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In an instant, this in-game name caused an earth-shattering shock, as if a colossal meteorite had struck. The shockwaves reached beyond just the players; even ordinary individuals, irrespective of their background, were deeply stunned.

Typical players found their minds going blank in response. Purchasing Epic Equipment for an exorbitant 210 million seemed ludicrous, yet it actually occurred! Could that money not have been better spent elsewhere?

Nevertheless, it was spent on a single piece of Epic Equipment! Madness, pure madness. The player [Prodigal Master Of Huadu] was truly insane! Such an irrational act was beyond their comprehension.

Yet, some extremely wealthy players saw no issue, merely lamenting his fortune in seizing such an opportunity to show off. To them, Taurus’ 210 million expenditure was a superb bargain, given the advertisement’s effectiveness.

Countless players were tuned into this auction, after all. Moreover, spending 210 million on Equipment was unprecedented and certain to make headlines globally. By then, many would come to recognize [Prodigal Master Of Huadu].

The impact of this advertisement campaign was truly astonishing. Now, it was up to him to capitalize on it.

At the Linhnan server venue. Taurus stood up, drawing shocked gazes, and began to speak.

“I am Taurus Zhang, from the Huadu Zhang Family, Guild Master of [Death of Love], and CEO of [Emperor Flower Show], a Zhang Corporation subsidiary. I am thrilled to meet you all today. Even more exciting is my privilege in participating in the world’s first auction, successfully acquiring this Epic Sword.”

As he spoke, he pointed at [Windslash] on stage, a gleeful smile spreading across his face. It was evident that Taurus was already leveraging his surge in popularity. He was using it to promote his company and guild! Enhancing the value of his expenditure was always the wiser choice.

In the VVIP guest room, Yaeger rested her chin on her hand, her smile dazzling.

“Advertise all you want and rake in the cash. Soon enough, you’ll be coughing up every cent.”

Instead of a one-off deal, she preferred an indefinite fleecing. Only a stable income source could ensure consistent profits.

“He spouts so much nonsense,” Kastina remarked, leaning back against the sofa in dissatisfaction.
“Who cares about him? The money will be ours soon enough,” Yaeger said calmly.
“That’s true. We’ve made a lot of money today,” Kastina said, fidgeting joyfully with her curly blonde hair.
“Yes. We’ve gathered enough initial capital and can now move on to the next stage.”
“What’s the next stage?” Kastina asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Monopoly,” Yaeger responded with a calm smile.
“Huh? There are numerous underground auctions in Jade City. How can we establish a monopoly?”
“I plan to monopolize the materials. Starting tomorrow, we will sever all partnerships with the merchants and keep all the profits for ourselves,” Yaeger said indifferently.

They now had substantial capital and a fully functional auction house, giving them a significant advantage.

“Next, we will buy large quantities of specific materials and sell them at cost price, driving out the merchants and taking over the market.”

She didn’t intend to monopolize the entire market, just specific materials. Those materials were highly valuable to players. Once she controlled them, she would earn a fortune.

‘They had to use the market; otherwise, they would need to grind for the Empire’s Favorability.’

“Yes, I agree,” Kastina nodded.

It would be fantastic if they could monopolize the entire market. Unfortunately, their current financial power and influence made that impossible.

“The handover is starting,” Yaeger said, retracting her gaze from Kastina and looking down.

On the auction stage, Taurus walked like a celebrity, exuding elegance and swagger. It was clear he had practiced this beforehand.

Under the eager gazes of the crowd, the handover was successful. Money and goods were exchanged.

In the next moment, Taurus grabbed the hilt of the sword and shouted, “Ha!” He then pointed the sword toward the sky.

With that gesture, he resembled the legendary monarch of Britannia who pulled the holy sword from the stone, as if it was destined. S.K.Y. watched Taurus grandstanding on stage, his heart filled with bitterness.

‘It’s supposed to be me. Only I am the child of destiny!’

He clenched his fists tightly, his body trembling slightly, his eyes bloodshot.

After Taurus lowered the sword, the auctioneer promptly announced that the auction had officially concluded. However, the lingering excitement persisted. In fact, things were only heating up more in Jade City and in real life.

Yaeger and Kastina left the VVIP guest room and headed upstairs to take a breather.

“I actually kind of like this city and nation,” Yaeger said, her hands resting on the guardrail.
“Yes, I really like it too,” Kastina replied, placing her hand on the guardrail and leaning over to look at Yaeger.
“I thought you didn’t like it here.”
“How can someone dislike their own nation and city?” Kastina whispered, blinking.
“In my nation, some people dislike their own birthplace and hometown,” Yaeger said nonchalantly, looking down at the streets below.
“Why not? Is your nation at war?” Kastina asked, confused.

Yaeger shook her head.

“They probably think the moon is brighter overseas and prefer a prettier view.”
“I don’t understand that at all.”
“Me neither. If there was no other option, would anyone want to leave their home?” Yaeger replied.
“Do people in your nation often emigrate to other countries?” Kastina asked, surprised.

“Is that strange?”
“A little,” Kastina nodded, then pointed to a rabbit demi-human girl below. “These demi-humans are new immigrants to our Empire.”
“Yes, so?” Yaeger asked gently, following her gaze.
“They’re considered the lowest class here. They work the most menial jobs and face discrimination everywhere because they’re xenos.”

Kastina looked at Yaeger. “If they want to establish themselves, they have to work at least four times as hard as a citizen of our Empire. And even then, they’ll never reach the top in their lifetimes.”

“That’s really sad,” Yaeger said.
“Sad? I don’t think so. As xenos, they must know their place.”
“So, those not of my kind are not my allies?” Yaeger asked, looking at Kastina.
“Yes,” Kastina nodded.

“Is the discrimination against xenos in the city very severe?”
“Very much. Especially among the lower class. They feel like these xenos took the jobs that originally belonged to them,” Kastina explained.
“So, the xenos just accepted their fate?” Yaeger asked curiously.
“No. Who likes being discriminated against? They’ve been vocal in their objections.”
“True. Discrimination is bad.”

Hearing that, Kastina smiled meaningfully.

“They do oppose discrimination, but they also discriminate against others.”
“Huh?” Yaeger was puzzled.

How could the lowest group in the social hierarchy still discriminate against others?

“You outsiders are at the absolute bottom of the hierarchy,” Kastina explained.

Hearing this, Yaeger was momentarily speechless. It felt as if all the emotions she had just expressed were wasted.