Chapter 56

EP.56 Return and Inspection (1)

Han Hyunmin collapsed.

Given that he suddenly bid 70 billion won at a price that was competing in the billions, it was clear that he had used all the remaining clan funds.

It seemed like I had drained his funds much more easily than expected, but this was only possible because I had a thorough understanding of his tendencies.

'Han Hyunmin, a member of the "Sunset Flower." He was mentioned once in the original work.'

Han Hyunmin is a gambler.

While he approaches auctions more calmly than anyone else, he does not hesitate to bid boldly when he believes it is decisive.

Moreover, he never underestimates his competitors.

He does not take anyone lightly, and he will use any means necessary to win, regardless of who his opponent is.

He is a true gambler in the auction hall, a holder who shines more in the auction than on the battlefield.

'He had a well-planned build from the start.'

I did this to catch his attention.

From the beginning of the auction, I showcased a unique bidding style.

I made the first bid on all items and then did not participate in the subsequent bidding.

Thanks to this, I managed to secure five unappraised items.

While it wasn't a huge success, it was certainly not a typical bidding strategy.

This left a special impression on Han Hyunmin.

He must have watched my bidding for a long time.

And when I suddenly joined the price competition.

He must have been convinced.

He must have been certain that I had a rune or item that allowed me to check the unappraised items in advance.

'If I had something like that, would I be in this situation...?'

It was all just a bluff.

Han Hyunmin was so engrossed in the auction that he overlooked many basic things.

For example, the fact that I was a rookie holder.

The fact that my available funds were not that extensive.

The fact that a remote appraisal skill had never appeared in an auction before...

There were many points that should have seemed strange if he had thought about it carefully.

Yet, he still spent 70 billion won on an unknown unappraised item.

Drunk on his confidence in the auction, he believed that all his judgments were correct.

He had fallen into a self-imposed trap.

Thanks to this, I was able to eliminate my biggest competitor in the mana stone auction.

Han Hyunmin even participated in the Swell Leviathan hunt.

A stubborn guy.

He was willing to risk his life to hunt a disaster monster just to get a special auction right.

"Jaehyun."

"Uh?"

Just then.

Kim Chaeun, sitting next to me, called me in a quiet voice.

"Why didn't you bid more? You had more money, right?"

70 billion won.

It's a huge amount of money, but I could have spent that much too.

Before participating in this auction.

I had signed a contract to borrow about 40 billion won from Kim Chaeun.

I had tried not to borrow as much of her money as possible, but...

I thought that 40 billion might not be enough to get the item I wanted.

She even said she would give it to me if I wanted, but I insisted and persuaded her to sign the contract.

...I wonder if she'll get scammed badly someday.

Anyway, thanks to this, I had 80 billion won in my pocket.

The amount left after buying five unappraised items.

"It's fine. I wasn't planning to buy it anyway. I told you, I want to buy a mana stone."

I said in a low voice, in case anyone was listening.

Thanks to my strategy, the chances of buying the mana stone increased.

The A-grade holders who participated in the hunt were more interested in the general auction than the monster's byproducts, and the B-grade holders found it burdensome to spend over 80 billion won on a mana stone.

C-grade holders were even less likely to participate in the auction.

While S-grade mana stones are rare...

Such high-grade mana stones are valuable only to researchers or creators, not to combat holders.

-The auctioneer will call the price three times and conclude the sale. 57 billion, 57 billion, 57 billion... Congratulations. The 34th item has been sold for 57 billion won.

'Yes! Success.'

The auction proceeded smoothly after that.

The Swell Leviathan's mana stone.

The S-grade mana stone was acquired for the huge sum of 57 billion won.

Other byproducts of the Swell Leviathan, such as gills and skin, were also auctioned, and Jeong Seonyoung was able to get the gills she wanted.

I used the remaining money to buy one more item.

[Frost-Encrusted Staff].

A rare staff that is very effective for ice magic holders.

It was a gift I wanted to give to Kim Chaeun, who had lent me a huge amount of money.

"S-grade mana stone, Frost-Encrusted Staff, and five unappraised items. Confirmed the recipient."

After the auction.

We went to the collection desk on the 6th floor to receive all the auction items.

I briefly went to the restroom to confirm that the mana stone I was looking for was the right one.

[The Forgotten Dragon's Mana Stone is being filled. The stone slab is enveloped in a mysterious aura.]

'Done!'

Just like with the Grizzly Drake's mana stone.

This time, the information window appeared, confirming that this was the right mana stone.

I was happy that my prediction was correct, but...

I was also worried.

After going through a near-death experience and spending 57 billion won, I had finally filled one dragon's mana stone...

But how would I fill the remaining three?

