Chapter 123 — Cleaning is Best Done with Water (3)
The night view of Hong Kong was breathtaking. The stars on the ground had been savagely scratched away many times, yet countless lights still remained. Noah gazed down at the halo of lights with both eyes.
The sea breeze mingled heavily in the passing wind. Though the sun had set, the air was still muggy, but at the same time, the cool whisper of the air conditioning brushed against his skin.
Feeling these contrasting temperatures, he watched the gathered people.
“Please don’t be too surprised that this product can speak. After all, I’m still a human, just like all of you.”
Though I suppose some of you might consider class distinctions even among humans. Wondering why a lowly commoner would dare to speak in your presence.
Even so, the real big shots weren’t here. Those too high in status to come personally had sent their trusted aides instead. And those aides were influential figures in their own right.
“It would be a waste of time to go over the details of this product. If you’ve forgotten, please just lift your gaze slightly above my head.”
— Chirp!
When I pointed at him, Chirp flapped his wings and chirped. A few people couldn’t help but smile. Our Chirp is indeed irresistibly cute.
I spun the microphone, designed with smooth, decorative curves rather than a typical bulky shape, between my fingers. On the table prepared for me, there was a glass filled with mana potion.
Most countries make their own potions, so the taste varies from place to place. China had various types of tea, the UK had black tea, Russia had vodka-flavored potions—I’d heard them all. But why did we only have apple and orange? They should start importing other flavors. Not that they would.
After taking a few sips of the mango-flavored potion, I set Chirp down beside me. Stay calm, little guy.
“You should have already received the guidelines for today’s auction.”
I could feel all eyes following me as I moved. It was uncomfortable. I was never a fan of being the center of attention.
I closed my eyes lightly. Beneath my feet, the entire world glittered. This was turning into a rather refreshing experience.
“You all know the rules of the auction, I’m sure. However, unlike a typical auction, the product is allowed three vetoes. I might use all three, or none at all.”
Think of it as a little barrier for the sake of a cooperative product. I added a few casual words to smooth over the explanation.
“These vetoes can be used not only on bidders I don’t like, but also to favor the second to fourth-highest bidders whom I find appealing. So, everyone, for the first and only time, please make a little effort to catch the product’s eye.”
It’s not an opportunity you’d usually have. This could be a rather nice chance, after all.
“However, since most of you here won’t end up being my true owner, I’ll be evaluating with items. In today’s world, high-performance items are the ultimate symbols of wealth. Mini-portals instead of elevators, jackets with defensive skills instead of bulletproof vests. And most importantly, we can gauge the generosity of a prospective owner based on the quality of items they’re willing to bestow upon those who serve them.”
I don’t like people with stingy hands.
“So, everyone, please don’t hesitate to offer your most impressive items.”
Even if you won’t be getting them back. Well, if you manage to survive today and regain your freedom, feel free to get in touch to ask for them back.
A low murmur spread through the crowd. No one stepped forward right away, exchanging glances instead. They were likely hesitant not only because they’d have to momentarily hand over rare items, but also because it might be better not to start competing for vetoes at all.
In situations like these, what you need is…
“How arrogant.”
…someone to stir things up. Though that line delivery was pretty dramatic.
When Seong Hyunjae stepped forward, the crowd parted like fish encountering a shark. There were other S-rank hunters present, but he was in a class of his own. I hadn’t originally intended to ask him to do this, but apparently he was bored enough to volunteer.
“Oh dear, was I?”
Clink.
Damn it, I’m going to lose it. With an ominous clinking sound, a fine golden chain snaked around my neck like a serpent. Holding the other end of the chain lightly between his fingers, he twisted his lips into a smug smile.
“A product should act more respectfully.”
The look in his eyes and the tone of his voice were condescending, as though he were gazing down at something worthless beneath his feet. What kind of twisted roleplay is this?
‘…Wow, everyone seems to be loving it.’
The guests appeared quite pleased with Seong Hyunjae’s performance. Maybe they found my defiance bothersome but felt restrained by the veto rule, so they were enjoying the spectacle of someone putting me in my place.
