Duo Leveling LITRPG | Post Apocalyptic | SYSTEM-Chapter 65 - The Real Neon

Chapter 65 - The Real Neon

"Te–Ten million gold...?"

"...I can’t believe it."

"How could he possibly have made that much money already?!"

Standing on the stage, Pete could clearly hear the murmurs spreading throughout the auction house. Even though everyone was wearing masks, he could easily imagine the expressions behind them.

Greedy merchants.

Pete squared his shoulders and declared,

"Is that enough proof for you?"

As soon as he opened his mouth, the audience went completely silent.

He had visualized his inventory—a solid, undeniable fact. There was no better proof of credibility.

Now, the eyes of the merchant class were glued to his every movement.

A mysterious man with ten million gold. No one could dismiss him lightly anymore.

In the world of merchants, money was power.

And the fact that he’d amassed ten million gold just three months after the opening of Exodia 2—that alone proved his standing as a high-tier player.

"For reference, I plan to buy everything listed in today’s auction."

Maintaining his confident smile, Pete addressed the stunned crowd.

"If you think you can keep up, go ahead—try bidding."

The impact of those words was immediate.

What began as quiet murmuring snowballed into full-blown chaos. Within moments, the auction house sounded like a rowdy flea market.

The goblin emcee belatedly snatched the mic away from Pete, but it was too late. Ji had already said everything he needed to.

Unbothered, he stepped off the stage with complete composure.

The goblin stammered as it tried to regain control.

"Uh, uhm... There appears to have been a misunderstanding, so we will temporarily pause the auction. It will resume in one hour. In the meantime, please enjoy the banquet we’ve prepared for you..."

While the flustered goblin tried to salvage the situation, Caleb approached Pete, concern all over his face. He whispered,

"...Was this part of your plan too?"

"Hmmm."

"What are you thinking? You just completely derailed the entire flow. What are you even trying to do...?"

"Just wait a little longer."

Pete looked at him, calm and composed, like a policeman tired of scolding repeat juvenile delinquents. His voice didn’t waver.

"Don’t worry. It’s going well."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean...?"

It was then that the goblin—having finally cleaned up the situation—approached with a scowl and stood before Pete. The goblin was massive, easily twice his size, and its presence was even more intimidating up close.

"...The King requests your presence."

With those words, the goblin turned and began walking away. Pete looked back at Caleb and smiled.

"See? Told you."

"See what?!"

Caleb’s frown remained deeply etched on his face.

As Pete followed the goblin, he began to sort his thoughts.

Jhin ’s plan was simple.

First: Buy all the people being auctioned off.

Using brute force to take back the auction’s "goods" was foolish. If they didn’t retrieve the hidden contracts, even recovering the bodies would be pointless. They’d just be rescuing empty vessels.

In other words, they needed to go through the proper procedure—win the bids, secure the contracts, and make it legal.

That part was feasible.

After all, Neon—the Celestial Trader of the Sky—was here.

With Pete involved, money wasn’t a problem.

Second: Meet the Goblin King.

Even if they recovered the hidden contracts, it wouldn’t be the end. Even if they got the children’s bodies back—what about their stolen memories?

Until everything was fully restored—body, mind, and soul—the mission wouldn’t be complete.

And for that, there was one item they absolutely had to get.

The Goblin Crown.

It was the only way to recombine fragmented souls. Manipulating souls was a power exclusive to goblins.

That’s why Pete and Caleb had entered the auction house—to recover the hidden contracts. Meanwhile, Jhin had gone off to retrieve the Goblin Crown from wherever it was being kept.

Pete clicked his tongue softly.

...But that’s not enough.

Jhin ’s plan was simple and efficient—but it was missing something important. Was recovering the hidden contracts really sufficient? Pete would confidently answer: No.

There’s something off here—something smells like money.

Pete had a good sense for these things.

Not just good—a natural talent. When it came to sniffing out profit or loss, he had an instinct honed by experience and sharpened by survival.

Some called it the instinct of a born merchant.

That intuition had led him to develop the character of Dungeon Merchant Neon, and it was what had kept him alive so far.

If he couldn’t trust that, then what could he trust? frёewebηovel.cѳm

If his plan succeeded, he would not only accomplish what he’d promised Jhin —but also reap an enormous reward.

Pete had run the numbers.

It was doable. Not just for anyone—but for Neon, it was well within reach.

If I pull this off, I’ll be swimming in gold.

And not just Pete. If this worked, even Jhin would walk away with something massive.

Yes.

All we have to do is make the plan succeed.

Before they knew it, they had arrived at zone D-10. At the entrance to the connecting passage ahead, the goblin turned and spoke.

"This is the place. The King awaits inside."

With surprising courtesy, the goblin knocked, then slowly opened the door.

Psssshhh—a soft hiss of air escaping.

The lavish interior of the boss room came into view, filled with ornate furniture and luxurious decor.

Alright. Time to get a look at this impostor’s face.

Pete exchanged glances with Caleb and then slowly stepped inside.

Standing like a gatekeeper was the Three-Horned Goblin, looming with a heavy presence, its skeletal frame massive and terrifying. It looked like it could pounce at any moment.

The Three-Horned Goblin.

Then came a voice—a guttural laugh from deep within the room.

"Kuhahaha... The honored guest has arrived!"

The fake Neon.

The moment Pete laid eyes on the man, he let out a small, dry laugh.

If you’re going to impersonate someone, at least look decent while doing it. But no—this guy was the definition of shady. Snake-like, narrow eyes gave him the unmistakable air of a crook.

Late twenties, maybe? Not young, but not old either.

Thanks to his mask, Pete’s face remained hidden. With even more confidence, he deepened his voice and spoke.

"So you’re the one running this auction."

The impostor gave a smug nod, his eyes gleaming with arrogance. Pete let out a small chuckle.

"Then you must be the so-called ’Dungeon Merchant Neon.’"

"An honor. You know me?"

"Of course. What kind of merchant doesn’t know Neon?"

"Kuhaha! And yet you’ve still come charging into my den, knowing that?"

Pete shrugged.

"Charging in? Please. You’re the one who invited me."

The fake Neon walked over to a wine rack, selecting a vintage bottle. He poured a deep crimson wine into a crystal glass, the rich color swirling in the light.

"You’re a bold one. I like it."

"And you’re more of a brute than I expected."