Chapter 58 - Chapter 60

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Translator: penny

Chapter: 60

Chapter Title: Costume

-----------------------------------------------------------------

-Why are they suddenly collecting money?

-I heard the Black Wolf Guild succeeded in a raid and got an [Ember Coat Invitation]. The lords are seizing the moment to band together and try to win the bid.

-Ugh, still, that kind of amount... There must be a ton of backlash.

Every time this item appeared, massive sums of money shifted during the Selection Process.

It was a route to obtain a Transcendent-grade item just by paying up without any risk, so each Grand Sovereign squeezed their guild members to pool funds.

'But only a few ever succeeded.'

Most gave up midway when they saw the absurd prices.

The auction items always exceeded imagination, so unless you were swimming in cash, you couldn't keep up.

But right now, I had accomplished exactly what they all craved.

I lowered my gaze and picked up one item.

The most valuable thing I'd won had the smallest size among them all.

"This is..."

It looked like a signet ring, but a simple band without any jewels.

Still, I couldn't hide my excitement.

'I didn't know something like this existed. Amazing.'

Archlord Arken was a key figure often mentioned while roaming the Trial zones.

He was the king representing humanity, the first Archlord, and a being who greatly influenced players.

Players who later faced Trials firsthand would borrow the title "Archlord"—which originated from him—to proclaim their own power and prestige.

'His era was filled with conflicts against other races. And he was a great king who triumphed in those wars.'

His reputation alone guaranteed it wasn't junk.

'Would've been better if it was equipment.'

Still, an item from a famous figure was something. I checked the ring's info.

The first thing that caught my eye was the ability to freely manipulate objects.

It was straightforward.

'Telekinesis.'

In other words, as long as it was within range, I could control anything as I wished.

'On the surface, incredibly useful.'

Victory or death in battle often hinged on split-second moments, divided by trivial reasons.

Stumbling over a corpse,

Blood splashing into your eyes, obscuring vision,

A weapon slipping from your hand, failing to deflect an enemy attack.

'...This telekinesis will protect me almost perfectly from countless such trivialities ahead.'

Not to mention the Strength boost, which fit perfectly with my plan to max it out.

'Though it's a shame it's Mythic equipment.'

At least it was growth-type.

As my level rose, so would the item's Strength bonus.

'Unique abilities peak at completion form, but items are best as growth-type.'

You could use them forever without swapping.

I pressed the ring to my finger. A notification appeared.

'It even has binding. Jackpot.'

In other words, bind it to make it soulbound.

Once bound, it couldn't be removed normally. Even if unbound somehow, the item vanished.

'But successful binding unlocks hidden effects.'

I pondered.

Bind it or not?

'The two effects alone are profit enough. No need.'

I could wear it casually, sell it later, or pass it to a companion if better came along.

No need to permanently occupy a ring slot—limited to two—with early-game Mythic gear.

'But...'

After careful thought, I decided.

'The Selection Process isn't as easy as I think. Even maximum preparation falls short. Thinking of the future is good, but giving my all now is crucial too.'

So I bound the ring.

Even if better gear came, its growth would keep up, and who knew what binding effect it'd add.

Sure enough, my choice paid off.

'Like gaining an extra life.'

Not bad. Good, even. No more dying to ambushes.

The ring slid deep onto my finger, auto-adjusting to fit perfectly.

Then it vanished from sight.

Swipe, swipe.

Though equipped, it was invisible and intangible to touch.

But focusing on it made it reappear.

"Alright, ring's set. Now the rest."

The others were mostly junk.

I scanned around with some regret. I'd gotten a gem, but for that fortune, just one felt lacking.

'Should I grab these?'

I pocketed the top-shelf wines on the table. They couldn't be taken to the original world, but inventory...

"Oh, packs nicely."

Satisfied, I swept up useful odds and ends—food, opera glasses too.

Like glasses, easy to carry and lightweight. Useful for sure.

"Anything else worthwhile?"

Like an open-world RPG, I rummaged boxes, opened shelves, grabbing anything decent.

Mostly useless in combat, but pricey novelties for early Selection Process.

Inventory's 10 slots filled up fast—such a shame.

'Alright, grabbed all worth taking. Time to head back.'

I stashed my auction wins in my bag and stepped out. Entering the portal, sensation faded then rushed back, revealing the armory shop interior.

My companions were already back, chattering animatedly.

"Ugh, total junk. What the hell?"

I arrived to Shin Seo-yeon grumbling.

She inspected tiny dragonfly wings, sighed deeply, then tucked them into a palm-sized box.

Handing it to Han So-hee, she eyed her enviously.

"So, how much did you spend?"

"350 points."

"Damn, lucky bitch. I blew 1,500! And resale's just 150?! Bullshit!"

Haha, the Saintess smiled awkwardly, glancing at Shin Seo-yeon's feet.

A charred, shrunken log lay there. Probably Han So-hee's wings, Shin Seo-yeon's log.

"What kinda shitty auction is this? So annoying. And where's that Dickhead prick?"

"Min-jun has money, so maybe he's late winning something good?"

