Chapter 42 - One Hit, Four Kills
Suicide Before Defeating the Final Boss – 42
EP.42 One Hit, Four Kills
Since only Regina who had received a formal invitation, she was allowed to directly participate in the auction. So, there was nothing much for Jeong-hyeon to do standing by. He decided to leave the task of assisting Regina to Miria and took a moment to get up.
‘During this time, it would be better to gather some information by observing the auction hall.’
The black market’s auction hall, designed for those with social status, was not truly meant for the auction itself but rather served as a high-society social venue.
‘So instead of doing nothing, it’s better to walk around and familiarize myself with the faces here.’
Knowing the faces of influential people could help in making both negative and rational decisions in the future. However, he made sure not to stray too far from Regina. If she acted out, he needed to be close enough to intervene.
‘There are so many people here.’
As Lee Jeong-hyeon looked down, he noted the overwhelming number of people present. The auction hall, filled with social elites, resembled a hive of activity as if ants swarming over candy. He briefly fantasized about throwing a Molotov cocktail into the crowd but was interrupted by the announcement that the auction was about to begin.
─ The opening bid starts at ten million gold!
─Eleven million… Fifteen million! Twenty million!
─In the blink of an eye, the bid has reached fifty million gold!
The price of the extract was rising quickly. Even the subspace pouch, with its incredible abilities, could be bought for fifty million gold. Watching the extract’s price soar past fifty million and head towards a hundred million, Jeong-hyeon couldn’t help but smirk.
‘Looks like a lot of people were after it, just as the auctioneer said.’
Given the current state of the world, it made sense. If newspapers were reporting that the world was falling apart due to war, it made sense that the high-ranking individuals would be keen on securing any survival aids like the extract.
‘So, to ensure their survival, they want to use an ability extraction device for their own survival.’
Lee Jeong-hyeon accepted the situation as inevitable, but the auctioneer’s urgent voice soon interrupted his thoughts.
─ Eighty million gold…! Now it’s one hundred million! One hundred million gold! Any higher bids? One hundred twenty million gold!
Miria’s expectations were quickly surpassed, and the extract’s price steadily climbed.
─ One hundred fifty million gold! Any higher bids? Congratulations! Sold for one hundred fifty million gold!
Miria signalled that she had successfully purchased the extract. He couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret.
‘It feels like we overpaid, buying something worth one hundred million gold for one hundred fifty million gold.’
Even though gold might soon become meaningless in this world, he couldn’t shake off the feeling of loss. After a moment of contemplation, a mischievous idea crossed his mind.
‘Should I really throw a Molotov cocktail?’
Of course, getting an actual Molotov cocktail would be difficult, so he considered using the rosary’s power to cause chaos instead.
‘That could work. Given the strict entry requirements, there aren’t many security personnel inside, and the place is filled with high-ranking officials and corrupt elites frequenting the black market.’
He figured that even causing a small explosion with divine power would benefit him significantly. The aftermath of the explosion was a concern, but he wasn’t too worried because he had a plan for a quick escape.
‘After all, I came here under Regina’s identity.’
If any trouble arose, the focus would be on Regina, the leader of Asiris and a member of one of the three great noble families, rather than on him, a commoner.
‘So, in short, if I don’t get caught, it’s great. If I do get caught, it’s Regina’s problem.’
Of course, getting caught would mean certain death, so he had to ensure his escape from the auction house.
‘Good thing I came wearing a mask.’
Applauding Miria’s foresight, he then headed towards her to discuss the plan.
***
When Jeong-hyeon shared his plan with Miria, she took a deep breath, sounding exasperated.
“Whew…”
She then covered her eyes with both hands in despair.
“…You’re insane. Truly insane.”
With a voice full of despair, she spoke to him.
“Even though the kingdom is rotting with issues of war and corruption, you know that killing all the high-ranking nobles here would force the kingdom to act, right?”
He nodded, knowing that even killing one or two would likely provoke a response. Miria, still in disbelief, looked at him and asked.
“So, you’re saying you alone will take on the kingdom… can you handle that?”
“Of course not.”
“Then stop talking nonsense and let’s go collect the extract.”
Miria waved her hand dismissively, as if there was no point in continuing the conversation. Jeong-hyeon noted her dismissive attitude and decided to remind her of one crucial detail she seemed to have forgotten.
“But you seem to misunderstand something. It’s not me who will have to face the kingdom, it’s Regina.”
“…What?”
Miria looked at him, confused and taken aback by his unexpected answer.
Jeong-hyeon summarized his earlier thought to Miria in one sentence.
“After all, we came here under Regina’s identity, didn’t we?”
Miria’s eyes widened as she grasped his meaning.
