all knew about his problem. So trying to fight against him wasn't wise.

After all, once someone is desperate enough, they can do some rather reckless things. And while it was possible to make bids just to make him waste money, they wouldn't be earning them. And since no one knew who was behind this auction house, they were all unwilling to make an enemy of Norman for the benefit of strangers.

The auctioneer noted the room's silent agreement and, seeing no further bids, gave Osborn a respectful nod. "One hundred twenty billion, going once… twice…" The gavel fell with a decisive thunk, and the fragment was awarded to Osborn.

While everyone understood that Osborn would likely try and first use the sample to research a cure for his own illness, they also saw the potential that he would do more.

Those in the medical and medicine business were aware that he might branch out and be able to use this sample to unluck a multi cure-all drug or even something that would allow for rapid regeneration, something that could threaten their own wealth.

Yet, rather than fight Osborn now, they all silently came to the same conclusion, that it would be for the better to let Osborn carry out the research and then force him to share any benefits later on.

As for whatever or not, he could somehow unluck more than that, and gain access to the regenerative powers or the ability to endlessly evolve and adapt, that was something many were interested in, but once more, they could allow Osborn to shoulder the cost of the research, and if it showed potential, then they could always steal it for themselves.

Such was their world; everything looked great from the outside, but the people at the top had nothing if not greed for even more and a severe lack of morals keeping them from doing everything they wanted to get what they wanted.

With Norman Osborn's acquisition of the SAI-682 fragment stirring intrigue and silent calculations among the elite, the auctioneer sensed the room was ready for the next item. The previous bidding wars and astronomical prices had set an intense tone, but he knew that anticipation was only building with each subsequent piece.

He motioned subtly to his assistants, who wheeled forward the next item beneath a sleek black cover. The room's attention sharpened once again, each participant considering their remaining resources and ambitions as the auction progressed.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the auctioneer began with a polished smile, "our next offering is a piece of unparalleled elegance and influence—an artifact known as 'Lord Blackwood,' or SAI-1867." With a flourish, he lifted the cover, revealing an ornate glass tank, inside which a small yet strikingly sentient sea slug glided gracefully through the water.

A few confused murmurs circulated the room, as the sea slug appeared unremarkable at first glance. However, those who recognized the name exchanged glances of fascination and intrigue. Lord Blackwood was no ordinary sea slug—he carried a unique, cultivated personality and intelligence, capable of engaging his "owner" in conversations on topics ranging from high-stakes expeditions to intricate matters of diplomacy. For collectors and influential elites, Blackwood was an intellectual companion unlike any other.

The auctioneer leaned into the crowd, his voice taking on a tone of subtle reverence. "For those unacquainted with the legend of Lord Blackwood, know that this is not simply a creature; he is a scholar, a storyteller, an explorer of worlds both real and imagined. He possesses memories—though some might say 'constructs'—of journeys and encounters that would rival the most seasoned adventurers among us. He offers not only companionship but an endless well of insight and intelligence."

Tony tilted his head, intrigued despite himself. Lord Blackwood wasn't a tool or a weapon; he was something that transcended mere utility. The thought of owning such an eccentric yet valuable companion appealed to him more than he'd anticipated. Beside him, he noted Vincent Blanc's enthusiastic expression as well. An item like this was tailor-made for a collector like Blanc, who valued rarities and was as fascinated by mystique as by tangible artifacts.

The auctioneer continued, "Imagine, if you will, conversing with a creature who can recount tales of ancient lands, forgotten artifacts, and legendary figures. His insight may very well hold keys to lost knowledge—some of which might even be profitable in the right circles."

"How can all this be possible? A talking slug? How does he know these things? Is he a living proof of reincarnation? Who knows, perhaps you can find out if you make him ours." He added to the mystery before finally starting them off.

The room murmured with intrigue, as the auctioneer's words stoked the mystery surrounding Lord Blackwood, turning the strange sea slug into an enigmatic figure that any collector would be remiss to ignore. Even the more skeptical attendees found themselves drawn to the possibilities: a creature with the mind of an adventurer, the wisdom of a sage, and the potential to unlock secrets hidden from human reach.

"Let's begin the bidding, shall we?" the auctioneer announced smoothly. "We'll start at five billion."

To this item everyone was a lot more wary of bidding. The starting price was high, for most people it would be impossible to even join in, much less go higher. It was already five times greater than what Norman had gotten the jade ring for.

They had long since realized that they shouldn't have allowed him to get it so cheaply, they it was much too late for regret.

The items that came after were beyond amazing. They had the power to fulfill all one's wants and desires. It was indeed priceless, and any amount of money spent could be earned back with the item.

This one, its use wasn't very clear; a slug that could talk was interesting, no doubt, but what possible value it could have, they couldn't see.

Vincent Blanc, the eccentric art collector, was the first to break the silence. His fascination with all things unique and historical outweighed any skepticism about practical utility. With a gleam in his eye, he raised his hand.

"Five billion," Blanc called out, his voice carrying an almost reverent tone.

Gregori Forson watched the sea slug with a cautious curiosity. He understood that knowledge often held a power of its own, even if it wasn't immediately apparent. If this creature's tales could reveal hidden pathways, ancient wisdom, or even just clues to long-lost resources, it would be worth the investment. Raising his hand, he calmly countered, "Seven billion."

Tony observed the cautious back-and-forth, contemplating whether to get involved. While he found the concept of an intelligent, storytelling creature amusing, he was still gauging its true potential.

Yet, given that he hadn't been able to get anything yet and didn't want to leave the night with nothing, he, too, raised his hand. "Ten billion."

The ripple of interest grew subtly. Evelyn Crawley raised her hand as well, her mind already turning to how Lord Blackwood's knowledge could serve her family's diplomatic maneuvers and complex negotiations. "Twelve billion," she announced with a slight smile, giving Forson and Tony a knowing glance.

A chuckle escaped Vincent Blanc, who seemed more energized by the competitive spirit than deterred by the escalating bids. "Fifteen billion," he called out without hesitation, his enthusiasm filling the room with a renewed sense of intrigue.

Forson hesitated, visibly calculating. He knew this wasn't a tool for immediate profit, but the potential was still there. With a nod, he raised his bid to "Seventeen billion."

The auctioneer watched with interest, observing how these giants of industry and influence maneuvered around the slug's value. He let the tension build, understanding that each bid was a testament to the diverse motivations and visions within the room.

Tony gave a slight smirk, perhaps sensing the artifact was not quite what he'd been hoping for, but his curiosity had been piqued. He raised his hand once more, making it an even "Twenty billion."

Silence settled over the room as everyone waited, sensing that perhaps this bid had brought the others close to their limits. Blanc glanced at the others, his expression momentarily contemplative before he sat back, conceding this round. Forson and Crawley exchanged glances but ultimately decided not to raise their bids further, each mentally calculating the practical value of this intriguing creature.

The auctioneer's gaze swept over the room before he nodded, raising his gavel. "Twenty billion going once… twice…" The final thunk of the gavel sealed Tony's victory.

Tony allowed himself a faint smile as he accepted the win, even as he still questioned what this little creature might offer. Lord Blackwood was his, and he sensed that, if nothing else, he would have a unique companion for Javis.

As the assistants wheeled the sea slug's ornate tank away, the auctioneer prepared for the next item, knowing that with each sale, the stakes only grew higher. The crowd adjusted in their seats, and the air crackled with anticipation as the auction resumed, each guest keenly aware that the night still held untold surprises.