Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 480:To The Auction

For a few days following his breakthrough, Ethan remained within the confines of the chamber, relishing the surge of newfound power coursing through his physique.

His breathing soon attained a steady rhythm, and the turbulent energy that had previously vibrated throughout the room now subsided into a tranquil, consistent presence.

A subtle smile lingered on his lips.

The advancement into the Mythic realm proved to be far more gratifying than he had anticipated.

At long last, he rose, flicked the dust from his attire, and made his way out of the stone chamber.

The instant he re-entered the corridor, several servants and guards immediately snapped to attention and offered respectful greetings. Ethan merely gave a nod as he proceeded towards the main mansion.

However, upon entering the room where Rina and Amber were seated, he halted abruptly.

His eyes widened in astonishment.

"Woaaah!"

He moved closer to the table, his gaze fixed upon several exquisitely designed cards laid out neatly before them.

"What is this?" he inquired, his voice laced with surprise.

Rina leaned back slightly in her chair, crossing her arms.

"They are the passes to the VIP Auction hosted by the Merchant Association and those influential conglomerates," she replied with composure.

Ethan's brow furrowed instantly.

"I am already a Marquise, so why wasn't I given these before?" he questioned, picking up one of the cards.

"Isn't that blatant disrespect?"

Amber couldn't suppress a soft laugh upon hearing his words.

"Do you truly believe those individuals from Arcadia hold you in high regard?" she commented, leaning against her chair with a playful smirk.

"It's not solely about wealth; it fundamentally concerns status."

Ethan regarded her with a raised eyebrow.

But before he could voice any further thoughts, Rina gave a slight shake of her head.

'No, no. Sister Amber is slightly mistaken on that point,' she stated calmly.

"This auction is exceedingly discreet; even numerous nobles are unaware of its existence."

She tapped the table lightly.

"One requires substantial connections merely to be informed of it."

Ethan nodded slowly upon absorbing this information.

"That explanation is much more logical."

He then retrieved the envelope resting beside the passes and proceeded to open it.

A letter slid out, which he began to read with careful attention.

In one month's time, the capital city of the Duchy of Margrave would be the venue for a grand auction, orchestrated by the Merchant Association.

And notably, among the items slated for auction was...

One kilogram of Star Dust Essence.

Ethan's eyes immediately brightened with anticipation.

Upon receiving this communiqué dispatched by Duke Lancelot, Ethan felt a powerful wave of excitement surge within his chest.

Should he succeed in acquiring the Star Dust Essence at the auction, he would finally possess the primary component necessary for forging his sword.

His attendance at this auction was non-negotiable.

However, prior to his departure, a crucial preparation was in order.

Capital.

An immense sum of money.

After all, even a minuscule quantity of Star Dust Essence commanded a price in the millions of gold coins. At an auction where powerful nobles and merchant dynasties vied for supremacy, the ultimate price was bound to escalate significantly.

Having a larger sum of gold readily available would undoubtedly enhance his prospects of securing the coveted item.

Without any hesitation, Ethan marshaled nearly all the gold coin reserves amassed by the Blanks family over the preceding several decades.

Even this substantial sum represented an enormous fortune.

Yet, another astonishing development awaited him.

Duke Lancelot personally extended a loan.

Two hundred million gold coins.

Upon witnessing the figure inscribed on the check, Ethan was nearly overcome.

"What in the world?"

"I had no idea they possessed such vast wealth."

Rina offered a subtle eye-roll at his exclamation.

"What did you expect? He is a Provincial Duke, not some common Duke from a minor barony."

Receiving this explanation, Ethan slowly nodded in understanding.

It was indeed logical.

After all, the Blanks estate alone generated close to fifty million gold coins annually from taxation.

Upon completing his calculations, Ethan realized he had amassed a colossal amount of wealth.

Nevertheless, transporting such a vast quantity of gold physically presented an insurmountable challenge.

Fortunately, an alternative solution existed.

As a noble lord, he possessed the authority to issue a signed check, collateralized by his own territory. Payment could subsequently be settled in installments.

This was one of the esteemed privileges afforded to Imperial nobles.

Furthermore, any party that dared to default on such obligations would face direct intervention from the Imperial Authority, ensuring the full recovery of every last coin.

With all preparations concluded, Ethan finally made his way towards the fortress stables.

There, he selected one of the awakened warhorses designated for long-distance journeys.

This formidable steed possessed the capability to traverse approximately three hundred kilometers per hour, akin to a high-speed bullet train across the open plains.

This time, Ethan opted against a large retinue. Only a single individual would accompany him.

Rathlos.

Bringing more companions was initially considered, but upon reflection, the notion was abandoned.

In a convergence of formidable nobles and influential merchants, mere ordinary guards would prove utterly insignificant.

They would serve no purpose other than to be expendable.

Ethan, however, harbored absolute certainty in his individual prowess.

Journeying solo with Rathlos was deemed entirely sufficient.

As the dawn broke the following day, the pair readied their steeds and departed the stronghold.

With the biting morning breeze sweeping across the expansive plains, Ethan commenced his trek towards the capital of the Margrave Duchy and the enigmatic auction where the Star Dust Essence was to be found.

The expedition to the Margrave Duchy's capital was initiated under the early morning sky.

A chill wind swept over the vast plains as the sun gradually ascended behind the distant mountain range. The path ahead wound through woodlands, frost-covered fields, and long, seemingly unending valleys that stretched towards the distant horizon.

Ethan took the lead.

His mount, an awakened warhorse, moved with potent strides. The steed's muscles bulged beneath its dark hide, and subtle mana conduits shimmered along its form. Each step covered a remarkable distance, achieving a velocity so great that the surrounding landscape became a mere blur.

Following closely behind was Rathlos, astride another awakened mount.

The duo traversed the broad thoroughfares akin to fleeting shadows.

A few common wayfarers who chanced upon their passage could only watch in stunned amazement as the two riders vanished from sight within mere moments.