The Author's POV
chapter-228

"Here's your item"

Holding onto a golden tray, Jeremiah politely bowed in my direction.

"Thank you"

Smiling kindly towards Jeremiah, I took the item that was on the tray. A small black rock.

"If you will excuse me, I will be leaving now. If you require my services once again, please feel free to contact me"

"Will do"

Nodding my head, I watched as Jeremiah left the room.

"You've seen enough?"

Tossing and playing with the rock in my hand, I quietly moved back to my seat. Completely disregarding the questioning looks coming from the others.

"Ren, why did you buy the rock?"

Kevin asked as he looked at the rock in my hand.

"This?"

Smiling, I casually tossed the rock in the air.

"Well, since they said it's unbreakable, why wouldn't I be interested in it? If I can somehow break it, wouldn't it be worth the cost?"

"Didn't you hear the part where it said that you can't break it?"

Emma interjected.

"What about in the long run? With modern technology advancing with each passing day, why disregard the possibility of being able to cut the rock in the future?"

Once again tossing the rock in the air, a calmly rebutted.

If one day the rock could be cut, its value would definitely shoot through the roof.

Not that this was the reason as to why I bought the rock, but it was indeed a good point.

"Ah, that's actually a good point"

At the words, 'long-run' Kevin finally had a look of understanding, as he proceeded to nod his head.

It seems like he thought that I was hinting at him that this was one of the things that I saw from my foreseeing abilities, but this was not really what I meant.

In the first place, why would I get such a detailed vision about a rock? It didn't make sense.

That aside, after my statement, Emma also shut up. She probably had given up.

'”Next up for our next item, here we have an amazing...

Taking everyone's attention away from me was the auctioneer who started presenting the next item.

'Fools...'

Playing with the rock in my hand, I shook my head.

What I had said before about being able to cut the rock in the future was a lie. This rock wasn't something that modern technology could cut.

The reason for this was because the rock in my hand was a metal known as Okluom.

An extremely dense and rare material that could only be found on a dwarven planet.

Though I wasn't exactly sure as to how the metal ended up in the auction as I never touched upon it in the novel, I knew that with it I could create an amazing weapon.

Originally this ore was supposed to have been bought by someone else. Unfortunately, the said person ended up becoming a villain.

He was also the villain who owned the sword that I wanted to get. The very same sword that was made using the ore below.

At first, I wanted to just wait till the precise time where the villain would show up in the novel to take his sword, but after thinking things through I realized...

'Why take his sword when I can have one forged specifically for me?'

With the knowledge I had about this world, I knew someone who could make the sword that I wanted.

Malvil Ironhawk

A legendary dwarven figure known for his masterful craftsmanship. There were only five entities that could properly handle Okluom properly, and he was one of them.

If anybody else tried, though they would be able to forge a weapon, the artifact would never reach its full potential.

I knew this since the sword I had originally wanted to take was only <B> rank. It was clear as day that whoever made that sword was an amateur.

Especially since Okluom was a material used to make <S> ranked and above artifacts.

Thus, in order for me to get a good sword, I knew that I had to make a trip to the dwarven domain in the foreseeable future.

'Well, that's all for the distant future. As of now, I can't really do anything. Especially not with this rock...'

'”Pshhhh!

Clenching my hand with all of my power, the rock disintegrated in my hand.

"As expected, it's fake...", I muttered softly as I opened my palm and fine black granules of sand fell on the floor.

'He's already made the swap, huh?'

Being a thief, Ivan disguised himself as Jeremiah, a leading attendant of the banquet.

His job as 'Jeremiah' was to attend to several VVIP clients and give them the object that they had purchased.

However, having made preparations in advance, Jeremiah had a copy of each and every single item sold at the auction today.

Whenever one of the people he was in charge of purchased an item, Ivan would quickly replace it with a fake.

Because everyone's attention was focused on the auction, no one noticed that they were given a fake. Of course, the fakes were good fakes. In theory, I shouldn't have been able to break the rock, but I had come prepared beforehand.

Furthermore, if someone did in fact discover that the item they had was a fake, Ivan could quickly swap his face and escape. This was one of the reasons why he was so infamous. Because he was so hard to catch.

Unfortunately for him, today was going to be his last day operating as a thief.

'It's not like I'm just going to leave you alone after you stole from me...'

I wasn't someone who forgot their grudges.

Dum. Dum.

Suddenly the stage lights lit up. The main event was just about to begin.

'”Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great honor that I present to you the final item of today. Before that, I would like to firstly thank the host of this place...

Standing in the middle of the hall, the announcer stood with his back straight. I ignored whatever he was saying as the next couple of minutes were spent on pleasantries.

'”And now I hereby present to you today's main item.

Finished with the boring part, the announcer smiled and got to the main point. the last item.

Removing the veil, a beautiful slim sword appeared before everyone in the hall.

Instantly the chattering died down. Everyone's attention was drawn towards the sword.

'”That's right everyone. Today, I am delighted to present you guys an <S> ranked artifact. You heard me right, an <S> ranked artifact! The name of the sword is [Dawn of the Avenger], and it is considered by many as one of the strongest and sturdiest swords available on the market. It has...

