The Professor|| Sylus

It starts now

Sylus grabbed Mei's wrist firmly and led her through the bustling crowd, pulling her into a secluded area. As he let go, Mei found herself in a private gallery overlooking the main floor of the auction. The space was reminiscent of the upper balconies in a theater—ornate and somewhat secluded, giving a perfect vantage point of the activity below.

The room was lined with displays of weapons guns, knives, and other dangerous items. It was a stark contrast to the elegance of the auction happening below.

"You smell like alcohol," Sylus remarked sharply, his irritation evident as he removed the mask from his face. Mei glanced at him, her cheeks reddened from both embarrassment and the lingering effects of the alcohol, as she, too, took off her mask.

"S-sorry," Mei stammered, feeling a pang of guilt.

He leaned in, his intense eyes studying her face, particularly her pink cheeks. "Did you drink a lot?" he asked in that knowing, almost amused tone.

Mei shook her head quickly, trying to play it off. "No..." she mumbled, but her hiccups betrayed her, breaking the illusion. She gasped, covering her mouth in embarrassment as another hiccup escaped.

Sylus let out a deep sigh, one that made it clear he wasn't entirely amused. He handed her a glass of water. "Sober up. I still need you for the auction," he ordered. Mei, obedient as always, took the water and began drinking, trying to steady herself.

Mei took the water gratefully, sipping slowly to calm herself. Sylus continued, his voice regaining its usual calm but authoritative tone. "No one will find us here. This is my private space. Down there," he gestured toward the floor below where the auction was in progress, "you can see the real auction happening. And..." He peered through a hidden scope, focusing intently. "Victor is there."

Mei's eyes widened as she tried to spot Victor, though he was hidden among the crowd. The gravity of Sylus's words settled in, heightening her awareness of the situation.

Sylus described Victor, noting his jaguar-printed polo, black pants, and golden chain strap around his neck. "He's the one in front," Sylus said, pointing him out. Mei immediately spotted Victor, who appeared laid-back and disinterested, a stark contrast to the opulent surroundings.

Sylus continued, "I've reserved a seat for you behind him, two seats away. You can check it below. He doesn't know what's coming, so whatever he bids on, make sure to be bolder. I'll handle the sniping from up here. When chaos ensues, meet me outside. Understood?"

Mei nodded. "Understood."

Sylus smiled in approval. Mei then puts her colombina mask back and makes her way to her seat, blending in with the crowd and checking her assigned number. As the auction commenced, Sylus took his position in the gallery, focusing intently on Victor.

The auctioneer began with a confident, booming voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight's prestigious auction! We have an exquisite collection of items for you. Let's get started!"

He clapped as his assistants help get the piece up to the stadium, and continued, "First up, a stunning piece—a vintage diamond necklace. Who will start the bidding at $1,000?"

As bids came in, the auctioneer responded with enthusiasm, "$1,000, do I hear $1,500? $1,500 here, now $2,000! Do I hear $2,500? Yes, $2,500! Going once, going twice..."

With each item presented, the auctioneer's voice rose in excitement. "$5,000 for this rare artifact! Looking for $6,000! $6,000 to my right, now $7,000! Who's got $7,000?"

Mei kept a keen eye on Victor. As soon as he showed interest in any item or placed a bid, Sylus, from his vantage point, was prepared to shoot anytime, effectively disrupting Victor's plans. Mei remained vigilant, ready to act on Sylus's signal, ensuring the plan unfolded smoothly.