Chapter 53: The Black Market Auction
The Black Market, which maintains close ties with the underworld across the globe, stood at the crossroads of a new era.
This was all thanks to the Pure Gold Ingots that Shin Juha had casually tossed into the Black Market.
The ripples caused by that single item had brought together individuals so prominent that their mere names could command recognition worldwide.
In the past, these same figures had scoffed at invitations to auctions held by a “small, insignificant” shadowy group in a minor country like South Korea.
But now, with an item of such extraordinary caliber up for grabs, they were not only changing their attitudes but also begging to be invited and accommodated.
Naturally, the Black Market’s influence expanded in kind.
Organizations and individuals worldwide showed goodwill toward the Black Market, all in pursuit of acquiring even a single piece of that gold.
This presented the Black Market with an unprecedented opportunity to expand beyond South Korea and onto the global stage.
As a result, Seo Ye-rin, the S-rank hunter and owner of the Black Market, was determined to capitalize on this moment.
‘The territory I’ve acquired from the Abyss is still enough.’
Though she had plenty of space to spare, she knew that expanding her territory further would be necessary for growth.
Fortunately, she had gained an entire Hidden Stage to herself, solving the issue of resources.
With Shin Juha promising to supply as much Pure Gold as needed, Seo Ye-rin was no longer limited to South Korea. Dreams of taking the Black Market global no longer seemed far-fetched.
It would also fulfill her lifelong ambition of creating a globally renowned secret organization.
Most satisfying of all, it would allow her to sever ties with the leeches in South Korea’s government—those who constantly drained the Black Market’s wealth or demanded bribes whenever the opportunity arose.
Thus, Seo Ye-rin spared no effort in her preparations.
She was willing to pour out everything she had built so far for this chance.
This auction was a key step in her grand plan. During the month leading up to the next Pure Gold Auction, she needed to keep the interest of foreign dignitaries and prevent them from leaving.
Every week brought new auction items, and this week—the third week—was the climax.
A Hidden Quest Rune of Ancient Grade was up for grabs!
This rune was an item Seo Ye-rin had acquired while exploring the Abyss and clearing a Hidden Quest.
Its value was, quite literally, incalculable.
It was so extraordinary that even Pure Gold Ingots paled in comparison.
To draw hunters and influential elites from around the world, Seo Ye-rin had once again sent out invitations and opened the auction for today.
“Rune. Next. Then. Pure Gold. Bait.”
At Seo Ye-rin’s command, the guild leader bowed slightly, following her directive.
Today’s auction, while valuable in itself, was also a prelude to the Pure Gold Auction, scheduled a month from now.
Initially, she had planned to host the auction immediately after receiving the gold from Shin Juha.
However, it was decided that delaying it slightly would heighten its value.
Just then, someone knocked on Seo Ye-rin’s office door.
Without waiting for a response, an employee wearing a rabbit mask entered.
The employee bowed deeply to Seo Ye-rin and the guild leader before speaking.
“He has arrived at the auction.”
“He?”
“Ah!”
The guild leader immediately understood who “he” referred to. Shin Juha.
Only a handful of employees had been told about the existence of the Ungraded Card and instructed to treat its holder with utmost respect.
However, even they were unaware of the cardholder’s identity.
That explained why they simply referred to him as “he.”
Seo Ye-rin’s eyes widened in realization.
“Did he know about today’s auction?”
“No, it seemed like he had something specific in mind. After looking at the poster displayed nearby, he decided to participate. As you know, the fact that an Ancient-grade rune is up for auction is only mentioned in the invitations, not on the posters.”
“Then why bother participating in the auction? If he wants something, we could simply provide it.”
The rabbit-masked employee hesitated, then replied softly.
“From what I observed, it seemed like he was just curious and wanted to experience the auction itself.”
The guild leader muttered under his breath, nodding. “I see… that does sound like him.”
“Did you make proper arrangements for him?”
“Yes, we assigned him to VVIP Room #3.”
This was the most prestigious room in the auction house, reserved for only the most elite participants during major auctions.
The guild leader frowned slightly. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something might go awry.
“Understood. I’ll go and check on him myself. Continue with the auction preparations.”
“Yes, sir.”
After the rabbit-masked employee left, Seo Ye-rin spoke.
“No. Problem. If. He. Buys. It.”
After all, how much capital did he currently have? Over four trillion won.
Even if the Ancient-grade rune’s price skyrocketed during bidding, it wouldn’t exceed 500 billion won.
If he ended up purchasing it, it would be beneficial for both Seo Ye-rin and the Black Market.
Having a strong partner grow even stronger meant fewer areas of concern for them.
Of course, his sudden visit and unpredictable actions were a bit bothersome, but…
“No. Actually. Perfect. Give. Him. Perception-blocking. Mask. Let. Him. Shine.”
