"100 million… 100 million?"
"Does it make sense to spend 100 million on that?"
"Stupid."
Those who had been somewhat interested earlier were now simply stunned.
They could understand if this were one of the auction's undisclosed items, but spending 100 million dollars on this chessboard was absurd.
"Kuak!"
Cadrick let out a sigh. Right. That should be that.
Cadrick had been confident of victory when he discovered Jin-hyuk's remaining balance.
All that was left was to take away the junk item Jin-hyuk wanted and use it as leverage for information.
Right. That was how it should have gone.
But this little kid clearly hadn't even considered that.
'Does this mean she isn't a normal human?'
There was no way she could be. Just from the 100 million dollar bid, he was certain of it. Still, no matter who or what the opponent was, he couldn't give up now.
He had already spent 70 million on trash. If he stopped now, it would all have been for nothing.
Never.
That could never happen.
"110 million!"
"150 million!"
"Kuk!!"
Insane.
Raising the bid by 40 million in one go. What kind of auction was that kid used to?
As the price skyrocketed, Cadrick's expression darkened.
Reality was deviating wildly from what he had imagined.
"160 million…"
"200 million."
While he struggled to catch up, the gap widened instantly.
"T-teacher! We cannot—"
"Shut it! If we lose to him, do you know what will happen?"
There was no way he could retreat. Failing this mission would be like smearing filth on the association's name.
"Fine! 210 million!"
"300 million."
"310 million!"
"500 million."
"You say 500 million like it's 5 dollars! Do you really have that kind of money?!"
Cadrick finally snapped, jumping up with a flushed face and a heart pounding with rage.
'This is a whole popcorn angle.'
Jin-hyuk, watching the chaos, struggled to hold back his laughter. He had actually been confident he could win even without Elise.
'It would've been a pity, but selling the Fragment of Merlin's Staff from the Corridor of the Fallen Ruins would've been enough.'
Just a single relic.
Merlin's staff would have driven everyone here insane. Still, he preferred watching others spend their money.
That was why he let Elise join the fight. She would do anything to provoke an opponent.
And Cadrick wasn't the type to ignore provocation.
So Jin-hyuk simply let them clash, resulting in the current situation—just as he had predicted.
The Demonic Human Association was wealthy and capable, but—
Did they really have more capital than the head of the Ataraxia family, rulers of the night?
Jin-hyuk crossed his legs as the staff intervened.
"Kuak! As the gentleman requested, could you please prove that you have the required cash balance? I do not doubt the lady, but I want the auction to proceed smoothly."
Five hundred million dollars was an enormous sum. Even major corporate executives wouldn't easily possess it.
"Proof?"
"Yes."
"Kuak. How difficult can that be?"
Elise waved her hand.
Woong!
The space above her head distorted as the air rippled.
"Subspace… inventory?"
Correct. Universal storage.
"That girl… she's a player?"
"She looks high-ranked."
"I knew she was rare."
The guests were stunned. Moments later, Elise pulled out an object.
A crown adorned with magnificent jewels.
"Didn't you say you also accept precious metals, not just dollars?"
"That is true, but…"
The host eyed the crown skeptically.
"For now, let's have it appraised."
The black market's magic appraiser activated his skill—and froze.
"T-this can't be…"
His voice trembled violently, as did his hands.
"Why? Is it fake?"
"No. It's… genuine."
"Then how much is it worth? Is it worth 500 million?"
"That's difficult to say."
The appraiser shook his head.
"What do you mean?"
"This craftsmanship cannot be replicated with modern technology."
Then—
"It's from the Tower?"
"Yes. The crowned tooth and the seven winged eagles symbolize the Felstian Kingdom."
Chaos erupted.
"The Tower?!"
"Felstian?!"
"That hidden ruin?"
The Forgotten Kingdom of Felstian—lost to divine curse, buried beneath sand.
A hidden jackpot on the Tower's lower floors.
"And its value?"
"At least… three billion."
The hall exploded.
With that, the chessboard's owner was decided.
Cadrick's face stiffened.
His greatest mistake—underestimating his opponents.
And more dangerous than Elise…
Was Kang Jin-hyuk.
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