Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 486: Escaped?

For several heartbeats following Regalina's declaration, a profound hush enveloped the entire auction hall.

Silence reigned supreme, not a rustle to be heard, as attendees absorbed her astounding statement. The palpable tension in the atmosphere thickened with every passing second, and gradually, a dawning realization spread among the crowd.

If a bidder truly had committed such an astronomical sum, why had they remained concealed? Even the previously quiet observers began exchanging significant glances.

The sheer quietude started to feel deeply unsettling.

Positioned near the central stage, Ethan stood motionless, his eyes subtly narrowed as he surveyed the private rooms above. His gaze methodically swept from one chamber to the next, as if attempting to penetrate the very walls and expose the hidden individual.

Rathlos drew nearer and lowered his voice. "My lord… this woman is undoubtedly formidable," he murmured, his expression grave as he too directed his attention toward the upper tiers.

On the stage, Juliet faltered for a fleeting moment before artfully composing a polite smile.

"Gentle patrons, please maintain your composure," she implored, striving to regain control of the situation. "Our establishment upholds rigorous verification protocols. Every attendee has undergone thorough screening prior to entry."

Yet, even as she spoke, her voice lacked its earlier conviction, a nuance that did not escape the notice of the attendees.

The crowd remained unappeased. Instead, a chorus of disquieting murmurs arose from all corners. "Then where is he?" a voice boomed.

"Why the subterfuge?" another query followed. "Reveal him!" The mounting pressure within the hall intensified, and even the staff felt the increasing unease under the weight of collective scrutiny.

The elderly gentleman who had spoken earlier knitted his brows slightly, his gaze drifting toward one of the higher-tier private chambers. A fleeting flicker crossed his eyes, hinting at contemplation, yet he refrained from speaking.

Regalina lightly tapped her fan against her palm, advancing another step. "If everything is in order," she stated with measured calm, "then a re-verification should present no difficulties."

Her tone remained soft, but her words carried an undeniable gravitas that bore down upon the auction house.

Juliet's features stiffened minutely.

Before she could formulate a response, Ethan interjected. "Open the room." His voice, though not amplified, resonated clearly throughout the hall. A subtle aura of pressure emanated from him, causing nearby guests to instinctively hold their breath. The atmosphere shifted once more, the precarious calm beginning to fracture.

The old man's eyes turned glacial. "Marquise Ethan," he addressed slowly, "this is a private viewing. You cannot simply demand—"

CRUNG!

"HUH!"

The man's words were abruptly silenced by a resounding crash that echoed through the hall. The door to one of the private rooms violently swung open of its own accord, startling both the old man and Juliet. Several guests recoiled, and a wave of bewilderment washed over the assembly.

"How did the room open by itself?" someone whispered incredulously.

Disregarding the question, all eyes immediately fixed upon the interior of the room.

Then, a collective gasp of disbelief swept through the hall.

"What?"

"There's no one there?"

"The f--"

"Are we being toyed with?"

The sight of the empty chamber sent a shockwave through the entire venue. The space that had been the focal point moments before now stood utterly vacant, as if no one had occupied it at all.

The old man paused momentarily, his expression darkening. He raised his voice sharply. "Guards! Go and apprehend that individual." His tone was frigid. "I want to know which scoundrel dared to deceive us."

Responding to his command, several guards promptly sprinted towards the upper levels. Their footsteps resounded loudly on the corridors and adjoining areas as they initiated a swift search.

Having issued the order, the old man turned back to the attendees with a strained smile. "Esteemed ladies and gentlemen, please accept our apologies for this oversight," he stated, his tone regaining its polite veneer. "It appears our patron has absconded. Nonetheless, rest assured, we did not permit entry without stringent verification. All present have been meticulously screened."

"Let us recommence the auction."

The sheer audacity of his statement left many patrons blinking in astonishment. Some knitted their brows, while others exchanged furtive glances. A select few, already piecing together the events, slowly shifted their gazes towards Ethan.

However, Ethan remained resolute. His demeanor calm, he posed a direct question: "And the remaining items?"

The old man's smile tightened almost imperceptibly, yet he maintained his composure. "Sir, the patron in room seventeen has secured those articles and remitted the payment," he replied smoothly. "Therefore, they are no longer available." He paused briefly before adding, "We shall now proceed with the Star Dust Essence."

The instant those words were delivered, the auction resumed as though no disruption had occurred.

Ethan decided against further delay, his enthusiasm for the charade extinguished. The moment the item reappeared, he spoke with clear intent.

"One billion six hundred million gold coins."

His bid sliced through the grand hall, leaving no space for indecision. This time, silence prevailed. Following the earlier pandemonium and the peculiar occurrence, the majority opted for quietude.

Juliet surveyed the hall with a keen gaze. "One billion six hundred million... Does anyone wish to offer a higher price? Is there anyone?" she inquired, her voice resonating in the hushed surroundings.

No response was forthcoming.

The quiet lingered for several moments before she finally brought the auction hammer down.

"Sold."

The declaration rang out with undeniable clarity.

Ethan released a soft breath upon hearing the verdict.

Having secured the Star Dust Essence, a profound sense of relief washed over him. The accumulated stress from the auction began to dissipate, and his features settled back into their usual composure.

Subsequent to the Star Dust Essence finding its buyer, the auction proceeded with various other valuable commodities. The next significant artifact unveiled was a Potential Breaking Potion, designated as SSS rank.

Upon its presentation, a palpable wave of interest surged through the attendees. Murmurs rippled through the crowd as potential bidders readied themselves, some even leaning forward with evident anticipation.

Yet, Ethan remained entirely unswayed.