With a metallic sound, the chain that had been loosely hanging between us suddenly tightened. Since the reaction was good, I’d better play along. Not too much, though. I should seem a little intimidated, but not entirely cowed—just enough defiance to keep it interesting.
“We’re not complete strangers, after all. Isn’t it a bit harsh not to cut me some slack?”
“You were impudent from our very first meeting. Seems that habit hasn’t been easy to break, even after coming all this way.”
“If it could be fixed in a few days, it wouldn’t be a habit.”
“That’s why I’m helping you break it. Since we’re not strangers.”
His smile was sharp as his eyes narrowed. Pretending to be intimidated, I averted my gaze. Just as the chain tugged harder, as if to pull me closer—
“Let’s leave it at that.”
A hand caught the chain, stopping it. There was a brief moment of tension. The hand belonged to Yuhyun, who had somehow approached without me noticing. Though to the others, he would appear as someone else.
But seriously, Yuhyun, why are you getting involved? Some improvisation is fine, but adding unexpected roles messes up the whole plan.
“This is unexpected. I hadn’t heard that Mr. Ian Holton was a high-rank hunter. I didn’t even think he was awakened.”
“Awakening can happen overnight, and there’s no reason I should’ve informed you, Mr. Seong Hyunjae.”
Their gazes clashed sharply.
Though I couldn’t feel it, there seemed to be more than just words and stares passing between them. The people around us slowly edged backward, some struggling to hide their fearful expressions.
I asked him to stir things up, and now he’s about to overturn the whole setup. My plan’s falling apart.
“Are you alright, Mr. Han Yujin?”
“Uh, yes…”
Hearing my brother speak formally was strange. I blame Seong Hyunjae for this. He should’ve just stepped forward, tossed me an item, and left.
“Thank you, Mr. Holton. You’re very kind.”
“Giving up before taking out an item—aren’t you making it too easy?”
“I’d say the Sesung Guild Leader was being excessively harsh. And don’t forget, I have veto rights.”
With a look that clearly said “Now get lost”, Seong Hyunjae released the chain. It recoiled, its end swinging down to my chest.
“Then keep it on.”
Even though the global ranking battle hadn’t started yet, people who knew recognized this as a famous weapon, and quiet murmurs of awe spread through the room. S-rank weapons were particularly rare. Among the items held by those gathered here, none would likely surpass the Seeker’s Chain in value.
So, in terms of items, the game was practically over already.
‘After that stunt, people will assume Seong Hyunjae’s getting a veto, naturally.’
In other words, one strong competitor had essentially been eliminated, and the appearance of such a valuable item would make the others less reluctant to bring out their own. Amidst the murmuring, Yuhyun also pulled out a bracelet from his inventory.
“I apologize for my lack of preparation; I don’t have much to offer.”
To be precise, he didn’t have an S-rank item he could reveal without blowing his cover. Though Yuhyun might be less renowned than Seong Hyunjae, the people here had surely done thorough research on him as my brother.
“Even if it’s A-rank, I prefer this one.”
Mr. Holton scored points with me by offering nothing more than an A-rank bracelet. Now, doesn’t it seem doable? Right after I accepted the bracelet—
Fwoosh.
A long blue scarf fluttered down onto my head.
“S-rank Magos’ Shawl of Tides! Remember my name, Kiera Grady!”
Whoa, an S-rank shawl! A fabric item, the kind Myungwoo can’t make! Yerim, I’ve got an S-rank piece of gear for you. I grabbed the shawl with a beaming smile, full of genuine appreciation.
“Ms. Kiera Grady, you’re so bold. Please, make sure to record her name.”
An assistant with a tablet jotted down the item and its owner’s name. Not that they’d be getting it back, of course. Next, a Chinese man held out a bracelet, emphasizing that it wasn’t A-rank but S-rank. Wow, these people really are something—so many of them have S-rank items. Even among the non-awakened attendees, items were spilling out, the kind hunters covet but can’t easily get.
This is why mid— and lower-tier hunters end up broke, sinking all their earnings into the gear they need to keep up.
“Oh, this one’s a robe cardigan. Practical items like this are always nice, especially since I can benefit from it too.”
