The auctioneer's flamboyant announcement echoed through the grand hall. "Here comes our first item!"
The accompanying drumroll and lively orchestra amplified the drama of the moment. The host, adorned in a peculiar star-shaped mask, twirled around, his arms wide open in a theatrical gesture as the curtains behind him parted to reveal a large cage.
"Does he really need to be so dramatic?" I muttered, bemused by the spectacle. But considering this was as much a show as it was an auction, the entertainment aspect made sense. Glancing at Seo, who seemed thoroughly captivated by the host's antics, I had to admit it added to the experience.
GROOAGHHHKKKK!!!!!
Suddenly, a loud, primal roar echoed through the hall, startling the audience. It sounded like a lion, but there was an unfamiliar undertone to it. The host made a grand leap and gestured toward the cage behind him.
"Tada! A baby tamed manticore!" he proclaimed with a wide, gleeful smile.
