In the dim underground space, a cheap magic stone lamp cast a faint, orange glow. Moss clung to the damp stone walls, and the air smelled of stagnant, rotting water.

This is an illegal auction venue deep beneath the Royal Capital. Customers with hoods pulled low sat sparsely on wooden benches, appraising the "merchandise" on stage.

Just after the previous item, a rare dragon egg, was sold for a high price after a heated bidding war. The lingering excitement still hung in the air.

In the midst of that, Guest, who had only recently been transported from another world, was dragged onto the stage.

The auctioneer looked down at the parchment catalog and read it out flatly.

"Next item: an Otherworlder. Captured immediately after transport. No magic, no special skills, no combat ability."

A subtle silence fell over the venue.

"Starting price: 0 Gold!"

The silence deepened further.

Not a single person raised their hand. Some even yawned boredly from behind their hoods. The auctioneer clicked his tongue, unable to hide his irritation, and raised his voice.

"It's 0 Gold! It's free! I don't care what you use it for! ...Is there no one?"

Still, not a single hand went up. The auctioneer let out a theatrical sigh.

"...Sigh, fine. It's a waste of money to keep it around. ...I know, I'll give it as a bonus to the gentleman who just bought the dragon. Use it as fodder or—"

At that moment, a hand went up in the corner of the venue.

It was a young man with his face hidden by a hood. Deep in the darkness, his purple eyes glinted slightly.