They were reluctant to part with weapons, but with Myungwoo around, I didn’t need them. It’s better for him to focus on weapon crafting rather than wasting time on gear that’s easier to come by.
“I’ll accept quantity as well. I prefer multiple A-ranks over a single S-rank.”
If I want to build a team for Yerim, I’ll need lots of A-rank gear. Kim Seonghan hasn’t been able to fully equip his team either. S-rank may be the best, but decking out a whole team in S-rank gear is currently unrealistic.
So, A-rank items are welcome too!
“We’re already up to five pairs of earrings. I’m truly impressed by everyone gathered here today.”
Sipping my oolong tea-flavored mana potion, I added a silver ring earring to the growing pile of items on the table. Chirp stared intently at the mountain of items.
I think the value of these items might surpass my own price tag. The Seeker’s Chain alone would be worth a fortune. I might not be able to keep it, but…
As the atmosphere heated up, Seong Hyunjae slipped away. Having recently activated my Teacher skill, I could tell exactly where he was headed.
“Thank you once again for your generosity. Especially Mr. Marcel Bardot and Mr. Sergei Arshavin.”
I made sure to acknowledge the more generous ones specifically. Memorizing all these names and faces was exhausting, but for this amount of high-grade items, it was worth it.
The sky had darkened. Seong Hyunjae was now standing on the rooftop of the hotel. Noah’s gaze followed him from above. The tail of his formal coat, matched to the dress code, flapped in the wind.
‘Let’s begin.’
Though he wouldn’t hear it, I muttered to myself. As if he’d heard, he began to move. Sparks of light flickered around him. With a casual flick of his hand, lightning shot up from below. Almost simultaneously, Noah threw an umbrella-shaped device into the air and dodged out of the way.
CRACK!
“Was that thunder?”
“I didn’t hear any rain in the forecast.”
The thunderous noise shook the banquet hall, causing a stir, though I paid it no mind.
My eyes and ears were transfixed by the fierce current spreading outward.
The electricity wrapped around the item Noah had thrown, shooting off like arrows in every direction. Lightning rods had been installed on buildings within several kilometers of the hotel, each without grounding wires.
In the blink of an eye, the electric currents struck their targets, buildings above a certain height. They spread and rebounded, plunging surrounding buildings, big and small, into darkness one by one, according to their master’s will.
The lights went out.
Perhaps it was his attire, but the man who controlled the darkness seemed like a conductor.
And soon, everything was pitch black, save for one single light.
“Ladies and gentlemen, now…”
The hotel stood tall, shining brightly. I’d asked Gregson to make sure all the lights in every room were turned on and the curtains drawn before sending the staff away for the auction. The slave trader had gladly agreed, thinking it would enhance the performance.
And so, the hotel stood alone, dazzling, a beacon that shone seductively toward the ocean.
“It’s time to begin the main event.”
I approached the table piled high with items. All eyes focused on me, while my gaze drifted beyond them, past the floor-to-ceiling windows shrouded in darkness, and further still.
Toward the ocean, where black water was rising.
A dark wall of water surged up, like an overturned waterfall. I couldn’t help but smile.
“What was the starting bid again? Ten billion dollars?”
Cheap, really. Cheaper than a nuclear submarine.
I handed the microphone to the professional auctioneer. Draining another glass of mana potion, I picked up Chirp. And then Noah descended along the side of the hotel wall.
CRASH!
The glass wall shattered, items on the table vanished into my inventory, and Yuhyun grabbed me—all in the same instant.
Poisonous energy rose from the dragon’s invisible body cloaked in stealth.
“Gah!”
“It’s poison, get back!”
Yuhyun charged straight into the poisonous miasma without hesitation, carrying me along. The moment he was on Noah’s back, the dragon’s claws scraped the floor as he changed direction sharply, soaring through the broken window.
No sooner had we exited the building than a wall of water appeared right in front of us. Noah’s wings flapped powerfully, carrying us in a steep vertical ascent, slicing through the massive wave, barely escaping.
Rumble…
The once-glowing hotel was swallowed by the towering wall of water. The last light of the night view disappeared, plunging everything into complete darkness.
–TL Notes–
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