The suspense that had been hanging over the Glasco Palace finally reached its breaking point.

The atmosphere was so tense that many people unconsciously found themselves gripping the armrests of their chairs, while countless viewers watching through the Skynet flooded the live chat with messages.

Some were begging Lara to end the Auction.

Others were begging someone...anyone...to make one final bid.

The comments rushed across the screen so quickly that they looked like a flowing river.

At that moment...

"GONE!!!!"

Lara’s voice exploded through the hall.

She raised her hand high into the air before tightening it into a fist.

Immediately, the stage erupted with small fireworks and streams of colorful smoke.

The sudden display caused cheers to spread throughout the Glasco Palace.

The representatives of The Eclipse who were seated together immediately reacted with excitement.

Several of them stood up.

Others laughed openly.

Even Anderson allowed himself a satisfied smile.

After all, they had just won a battle against countless companies, merchants, investors, and noble families.

The rights to the Phantom Rolls now belonged to them.

Applause spread throughout the hall.

The audience clapped enthusiastically.

Some were congratulating The Eclipse.

Others were applauding Ezra’s success.

Many simply appreciated being present to witness such an event.

Lara smiled brightly before turning toward the representatives of The Eclipse.

"I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to The Eclipse for winning the bid for the rights to the Phantom Rolls."

The representatives stood and bowed politely to the crowd.

Another round of applause followed.

Lara then turned toward Ezra.

Her expression softened slightly.

"And I would also like to congratulate you, the inventor of this beautiful creation."

She gestured toward the Phantom Rolls that remained illuminated beneath the stage lights.

"The profit you have gained today is something many inventors can only dream of achieving."

A smile appeared on her face.

"I wish you a bright future, and I hope we get to witness even more amazing creations from you."

The audience applauded once again.

Many eyes turned toward Ezra.

Yet as always...

His expression remained calm.

Almost unchanged.

"Thank you."

Ezra bowed politely.

His voice remained flat.

His posture remained composed.

But the simple gesture still earned approving nods from many people.

Then he turned and began walking toward the backstage area.

Meanwhile, Lara faced the audience once more.

"Well then, my fellow Britannians."

Her voice carried across the hall.

"I would like to thank every one of you for taking the time to attend this Auction Event."

She slowly swept her gaze across the massive crowd.

"Whether you joined us here inside the Glasco Palace or watched from home through the Skynet, we of the BNC Broadcasting Group are grateful for your support."

Her smile grew brighter.

"This event could not have happened without all of you."

She bowed respectfully.

The giant screens throughout the hall captured the moment perfectly.

"To everyone watching."

She straightened her posture.

"Thank you once again."

The crowd responded with loud applause.

Lara waved toward the broadcasting cameras.

"This is goodbye." She smiled professionally. "And until next time."

The cameras slowly zoomed out.

The orchestra began playing a closing melody.

The live broadcast ended.

And just like that...

The official Auction Event came to a close.

However, even though the program had ended, the Glasco Palace remained lively.

Guests moved throughout the hall.

Nobles greeted nobles.

Merchants exchanged cards.

Investors discussed future opportunities.

The representatives of The Eclipse became the center of attention.

Many people approached them personally to offer congratulations.

After all, winning the rights to the Phantom Rolls had instantly elevated their position in today’s event.

Meanwhile...

A different crowd had begun forming around Ezra.

Several investors.

Craftsmen.

Craft-Based Alchemists.

Researchers.

Even company representatives.

Many of them had no intention of leaving before speaking with him at least once.

"Your ideology behind the Phantom Rolls is truly an eye-opener to the world of craftsmanship."

A representative from Silver Wheels spoke respectfully.

The man extended his hand.

Ezra shook it.

"Thank you."

He gave a slight bow.

Nearby, a female scholar adjusted her glasses before speaking.

"I honestly didn’t expect you to prepare separate presentation slides for questions that hadn’t even been asked yet."

She laughed softly.

"That was an incredibly smart move."

Several people around her nodded in agreement.

Many of them had been shocked when Ezra revealed prepared answers during the Scholar’s Bombardment.

The strategy had practically controlled the direction of the questioning.

"I simply made a lucky guess."

Ezra replied calmly.

"And everything happened to work in my favor."

The people around him laughed.

Some shook their heads.

Others clearly didn’t believe him.

"Luck is also a skill."

The Silver Wheels representative replied.

His tone carried genuine admiration.

"You should seriously consider accepting a contract in the future."

He smiled.

"Even though you’ve sold the rights to your first invention, I doubt this will be your last."

Several people immediately agreed.

The success of the Phantom Rolls had convinced many that Ezra possessed far more potential than he was currently showing.

At that moment...

A Low-Ember Noble stepped forward.

His elegant coat bore the insignia of a respected noble family.

