The Auction Where Everyone Thought Alex Was Stupid
The day of the auction arrived with all the drama money could buy.
Golden chandeliers.
Soft orchestral music.
People pretending not to judge each other while absolutely judging each other.
Alex entered calmly—
Hand in hand with Raiden Shogun.
They didn't rush.
They didn't look around nervously.
They walked in like they owned the place.
High society froze for half a second.
"Wait… isn't that—"
"Runcandel heir?"
"Who's the woman with him—?"
"Why do they look like a power couple out of a magazine?"
Raiden's expression was serene, almost divine.
Alex looked bored.
Perfect combination.
Unwanted Faces
Alex spotted Kael Ravencroft and Lunaria Valencrest across the hall.
Kael was dressed expensively.
Lunaria clung to his arm.
Alex?
Didn't care.
He walked past them without a glance and sat down.
Kael noticed.
His jaw tightened.
Auction Begins
The auctioneer smiled professionally.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Let us begin."
Item #1 — Dragon Fang
Alex's eyes lit up slightly.
Shelgon will love this.
"Starting price: 3 million."
"5 million," Alex said casually.
"6 million—"
"8 million," Alex followed instantly.
No resistance.
"Sold! To Mr. Runcandel!"
Alex nodded.
✔ Dragon Fang acquired
Minor Items Sweep
Over the next rounds, Alex casually picked up:
Sharp BeakMetal Coat
Like grocery shopping.
Kael didn't bid once.
Alex already knew why.
He's waiting.
Main Event Begins
Item — Unknown-Origin Egg
The auctioneer raised his voice.
"This egg's origin is unknown. Dungeon residue detected. Potential… unclear."
Unclear meant dangerous.
And dangerous meant expensive.
"Starting bid: 10 million."
"10 million," Alex said.
"20 million," Kael cut in.
The room stirred.
Back and forth—
25 million 30 million 40 million 50 million
The tension thickened.
"65 million!" Alex said calmly.
Kael's fingers clenched.
He hesitated.
Then—
"…I withdraw."
"Sold! 65 million to Mr. Alexander Argus Runcandel!"
Kael exhaled slowly.
I still need the land… and the recipe.
Alex smiled faintly.
✔ Unknown Egg acquired
Item — Cosmetic Recipe
The auctioneer continued.
"A rare cosmetic formula. Base price: 20 million."
Alex bid first.
"35 million."
Kael immediately responded.
"40 million."
Neck and neck again.
The price climbed relentlessly.
60 million 75 million 90 million
Kael's voice sharpened.
"100 million."
Alex paused.
Then leaned back.
"…I withdraw."
Gasps filled the hall.
"Sold! 100 million to Mr. Kael Ravencroft!"
People congratulated Kael.
"This recipe could make 150 million!"
"A smart move!"
"Impressive!"
Kael smiled smugly.
Alex didn't react.
Enjoy it while it lasts.
Final Item — The Mountain Land
The lights dimmed slightly.
"This land includes a mountain region. Base price: 100 million."
The room exploded.
"110 million!" "130 million!" "150 million!"
Kael raised his paddle.
"180 million."
Alex followed immediately.
"200 million."
Kael frowned.
"250 million."
Alex didn't even blink.
"300 million."
The hall fell silent.
Kael swallowed.
"…350 million."
Everyone turned to Alex.
He waited.
Calculated.
Then—
"351 million."
Kael's face stiffened.
He checked his funds.
After the recipe?
He was done.
"…I withdraw."
The gavel slammed.
"Sold! 351 million to Mr. Alexander Argus Runcandel!"
Public Reaction
Whispers exploded.
"Isn't that land only worth 300 million?"
"The Runcandel heir overpaid!"
"That's a terrible investment!"
Alex didn't care.
Not even a little.
Kael's Thoughts
Kael leaned back, relieved.
Good… I avoided financial ruin.
Then—
His eyes drifted to Raiden Shogun.
Elegant.
Unreachable.
Overwhelmingly beautiful.
His jealousy burned.
Why does he have everything?
Alex stood up.
Hand still holding Raiden's.
He didn't spare Kael a glance.
The auction was over.
But the hunt?
Had only just begun.