I Became a Mythical Hunter After Killing the Golden Goblin - Chapter 53

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 53. Black Market Auction
The Black Market, which maintained intimate connections with the underworld across the globe with South Korea at its forefront, now stood at a threshold—poised to ascend to an entirely new echelon of power.
A pure Golden nugget. The shockwave rippled outward because of that item Shin Ju-ha had carelessly cast into the Black Market and forgotten.
To obtain that item, figures whose names alone commanded global recognition had converged from every corner of the world.
Previously, even when they sent invitations, these same powers dismissed the Black Market’s modest auctions as the trivial dealings of some insignificant underground faction in a minor nation.
Yet now that something of such magnitude had surfaced, they reversed their stance entirely—resending invitations and humbly requesting to participate.
Naturally, the Black Market’s influence swelled accordingly.
Countless organizations and individuals extended goodwill toward the Black Market, each desperate to claim that single piece of Golden.
An opportunity to expand beyond South Korea and reach the global stage had materialized. This was precisely why Seo Ye-rin, the Black Market’s proprietor and an S-rank Hunter, intended to seize this moment to its fullest.
‘The territory I’ve acquired from the Abyss remains more than sufficient.’
For now, even this much territory allowed her to operate comfortably while keeping reserves hidden—yet the land she possessed was more than adequate for her faction’s expansion. Naturally it was. An entire Hidden Stage had fallen directly into her hands.
The greatest obstacle, the supply problem, had been resolved when Shin Ju-ha assured her he could provide pure Golden in any quantity she required. Reaching the global stage was no longer merely a dream.
The worldwide secret organization she had envisioned since childhood was finally becoming reality.
Most gratifying of all was the prospect of finally severing ties with the South Korean Government—those parasites who drained the Black Market’s lifeblood like leeches—and those high-ranking officials who shrieked demands at every turn.
Thus, Seo Ye-rin had prepared with meticulous care, even liquidating assets she had accumulated.
This auction was precisely that—a month-long prelude to the next Golden competition, designed to keep overseas luminaries captivated and invested.
Different auction items were presented each week, and this third week’s auction was the climax.
An Ancient-grade Rune, no less!
It was an item she had obtained after clearing a Hidden Quest during her extensive exploration of the Abyss. Its value was truly immeasurable.
It was an extraordinary treasure comparable to pure Golden itself. Thus, she had dispatched invitations once more to Hunters and high-ranking power brokers across the globe.
And today, the auction had commenced.
“Rune. Next. Immediately. Pure Golden. Bait.”
At Seo Ye-rin’s words, the Branch Director bowed slightly and complied. This auction held value in itself, but it also served as groundwork for next week’s Golden auction—the one that would occur in precisely one month.
Initially, she had planned to open the auction immediately after acquiring the Golden from Shin Ju-ha. But she had adjusted the schedule slightly, reasoning that doing so would diminish its value.
It was then that someone knocked on Seo Ye-rin’s office door. Without waiting for a response, an employee wearing a rabbit mask entered.
He bowed respectfully to both Seo Ye-rin and the Branch Director, then spoke.
“That person has arrived at the Auction House.”
“That person? Ah!”
The Branch Director realized whom the employee meant. Shin Ju-ha. He had informed only a select few staff members of the Unranked card’s existence and instructed them to treat its holder with utmost respect, yet he had not revealed the card owner’s identity even to them.
That was why they referred to him as “that person.”
Seo Ye-rin, too, grasped whom the employee meant, her expression shifting to one of surprise.
“Did he come knowing what would be auctioned today?”
“No. He appeared to have a separate interest. Upon seeing a poster displayed nearby, he decided to participate. As you know, the fact that an Ancient-grade Rune will be auctioned is information contained only in the invitations—it does not appear on the posters.”
“Then what reason would he have to participate in the auction? I could simply acquire it for him.”
At that, the rabbit-masked employee hesitated, seeming to consider something, before responding in a quiet voice.
“It is merely my personal impression, but I sensed that he wished to experience an auction himself—pure curiosity.”
At this, the Branch Director murmured that it was certainly possible and nodded in agreement.
“Was he guided well?”
“Yes. We provided him with VVIP Room 3.”
The finest location in the Auction House. It was a room accessible only to the most distinguished participant whenever major auctions were held.
The Branch Director’s brow furrowed slightly. Something felt like it was about to go awry.
“Understood. I’ll head over there now. Go ahead and finish preparing for the auction.”
“Yes.”
As the rabbit-masked figure left, Seo Ye-rin finally spoke.
“Not bad. Rather. He takes it. It’s beneficial.”
Indeed. How much capital did he currently possess? Over 4 trillion. No matter how expensive ancient-grade runes were, even at the auction’s highest bid, the total would surely fall short of 500 billion.
If he won the bid instead, it would be nothing but advantageous for both Seo Ye-rin and the Black Market.
If their reliable partner grew stronger, their own concerns would gradually diminish. Of course, sudden visits and impulsive actions like today were somewhat bothersome.
“No. Rather. It works well. Recognition obstruction. Give mask. Reveal boldly.”
