BXBX NOVEL Chapter 35: No, That’s Not It (2)
Chapter 35: No, That’s Not It (2)
Commonly called <Berlin Wolf>, the Calamity that appeared twenty-four years ago in Germany had been one of the Seven Great Calamities. None of the Divine skills and weapons had worked against it.
Lee Gun, who had conquered one of the Seven Great Calamities, didn’t care that the world had made a big deal out of that legendary event. He had a hard time remembering what had happened there.
“I can still remember it. I was about ten. The full moon had passed, yet Lee Gun hadn’t exited the enemy territory. All the live coverage assumed that he had died.”
“Ah.”
Those words sparked a memory within Lee Gun. ‘I guess they are talking about when I killed that bastard.’
He had exited that place after barely being able to take care of the Calamity. However, he had found the reporters basically playing the funeral march for him. So, he had beaten them up. Then, he had thrown the corpse of the monster as a response to the reporters who had considered him dead. His actions had been broadcast on live TV, and this had caused a ruckus.
Lee Gun hadn’t paid much attention to it. The only thing he was sure of was that the monster had been a very troublesome beast. Even he had been close to giving up on killing it.
As the host said a few moments ago, Lee Gun had used the item in question to kill the monster, but…
“My god! I’ve seen it only in textbooks! Wow! This is nuts… Saint-nim?”
“That is mine no matter what happens! I’m willing to use all my assets to buy it!”
“…”
Chun Sungjae’s eyes turned manic.
All these reactions made Lee Gun ask himself. ‘Why are people clamoring for that item?’
The general of the Gemini temple gritted his teeth. It seemed he had no idea this item would be put up for sale in this auction. “There is no way we can let the Leo Saint have that.”
Lee Gun scoffed in disbelief. “What? You were wagging your tail in front of the Leo Saint until a moment ago. I thought you planned on handing over all of Lee Gun’s holy items to the Leo Saint?”
General Choi felt a surge of anger, but he pushed it down. “Amongst Lee Gun’s items, there are those that must be acquired.”
“Is that so?”
“They are called the Big Eight….” the general continued.
“There are eight items?”
General Choi’s eyebrows twitched when Lee Gun acted cheekily. “Since you weren’t born yet at that time, you might not be aware of this. All the Saints who tried to fight <Berlin Wolf> were trapped. They were close to being wiped out in Germany. Lee Gun had beaten all the odds to kill that monster, and he had used that item to do it.”
As the owner of that item, Lee Gun couldn’t stand it anymore. He spoke up. “That’s not a weapon.”
By its appearance, the item looked far from being a weapon.
“Well, it looks like a stick, but it’s a weapon. The appraisers around the world determined it to be a blunt weapon,” the general explained.
‘Blunt weapon, my ass! It’s just a bone.’
“It’s theorized that this item was used to kill the horrible beast.”
‘I didn’t kill that beast. I used this item to train it.’ That monster had been a canine-type monster.
“The blood of the legendary monster caused that stain on the item.”
The stain was from the monster’s feces, but Lee Gun couldn’t say that out loud. In the end, it didn’t matter. ‘Is that what the appraiser was talking about?’
The SS rank appraiser had mentioned two items. Lee Gun wanted one of them. The other was the highlight of the auction. It was the item that some other appraiser had identified as a blunt weapon.
According to what Lee Gun remembered, he had never created a blunt weapon over rank-A before. This was why he didn’t plan on being too greedy. Moreover, he had received another piece of information from the SS-rank appraiser.
‘The blunt weapon is considered Lee Gun-nim’s item. Therefore, the exhibitor has decided to donate the profits to Lee Gun-nim’s estate.’
The profits would be donated to his estate, which was being managed by the government.
‘It will be sent to my bank account.’
That was why it didn’t matter who won the bid. He would get the benefit in the end.
However…
[Let’s keep up this enthusiasm! Let’s start the auction right now! The opening bid is a hundred thousand dollars!]
“Five hundred thousand!”
“One million!”
“Five million!”
“Ten million!”
The starting price was made obsolete as the prices went up in a flash. Moreover, something amazing happened.
[The item created using your magical energy is being worshipped]
[Aside from Divine skills, reputation influences the formation of <Reputation skills>.]
[The Serpent Bearer’s status has increased.]
[Saint EXP has increased]
[Since they aren’t your disciples, you will receive 1% of their EXP]
Lee Gun’s eyes flashed when he heard the voice. He had come here wanting to make a successful bid on his item and fleece the Leo Saint. This windfall was unexpected.
On the other hand, the bidding war had only started. The bid kept climbing as the crowd roared.
“Thirteen million!”
“Fifteen million!”
“Twenty million!”
“Thirty million!”
There was no let-up to the rising price. It was a cutthroat competition as over ten thousand people clamored inside the auction house.
Wahhhhhhhhh!
An incredible roar rang out.
[Saint EXP has increased]
[Saint EXP has increased]
[Saint EXP has increased]
It didn’t end there.
“W…wait a moment. I see several generals over there!”
The guard, who had taken a glance around his surroundings, spoke in a surprised manner.