"No way. I checked—nothing worthwhile. We all got played. Should've trusted my gut. Dickhead'll come back pissed too. Bet on it."

Around then, Yi Sera—sucking her thumb amid the girls' talk—turned, spotted me in the corner, and shouted.

"Oppa!"

I caught the rushing Yi Sera mid-leap. Hoisting her piggyback, Shin Seo-yeon approached with a smirk.

"Hey, you strike out too?"

Annoying grin.

I nodded.

"Kinda."

"See, sis? Told ya."

"But I salvaged one."

"What?"

Shin Seo-yeon's smirk froze at my words.

"How good?"

"Mythic-grade."

"No fucking way! Show me! Now!"

Disbelieving, she demanded a look.

I wanted to test it too. I reached for her discarded log.

Whoosh.

The log wobbled, floated up, and flew into my hand.

"Wh-what?"

"Whoa! Amazing! What ability is that?"

"Truly wondrous!"

The girls stared curiously. I extended my hand amid them, revealing the hidden ring.

Their eyes widened in unison.

"No way... Stats rise with levels too?"

"Broken! Nullifies fatal blows?!"

Amazed exclamations. Shin Seo-yeon tried yanking it off to try it.

"Ow, what? Why won't it come off?"

It wouldn't budge.

"Come on! Lemme try it quick!"

While she tugged, I eyed her auction win.

'Intriguing. Mythic material.'

But charred outside, rotten inside—slight squeeze, and it crumbled.

'Condition's wrecked.'

Thus downgraded to Common.

'Tch, 19/20 auction lots are like this.'

No wonder it flopped.

I glanced at Han So-hee's win too.

Promising story, but withered and powerless, forced to Common.

Trash, as said.

"Hey, how'd you snag that? Secret?"

"Secret?"

"Yeah. How'd you pick this out of all that crap."

I replied flatly.

"Bought everything."

"What...?"

"Snagged every auction item."

Brief silence fell.

"...How much you spend?"

"Almost all of it, probably?"

"You mad bastard."

Shin Seo-yeon looked defeated. She'd watched my trades, knew my sales count and prices.

She knew my wealth inside out.

"Heh."

Another who tallied it—the chaebol heiress—gaped too.

"Your boldness is impressive."

Boldness... When death's knocking, money flows freely. Better than gambling lives.

"Hee-hee, our Min-jun's got big guts all around! Amazing as always!"

Saintess beamed innocently; Yi Sera, carefree, played with my hair atop my shoulders.

I grabbed the log and headed out.

"All done for today. Back to the inn."

"Yes, let's. Good work, everyone."

As we exited, Shin Seo-yeon grabbed me.

"Hey, why carry that? Sell it here. Useless."

"This? You don't want it? Sell to me then."

"..."

Money-sniffing Shin Seo-yeon rolled her eyes, sized me up, snatched the log.

"Hmph, I'll think about it."

She didn't get it yet, but at the inn, when I dumped my auction hauls into the [Fresh Core], her eyes bulged.

"Ah!"

"Figure it out now?"

[Fresh Core] restored anything to like-new. Burned, rotted, aged, worthless—back to pristine.

"Min-jun! You know I love you!"

She shoved me aside, yanked my stuff out haphazardly, shoved hers in, and activated.

Opening it, the charred [World Tree Branch] gleamed perfect.

"Muahaha! Jackpot! Common to Mythic! Mythic!"

Crimson Flame Witch bounced in joy.

"Sell it, probably 10,000 points."

"For real?"

"But don't. Perfect for a staff later."

Ah! She nodded eagerly like an obedient kid, hugging it tight.

[World Tree Branch] was unmatched for staves.

Small, but enough for a one-hand staff.

Humm.

While she hopped happily, Han So-hee tossed her win in too.

Out came pristine [Fairy Wing].

'Useful too.'

Common later after fairies, but rare early-game.

Han So-hee carefully lifted the box, opened the clear lid, reached for the wing—I swiftly grabbed her wrist.

"So-hee. Trade it to me?"

Her pretty eyes blinked at me. I handed her [Ancient Sword].

Dull and fragile at auction, now fully restored to birth-state sharpness.

Just a Common weapon, but acquirable only in 12th Trial.

No fancy stats, but raw attack power top-tier.

'No Transcendent item matches this damage now.'

She gripped Giant Slayer, nodded satisfied.

"...Incredible attack power. Great grip. But is it okay for me? You or someone else could sell for big money."

"True. But I want you to have it."

Her eyes widened briefly, then softened with a fond smile.

"Thank you. I'll treasure it."

She handed over the fairy wing.

Rest was meh. Magic shoes were light sneakers; mystery stone, just a rock.

Sellable though, so split between Saintess and Yi Sera.

'Settled, then.'

Suddenly, the costume from the draw popped up. Still needed an owner. I pulled it from inventory.

"Right, got this as a gift at auction. Anyone want it?"

Thought of selling, but costumes were rare.

Hold till mid-late, worth 10 million points.

En route, decided to give to party.

"Huh? What's that?"

"Clothes?"

