Reincarnated With The Degenerate System-Chapter 213: The Tower Part 1

The day of the bidding finally arrived.

Every major guild in the city came to the Association Hall.

Naturally, I drew attention the moment I entered.

It wasn’t just my presence that drew attention—it was the three beautiful S-Ranks flanking me, two of them clinging to my arms like magnets, while Alexa stayed at the back, a silent shadow watching over me.

Seeing them, every male in the hall practically radiated envy. Who could blame them? I had top-tier women lavishing attention on me, and everyone knew it.

Compared to them, the others might as well have been background props. They weren’t even standing on the same level.

At our designated table, I noticed we were seated at the very front—probably a deliberate choice by Hayes himself.

I glanced around the hall, committing faces to memory. Most guild master’s did not even bother to attend. They only sent representatives instead.

In addition, neither the Phoenix Guild nor Nebula was present. They already weighed the risks and chosen to walk away.

However, that didn’t mean they walked away empty-handed.

The information they gathered alone was valuable enough to fetch a hefty price from whoever won the bidding. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Frankly, all this roundabout maneuvering was just a way to squeeze every last coin out of everyone involved.

In the end, though, the true winner was obvious—the government, loudly taxing it all while lifting not a single finger.

At last, it began.

On the stage, Mr. Hayes stepped forward and explained the process as per protocol.

"In accordance with the rules, since the Phoenix Guild and Nebula have both withdrawn from climbing the tower, the opportunity is now open for bidding."

His words sent a ripple of excitement through the hall.

This was an opportunity to strike it big—the higher floors offered a chance to obtain Celestial Equipment, and other valuable items.

Even if a single guild lacked the strength to attempt the climb alone, partnerships were always an option.

"Any guild may claim the right to attempt the climb. However, it must be made within one month. If no action is taken, another bidding will be held." Hayes added.

According to my information, Hayes wouldn’t normally host the bidding himself. But the special origin of the new tower prompted him to step in personally, ensuring everything stayed in order.

The bidding began at ten million.

It barely had time to settle before a hand shot up from the left side of the hall.

"Twenty million."

Another followed almost immediately.

"Thirty."

"Fifty."

Within minutes, the bids leapt by tens of millions at a time, the speakers growing bolder, louder, more confident.

"One hundred million."

A murmur rippled through the crowd.

"One-fifty."

"Two hundred."

I leaned back in my seat, arms relaxed, watching the spectacle unfold.

The numbers kept climbing.

"Two-eighty."

"Three hundred million."

At that point, some representatives went quiet. They realized this was already getting out of hand.

It wasn’t that they lacked the money. Bids for towers simply weren’t meant to climb this high because of extremely high rate of failure.

In other words, while the tower promised immense fortune, it carried an equal chance of leading straight to the grave.

"Three-fifty!"

"Four hundred million!"

A few people laughed under their breath; disbelief mixed with awe.

Four hundred million for just a slot was crazy. Whoever bid this wasn’t planning to fail the expedition.

Before the echoes died down, a new voice cut through the hall.

"Five hundred million."

Every head turned.

The offer came from a representative of Mythical.

He wasn’t alone—five people flanked him—but he still stood out: blond hair, piercing blue eyes, and an air of arrogance that made it obvious he considered himself above everyone else in the hall.

Whispers spread instantly.

"Isn’t that—"

"Mythical’s fund is insane. We don’t stand a chance. I heard they were not allowed in the last bidding—otherwise, they could’ve easily bullied Phoenix and Nebula."

"They’re really going all in..."

Mr. Hayes glanced around, waiting for a counter.

"Five hundred million," he repeated calmly. "Do we have—"

"Five-twenty."

A new voice joined the fray, this time from the opposite side of the hall.

"Five-fifty," Mythical’s representative replied instantly.

A few seconds passed.

No one spoke.

Mr. Hayes raised a hand, prepared to continue the count.

Before he could, someone laughed quietly.

It was me.

"One Billion." I declared.

Complete silence fell over the hall. Not even Mr. Hayes could find words, his usual composure shattered by the staggering increased.

The meaning of my words was clear: I intended to claim the rights to the tower—no matter what it took.

Mythical’s representative stared at me, with annoyance.

"You’re joking."

I tilted my head. "Do I look like I’m joking? Besides, before the bidding even starts, the Association requires us to submit our proof of funds. If I’d bid more than I could afford, Mr. Hayes would have called me out already."

