Chương 67: MYSTERY CHEST (2)

It was a purple chest, with intricate patterns and ornaments on it. Despite being a B-rank, its aura resembled that of an A-Rank.

"This is it," Jimin murmured. But as much as he wanted to buy the chest right away, he still needed to choose one more. Nobody is coming to this section now. There's basically zero chance of someone buying this. He memorized the serial number of the chest. [114] Then, he immediately started searching again. The moment he shifted his gaze away, his senses sharpened further. His eyes moved rapidly from shelf to shelf, ignoring noise from more distant participants beginning their selections.

But he didn't need to wait much longer. As he found another chest, similar to the purple one. It was red in color, also with intricate patterns. The intensity feels a bit lower than that one. But there's no doubt. It's an A-rank. Jimin's breath subtly tightened. A small spark of excitement flickered behind his calm expression.

[Heightened Positive Emotional State Detected] Reward: +20 LP Total LP: 434 —--------------------------------------------------------------------"Damn…" he muttered under his breath. But the notification didn't surprise him anymore. He memorized its serial number as well. [132] Then, he started his hunt again. And a few seconds later, he found another. But the moment his eyes landed on it, he immediately felt it. The aura wasn't intense enough. It didn't carry that heavy pressure the previous two had.

Jimin tilted his head slightly, observing it for a moment. Then quietly shook his head. Not worth it. He moved on without hesitation. By now, Jimin had already been counting the number of beeps echoing faintly across the hall. It was almost time for his turn. So, he returned to the first chest. And as soon as he reached the spot, his token started to beep.

"It's my turn now," he muttered softly. Without wasting a second, Jimin raised his token tablet and scanned the serial number of the purple chest. A soft beep followed, confirming the input as the number appeared clearly on the screen.

"Cool," he murmured. Then, he moved toward the second chest. Meanwhile, voices started to rise. Participants who were still waiting nearby began to lose patience.

"Who's this?"

"Why are they taking so long?"

"Just choose any two, damnit." But Jimin didn't even glance in their direction. His focus remained locked in. He reached the red chest and repeated the same process. The tablet scanned again, another soft beep confirming the selection. But as soon as his second scan was completed, he heard another distant beep sound from somewhere in the hall.

"It's done," Jimin murmured, as a faint grin formed under his mask. Without lingering any further, he walked out of the Display Hall, going to the lobby. The first round ended after everyone had their turn. People returned to the lobby, some gossiping, some enjoying tea. Then, the same process was repeated for the second round. But this time Jimin was 19th. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Everyone entered the hall again.

This time, the only differences were that there were C-Rank and D–Rank chests placed instead. And that they could choose 3 chests. But there was an issue. It's gonna be difficult this time. Everyone's gonna go for C-Ranks. And that meant competition would be more unpredictable. So, the round began. Time passed quickly. Jimin moved faster than before, his eyes constantly evaluating. Among all the C-Rank chests, Jimin managed to identify six chests to be of B-Rank.

However, by the time his turn came, two of them had already been taken by others. Nonetheless, Jimin managed to select the best three out of the four remaining options. Then, other participants finished their selections as well. While the remaining nine chests that nobody chose were eventually taken by the Federation itself, marking the official closure. And with that, the Mystery Chest Event ended. Everyone returned to the lobby once again. The earlier tension dissolved into chatter and laughter.

People raised glasses of wine, some chattering, some boasting, others complaining. Jimin helped himself to another slice of cake. Then, the manager entered the lobby again.

"Thanks for participating in the event. We now conclude the event," said he. A wave of polite cheers and clinking glasses followed.

"Your leftover funds will soon be returned. Please, collect your mystery chests from the collection point on the sixth floor." Jimin immediately reached into his pocket and pulled out his token. The screen had already reverted back to its original number. [29] The manager had already left by the time the crowd began dispersing. Some people moved immediately, while others stayed behind, still immersed in conversation and celebration. Jimin didn't waste any time. He got up and headed toward the sixth floor.

Taking the stairs, as it was the faster option. Upon reaching the sixth floor, he found five counters lined neatly along the hall. Each one had a staff. He approached one of them. The staff greeted him politely and said, "Your token please, Sir." Jimin handed it over without a word.