“Virgo from Korea… Taurus from Europe… Capricorn and Cancer… Wow! Even the lazy generals from the Pisces temple are here! This is like an all-star lineup…!”
Chun Sungjae’s mouth fell open, and he slowly put down his button. He felt intimidated.
All of the generals gathered were at least S rank or above. Moreover, it was rare for them to gather in one place like this. They could be seen only in businesses involving the Zodiac Saints, Red zone, and official events. All of them were very important people.
‘This is only an auction.’
It was common to send one’s underlings to the auction. This was true even if a precious S rank holy item were to appear. In fact, a very rare S rank holy item had appeared in an auction before. However, some had ignored it as if it were a worthless pebble on the road.
Those people had deigned to come here?
There was no way they would normally interject themselves into an auction of a mere Rank A item.
“Thirty million!”
“Thirty-five million!”
“Forty million!”
Moreover, these people weren’t from minor temples. They were from branch temples with famous stars as members.
General Choi clicked his tongue when those people were furiously bidding up the price. “They are acting silly!”
Chun Sungjae and his guard understood why their superior was reacting that way. Normally, everyone, including General Choi, showed contempt for Lee Gun. They downplayed Lee Gun’s accomplishments. However, when the chips were on the table, their eyes lit up. All of them rushed forward to try to obtain Lee Gun’s item.
“You’re right. Even if that’s one of Lee Gun’s Eight…”
“A hundred million!”
“?!” The mouths of Chun Sungjae and his guard fell open when they heard General Choi’s shout.
The Gemini temple finally took part in the bid.
[Hundred million! The bid rose to one hundred million dollars in a flash!]
All the other generals gritted their teeth when the price skyrocketed. General Choi endured their glares, but it didn’t take long for this to become a competition.
“One hundred one million!”
“One hundred two million!”
“One hundred five million!”
It wouldn’t have been strange if the price was rising at a slower rate. However, everyone seemed unconcerned about the price. Shouted bids were heard all around the auction house. The current bid was being constantly updated on the electronic display.
[Three hundred twenty million!]
The guard was shocked by the inflated price. The more surprising part was the fact that the bidding had taken less than two minutes to reach that figure. ‘It isn’t as if this is some ticket exchange.’
[Yes! This is surprising! The great Drachma auction house boasts a rich and long history, yet its record has been broken right now!]
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Incredible excitement surged within the auction house. It felt like a festival.
As the owner of the item in the highlight, Lee Gun felt good when the bid surged to crazy heights. He could only scratch his cheek. Everyone thought highly of his item, and he received EXP due to that. He would basically receive free money to the tune of 300 million dollars.
‘Guys… That’s just a dog bone.’ He still had no idea why they thought it was a weapon. It really was a trash item with no abilities.
Back then, the beast from Germany had been close to invincible. It was as big as a house and also shaggy; one couldn’t see its eyes. It was also very strong. Lee Gun had been trapped with that monster in Germany, and it had almost eaten him. Luckily, he had found a way to defeat the monster.
The monster was particularly weak against water, so Lee Gun just had to push it into a body of water. However, there was no way the monster would willingly go in the water.
That was why Lee Gun had created a bone while he was trapped with the beast; he had gathered the base ingredient from a pile of monster bones.
Lee Gun had trained the monster with the bone. In the end, he lured the monster into a trap using the bone, and the beast had run headlong into its death…
‘Why was that bone mistaken for a weapon that killed the monster?’ Lee was seriously contemplating the question when Chun Sungjae and his guard gave the answer.
“Wow! Even the high and mighty generals are foaming at the mouth.”
“It can’t be helped. That item can be used to defeat the monsters between the Red zone and the Black zone.”
“Are you sure Lee Gun used that to kill the monster?”
“Lee Gun-nim said so.”
Ah! It seemed he was at fault. ‘I’m sorry.’ Lee Gun didn’t know who was going to win the bid, but he apologized in advance.
However, it was soon revealed that he wasn’t the only one at fault.
“You guys were probably too young to know this, but the claim was officially verified.”
“!”
General Choi spoke up. He was currently checking his phone to see how much money he could gather. “The Saintess spoke about it on the morning show.”
‘Saintess?’ Was he talking about Sophie Mardi, whom he had beaten to oblivion? Lee Gun tilted his head in puzzlement.
He recalled that time. After the incident in Germany, he had recuperated in the hospital. The Saintess had pretended to be nice by visiting him in the hospital. However, she had only come to interrogate him. She wanted to know how he had killed the monster when weapons and skills didn’t work against it. She had even taken his tray of food, which he had been eating, to get him to answer.
In response, Lee Gun had told her that he had chased after the monster by throwing the item in question. ‘Fuck off before I kill you with it too!’ This statement led to Sophie mistaking the bone for a weapon.
At that moment, the host shouted into the mic. His excitement had reached a fever pitch.
[That’s right! Lee Gun brought this weapon back from beyond the enemy lines! According to the Saintess’s testimony, she believes that weapon contains a hidden skill!]
‘There is none.’
