Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 484:Playing Against Me?

Ethan remained seated with composure in his private chamber, the auction unfolding below without his direct involvement. To the casual observer, he appeared as merely a spectator, taking in the events. Rathlos, however, engaged in some bidding himself, pursuing items of interest. Yet, each time, the prices escalated too rapidly and reached prohibitive heights, forcing him to withdraw with a subtle frown. Ethan watched it all, patiently awaiting his moment. His demeanor shifted only when the twenty-second item was presented. The auctioneer returned, a confident smile gracing his features as a new lot was brought onto the stage. "The twenty-second item is one kilogram of Zeitatie ore." This announcement caused a ripple of excitement throughout the hall. The ore displayed shimmered with a faint silver-blue luminescence, radiating a palpable density of magical energy even from a distance. "The utility of this precious, high-grade magical metal is undoubtedly known to all," the auctioneer continued smoothly. "Whether intended for the forging of epic-level magical weapons, the creation of advanced magic arrays, or the crafting of potent secret magical artifacts, it is an exceptional, top-tier material." Within the private chamber, Ethan, who had been reclining casually, immediately straightened his posture. A flash ignited in his eyes. He desired it. More than desired, he *needed* it. He envisioned using it to forge a formidable sword or perhaps craft a magical staff for Rina and Diana. But he knew he wasn't the sole contender. "The starting bid for this item is one hundred million gold coins. Each subsequent bid must be no less than ten million." The moment the auctioneer concluded, the bidding erupted. "One hundred and fifty million!" "One hundred and eighty million!" "Two hundred and thirty million!" Voices clamored from across the hall, a rapid succession of offers. In less than two minutes, the price had already surged to three hundred and fifty million. Ethan remained still. His composure was unshaken. Bidding prematurely was pointless; he intended to secure it decisively. The price continued its ascent, though the pace gradually slackened. After surpassing four hundred million, the pool of participants dwindled. By the time the bid reached four hundred and fifty million, only two contenders remained. Ethan leaned forward slightly. The opportune moment had arrived. His voice, transmitted via the sound array, echoed distinctly throughout the hall. "Five hundred million gold coins." The stark increase of fifty million brought a momentary hush to the proceedings, a clear signal of his intent. One of the remaining bidders immediately receded. However, the other was not ready to concede. "Five hundred and ten million." "Five hundred and twenty." "Five hundred and thirty-five," Ethan countered calmly. "Five hundred and forty." "Five hundred and sixty," Ethan declared, a hint of impatience entering his tone. His opponent hesitated. The auctioneer surveyed the hall cautiously. "The item goes to five hundred and sixty million. Will anyone bid five hundred and seventy?" She began to raise her hammer. Just as it was poised to fall— "Six hundred!" A voice, sharp and unexpected, boomed from another private chamber. The entire hall snapped to attention. "What!" Even Ethan's brow furrowed slightly. "Six hundred and fifty," he responded without missing a beat. "Seven hundred." "Seven hundred and ten." "Seven hundred and fifty." The bidding escalated. Now, even Ethan sensed a disquieting anomaly. A price of 550 million gold coins was already substantial, and an additional 200 million seemed reckless. Was the item truly worth such an exorbitant sum? He frowned, his thoughts racing. "I withdraw," he announced calmly. His voice resonated through the hall. The auctioneer paused, visibly surprised by the abrupt withdrawal. She then gave a slight shake of her head and brought the hammer down. "Sold." Ethan settled back into his chair, a sense of unease growing. Something felt amiss. He resolved to test his suspicion. The auction progressed, with subsequent items, each of greater value than the last, being presented. Ethan resumed his bidding on a few occasions. "Five hundred." "Five hundred and fifty." "Six hundred." "Six hundred and fifty." Yet, each time he placed a bid, an immediate counter-offer followed. Unhesitating and swift. And it was invariably from the same source. "Let him have it," Ethan stated once, his voice placid but underscored by a chilling resolve. He tapped his hand lightly on the armrest. The next item was presented. Ethan attempted to bid again. "Five hundred." "Five hundred and fifty." "Six hundred." The familiar voice responded instantly. Again. And again. Ethan's expression gradually grew darker.

"Damn… who is that bastard?" he muttered under his breath.

Rathlos stood beside him, his expression grave.

"My lord… this feels like a ploy," he said quietly.

Ethan turned his gaze to him.

"We do not recall offending anyone recently," Rathlos continued.

"And even if we had, who would be foolish enough to expend such vast sums of money merely to contend with us?"

Ethan nodded slowly. The intentions of the other party were not merely bidding; they were specifically targeting him.

Each time Ethan increased the bid, they unhesitatingly matched it, as if they had been eagerly awaiting his move.

By this point, the opposing party had already depleted nearly three billion gold coins.

That figure was preposterous.

No ordinary noble house would squander wealth in such a manner without a distinct objective. Ethan’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"There is no possibility this is merely some random noble," he stated softly.

Rathlos concurred.

"Agreed."

"Either they possess an inexhaustible reservoir of wealth…"

"Or this is a calculated Ruse."

Ethan slowly leaned back in his seat.

His gaze hardened, becoming sharp and piercing.

"Then let us observe how long they can sustain this."

Yet, deep within, he had already grasped a single truth with absolute clarity.

Someone was deliberately manipulating him. A single instance or two could be dismissed as mere coincidence.

But seven times?

Was this some kind of jest? Did he hold so little importance? Were it not for the confines of this auction, he might have already unsheathed his sword.

This was no longer a matter that could be overlooked.

....

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