Satisfied with the crowd's reaction, the auctioneer began introducing the item. From its history to everything that someone needed to know. Nothing was spared.

"Huaaamm..."

Listening to the announcer speak, a yawn escaped from my lips. I was bored.

Well, it was understandable.

Though the sword below me was an <S> ranked artifact, I had no interest in it. Not because I didn't like it, but it was because I couldn't afford it.

Since I couldn't have it, why even care?

It was evident that Emma felt the same way as she also yawned not long after.

And so, twenty more minutes passed this way...

"Hey Kevin, can lend me your bidding tablet?"

Sitting one seat next to Kevin, I leaned in slightly and softly whispered.

"Hmm? You're bidding for the main event item? Do you even have enough money?"

Kevin's brows knit.

"No, not really"

I quickly shook my head.

The sword was worth at least a billion U. There was no way the current me could afford it. Still, for my plan to work I needed to do a little bidding.

"Then why are you even planning on bidding?"

"To test my luck?"

I half-heartedly replied.

"What? that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. If you want to test your luck, just do it on your own. Why ask me?"

Hearing my answer, Kevin instantly rebutted. Shaking my head, I calmly responded.

"No, I don't want to attract too much attention on me. You do it for me"

I had already spent 100+ million U on a rock. If people were to find out that I was willing to pay even more for the sword, I'd gather a lot of unnecessary attention.

Wasn't something I wanted.

"That doesn't make sense"

Listening to my explanation, Kevin tilted his head in confusion. Grabbing him by the sleeve of his suit, I pleaded.

"Come on, please? I'll owe you one"

"...Just this once"

Under my pleading eyes, after a couple of seconds had passed, Kevin covered his face with his hand and sighed. He had given in to my demands.

"Yup, don't worry. If you tell me to turn right, I won't even glance at the left...or whatever they say."

A beautiful smile blossomed on my face.

"Stop being so dramatic, here"

Rolling his eyes, Kevin handed me his tablet. Taking the tablet, I smiled widely.

'This is probably the worse decision you could ever make...'

I wasn't being completely honest with Kevin. Although I was indeed not going to purchase the sword, what I was about to do next would prove to be quite troubling for him.

"Oh, right. Don't get flustered later, and don't care about the money"

Recalling something, I quickly warned Kevin.

"What do you mean?"

Turning his head in my direction, Kevin frowned. In response, I patted him on the shoulders and reassured him that everything was going to be fine.

"Don't worry, I've got it covered. Just don't act surprised regardless of what I do. Furthermore, don't reveal to anyone, and I mean don't reveal to anyone that I am the one bidding. Understood?"

Making sure that everyone thought Kevin was the one making the bids was key. If not my plan wouldn't work.

I was especially emphasizing this part.

"Honestly, I don't have a good feeling about this"

"Just trust me"

"...alright, but be careful"

"Yup, don't worry"

With a bitter smile, Kevin nodded his head. Seeing this, I smiled and looked back at the auction below.

'”Number 754, bids 89 million U is there anyone else? Number 76 bids 90 million U!

Bid after bids were being made with each passing second.

"Alright, it's time to let the fun begin..."

Crossing my legs, I pressed on the tablet screen before me. Instantly I made a bid.

'”Oh? It looks like bidder number 17 has entered the fray with 98 million U.

...

The moment the sword was unveiled, inside of a different VVIP room, Monica stood up and shouted.

"I want that!"

"Not again..."

With a bitter smile, Donna shook her head. Noticing the twinkle in Monica's eyes, Donna knew that at this moment nothing could stop Monica from buying the sword.

"Monica do you have enough money?"

Sitting next to Monica, Amber asked.

"Of course! I have plenty of money saved up"

Monica instantly nodded her head.

Excluding the extra money she got from brand deals and dungeon runs, Monica's salary was around 100 million U a year.

Her overall net worth was in the billions. Without a doubt, she had money.

"Where is the tablet?"

Asked Monica as she looked around the room.

"Here"

Amber handed Monica a tablet and curiously asked.

"Are you sure you want the sword? Isn't your sword good enough?"

"mhm, my sword is good, but it's about time I changed my sword"

Monica's current sword was only <A> ranked.

It had the amazing effect of amplifying her flame psyon control, however now that she was closing in on <SS> rank, it was about time she changed her sword.

If she reached <SS> rank, an <A> rank sword wouldn't really be useful for her anymore as it wouldn't be able to hold her power.

She needed to buy a new sword.

"Okay, since it's your money I won't stop you"

Though she didn't understand, Amber nodded her head. She then sat back down and proceeded to pay attention to the auction.

"Let's start big..."

Looking at the tablet, Monica quickly set up a price and made a bid.

─Wow! Buyer 79 does not seem to want to joke around! 300 million right off the bat!

'I will get you at all costs', softly muttered Monica as she placed both hands on the glass window that overlooked the auction hall.

...

At the same time...

─Number 17, 330 million U. Is there any higher bid?

"Hey Ren, what the hell is going on? Where in the world did you even get all of this money from!?"

