Hammer was speechless for a moment. As someone who had transmigrated, it felt oddly fitting. He just randomly picked an auction house, and it turned out to have that name.
What next? Would he have to say "Hail Hydra" the next time he came?
Forget it; he was tired, so let it be.
Led by an attendant, Hammer entered a VIP suite directly facing the auction floor.
The room was enclosed by massive one-way glass panels that completely blocked visibility from the outside, ensuring absolute privacy for every distinguished guest.
Luxurious décor, a wide variety of teas, snacks, fruits, premium cigars, and top-shelf alcohol, everything was meticulously prepared.
Hammer couldn't help but mutter, "Damn this wicked money-worshipping society."
But a second later, he gave in. Collapsing into a plush sofa, he let out an involuntary moan.
He'd been in this world for a year, and this was hands-down the most comfortable couch he'd ever sat on. No competition.
The attendant smiled subtly at the sight, then leaned in and discreetly whispered something to Hammer before leaving the room.
Having lived two lives, Hammer understood the implication perfectly.
'Oh, so if I'm interested, they can provide some "entertainment" here?'
'Tch, did they really think I hadn't "seen" the world before?'
Well... if he hadn't been drooling just a second ago, he might've sounded more convincing.
Soon, the auction officially began.
The vast hall was packed with guests, nobles, merchants, and even members of the Stanford royal family.
Like Hammer, they entered their own VIP suites.
"This Stanford Kingdom really lives up to its reputation as one of the top powers in the North Blue..."
Hammer watched the auction floor with satisfaction. He had full confidence in the two items he put up.
Today, Hammer would become a rich man!
Just the thought of it made him burst into laughter.
At that moment, a middle-aged man in a white tailcoat stepped slowly onto the stage.
He picked up a microphone, offered a welcoming smile, and bowed politely. Facing the excited crowd below, he said:
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the auction hosted by the Hydra Society."
"On behalf of the Hydra Society, I offer our warmest greetings to you all."
The attendees were either powerful figures or noble lords, and as soon as the auctioneer finished speaking, impatient shouts erupted:
"Enough with the formalities! Hurry up and start the damn auction!"
This blunt guy got a lot of support.
One after another, voices chimed in:
"Yeah, don't you know our time is precious? Get on with it!"
Despite the crowd's impatience, the auctioneer remained completely composed, smiling graciously.
"Well, since everyone's so eager… Let's begin this auction."
"Bring out the first item!"
With a wave of his hand, several staff members dressed in black carried a large chest onto the stage.
At the same time, all the lights in the auction hall were switched off, plunging the room into darkness.
A moment later, spotlights from all directions converged on the stage.
Under the spotlight, the chest was opened…
Inside was a beautifully crafted suit of armor.
"The first item in today's auction, a full-body armor forged by a famous blacksmith from the Grand Line! Inlaid with gold, this armor is not only visually stunning but also provides incredible protection. A perfect item to show off your status and prestige while traveling the seas."
"Its name: Mandai Golden Armor!"
Gold trimmings outlined every edge, dazzling and radiant, giving the armor a regal aura.
"Just imagine, wearing this golden armor, you'll be the brightest star on any street. Fame, fortune, and beauty will follow wherever you go!"
"What could be more captivating than gold?"
The auctioneer's impassioned pitch made it seem like missing out on this armor would be the regret of a lifetime.
"The starting bid is…"
He raised his arms dramatically:
The moment the words left his mouth, a well-built nobleman in an expensive suit shot to his feet, his eyes locked onto the golden armor.
His eyes locked on the golden armor. Without hesitation, he shouted:
"Oh? The eldest son of the Lumbi family? Pity, that golden armor is far beyond what a youngster like you can handle."
A deep, disdainful voice rang out from another corner.
It came from a broad-shouldered middle-aged man with short hair, radiating a fierce and commanding presence.
"10 million Berries."
This was Duren, Knight Commander of the Stanford Kingdom, known as The Beast.
Watching someone outbid him, the Lumbi heir's eyes flared with irritation.
Still, his noble upbringing kept him from lashing out. Instead, he raised his paddle once more.
"12 million Berries!"
The auction had only just begun, but the atmosphere was already heating up.
In the end, the suit of armor was taken by Knight Commander Duren.
After securing the armor, Duren shot a provocative glance at the young nobleman, causing the tension between the two to spike even more.
As everyone knows, in most auctions, the earlier items are usually of lesser value, while the later ones, the main attractions, are worth much more.
Hammer was inwardly stunned. The very first item had already sold for 20 million Berries.
'If the opening bids were already this high, how much would the final item go for? Tens of millions? Hundreds?'
For a moment, Iron Hammer was struck with emotion.
"Congratulations to Knight Commander Duren for claiming the Mandai Golden Armor for 20 million Berries!"
"Well then… let us proceed to the second item of today's auction!"
As the auctioneer's enthusiastic voice rang out, the black-clad staff appeared again.
This time, they wheeled in a large iron cage covered by a black cloth.
The moment the cage appeared, the crowd erupted in excitement.
The auctioneer was clearly pleased with the reaction.
He gently patted the cage.
"It seems our distinguished guests have already guessed what this is. In that case, I won't keep you in suspense."
"The second auction item is-"
With a dramatic flourish, the black cloth was pulled away.
Inside the cage sat a young girl, snow-white fur, delicate animal ears, and a tail curled around herself.
Hammer's face instantly darkened, and he muttered through gritted teeth:"A Mink Tribe girl..."
A crisp snapping sound rang out, Hammer had crushed something in his hand.
The Mink Tribe had been his favorite race in his past life, not just for their unique traits, but for warriors like Pedro, who had willingly given their lives for the retainers of the Kozuki Clan. That kind of loyalty was unmatched.
"An extremely rare race, a Snow Leopard Mink girl!"
The auctioneer's last word hadn't even finished echoing before the crowd of men erupted in shouts.
"Mine! I'm taking her home no matter what!"
"Back off, you lowlifes! She belongs to me!"
As Hammer watched the rabid bidding war below, an icy glint of killing intent flickered in his eyes.
He should've known. In a world like One Piece, how could such filthy transactions not exist?
His gaze locked onto the terrified Snow Leopard girl, trembling in her cage.
A resolute fire ignited in his heart.
The ring on his right hand began to pulse rapidly with light.