“Hmm… true, we’ve already dug a private corridor for him, so concealing it well while revealing him as the owner of Golden wouldn’t be a bad move. Shin Ju-ha could also build personal connections and networks with them.”
Seo Ye-rin nodded. She understood what Shin Ju-ha desired—to clear the grievances of his parents, those two lauded as heroes, and to exact his revenge.
For that, he needed not only personal strength but also the backing and connections to support him.
“Black Market. Shin Ju-ha. Favorable. Overseas forces. Shin Ju-ha. Favorable.”
“Then his freedom of action would expand somewhat. However, excess could bring trouble. They’re no different from the vile ones who killed Shin Ju-ha’s parents. They’re consumed by greed and will do anything to learn his identity.”
“Filter. Beneficial. Humans. Inform him.”
“Yes, I’ll filter those who would help Shin Ju-ha and those to be wary of, then report immediately. I’ll take my leave now.”
The Branch Director moved at once. An unexpected variable, but not an unwelcome one. He would play a crucial role in this auction as well, and would contribute to the Black Market’s growth.
Finding ways to benefit him was the top priority. The Branch Director headed straight to his office and began categorizing the list of notable figures participating in today’s event.
Not long after, he visited VVIP Room 3, carrying a tablet and an item.
***
Knock, knock.
As the door opened with the knock, a familiar face—or rather, a masked visage—revealed itself.
“Branch Director?”
“It hasn’t been long enough to say it’s been ages. I’m surprised. It would have been better if you’d contacted me beforehand.”
There was a certain sharpness to his words.
“I’ve had some matters to attend to and ended up at the Hospital twice. The moment I regained consciousness, I needed to secure something urgently, so I came here. Fortunately, it’s listed as an auction item on the poster, so I thought I’d come and gain some experience as well.”
“Tsk. That’s fine, but the situation isn’t quite so optimistic. One of my subordinates made a mistake—not really a mistake, but still.”
I narrowed my eyes slightly. I’d already experienced trouble arising from Black Money staff errors once before.
“Ah! It was purely out of ignorance. Upon seeing your card, they assigned you the finest room in this auction.”
With those words, I understood. No wonder the room faced the auction platform directly—it was indeed the best room.
The Branch Director paused briefly before continuing.
“So I was thinking of exposing Shin Ju-ha a bit in the process. We’ve already created a private corridor anyway. If we’re just a little careful, there shouldn’t be any major issues. You possess a protective barrier excellent enough to even block Seo Ye-rin’s detection. Here…”
I examined the mask the Branch Director handed me. A rare-grade S+ item. The effect was simple.
Recognition obstruction—a spell that prevented others from recognizing me.
“I intend to have you wear this mask and subtly hint to the VIP and VVIP guests that you’re the pure owner of Golden. It gives you a reason to occupy this room, and more importantly, it will benefit you.”
“Benefit?”
The Branch Director nodded calmly and handed me the tablet he’d been holding.
“Whatever your goal—whether it’s avenging your parents or clearing their grievances—those who participate here and covet your Golden will lend you a hand. They’re water suppliers who crave your pure Golden like madmen, while simultaneously wielding immense power and authority in both hands.”
I nodded. Pure Golden—when I first entrusted it to the Auction House, I never imagined things would snowball like this. Somehow, I’d become the biggest player in the Black Market.
A wealthy client who’d earned a staggering 4 trillion in a single transaction.
“Actually, the Boss deliberately opened this auction to draw more attention to the thirty pure Golden ingots coming up next week. This ancient rune was also personally submitted by the Boss. He hopes that if things work out this way, you, Shin Ju-ha, would become the owner of this rune.”
“I was planning to purchase it anyway. It seems I’ve arrived at the perfect timing.”
“Indeed. While the pure Golden ingots may be of a higher caliber when they’re auctioned separately, today’s auction also attracts quite distinguished participants. Building connections with some of them would be beneficial.”
The Branch Director gave a slight bow as if he’d said all he needed to say, then delivered his standard greeting to the customers.
“Then I wish you success in capturing the star you desire. Our valued guest.”
“No issues at all. I’ll enjoy myself here.”
With those words, the Branch Director opened the door and left. I was back to studying the catalog and deliberating when—
Knock, knock, knock, knock-knock!
A cheerful knocking sound echoed through the room. I tilted my head slightly in curiosity.
Who could that be? I thought everyone who needed to visit had already come.
‘Room service, perhaps?’
“Come in.”
The moment I granted permission, the door opened and a figure emerged. At first glance, she was clearly no ordinary woman.
Her attire was a martial robe with strong Chinese influences, one that accentuated her beautiful figure perfectly.
Behind her stood five guards radiating an unmistakable, formidable presence.
“Oho~! So this is the owner of the Golden?”
The instant she removed the mask adorned with plum blossom patterns from her face, I found myself holding my breath.
And for good reason—she was far too renowned a figure.
While known as one of China’s S-rank Hunters, she was even more famous as the daughter of one of only three SS-rank Hunters in all of China.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Xiao Ling. Are you the owner of the Golden?”
And there she was, extending a warm greeting to me.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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