"I agree."

He smiled.

"You’re still young. With the right support, you could accomplish even greater things."

Ezra looked at him.

"I want to focus on my performance in the Royal Academy without distractions."

His answer came immediately.

The noble blinked, then laughed lightly.

"Is that so?"

He stroked his chin.

"Well, that isn’t a bad goal either."

Before the conversation could continue...

"Excuse me, Mr. Ezra."

A BNC staff member approached from behind.

He bowed respectfully toward the nobles and company representatives surrounding Ezra.

Then he leaned slightly closer.

"The preparations for the transaction are complete."

His voice was low, only Ezra could hear clearly.

Ezra nodded.

"I understand."

He turned toward the group.

"I have to leave now."

He bowed politely.

The others smiled.

"Take care."

The Silver Wheels representative waved.

"Congratulations again."

The female scholar smiled.

"Good luck at the Royal Academy."

The Low-Ember Noble added.

Ezra acknowledged them with a nod before following the staff member away from the crowd.

He followed the staff member through the backstage corridors of the Glasco Palace.

The noise of the celebration gradually faded behind him as they moved deeper into the restricted area reserved for important guests and business transactions.

Several guards stood along the hallways.

Their sharp gazes swept across everyone that passed.

Some wore the insignia of BNC Broadcasting Group, while others belonged to private security teams hired by the companies participating in the Auction.

After walking for a short while, the staff member stopped in front of a polished wooden door.

He knocked lightly.

A voice sounded from inside.

"Come in."

The staff member pushed the door open.

Ezra entered.

Inside the room, the representatives of The Eclipse were already waiting.

Anderson sat at the center of the room with several executives beside him.

The atmosphere was much calmer than the excitement outside.

This was where business was properly concluded.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting."

Ezra bowed politely.

"It’s fine."

Anderson waved his hand casually.

A smile remained on his face.

Compared to before the Auction, he appeared to be in an exceptionally good mood.

After all, The Eclipse had successfully secured the rights to the Phantom Rolls.

"Let’s get the transaction started."

Park clapped his hands together with a pleasant smile.

Immediately, one of the BNC staff members stepped forward carrying a tablet-sized glass device.

The device was thin and transparent.

Its surface glowed faintly with blue alchemy patterns.

Two card slots were positioned on opposite sides.

The staff member carefully placed the device on the center table.

Anderson immediately took out his Finance Card and inserted it into the first slot.

Ezra followed shortly after and inserted his own Finance Card into the second slot.

The moment both cards were connected...

The glass tablet lit up.

A soft blue glow spread across its surface, then a holographic interface materialized above it.

Several transaction windows appeared.

Account verification.

Identity confirmation.

Rights transfer verification.

Payment authorization.

Every step was displayed clearly.

The amount being transferred alone would have made many ordinary citizens dizzy.

Park moved his fingers across the holographic interface.

Several windows shifted.

A few confirmation seals appeared.

After confirming everything was correct, he pushed the tablet toward Anderson.

"Please enter your authorization print."

Anderson nodded.

He placed his thumb onto the glowing interface.

Once he finished...

A loading icon appeared.

The room became quiet.

Everyone watched.

A few seconds later...

The loading icon disappeared.

A large green checkmark appeared.

Immediately afterward, the blue light illuminating the tablet shifted into a bright green color.

Transaction Successful.

The words appeared clearly.

The transfer was complete.

The rights to the Phantom Rolls now officially belonged to The Eclipse.

Both parties removed their Finance Cards.

Ezra calmly returned his card to his space bag, then he took out a thick stack of organized documents.

The stack contained everything.

Every schematic.

Every Alchemy Circle conversion.

Every theory.

Every design note.

Every formula.

Every explanation regarding the creation of the Phantom Rolls.

Days of effort.

Days of planning.

Days of work.

All contained within those documents.

Ezra placed them on the table.

Anderson’s eyes immediately landed on them.

A female executive seated beside him carefully received the documents.

Her movements became noticeably gentler.

Almost as if she was handling a precious treasure.

After checking that everything was complete, she stored the documents inside her Space Bag.

Only then did everyone visibly relax.

"Alright."

Park stood up from his seat.

A smile appeared on his face.

"I believe that concludes everything."

He walked around the table.

One by one, he shook hands with the members of The Eclipse.

The executives returned the gesture politely.

Afterward, Park headed toward the door.

Ezra also stood up.

The transaction was complete.

There was no longer any reason for him to stay.

However...

"Ezra Ashenlocke."

Anderson suddenly called his name.

Ezra paused, then turned around.

His black eyes landed on Anderson.

The room became quiet again.

"I know you said you aren’t interested in contract offers."

Anderson folded his hands together.

"And I respect that decision."

His tone was sincere.

