" A Wish Of Lazy Otaku"

18. "The Auction Starts: The Bidding Frenzy"

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" " Conversion or speech,

' ' thoughts,

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"Who in their right mind would believe that this product is real?" John whispered to his friend Mark, skepticism etched on his face.

Mark nodded in agreement. "I don't believe it either. But curiosity got the better of me, and I had to see it with my own eyes."

The murmurs in the common sitting area grew louder as more people gathered. Some were driven by curiosity like Mark, while others were afraid of missing out on a golden opportunity. 

If the product truly worked as claimed, those who hesitated would regret it immensely.

These individuals had spent enough time in the business circle to develop a special sense, an instinct that allowed them to discern between genuine opportunities and mere illusions. 

The brave ones who dared to believe stood a chance at success, while the hesitant ones would be left behind, their chances slipping away.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Aisa's voice rang out, capturing the attention of the crowd. 

"You need not worry about wasting your time here. In the unlikely event that the product fails to satisfy you, the supplier has taken full responsibility to refund your money tenfold. So, do not hesitate. Bid for the item, as we will be displaying only three today. The first buyer will even have the opportunity to use the product right here, in front of everyone. So, let go of your worries and take a leap of faith!"

As Aisa's speech unfolded, a smile formed on her lips. She could see the effect of her words on the crowd, their doubts slowly dissipating. 

To further reassure them, she emphasized the benefits they would receive, alleviating any concerns about wasting their time and money.

With a graceful entrance, a beautiful woman appeared, carrying a plate adorned with three small boxes, each containing one of the products. 

Placing them carefully in front of Aisa, she stepped back, her spot illuminated on the big screen behind her.

A hushed anticipation filled the air as the crowd fixed their gaze upon the displayed boxes. Their curiosity piqued, their imaginations ran wild with possibilities.

"Now then, ladies and gentlemen, let's unveil the products up close for you all," Aisa declared, placing the boxes in a prominent position that allowed everyone to see them on the large screen behind her.

"Behold our first item up for auction!" Aisa exclaimed, excitement lacing her words. With a deft motion, she opened one of the boxes, revealing its contents to the eager audience. 

Next to it lay a detailed paper, providing additional information for everyone to peruse.

The paper bore the title: The Energy Burst Drink. A perfect solution for those who tirelessly push themselves, often falling victim to illness or depleted energy reserves. 

This extraordinary beverage offered an immediate surge of vitality, keeping the consumer spirited throughout the day. When the effects eventually subsided, there would be no lingering discomfort. Ideal for salarymen and women who regularly face overtime demands.

"It rejuvenates the body, banishing fatigue and other minor ailments. However, it is strictly intended for individuals above the age of twenty, as younger consumers may experience temporary discomfort or even a light-headed, tipsy sensation," Aisa explained, ensuring that her audience understood the drink's limitations. 

She concluded her explanation, warning them explicitly to avoid any future complaints from ignorant individuals.

The atmosphere crackled with a mix of excitement and caution as Aisa's words lingered in the air. 

The crowd absorbed every detail, their anticipation growing as they yearned to experience the wonders of the Energy Burst Drink for themselves.

The bottle itself was a true work of art, meticulously crafted from crystal, its design reminiscent of a bygone era.

After allowing the information to sink in and giving the attendees a few moments to contemplate, Aisa surveyed the eager crowd, sensing the right time to proceed. 

With her heart brimming with excitement, she prepared to announce the beginning of the bidding process.

"Now that everyone is familiar with the details, let the bidding for this extraordinary product commence!" Aisa declared, her voice resonating through the room.

"Bang...!"

With a resounding thud of the hammer, Aisa initiated the auction. While hosting such an event was a new experience for her, her daily encounters with crowds had honed her skills, making her comfortable in this role.

"150,000 yen!" a shout erupted from the common area, the first bid breaking the silence. Like a pebble dropped in water, the ripples of bidding spread throughout the room, a war of offers exploding in intensity.

"160,000 yen!"

"170,000 yen!"

"190,000 yen!"

"200,000 yen!"

The bids escalated rapidly, the energy in the room reaching a fever pitch. The air was charged with anticipation as numbers flew from one bidder to another, each increasing the previous offer.

The bidding frenzy continued for half an hour, the room alive with the fervor of competition. But as the bids soared past the million-yen mark, the fervency began to wane. Sensing the fading enthusiasm, Aisa cast a final question to the crowd.

"So, is there anyone else who wishes to bid higher?" she inquired, her gaze sweeping across the room, searching for any last-minute contenders.

It wasn't that the attendees lacked the financial means to bid further, but rather their uncertainty about the true value of this enigmatic product. Doubt lingered in the air, causing hesitation in their actions.

"10 million yen!" a voice thundered, breaking the momentary silence. All eyes turned to the source of the bid, and a haggard and exhausted old man seated in the VIP area emitted a hearty laugh.

"Hahahah! If nobody wants it, then let this old man give it a try!" he exclaimed, his laughter tinged with weariness.

"Very well! If no one bids higher, this exceptional item has been won by the gentleman from VIP seating area," Aisa announced, concluding the bidding process. She extended her congratulations to the victor and beckoned him to the stage for a live demonstration.

