Justin Hammer, A hero -300

The murmur of conversation and speculation drifted through the room, the attendees shifting slightly as they processed the events of the night. Each new item had increased their fascination, intensified their desire, and drawn their ambitions to the forefront. But the auctioneer sensed that, after the high-stakes battles for artifacts of immeasurable power, the crowd needed something more intimate—something that promised a deeply personal experience.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the auctioneer's voice cut through the hum, immediately commanding attention. "We come now to the second-to-last item of the night, one designed not merely for influence or power, but for an experience unlike any other." He gestured to his assistants, who brought forward a large leather-bound tome set atop an ornate podium. Its cover was well-worn, but an intricate pattern of gold leaf still gleamed faintly in the dim light. There was something otherworldly about it, as if it held secrets only whispered about in dreams.

"This," he announced, "is SAI-1230, or, as it's more commonly known, *A Hero is Born*." The room fell silent, the name itself an invitation to wonder. "At first glance, this book might appear unremarkable. But for those who dare to open it… it offers more than any mundane story."

Several of the guests leaned forward, curiosity sparked. Unlike the previous items, which were tools and talismans, this appeared to be something more subtle.

"The text within SAI-1230 changes each time it is read," the auctioneer continued, his tone dipping into a near-whisper. "Upon opening the book, the reader is transported—no, immersed—into a lucid dream. A dream tailored specifically to the reader's own ambitions, desires, and hidden fantasies. You will find yourself as the protagonist of an adventure, filled with allies and foes, quests and discoveries, crafted uniquely for you. This is no ordinary book; it is a key to an unforgettable world created by the depths of your own mind."

A ripple of intrigue passed through the crowd, expressions shifting from curiosity to captivation as they began to grasp the implications of the experience.

"What kind of 'adventure' does it provide?" Zhao Ming called out from the back, his eyes narrowing. The Chinese energy mogul wasn't known for indulging in sentiment, but even he could see the appeal of a deeply personal journey.

"The kind that draws from the very core of who you are," the auctioneer explained, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "This is no pre-written tale. It adapts to you, pulling from your innermost thoughts, reflecting your aspirations and even your fears. It's a lucid dream you control, yet one that unveils the unknown."

The room was hushed. Each of the elites present recognized that this item was unlike anything else sold tonight. It wasn't just a powerful tool—it was a chance for revelation, an intimate encounter with their own psyche, and an opportunity to live out a life otherwise unattainable in reality.

Tony Stark tilted his head thoughtfully, his curiosity piqued. For a man who lived his life in the public eye, SAI-1230's promise was an intriguing one. He could experience a new world, where the pressures and expectations of his name and legacy could be set aside, even if only for a night. It was a seductive prospect: freedom, wrapped in mystery.

Across the room, Evelyn Crawley's gaze had sharpened. Her own ambitions had left little room for personal indulgences, but this book hinted at more than a mere escape. To her, it was a glimpse into the unknown, an insight into her own path that might reveal new ways to maneuver in her world of power and influence.

The auctioneer, sensing the collective intrigue, allowed his words to sink in before he continued. "For those of you who are brave enough to delve into the depths of your own dreams, SAI-1230 offers an opportunity that transcends mere power—it offers self-discovery."

He paused, drawing out the tension, then smiled as he announced, "Let the bidding begin at five billion."

Silence reigned for a moment before Evelyn Crawley lifted her hand. "Seven billion," she called, her voice cool and controlled.

Vincent Blanc was quick to follow. "Ten billion," he said, his gaze fixed on the book with an almost reverent intensity. To him, SAI-1230 was the ultimate addition to his collection of mystique—an item that would not only expand his curiosity but let him live within it.

Tony glanced at Blanc, then raised his hand. "Fifteen billion."

The bids rose swiftly, the atmosphere charged with a different energy as each guest pondered not just what SAI-1230 could do for them, but who it might let them become.

Zhao Ming raised his hand once more, his expression contemplative. "Twenty billion."

The auctioneer nodded approvingly. "Twenty billion to Mr. Zhao," he announced, eyes sweeping the room to gauge the reactions of others.

For a few tense moments, the room was quiet, each guest considering the value of a journey that would be theirs and theirs alone. Then, with a steely resolve, Evelyn lifted her hand again.

"Thirty billion," she stated, a flicker of determination in her eyes.

This object was hardly as powerful as many that came before it, nor was it useful, it didn't seem to hold much value, but still people bid for it, the amount of money staggering.

Those that bid either did so because they found the object novel or because they saw something in it that others didn't.

Everyone could recognize that, yet they struggled to figure out what gave the book such value. Tony Stark felt the same, yet he had an advantage that others didn't, the ability to ask Jarvis for advice.