With a pale face, Kevin softly whispered next to me.

At the moment he was being bombarded with questions by Emma. Having promised me to not disclose anything, Kevin could only helplessly look at Emma as she continued to berate him.

Next to her, Amanda and Melissa were also looking at Kevin with a shocked expressions.

"Trust me, everything will be fine"

Calmly reading my red book and ignoring the commotion, I nonchalantly waved my hand and pressed on the tablet again.

Though I understood Kevin's concern, I had everything under control at the moment. With the book in my hand, I knew my limits.

─Oh it's bidder 79 this time with 380 million U. Is there anyone else that is willing to bid again?

Prompting me to raise my brow was the announcer's voice.

"Oh? She raised the bid again?"

Muttering in a soft tone, I pressed on the tablet in my hand once again and looked at the private room across to me.

Though the glass windows were tainted I knew who the person bidding was.

Monica Jeffrey. My second private instructor.

─Oh it's bidder 79 this time with 380 million U. Is there anyone else that is willing to bid again?

"What!? Kevin are you out of your mind! Just where did you get all of this money from?"

Staring at the bid, Emma could no longer sit still and stood up.

"W-well that is...ehhh, I really like the sword?"

In a flustered manner, Kevin responded.

'Seriously?'

By the side, I facepalmed. Just what kind of excuse was this?

"What? It still doesn't make sense. You are still miles away from S rank. What would you need an S ranked sword for? You're wasting all of your money!"

Completely disregarding Kevin's statement, Emma berated. Listening by the side, I nodded my head.

What Emma said wasn't wrong.

Typically, because of the mana capacity requirement to utilize a high-ranking artifact, only those who were close to that rank could use it.

If Kevin who was D ranked tried to use an S ranked sword, it would simply not work since he wouldn't be able to activate it.

Well, that wasn't really a concern since we weren't actually going to buy the sword.

"Ren, help me"

Subjected by Emma's constant berating, Kevin helplessly looked in my direction.

Shaking my head, I spoke some words of encouragement. Not long after, I once again placed down a bid.

"Just keep doing what your doing, trust me, It'll be worth it"

─It's bidder 17 this time with 400 million U! Ladies and gentlemen we have reached a record-breaking figure here! Will there be anyone else who would be willing to break the record?

"What! Did you bid again, Kevin? Are you even listening to me?"

─Di!

Disrupting Emma was a loud chime that resounded across the room. It was the room service button.

"What are you doing?"

Melissa asked as she turned around and looked at me. In response to her question, I gave her a simple reply.

"Me? I'm just calling Jeremiah. I have something to ask of him"

"Oh, okay..."

Quickly losing interest, Melissa nodded her head and turned around, and looked at the auction below.

...

"Grrr....who is bidder 17!? I will rip them to shreds!"

Gnashing her teeth, Monica furiously pressed on her tablet. Her chests heaved up and down unevenly. She was obviously angry.

─Oh it's bidder 79 this time with 1.1 billion U. Is there anyone else that is willing to bid again?

"I dare you to bid higher!"

Listening to the announcer's voice, Monica's chest heaved up and down even more fiercely.

For the past ten minutes or so, she and bidder number 17 at been at each other's throats continuously out-bidding against one another.

It got to the point that the price had just gone up to a whopping 1 billion U. This was insane. Almost unheard of in fact.

By now all of the other contestants had pulled out. It was just the two of them.

─It's bidder 17 this time with 1.2 billion U! Ladies and gentlemen we have reached a record-breaking figure here! Will there be anyone else who would be willing to break the record?

"Gaaaaah─!"

Monica's high-pitched scream resounded across the room.

"Hey Monica calm down!"

Next to Monica, Donna tried her best to calm her down. But knowing Monica's character full well, she didn't stop her from bidding.

She was a lost cause.

'No! How dare you fight me for the sword! I want the sword at all costs!', angrily muttered Monica as she glared at the room opposite to hers.

'Bidder 17, after this is over I'm definitely going pay you a visit!'

Monica swore to herself. Regardless of who tried to stop her, she was going to let bidder 17 understand who he/she had messed with!

"huu..."

Taking a deep breath, Monica resolved herself.

'Since you won't give up, I'll go all in"

With trembling fingers, Monica pressed on the tablet. She was betting all of her savings.

─Holy! It's bidder 79 this time with 1.5 billion U. Will bidder 17 continue to bid? Bidder 17? No? Going once! Going twice...and sold!"

"Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeahhhh!"

The countdown felt agonizing, almost endless for Monica who was cautiously looking at bidder 17's room. Fortunately, the subsequent moments made everything worth it.

Shouting out loud, Monica punched the air and celebrated. She had won!

"Congratulations Mo-"

Turning around Donna was about to congratulate Monica but her sentence was cut half-short as Monica disappeared from the room.

─Clank!

The sound of the door closing echoed across the room not long after.

'Oh, no'

As if their minds were in sync, both Monica and Amber looked at each other before they both rushed towards the door and tried to catch up to Monica.

If things were going as they predicted, then a really troubling situation was about to arise.