Moreover, unlike the Swell Leviathan, there was no special information about the others.

I didn't know their monster grades, runes, or characteristics, so I felt a bit lost.

'But, somehow, it will work out.'

I didn't expect to get the legendary rune so easily.

Moreover, Ji Yunjae, a member of <Villain>, had succeeded.

I was in a better situation than him.

There was no reason I couldn't succeed.

"Are you going home now?"

When we returned to the desk.

Jeong Seonyoung asked me.

As she had mentioned before.

She only bought the Swell Leviathan's gills and received them.

She is a holder with no other desires besides her research curiosity.

"Yes, probably. Where are you going, senior?"

"I don't have any plans... but..."

Jeong Seonyoung's eyes turned to Kim Chaeun.

Kim Chaeun also looked at her and smiled.

What's going on?

Is there something I don't know?

"I think I'll have a cute disciple."

"Huh? You're going to take Chaeun as your exclusive disciple?"

I was surprised and asked.

Honestly, I had considered this possibility.

After all, Jeong Seonyoung is an A-grade holder with top-level skills in the ice domain, and Kim Chaeun is a holder with exceptional talent.

The synergy between the two is not just good; it's overflowing.

But Jeong Seonyoung is an independent holder who doesn't belong to any clan.

She has a strong sense of freedom and seemed difficult to tie down.

'But even just knowing this is a gain.'

I had been content with just building a connection.

But it seems things are working out more easily than expected.

I don't know the details, but somehow, it seems that Kim Chaeun becoming her disciple is moving in a positive direction.

Jeong Seonyoung answered with a light laugh.

"Not an exclusive disciple, just for the time being during the break. I'm in a resting period now, except for disaster monster hunts, so I have time."

"Then, is Chaeun going with you, senior?"

"Yep! I already contacted my dad."

Kim Chaeun added from behind.

She had even contacted her dad.

Typical of Kim Chaeun, who goes straight for what she wants.

"Anyway, it seems that Jaehyun will have to go to the warp gate to Seoul alone. We'll be heading to Busan for a while."

"Yes, that's fine."

I have a lot to do when I return to Seoul.

I need to organize the items I got from the auction and prepare for joining <Flame's Judgment>.

'Most importantly, I need an inspection.'

After the Swell Leviathan hunt and the auction.

I felt the need to inspect my overall holder information.

From the 'Hobgoblin Village' to the Swell Leviathan hunt.

I had obtained many new runes and had many runes that had grown.

Especially, I needed to check how far the special effects of [Swallowed Vortex] applied.

"Shall we part ways then?"

"Yes. Thank you for your hard work over the past two days, senior."

"You did the hard work. You were the one holding the shield in the front line."

I was grateful to Jeong Seonyoung for many things.

For her crucial role in the Swell Leviathan hunt, and for accompanying me to Daegu and participating in the auction...

As a senior in the holder community, she is a great role model for everyone.

Especially, taking Kim Chaeun as a disciple, even if it's temporary.

Given the rarity of the [Ice] domain.

Meeting a teacher like Jeong Seonyoung is not an easy feat.

For Kim Chaeun, who has talent, this is a blessing.

'But why did she take her as a disciple?'

I've been thinking about it, but I can't figure it out.

Something must have happened last night when they shared a room...

Maybe it was just Kim Chaeun's sincere and kind personality that moved Jeong Seonyoung.

Despite her cold appearance, Kim Chaeun has a personality that is loved by everyone.

'I didn't forget anything, right? I gave her the item.'

I had already given Kim Chaeun the [Frost-Encrusted Staff].

Maybe because it was a valuable rare item?

She was so happy when she received it.

Like when she eats my [Cooking].

...I might get some PTSD from this.

But since the recipient was happy, I was happy too.

"Hehe. Thanks, Jaehyun. I'll keep in touch!"

"Sure. Be careful."

We left the auction building and decided to go our separate ways.

Just before parting.

Jeong Seonyoung suddenly approached me, who was walking away.

She put her hand to my ear and whispered.

"Mr. Do Jaehyun. If you make a woman wait too long, she gets tired."

"…What?"

What's she talking about?

I had a puzzled look on my face at her sudden words, but...

Jeong Seonyoung looked at me meaningfully and said.

"Hehe. Just a word of advice from an aunt. Think about it."

The two of them left for Busan.

I was left alone...

Sitting on the building's railing.

I thought about Jeong Seonyoung's words.

"..."

But nothing came to mind.

She said it as advice from an aunt...

Honestly, it's too mysterious.

Forget it.

No answer, and I'm hungry.

"…I'll just eat."

Before returning to Seoul.

I filled my empty stomach with a hearty meal of Daegu pork belly.