All eyes shifted to the podium, where the director finally spoke.

"Mr. Mercer is correct. He has the funds to cover his bid."

The Mythical representative’s confident smirk faltered.

Finally, he straightened, forcing his usual cocky grin back into place, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

"Alright... 1.1 billion,"

I didn’t give him a moment to savor his victory.

"1.2 billion," I countered.

"1.3 billion," he bid again.

"1.5 billion."

The bidding dragged on, both of us pushing higher and higher.

"Two billion." I declared.

He finally snapped. "You’re playing a dangerous game. Mythical’s wealth isn’t something you can casually outmatch. Don’t push us too far."

I scoffed "Maybe Mythical is richer, but I have more money than they would give a nobody like you."

"You..."

Mr. Hayes interjected, clearing his throat to restore order. He raised his hand and began the formal countdown.

"Going once... going twice..."

The hall held its breath. With the final strike of the gavel, he declared, "The bid goes to DEGEN Guild."

My guild just shattered every expectation—and every record.

On top of everything, I earned the wrath of the Mythical Guild.

Their members glared at me as if I personally insulted their ancestors, some of them practically itching to strike.

One reckless man even moved to use his ability—but before he could act, a sharp slice cut through the shoulder part of his coat, and his face went pale.

Alexa’s eyes were glowing with killing intent, her presence alone a warning: anyone foolish enough to try would regret it.

Outside.

A woman in her forties approached me, her brown hair framing a face that was still striking despite the years, her dark skin glowing with vitality.

"Mr. Mercer," she called out.

"I’m Alodia, of the Azure Guild. I’m sure you’ve heard of us," she added, a faint, knowing smile playing at her lips.

"Yes, I’ve heard of you. The guild that managed to snatch Hai-Yen, the Sword Maiden."

She laughed softly, a sound that carried confidence.

"’Snatch’ isn’t the right word. I was simply fortunate enough to see her potential before anyone else. Just like you... managing to gather three beautiful S-Ranks, and one remarkably handsome one,"

"Well, it seems we both have good eyes," I said, humoring her with a small smile.

"By the way," she diverts the conversation." I’m here on business. I know you’re planning to raid the new tower soon, so how about a partnership? I’m even willing to offer you one billion."

I didn’t respond immediately. Azure Guild’s reputation rested almost entirely on Hai-Yen, and their reliance on government contracts was obvious.

Honestly, I doubted they could contribute much to a real raid.

"I’m sorry, Miss Alodia, but we don’t plan to cooperate with anyone," I responded firmly, keeping my tone polite but leaving no room for negotiation.

Her lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "So, you really are confident to clear a floor that not even our two biggest guilds could conquer. I’ll be waiting for your results."

There was no anger in her words, only respect—tinged with the faintest trace of challenge.

"I’ll do my best not to disappoint everyone," I gave a slight bow before turning to leave. There was no reason to linger any longer.

Unfortunately, the Association has other plans, and I found myself in Hayes office again.

I broke the tension with a light chuckle. "Mr. Hayes, I’m beginning to think I’m your favorite."

He sighed deeply. "I’m not here to talk about you. I’m here about your member. Mr. Chase—what do you think of him?"

I understood immediately. He was probing my clone, wary because of that special rank. Very well—time to paint him as the most stable, reliable man on the planet.

"I can only describe him as friendly and disciplined. From the moment he joined our guild, he followed every rule without question, never overstepping, never causing trouble."

Hayes listened without interrupting, fingers steepled beneath his chin.

"Mr. Chase isn’t just a normal S Rank," he went on. "His existence itself is... irregular. Special enough that the Association can’t afford to ignore him, yet dangerous enough that we can’t openly interfere."

He slid a thin folder across the table. The cover was unmarked.

"I’m offering you a special assignment. Along with a non-disclosure agreement. Absolute confidentiality."

I glanced at the folder but didn’t touch it.

Hayes continued. "Your role is simple: observe him, and report directly to me. Ensure he doesn’t cause trouble—intentional or otherwise. If something goes wrong, responsibility falls on you.

"Surveillance," I said calmly

"Protection," Hayes corrected. "For him—and for everyone else. Chase is... unique. Too unique to be left unwatched."

I leaned back, pretending to consider the implications.

"And what’s in it for me?"