There was no disappointment in his voice.

Only admiration.

"Because of that, I would like to make a different offer."

He glanced at the other executives.

The members of The Eclipse immediately nodded.

Clearly, this wasn’t a decision Anderson had made alone.

It was something they had already discussed.

"What offer is that?"

Ezra asked.

His expression remained blank while his voice remained flat.

Anderson smiled.

"I want The Eclipse and you to maintain a good relationship."

He spoke honestly.

"Your talent is truly remarkable within the field of craftsmanship."

His eyes carried genuine appreciation.

"To be honest, I believe that if you continue down this path, you could eventually become one of Britannia’s greatest craftsmen."

The praise caused several executives to nod.

They had all witnessed Ezra’s performance today.

His invention.

His preparation.

His confidence.

His strategic thinking.

All of it was far beyond what they expected from a thirteen-year-old who was about to clock fourteen.

"That is why..."

Anderson reached into his coat.

He pulled out a black card.

The Eclipse crest was engraved beautifully on its surface.

Golden lines spread across the card like flowing rivers.

"I would like to recognize you as a friend of The Eclipse."

He handed the card toward Ezra.

"And an exclusive permanent guest of our company."

Several executives smiled proudly.

Even among The Eclipse, very few people possessed such status.

"This card has only been granted to major members of the Royal Family, Dukes, and a handful of influential individuals throughout Britannia."

Anderson explained patiently.

"With it, you may enter any branch of The Eclipse."

He paused.

"Even our Headquarters."

His smile widened slightly.

"And wherever you go, you will receive the highest level of hospitality we can provide."

For the first time...

Ezra was genuinely surprised.

Of course...

His face barely showed it.

But inwardly, he hadn’t expected this development.

This is surprising.

The thought appeared naturally.

"Thank you for seeing value in me."

Ezra bowed politely, then accepted the card.

The moment his fingers touched the black surface...

A sharp sting suddenly came from his thumb.

It was brief.

Almost like being pricked by a needle.

Ezra didn’t react.

He simply looked down.

A golden ripple spread across the card.

The Eclipse crest began glowing softly.

Several alchemical symbols appeared.

The card was identifying him.

Using the tiny drop of blood it had collected, the card connected to the Skynet registration system and requested identity verification through the Ashenlocke Family database.

The process lasted only a few seconds.

A golden wave passed across the surface of the card.

Then the light settled.

Registration Complete.

The card had officially recognized him.

Ezra Ashenlocke.

Black Card Holder of The Eclipse.

Anderson watched the process with a satisfied smile.

"I look forward to seeing what you create in the future."

His voice carried certainty.

Not hope.

Not expectation.

But certainty.

As though he already believed Ezra would achieve something even greater.

The executives followed behind him.

One after another, they left the room.

Leaving Ezra standing quietly while looking down at the black card in his hand.

The transaction had ended.

But somehow...

It felt as though he had gained something much more valuable than money today.

"Sir Anderson."

One of the executives walking beside him finally spoke.

Her brows were slightly furrowed.

Confusion was visible on her face.

"Don’t you think giving someone like him a card of that level is a bad idea?"

She glanced back toward the room Ezra had just left.

"The Eclipse Black Card is exclusive to members of the Royal Family, Dukes, and individuals holding the highest authority throughout Britannia."

She hesitated briefly before continuing.

"This has never happened before."

The other executives also looked toward Anderson.

Although none of them had voiced their concerns earlier, it was clear they shared similar thoughts.

After all...

The Eclipse Black Card wasn’t simply a symbol of prestige.

It represented trust.

Influence.

Access.

Privileges that even many nobles could only dream of obtaining.

And yet...

They had just handed one to a thirteen-year-old Lowline noble.

Anderson laughed softly.

There wasn’t even the slightest doubt on his face.

Instead, he looked pleased.

Almost excited.

"I had a feeling."

He folded his hands behind his back while walking through the corridor.

"A craftsman’s feeling."

The executives listened quietly.

"At first, it was only intuition."

He smiled.

"But I became certain the moment he rejected every contract offer."

The group remained silent.

The memory of Ezra calmly refusing the opportunity that countless inventors would desperately grab onto resurfaced in their minds.

"That kid..."

Anderson shook his head lightly.

"He looked at the Phantom Rolls differently from everyone else."

The executives frowned slightly.

"What do you mean?"

One of them asked.

Anderson smiled.

"To us, the Phantom Rolls was a masterpiece. To the industry, it was a revolutionary invention while to investors, it was a mountain of profit."

He paused briefly.

"But when that kid looked at it..."

Anderson’s smile widened.

"It felt like he was looking at something ordinary."

The group became stunned.

They hadn’t thought about it before.

Now that Anderson mentioned it...

Ezra truly hadn’t shown much attachment to the Phantom Rolls.