“Wait, are you saying you plan to pin all of this on Regina?”
Jeong-hyeon gave her a puzzled look.
“What are you talking about? Pin it on her? Regina actually did it.”
“…What?”
Miria was horrified, staring at him. He continued as if nothing was wrong.
“Think about it. The person who caused the dungeon rampage and killed Erie—do you think she wouldn’t cause chaos at an auction house? She’d probably enjoy it.”
“Well, that’s true, but…”
“Exactly. So, let’s say Regina did all this. But to make it more convincing, we’ll add some extra elements.”
“Extra elements?”
“Nothing grand. Just a couple of cards up my sleeve that I think will work well.”
At the mention of his ‘cards,’ Miria’s eyes widened with realization.
“Are you talking about Instructor Marpe…?”
Jeong-hyeon snapped his fingers.
“Bingo. Now, who do you think the other one is?”
“…I don’t know.”
“Think harder. Who is the owner of this rosary?”
At that, Miria sank to the ground, looking like she wanted to cry.
“What did I do in a past life to deserve this?”
Jeong-hyeon patted her shoulder reassuringly.
“Don’t worry. You’re not going to be one of the scapegoats.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“Now, let’s stop whining and go. Regina is waiting.”
“…Okay.”
Miria sighed as she looked at Regina, who was standing some distance away.
“I don’t know if I’m lucky not to be your enemy or if getting involved with you was a mistake from the start.”
Miria mumbled as she followed him.
***
“We’ve received exactly one hundred fifty million gold. The user’s rights certificate and warranty are in this box, so please take them with you.”
The extract was presented in a luxurious box. Jeong-hyeon smiled as he accepted it, and Miria, who had been watching, subtly asked the staff.
“Is there a private room or a place to rest? Lady Regina seems a bit exhausted.”
Addressing Regina with the honorific ‘Lady’ to emphasize her position as Regina’s subordinate or servant, Miria asked if there was a place where they could immediately use the extract. In response, the staff member kindly answered.
“There is a private room nearby. Would you like me to show you?”
“Yes, please. We need a place to rest immediately.”
“Of course. I’ll guide you right away.”
After giving some instructions to the waiting staff, the employee began to lead us.
“If you find the private room uncomfortable or lacking in any way, please don’t hesitate to let us know.”
The staff member added as he made his way upstairs to the assigned private room. Once they all entered the room, Jeong-hyeon closed the door behind them and spoke.
“Alright then… Regina, could you go inside and rest for a bit?”
As he finished speaking, he opened the subspace, gesturing for Regina to enter. Seeing this, Regina trembled.
“P-Party… You’re not going to do that, right? I’ve done everything you asked… So please, just that…”
The comment Regina referred to was something Jeong-hyeon had said to break her mentally, threatening to hold a party with Regina’s acquaintances and mercilessly beating them as a commoner. It seemed to have stuck in her mind.
“I promised, didn’t I? I’ll keep my word, so don’t worry.”
He pointed to the subspace pouch again.
“Then hurry up and get inside before I change my mind.”
Regina nodded and entered the subspace on her own. Satisfied, Jeong-hyeon smiled and lifted the extract and the rosary.
‘Let’s see how this works.’
The sacred artifact was given to Lea by the church to capture the Demon King. As Jeong-hyeon placed the extract in contact with the rosary and mentally commanded it to activate, a brief message appeared.
*-*
[Would you like to use the top-grade extract?]
─ Upon use, it will be immediately absorbed into the user’s body.
*-*
A brief notification appeared, asking for confirmation. Jeong-hyeon nodded slightly, and the extract in his hand transformed into a blue slime-like substance, enveloping the rosary. It began to absorb the radiant light from the rosary.
‘Fascinating.’
Determined not to lose even a drop of power, the extract consumed all the light from the rosary. Once the rosary’s glow vanished, the extract reverted to its original form and then compressed into a small orb in his palm.
‘Looks like I’m supposed to consume this.’
Realizing this, Jeong-hyeon immediately swallowed the orb, fearing someone might steal it.
[Congratulations! You have used the top-grade extract to absorb the power of the Amplification Rosary (Unique)!]
[Unbelievable Achievement! You have absorbed the power of a unique item!]
[Congratulations! You are close to your next level up!]
Feeling the immense divine power he already possessed becoming even more overwhelming, Jeong-hyeon couldn’t help but grin. He turned to Miria, who was anxiously watching him, and spoke briefly.
“Alright, shall we go cause some chaos? Using the rosary that Bishop Lea gave us for this very purpose.”
With this one action, Jeong-hyeon decided to wreak havoc on the kingdom, the church, Regina’s family, and Marpe. He began channeling an overwhelming amount of divine power into his hands, more than he could possibly control.