[The monster was higher in level than the monsters in the current Red zone! This is why we are sure that the hidden skill is above SS rank!]
“Three hundred thirty!”
“Three hundred forty!”
“Three hundred sixty!”
[Who will be the lucky hero who’ll obtain this item with the hidden SS rank skill!]
It really was just a bone, but Lee Gun now understood why the generals were excited about this item.
“We must win the bid at all cost!”
For some reason, Lee Gun felt proud. It was just a bone, but it was an item that he had created. And it was being treated like a treasure.
[Three hundred ninety! We’ve received a bid of three hundred ninety million dollars! Is there another bid?]
“Four hundred million!”
[Yes! We got four hundred million….]
“One billion!”
A booming voice suddenly rang out. The voice was loud enough to cut through the roar within the auction house.
Silence descended in the venue. The generals who had been bidding with fervor became mute. The host was so surprised that he almost dropped the microphone.
The one who shouted that bid was the Leo Saint. He continued, “One billion! Didn’t you hear me?”
“…!”
When he heard the intimidating growl, the surprised host quickly fixed his grip on his microphone.
[Ah… Yes! That is… Everyone is just taken aback by the price. It’s mind-boggling!]
It was to be expected. One billion dollars!
‘He’s overdoing it.’ The general of the Gemini temple, who uncharacteristically coveted the item, laughed in annoyance. He never expected the Leo Saint to make such a strong move.
[We have received a bid for one billion dollars! Would anyone like to make another bid?]
The host asked the question again, but silence reigned within the auction house.
[No one?]
Such an exorbitant amount of money couldn’t be gathered easily. Even if one was able to, one had to consider who was making the bid.
In the end, the generals from the other temples tossed their number plates. The sound of people grumbling from all directions could be heard. It sounded as if they were close to losing their mind due to not getting the item.
Most of Lee Gun’s Eight Big items were missing. This was the opportunity of a lifetime to touch one of the legendary items.
Chun Sungjae and his guard lamented as they pulled at their hair.
“Shit! Lee Gun-nim’s item will go to the Leo Saint… The Leo Saint…”
“Wow! If the Gemini temple had won the bid, we would’ve been able to elevate our power to be in a league of our own!”
‘It’s just a big bone.’ Lee Gun looked at the Leo Saint.
The Leo Saint had a carefree attitude. He knew he was the victor, and he was confident and bold. It was as if he were telling off others for daring to covet his item.
The host counted down the time and finally ended the bidding.
[Congratulations! Lee Gun’s legendary weapon has been sold at an unimaginable price! It has been sold for one billion dollars! Leo Saint, please come up! You’re the owner of the legendary weapon!]
An incredible cheer rang out, and a chant broke out from all directions to praise the Leo Saint.
The Leo Saint responded to the chant by raising his fist. This would be an enormous hit to his bank account, but he didn’t care.
“The Leo Saint will grasp glory and victory with this!”
“Ohhhhhhhhhhh!”
In reality, the Leo Saint had bought a trash item for one billion dollars.
‘It inadvertently helps me too.’ Lee Gun thought.
[Reputation has been established!]
[Your Saint EXP has increased sharply!]
[You have reached a new level (Lv. 4)!]
[Points have been generated!]
Lee Gun grinned.
Meanwhile, the Leo Saint received his item.
“Congratulations.”
The Leo Saint had concluded his business at the auction house. He was about to leave with his underlings when…
Boom!
An incredibly loud sound rang out outside the auction house. The crowd became agitated.
“What is it?”
“Did something blow up by accident?”
Lee Gun turned to look as well.
The commotion amongst the crowd didn’t last long. The guard chuckled as if it wasn’t a big deal. “Ah! Don’t worry about it! There is a Skill Simulation site nearby. I’m sure it’s….”
“No! You should have your weapons ready!” Lee Gun stood up from his seat. He looked at the Leo Saint as he laughed.
Boom!
The auction house shook, and people started to scream. The Leo Saint narrowed his eyes.
As Lee Gun had expected, the employees of the auction house yelled out loud, “This is really bad!
“A Calamity has appeared within the auction house! The Calamity must have hidden itself amongst the auction items! The monsters took several items that are supposed to be auctioned later!”
The light within the eyes of the generals changed.
“What rank is the calamity!”
“Fortunately, the Calamity is only Yellow rank, but…” The employee, who had been speaking, had a serious expression on his face.
“What? What else is wrong?”
“A mysterious monster has invaded the Drachma auction house! The observatory has never seen this type of monster before! None of our attacks work against it…”
The expressions on the faces of the generals crumpled.
“All our guests should…”
The Leo Saint burst out laughing as soon as the employee spoke. He broke open the box that held Lee Gun’s holy item. It was the item that he had won the bid for just now.
Crunch!
A white stick was revealed to the auction house.
“Leo Saint-nim…”
The Leo Saint roared as he lifted Lee Gun’s holy item. “This is the time to test this! It’s the time to make a new legend!”
“Ohhhhhhhh!”
Everyone except one person was excited. Lee Gun just shook his head.
‘It really is just a bone.’