Not the attachment an inventor should have toward a creation that changed an entire industry.

It was almost as if...

He had bigger ideas.

Much bigger ideas.

"That kid..."

Anderson looked forward.

"The Phantom Rolls felt like only the beginning."

His voice carried certainty.

"It felt like the tip of his creative capabilities."

The executives exchanged looks.

Shock gradually appeared on their faces.

"You mean..."

One executive swallowed.

"You mean he has ideas that could be even greater than the Phantom Rolls?"

Two of the members who had attended the event with Anderson spoke almost at the same time.

The disbelief in their voices was obvious.

Anderson immediately nodded.

"Yes."

His answer came without hesitation.

The confidence in his tone shocked them even more.

"I don’t simply believe it."

He smiled.

"I know it."

The group fell silent.

Anderson continued walking.

His shoes echoed softly through the corridor.

"I know that one day Ezra Ashenlocke will establish his own company."

His voice remained calm.

"But when that day comes..."

A spark of excitement appeared in his eyes.

"It won’t be a company that merely competes within Britannia."

The executives unconsciously straightened themselves.

"It will become a company capable of pushing this kingdom’s technology forward."

He smiled.

"Perhaps even enough to compete with the technology of other bigger nations."

The corridor became quiet.

No one laughed.

No one questioned him.

Because after witnessing today’s events...

Even they couldn’t completely dismiss such a possibility.

Anderson’s smile remained as the group gradually disappeared into the distance.

Meanwhile...

"MASTER!"

A familiar voice echoed through the backstage area.

Lucy rushed forward.

Her eyes were bright with excitement.

Her smile was even brighter.

The moment she saw Ezra, she immediately spread her arms.

Clearly intending to hug him.

However...

Just before she reached him...

Ezra calmly stepped sideways.

Whoosh.

Lucy flew past him.

Her arms wrapped around empty air.

Silence.

Lucy froze.

Then she slowly turned her head.

Her cheeks puffed slightly.

"Why did you dodge?"

She pouted.

Ezra looked at her.

"No hugging."

His answer came instantly.

Flat and direct.

Without emotion.

Lucy stared at him for several seconds.

Then...

"Ahhh..."

She sighed dramatically.

Her shoulders slumped.

"You really are impossible sometimes."

She shook her head helplessly.

Then the disappointment quickly disappeared.

The excitement returned almost immediately.

"You were amazing!"

Lucy’s eyes sparkled.

"Everything you planned ended up working perfectly."

She still couldn’t believe it.

The presentation.

The Scholar’s Bombardment.

The Auction.

Every single step had gone according to Ezra’s calculations.

Thinking about it now still felt unreal.

"I suppose it worked even better than I expected."

Ezra replied calmly.

His thoughts briefly drifted toward the Black Card resting inside his pocket.

That had definitely been unexpected.

"So, what’s next, Master?"

Lucy asked.

She immediately followed beside him as they walked through the backstage hallway.

Her mood was clearly excellent.

"We’ll stay in Northwick for one week."

Ezra answered.

His voice remained as plain as ever.

"Since your birthday has already passed..."

He glanced ahead.

"We’ll celebrate it by visiting the best places Northwick has to offer."

Lucy stopped walking.

Completely.

Her eyes blinked.

Once.

Twice.

He remembered my birthday?

For a moment, she thought she had heard wrong.

Ezra noticed her expression.

"I already read your information after you accepted my contract offer at the Trial Base."

He replied casually.

"So, I already knew."

His tone remained indifferent.

"We’ve simply been too busy lately."

He looked ahead.

"So, there wasn’t an opportunity to mention it."

Lucy stood there quietly.

A warm feeling spread through her chest.

She remembered all the times she thought Ezra didn’t notice certain things.

All the times he appeared indifferent.

Yet somehow...

He still remembered.

A smile slowly appeared on her face.

Not the excited smile she usually showed.

Not the playful smile she often used.

A softer one.

"Thank you."

She said sincerely.

Then she quickly caught up with him.

The two continued walking.

Eventually, they reached the section where the Auction Planning Committee members were gathered.

The moment the staff spotted Ezra...

Applause erupted.

Everyone immediately began clapping.

Several people even stood up.

The atmosphere became lively.

Lara stood at the center of the group.

She was clapping as well.

A pleasant smile rested on her face.

"You were really amazing today, Ezra."

Her voice carried genuine admiration.

For someone like Lara, who had worked on countless broadcasts and events, praise didn’t come easily.

Yet this time...

She meant every word.

"Congratulations, Ezra!"

"Congratulations!"

"Good job!"

The staff members greeted him one after another.

Their faces were filled with smiles.

The success of the event belonged to everyone, but the person who had made it unforgettable...Was standing right in front of them.