Tony leaned back slightly, his hand covering his watch as he murmured, "Jarvis, any thoughts on the significance of this book?"

Jarvis's voice, calm and precise, filled Tony's earpiece. "Sir, SAI-1230, or 'A Hero is Born,' operates as a lucid dreaming artifact. The experience it offers is highly immersive and tailored to its reader, accessing their subconscious to craft a unique narrative. While it lacks the practical application of other items auctioned tonight, its value lies in its ability to provide users with a tailor-made lucid dream."

"Yes, I get that part." Tony whispered back. "But what is the value of that?"

"I'm surprised you haven't figured it out yet sir." Jarvis couldn't help but note before continuing. "The value comes from the fact that it could be used to test things that normally couldn't be tested or maybe learn things. One example could be if you were to use it, you could potentially make it so the dream was about you inventing time travel, since you will apparently do so in the future, it is a way of testing theories without risk or cost."

Tony's eyes widened slightly as Jarvis's explanation sank in. Testing theories without risk… that was a game-changer. The idea of being able to explore technology or even predict outcomes in a controlled, lucid environment was intriguing. With the stakes of his own projects and the constant need to stay ahead of his competitors, a tool like SAI-1230 could offer a new layer of strategic advantage.

Tony glanced around the room, noticing others beginning to understand the possibilities as well. Across from him, Evelyn Crawley seemed to be considering something similar, her expression one of calculated ambition. For someone like her, with fingers in various power games, SAI-1230 could offer not just an escape but a means to run simulations for complex plans and potential alliances. The bidding began again with a sharper edge.

"Forty billion," Evelyn announced smoothly, her voice unwavering.

Vincent Blanc countered, his gaze fixed on the book with unyielding determination. "Fifty billion."

Tony watched them for a moment, then raised his hand once more. "Sixty billion," he said, a note of calm confidence in his tone. He met Evelyn's eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the significance they both saw in the book.

"Seventy billion," she replied without missing a beat.

The sharp rise in price shocked and surprised many, which only reenforced the idea that the book had some hidden great value they just hadn't figured out yet.

Justin Hammer, Tony's rival, had felt little desire for the book until now. But seeing that Tony of all people was going after it, he couldn't sit still anymore. He had already been thinking about bidding on the slug before but had restrained himself since he really couldn't find a use for it.

Even for him, spending that much money wasn't something he could do just to spite Tony. Now, however, he decided that it was time to show off his own wealth, and as for figuring out the book's value, that could wait. "One hundred billion!"

The room fell silent as Justin Hammer's voice rang out, his bold bid hitting like a shockwave. Heads turned, and for a moment, even Tony couldn't hide his surprise.

Tony really hadn't imagined that someone like Hammer would be able to figure out the worth of the book, but it seemed that even that fool had a few brain cells rattling around in his head.

With his usual smirk, Hammer basked in the attention, relishing in the surprise on Tony's face. "What's the matter, Stark?" he sneered, lifting his glass in a mock toast. "Didn't think I'd be interested in a little… dream book?"

Tony recovered quickly, his smirk returning as he met Hammer's gaze. "Oh, I'm just surprised you'd drop a hundred billion on something that involves using your imagination, Justin," he replied, his voice tinged with mockery.

Hammer's smug grin faltered just slightly, but he raised his hand higher, signaling his determination to hold onto his bid. "You're welcome to try, Stark. If you think you can afford it."

The auctioneer, watching the exchange with thinly veiled amusement, cleared his throat. "We have one hundred billion from Mr. Hammer. Do we have a counter?"

There was a moment of tense silence, then Evelyn Crawley leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with fierce ambition. "One hundred and twenty billion," she called, her voice cutting through the tension.

Hammer's expression soured, but he raised his hand almost immediately. "One hundred and fifty billion," he shot back, his eyes narrowing as he glanced between Evelyn and Tony.

Tony watched as Hammer's bravado sparked a ripple of bidding wars, driving the price to heights that exceeded even the most ambitious projections for the night. As the auctioneer looked around the room, he sensed that the crowd was reaching its breaking point. Yet Hammer, Crawley, and Vincent Blanc, each with their own motivations, continued to push the stakes.

Finally, with the bidding nearing two hundred billion, the auctioneer's gavel struck down, awarding A Hero is Born to Justin Hammer. Hammer leaned back, his face flushed with triumph, while Tony simply watched, a faint, calculating smile playing on his lips.

The auctioneer straightened, giving the room a moment to settle before addressing the audience once more.

"Now, esteemed guests, we have arrived at the final item of the night.