Girls gathered around it; Yi Sera lifted it.

Expressions shifted instantly.

"Eek. Th-this..."

"Wh-what were you thinking bringing this?"

"Whoa! Oppa, I saw this in porn!"

Black leotard. Sheer black stockings. Bowtie. Wristbands. Heels. Cute bunny tail and ears.

[Bunny Girl] set.

"Pfft—hahaha! Epic, Dickhead. You horny? Who'd wear this!"

"...Looks one way, but stats are good."

"Oh yeah? You wear it then?"

"For real."

They didn't believe me.

Insane +80 total stats.

Without women-only limit, I'd consider it myself.

"Fine, say stats rock. Still embarrassing to wear."

Nods.

Saintess agreed; Yi Sera teased, "Oppa pervert. Naughty."

Han So-hee stared half-lidded.

...Total pervert vibe.

"Heh. Classic Dickhead, bidding on this. No one'd wear it anyway."

"Wasn't a bid. Gift."

"Sure, sure. Picked this 'gift' on purpose."

Others eyed me, nodded in agreement.

Unfair. Why disbelieve truth?

"No one'll wear it? Kinda sexy... Embarrassing, but amazing stats."

Blushing Saintess mumbled.

"Um. I'm fine, but... my chest might pop out."

"No worry. Like [Robes of Lumina], auto-sizes."

But eyeing it, she blushed harder, shook head.

No go. Turned to Yi Sera.

"Hmm."

Our little reaper held it to her body curiously.

But Shin Seo-yeon pointed laughing.

"Kiddo, don't. Flat as board—clothes'll slip."

Crack.

"Better than padded auntie. Honestly, under 'big sis' chests, all same?"

"What? No padding!"

"False tits then?"

"Hey!"

They bickered. Han So-hee separated them, but futile.

Finally, Han So-hee sighed, asked the clingy duo.

"So neither of you wants it?"

Yes! Nods.

Sigh, she scratched head, turned to me.

"Thus, no owner for this outfit."

"Seems so."

They'd regret it—value insane.

Eased first Trial dulled gear hunger. Bitter, worrying.

'Can't force 'em. Not kids.'

As I pondered regretting this,

"...However, if you wish, I'll wear it."

"?!"

Girls gawked at Han So-hee.

"S-So-hee?"

"Cool sis drunk?"

Saintess and Yi Sera baffled; Shin Seo-yeon burst laughing late.

"Girl! Even if OP, this?! Efficiency freak much? Chaebol brains beyond me."

But Han So-hee pocketed it, stood calmly.

"I don't decide for others' understanding. My life, my choice."

...Relief. At least one thinks straight.

I got the others' reactions.

S-Rank Saintess.

S-Rank Crimson Flame Witch.

S-Rank Reaper.

Even without me this round, they'd survive to end.

Talents plus Regression luck—no hardships, low desperation natural.

'Good pick with Han So-hee.'

She crawled from rock bottom like me.

Felt weakness's consequences bodily.

She'd back my choices ahead.

"Change and come back."

Han So-hee took it to bathroom.

Confident in, but 10 minutes later, she emerged head low.

"...I-I wore it, but... looks like something for hostess bars or night service."

Not all costumes, but variety inevitable.

I eyed her.

Her signature huge areolas teased visibility; pussy barely covered.

Even I saw it as lewd—clearly made for that.

"Eep."

Poised chaebol miss held composure, but one word and she'd change back beet-red.

Why not?

Effect was stellar.

"...Pretty."

"R-really? But you..."

Han So-hee glanced at my crotch. Others followed.

Shit... Unknowingly rock-hard, tenting pants—I covered quick.

Why though?

"Hey, I wanna try! Take it off!"

"M-me too..."

"Sis, me first!"

Suddenly they vied for it.

What wind blew? Han So-hee tugged wedgie casually.

"Wanted to, but it asked about soul binding, so I did."

"What? Whose call! That's soulbound now?!"

"Yes. But no one wanted it anyway."

"That was just playing coy!"

Shin Seo-yeon tried stripping her, but once worn, wouldn't come off.

Ripped midway? Auto-repaired.

"What the?"

"Dunno."

First time for her too.

"Stuck forever? Even pissing...?"

"Not that, but..."

Costumes storable in sub-space, removable solo.

Just can't pass to others.

"Ah."

From disinterested to hugely regretful. I waved topic off.

"Enough. Late-night snacks."

"Tch, fine. You pay. Broke."

"Got it. Points for vending machine, claim later."

Yay! Girls rushed machine; I stopped the passing bunny en route.

Arm around waist, side-hugged, whispered.

"So-hee. No drinks or outings tonight. You know."

Patted ass and tail; she blushed.

"Oh, tonight?"

"Don't like?"

Groped her tits; she shook head, no.

"But no private spot..."

"Don't worry. Enjoyed yesterday fine."

"Huh?"

No. Made money—time for a room.

Soundproof fuck-room.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Read 349 more chapters ahead on NovelDex!

https://noveldex.io/series/ive-been-preying-on-s-tier-women-since-i-was-a-newbie

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━