The transparent glass enclosures resembled cages, imprisoning both freedom and hope.
The two captives stared at the masked audience with vacant gazes, their eyes long emptied of light, their expressions as numb as the walking dead.
Many attendees displayed considerable interest in the two individuals before them. However, because they were available only for trade rather than direct purchase, everyone hesitated. After a moment of contemplation, people began placing their bids one after another.
"B-rank Water Stone."
"A-rank Choice Band."
Jacob frowned as he observed the bidding unfold. Truth be told, he found himself genuinely interested in the two people displayed before him. If the price remained reasonable, he would be willing to acquire them.
After considerable deliberation, Jacob picked up a pen and paper, wrote down his offer, and instructed Sylvia to place the bid on his behalf.
"Are you certain about this?" Sylvia examined the note Jacob handed her, surprise evident in her voice.
Jacob gave a slight nod of confirmation.
"Alright, you're the one with the funds—you make the decisions." Sylvia took a deep breath, raised her bidding paddle, and announced clearly, "One Pidgeot Mega Stone."
Sylvia's bid seemed to cast a silencing effect across the entire venue, plunging it into absolute stillness.
Upon hearing Sylvia's offer, every person present turned toward Box 16 with peculiar expressions.
One Mega Stone for two slaves? Had this person lost their mind?
Mega Stones had been publicly released for less than half a year. Most people hadn't even laid eyes on a Mega Stone, let alone possessed one.
This was a Mega Stone! Such an item could serve as a treasured family heirloom for generations.
Jacob remained unconcerned by everyone's astonishment. He possessed two Pidgeot Mega Stones anyway, so parting with one wasn't particularly troubling. His only worry was whether a single Mega Stone would suffice to purchase these two individuals.
If anyone continued bidding, Jacob was prepared to offer one additional Dream Fruit at most. Anything beyond that simply wouldn't be worthwhile.
"A Mega... Stone?" The host's voice wavered slightly. "My apologies, but we must summon a professional appraiser to authenticate the Mega Stone."
Jacob nodded toward Sylvia in acknowledgment.
"Understood."
Shortly thereafter, the Underground Black Market's expert team entered the private box to conduct a thorough examination of the Pidgeot Mega Stone Jacob had provided.
"It appears to be... genuine."
Why "appears to be"? Because they hadn't encountered an authentic Mega Stone before either. However, the immense energy radiating from within this stone seemed impossible to fake.
Following the verification results, the auction resumed, but no one placed additional bids.
"The distinguished guest from Box 16 has offered one Mega Stone! Do we have any higher bids?"
"One Mega Stone, going once!"
"One Mega Stone, going twice!"
"One Mega Stone, sold!"
"Let us congratulate our mysterious guest from Box 16!"
After the auction concluded, Underground Black Market staff promptly delivered the items Jacob had purchased, and Jacob completed the transaction through payment.
The dark stone, the information regarding the Giant Pokémon, and the young pair were Jacob's acquisitions from this excursion.
Among these, the most crucial was undoubtedly the dark stone. Jacob carefully secured the dark stone, then inserted the USB drive containing the Giant Pokémon data into his laptop. He quickly reviewed the video footage and read the location details before immediately destroying the drive.
Finally, Jacob directed his attention toward the young pair. Their faces were caked with dirt, and their clothing hung in tatters. Clearly, they had endured significant hardship.
"What are your names?" Jacob inquired.
Upon hearing Jacob's question, their faces remained expressionless as they responded mechanically.
"Karl."
"Eve."
Observing their current state, Jacob frowned slightly, shook his head, and addressed Sylvia and Caleb. "Let's return. There's no need to visit the underground casino."
"Understood."
Jacob knew his conspicuous performance today had undoubtedly attracted unwanted attention. He proceeded to depart the underground facility at an unhurried pace.
Black Dragon City in the depths of night resembled a dormant dragon, the atmosphere heavy and oppressive, while stars shone brilliantly overhead like a magnificent celestial river.
Jacob and his four companions continued by vehicle toward a secluded suburban location, arriving at an open, uninhabited expanse.
Stop the car. Exit the vehicle.
Jacob lit a cigarette, took a slow, deliberate drag, and exhaled white smoke into the night air.
The cigarette's ember glowed faintly in the darkness. He couldn't recall precisely when he'd acquired this habit.
Gazing up at the starry sky, Jacob waited quietly for his pursuers to arrive.
Before long, sharp whistling sounds cut through the air as several large Flying-type Pokémon materialized overhead. The elderly man and young man from Box 3 appeared, accompanied by their bodyguards and the bound internet celebrity, Anna.
They descended before Jacob and his group. Observing Jacob's composed demeanor, an inexplicable sense of unease welled up within their hearts.
"You've finally arrived." As Jacob spoke, the old man's anxiety intensified. "I've been waiting for you for some time."
"You possess remarkable courage, daring to wait for us here. Surrender what you purchased at the auction, and I might consider leaving your corpse intact." The young man also marveled at Jacob's audacity—stopping his vehicle and waiting for them at this location.
Jacob's lips curved into a slight smile upon hearing the young man's words.
"An intact corpse?" He found himself genuinely curious about who had given this young man the confidence to make such arrogant declarations. Jacob's lips curved into a disdainful smile as he regarded the young man. "I happen to be rather defiant. Please, by all means, don't leave my corpse intact. I'd prefer to die in a more gruesome fashion."
Hearing Jacob's mocking response, the young man sneered. "You're courting death! Go, Tropius—use Razor Leaf!"
The Heavenly king-level Tropius materialized, its body erupting with emerald Grass-type energy. Countless slender leaves, sharp as blades, glowed with verdant light as they flew toward Jacob.
Watching Tropius's attack approach, Jacob didn't move a muscle. A Dark-type figure appeared before Jacob, and Dark-type energy surged forth, perfectly neutralizing Tropius's assault.
"Darkrai!" Everyone present reacted with shock, but before they could fully process this revelation, they observed Jacob discard his cigarette butt, crushing it beneath his heel, then reach up to loosen his necktie.
His suit had been restricting Jacob's movements uncomfortably. After addressing this, Jacob reached toward his waist and retrieved Gigantamax Lapras's Poké Ball. With a casual toss, the Poké Ball enlarged mid-air before bursting open.
Gigantamax Lapras emerged.
The moment Gigantamax Lapras materialized—its massive form resembling a colossal cruise ship—it radiated an overwhelming presence that exerted tremendous pressure on everyone present.