"Hello, Mr. Toya!" Aisa greeted the old man with a warm nod and a gentle smile.

"Hmm! Thank you, Ms. Aisa, for this opportunity. Hahahah! This old man has been feeling tired lately due to overwork. I hope this product lives up to its claims. If it does, I would like to place an advance order," Mr. Toya responded, expressing gratitude and exchanging pleasantries with Aisa. 

His laughter served as a nervous release, betraying his underlying apprehension about the potential impact of these products on the future market.

With a jumble of thoughts in his mind, Mr. Toya shook his head, determined to focus. He rose from his seat and stood beside Aisa, facing the expectant crowd.

Aisa delicately presented the open box, unveiling the precious crystal bottle that held the coveted "Energy Burst Drink." 

She gingerly handed it to Mr. Toya, treating the delicate vessel as if it were a priceless treasure, cautious not to let any mishap befall it.

"Now it's your turn to try it, Mr. Toya! Everyone is eagerly awaiting your response," Aisa exclaimed, her eyes brimming with anticipation. She had already confirmed, with a mere glance, that the potion was not harmful and promised positive effects on human health. However, she had yet to witness its full potential, making this moment all the more thrilling.

"Okay!" Mr. Toya nodded in agreement, extending his hand to take the bottle while setting the box aside, passing it to the person who had been accompanying him.

"*Pop!!*"

In the hushed hall, the sound of a cork being released echoed throughout, capturing everyone's attention. Mr. Toya brought the bottle to his lips with a single hand, raising it towards his mouth.

*Gulp!!* *Gulp!!*

"Hey! Did it not work?" a voice from the crowd whispered, their words barely audible. Nevertheless, in the silence of the hall, those nearby caught the question.

The peanut gallery grew restless.

"What's happening? Did it have any effect? I can't see anything from here!" another voice exclaimed, breaking the silence with a touch of frustration.

"Perhaps it will take time for the effects to manifest!" a concerned onlooker chimed in, reminding the restless crowd to remain patient.

"Mr. Toya, do you feel any changes in your body?" an elderly gentleman from the VIP area called out, his voice resounding through the hall.

"Hmmm! I don't sense anything just yet," Mr. Toya replied, his own anticipation building as he waited for the elixir to take effect.

Then, a few seconds later.

"Ohhhh! What is this sensation?" Mr. Toya's body began to emit a faint glow, a shimmering light that seemed to emanate from within. Simultaneously, a transformation occurred within his body, infusing him with a surge of invigorating energy.

"Hahahahaha! This feels astonishing! Ohh! Incredible! I can hardly believe it actually worked. I'm brimming with vitality after drinking it. It's as if I've been transported back to my youthful days, and even after a full day's work, I won't feel an ounce of exhaustion! Hahahahaha!" The elated old man laughed heartily, his excitement contagious as he reveled in the renewed vigor coursing through his veins.

"Wow! So it's the real deal. Can I examine your body for a moment, Old man Toya, just to confirm?" The distinguished doctor stepped onto the stage mere minutes after witnessing the remarkable effects on Mr. Toya, his curiosity piqued.

"Hey! Who's that old man? Did you see it just now? Mr. Toya's body shimmered for a brief moment. I saw it!" a young man in the crowd exclaimed, rubbing his eyes in disbelief. His friend beside him followed suit, peering through squinted eyes and blinking, hoping to catch another glimpse of the magical spectacle.

"Hey! Ignorant dumbass, where have you been hiding? Don't you know who that is? This person is the renowned number one doctor from the capital city hospital, visiting our town for business. Ahhh! How fortunate we are to witness his presence today!" A man sitting two seats behind overheard the conversation, taking offense at the lack of recognition for the revered doctor, whom he idolized.

He began an impassioned monologue, extolling the doctor's greatness and explaining why he was so famous.

"Hey! You shithead, could you please shut up? I don't want to miss a word from Dr. Hirono!" another member of the crowd shouted, his voice dripping with anger, successfully silencing the man.

On the stage, Dr. Hirono carefully examined Mr. Toya for a few moments before reaching a conclusion. His eyes still held a glimmer of disbelief as he processed what was happening right before him.

"Hmmm! Your health condition is not merely good; it's as if you possess the health of two or three individuals combined within your body. It's unheard of. But seeing the evidence with my own eyes, I can confidently say that this product is the real deal." Dr. Hirono conducted a thorough assessment of Mr. Toya, measuring his pulse and monitoring his heartbeat. The doctor's experienced eyes found the results astonishing.

Having previously been acquainted with Mr. Toya's health condition due to his advanced age, Dr. Hirono knew that the elderly man frequently visited the Capital Hospital for check-ups. 

Over the years, Mr. Toya's body had gradually weakened due to his demanding schedule and occasional overexertion. This led to a gradual deterioration in his health, resulting in discomfort and difficulty in moving.

Dr. Hirono had witnessed Mr. Toya's declining condition before, which made the sudden transformation all the more miraculous. He could only conclude that the product was truly extraordinary.

"Hahaha! Dr. Hirono, I feel absolutely splendid. In fact, I've never felt this healthy before." Mr. Toya chuckled heartily, his hand warmly patting the doctor's shoulder, a testament to his appreciation and delight.

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