"Here are your chests, Sir," said the staff as he slid a ring forward on a small tray. A storage ring, huh? Jimin picked it up carefully and slipped it onto his left ring finger immediately. Then he closed his eyes and channeled his mana into it. Instantly, he sensed the presence of the chests stored inside. Great. All of them are here. Plus I even got a storage ring as a bonus. What a great haul! Then, he nodded and left immediately. As he entered the elevator, a notification popped up on his phone.

His leftover funds of 25 million won had been returned. Nice. Then, his attention immediately shifted to the storage ring on his finger. I can't wait to open these. The elevator was descending smoothly. But Jimin couldn't stop fidgeting. I won't last till I reach the orphanage. I should just book a room here. Apparently, the headquarters had emergency guest rooms for appraisers. Free for short-term use. The elevator opened and Jimin went on his way, without wasting any time. But a thought crossed his mind suddenly.

Might Ji-hye noona be at the reception right now? It's quite late though… I hope she isn't. It will be damn awkward. But as soon as he reached the main entrance, he spotted Kim Ji-hye through the glass. Damnit. The automatic doors sensed his presence and slid open. He straightened his posture immediately. Fixed his long coat and loosened his shoulders. Then walked toward the reception casually. Very casually. Ji-hye obviously couldn't recognize him because of his mask.

So, her expression remained professional and composed.

"Good evening, Sir. How can I help you?" she said with a soft smile. Jimin's voice modifier kicked in as he responded.

"Help… um… I would like to book a room for an hour." Ji-hye nodded without hesitation.

"Of course, Sir. Your ID, please." He handed it over immediately. After a minute, she pulled out a key card and slid it toward him.

"Room 101, sixth floor, west wing," she said politely.

"You may use it for one hour."

"Thanks," Jimin replied quickly. He took the card, gave a small nod, and turned away almost instantly. Ji-hye found it amusing. Strange person. As he walked away from the reception, he let out a long sigh. So awkward. I was dying of cringe. Then, he located the room on the sixth floor of the west wing. And finally found room no. 101. He immediately unlocked the door, entered and then locked it again. He didn't even bother removing his mask. His eyes immediately shifted toward the storage ring.

He walked in and immediately took the purple B-Rank chest. This is the moment I've been waiting for. He took a deep breath. Then channeled his mana into the chest. Suddenly, a notification popped up.

Would you like to open the B-Rank Mystery Chest? [Yes] [No]

"Yes," he confirmed. Suddenly, the chest started cracking as bright light shot out of it. Then, the chest dispersed into the air, as a shiny crimson blade appeared in its place. The blade glowed slightly, as it hovered in the air for a moment. Until it didn't. But Jimin immediately caught it using his telekinesis. Damn… This thing was oozing a crazy amount of mana. And it definitely looks like an A-Rank item. His eyes narrowed. Too bad I can't appraise it. He tried anyway. But utterly failed.

He immediately activated Treasure Hunter's Sense instead. An intense and bright golden aura emerged around the sword. Yeah… It's definitely an A-Rank item. And then, the realization hit him. A-Rank means… It's at least 600 million won, right? I'm Rich! A grin spread beneath his mask.

"I'm Rich… I'm Rich…" he started chanting, as he danced goofily.

【Unusual Heightened Positive Emotional State Detected】 Reward: +50 LP Total LP: 484 But he wasted no time. He immediately placed the blade in his inventory and opened the next B-Rank chest. This time it was an A-rank Bow. So, he danced some more.

"I'm a billionaire… Billionaire!" [+50 LP] Then, he moved to the C-rank chests. He opened one and then another one. And got a B-Rank axe and a B-Rank heavy armor out of them. But he could appraise none of them. Then, he opened the last chest. But this time, something unusual appeared.

"What is this? A metal headband?" he muttered in confusion. It was a black metal headband, with a big purple stone attached at the center.

"Wait… Could it be…" He appraised it immediately. A window appeared in front of him.

Name: Crown of the Mentalist Category: Artifact Type: Accessory Grade: Epic Bound: Yes Description: A metal band that turns completely invisible once worn. It vibrates in harmony with the user's psychic energy flow, acting as a powerful but taxing conduit for psychic power. Stats: +10 PSY Effect: Effectiveness of psychic skills +10% Mental resistance +20% Automatically blocks one incoming mental attack. (Once per day). Drawback: Psychic energy consumption +10%. Durability: Functional He exclaimed, "Holy shit!

It's an artifact."