Pet acquired?

The resonance of a melodic voice reverberated inside Tony's mind, sending a shiver down his spine. He recognized the voice immediately, an unwelcome reminder of a power he dared not defy. Seraphina's influence had left an indelible mark on him, a haunting memory of the night when his squad had been mercilessly annihilated. The memory of his powerlessness in the face of her strength was a bitter pill to swallow.

"Bring me the item after the auction," the voice echoed, its command clear and undeniable. Tony's heart sank as he grappled with the weight of the directive. He knew better than to challenge Seraphina's authority, especially after learning of her affiliation with the formidable Rosevine Coven – a force that far surpassed his family's influence.

His thoughts swirled in a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. The risk of losing the coveted item to Seraphina was a daunting prospect, but the alternative – facing the wrath of his ruthless brother – was equally harrowing. Caught in this inescapable dilemma, Tony's resolve wavered, the weight of his predicament threatening to break him.

Amidst the turmoil of his thoughts, the auctioneer's melodic voice cut through the air once again, drawing his attention to the next item. The atmosphere shifted as the spotlight fell upon a magnificent display – a dragon core, a rare and powerful artifact coveted by cultivators far and wide.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, behold, a dragon core!" the auctioneer's declaration resonated with excitement. "This fresh core was procured by one of our esteemed experts from the main branch. Bidding will commence at 50 thousand coins, with at least 10 thousand increments."

Tony's internal conflict momentarily faded as he focused on the prospect of acquiring the dragon core. The allure of its potential, to enhance a cultivator's body cultivation by several levels, was tantalizing. He estimated this particular core to have originated from a young dragon, its effects promising but falling short of the immense power contained within an adult dragon core.

Driven by a mixture of determination and a desire to escape his current predicament, Tony's paddle shot up, his voice ringing out in the competitive atmosphere. "60 thousand!"

However, as the bidding unfolded, Tony's hopes were quickly dashed. The dragon core was a sought-after treasure, and the escalating bids soon soared beyond the limits of his financial reach. He watched in frustration as the numbers climbed higher and higher, the prize slipping through his fingers.

Frustration and resentment bubbled within him, directed at the turn of events that seemed to have spiraled since his encounter with the enigmatic woman, Seraphina. A growing belief that some sort of curse was at play gnawed at his thoughts, blaming her and her connection to the enigmatic Rosevine Coven for the misfortunes that had befallen him.

"Arg, why is everything going wrong since that cursed encounter!" Tony's inner monologue seethed with frustration. He had become convinced that Seraphina's presence had irrevocably altered his fate, casting a shadow over his once-confident ambitions.

With a final, resounding declaration, the auctioneer's voice signaled the culmination of the bidding war. "Sold, to the esteemed collector in Tony's gaze remained fixed on the dragon core, his mixed emotions simmering beneath the surface. He couldn't help but feel a pang of envy for the successful bidder.

The anticipation in the air was palpable as the auctioneer's voice once again commanded the attention of the gathered audience. The spotlight shifted to the center stage, where a new display was unveiled, shrouded in an air of mystery. Seraphina's gaze was drawn to the enigmatic item – an egg-shaped fossil, its surface adorned with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer and evoke a sense of awe.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed collectors and connoisseurs, prepare to be captivated by the Basilisk Ovum – an ancient fossil of unparalleled rarity and unknown value," the auctioneer declared, her voice ringing with a sense of wonder.

"The Basilisk Ovum is not merely an item of beauty, but a relic that offers a glimpse into the history of our world. This fossil is believed to be the remains of a basilisk egg, a creature of both awe and fear in myth and legend."

Seraphina's curiosity was piqued, her analytical mind already contemplating the implications of such a unique and rare artifact. The egg-shaped fossil seemed to hold an allure that transcended its physical appearance, promising insights into a creature that had long fascinated scholars and enthusiasts alike.

As the auctioneer continued to extol the virtues of the Basilisk Ovum, attendees exchanged intrigued glances, and speculative murmurs rippled through the hall. The aura of mystery surrounding the item only seemed to heighten its allure, drawing the attention of those who were driven by curiosity and a fascination for the unknown.

The auctioneer's words hung in the air, a tantalizing invitation to the attendees. "We will start the bidding for the Basilisk Ovum at twenty thousand coins. Do I hear twenty-five?"

Seraphina's unique cross-shaped pupils allowed her to perceive subtle details that escaped the notice of others. This led her to notice a faint, pulsating vital energy emanating from the surface of the ancient fossil.

'Wait, don't tell me this one is alive! Basilisk appear in the later stages of the novel, used by the Covenant to dominate many regions. If I could hatch it ... the novel mentioned the method, not quite detailed but it may just be possible for me!' Seraphina reckoned she could hatch one if given the right amount of time and resources. For now, she needed to acquire the egg.

"Fifty-five thousand," she declared, her tone a reflection of her determination.

The room seemed to hold its breath as Seraphina's bid resonated through the air. Attendees exchanged curious glances, their intrigue piqued by her insistence. The auctioneer's eyes held a spark of recognition as she acknowledged Seraphina's bid.

"Fifty-five thousand to the discerning bidder in the VIP section," the auctioneer announced, her voice tinged with a hint of excitement. "Do I hear sixty?"

Seraphina's gaze remained steady, her focus unwavering. She was prepared to go to great lengths to secure the Basilisk Ovum. Therefore she flared a bit of her aura, intimidating potential competitors.

The hall seemed to hold its collective breath as the auctioneer's voice rose once more, her words carrying the weight of anticipation. "Sold, to the mysterious VIP bidder for the remarkable price of seventy fifty-five thousand coins!"

A mixture of awe and intrigued murmurs filled the air as the Basilisk Ovum found its new owner. Seraphina's heart raced with a sense of exhilaration and the implication a basilisk pet had.