“Hmm… well, we’ve already given him a private passage, so it might not be a bad idea to discreetly reveal that he’s the owner of the Pure Gold Ingots. Shin Juha might even use this opportunity to form personal connections.”
Seo Ye-rin nodded.
She understood what Shin Juha wanted—to clear his parents’ names, who had been hailed as heroes, and to avenge their wrongful deaths.
For that, his personal strength was essential, but equally necessary were the background and allies to support him.
“Black Market. Shin Juha. Allies. Overseas Powers. Shin Juha. Allies.”
“That should allow him more freedom to act. However, too much exposure could be dangerous. These people are just as corrupt and greedy as those who murdered his parents. They’ll stop at nothing to uncover his true identity.”
“Filter. Benefit. Allies. Notify.”
“Yes, I’ll sort those who can aid Shin Juha from those to be cautious of and inform him immediately. I’ll take my leave now.”
The guild leader left to carry out his task. Although unexpected, Shin Juha’s arrival wasn’t a bad twist. He would play a pivotal role in today’s auction and contribute to the Black Market’s growth.
Finding ways to maximize the benefits for him became the guild leader’s priority.
Entering his office, he began reviewing the list of prominent figures attending today’s event.
Before long, armed with a tablet and an item, he arrived at VVIP Room #3.
***
***
Knock, knock.
The sound of knocking was followed by the door opening, revealing a familiar—if one could call it that—masked face.
“Guild Leader?”
“It hasn’t been long enough to say it’s been a while. I was surprised. If you were planning to attend, it would’ve been nice to know in advance.”
His tone carried a subtle edge.
“I had some business that landed me in the hospital twice. As soon as I woke up, I urgently needed something and came here. Fortunately, I saw it listed on the auction poster and decided to experience the event while I was at it.”
“Well, fine. But the situation isn’t exactly smooth. One of my subordinates made a bit of a mistake.”
I narrowed my eyes slightly. I’d already had a run-in with a Black Money employee causing unnecessary complications.
“Oh, it was due to ignorance. They saw your card and assigned you the best room in the auction.”
Realization dawned on me. That explained why the room offered such a prime view of the auction stage—it was the best room.
The guild chief hesitated momentarily before continuing.
“Hmm… so I thought we might use this opportunity to reveal you a little. Since you already have a private passage and a powerful protection barrier that can even block Ms. Seo Ye-rin’s probing, I see no harm in it. Here…”
He handed me a mask.
It was a Rare-grade S+ item with a simple effect—Cognitive Obfuscation, a spell that made it impossible for others to recognize me.
“With this mask, we’ll subtly hint to the VIPs and VVIPs that you’re the owner of the Pure Gold Ingots. It justifies you occupying this room and benefits you in the long run.”
“Benefits?”
The guild leader nodded calmly, handing me the tablet he’d brought.
“Your ultimate goal—whether it’s avenging your parents or clearing their names—will require allies. The people here, who covet your gold so desperately, are also individuals with immense wealth, power, and influence. They could lend you a hand.”
I nodded.
When I first entrusted the Pure Gold Ingots to the auction, I hadn’t expected things to escalate to this extent.
Now, I found myself the Black Market’s most valuable patron.
Not only was I a VIP client who had earned a staggering 4 trillion won in a single transaction, but I had also inadvertently become a central figure.
“In truth, this auction is a precursor to the next one, scheduled two weeks from now, where 30 pieces of Pure Gold Ingots will be up for grabs. Even this Ancient-grade Rune is an item personally submitted by Ms. Seo Ye-rin. She hopes you’ll become its owner.”
“I was planning to buy it anyway. Seems I arrived just in time.”
“Indeed. While today’s auction may not rival the Pure Gold Auction in prestige, many influential figures are participating. Building connections with some of them would be wise.”
With that, the guild leader finished speaking, slightly bowed, and added a formal farewell.
“May you acquire the star you desire, dear patron.”
“Shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll enjoy myself.”
As the guild chief left, I returned to flipping through the catalog, deliberating over my options when—
Knock, knock, knock… knock, knock.
A rhythmic knock echoed. I tilted my head, puzzled.
Who could it be? I thought I’d met everyone who needed to see me.
‘Room service, perhaps?’
“Come in.”
At my invitation, the door opened, revealing a strikingly unique woman.
Her outfit was distinctly Chinese in style—a fitted robe that accentuated her elegant figure.
Behind her stood five escorts exuding an ominous presence.
“Oho~! So this is the owner of the Pure Gold Ingots?”
The woman removed her mask, adorned with a plum blossom motif, and I had to stifle my breath.
No wonder. She was far too famous to go unnoticed.
Though she was an S-rank hunter in her own right, she was better known as the daughter of one of China’s three SS-rank hunters.
“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Xiaoling, the owner of those ingots, yes?”
With a friendly demeanor, she greeted me warmly.
—
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