Chapter 413: Ethan Hunt’s rule The preparations for the auction were not just about the items; they were about creating an atmosphere of absolute, overwhelming grandeur. Ethan knew that in the Origin World, power was the only language people truly respected. To make the Ice Dragons and the other Original Races bow, he had to show them a level of wealth and strength they couldn’t even imagine. First, Ethan turned his attention to the service staff. He didn’t want ordinary servants. He used his Authority of Creation to manifest one thousand maids. He drew inspiration from the most beautiful female characters he could imagine, beings of perfect grace, each wearing elegant, flowing uniforms that shimmered like moonlight. Their purpose was to guide the guests and ensure that every whim of the high-level bidders was met instantly. But beauty was not enough. He needed iron-clad security too. With a wave of his hand, a literal army appeared within the walls of the 100-sq kilometer estate. One million warriors, each at the Axiom Dominion realm, stood in perfect formation. Their armor was black as the void, and their presence alone made the air heavy. Leading them were one thousand generals, each an Origin Paragon. To crown this military force, Ethan created a Supreme Commander. An Eternal Sovereign whose aura was so sharp it could cut through space. He modeled these guards after the most legendary fictional warriors from his memories, giving them a cold, mechanical loyalty. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮 Finally, Ethan created the "voice" of the company. He manifested a humanoid robot, but this was no mere machine. It was a Source Authority realm existence. This robot would act as the "Ancient Ancestor" of the company, a silent guardian whose very existence would serve as a warning to any Absolute Beings watching from the shadows. To the world, it would appear as the true power behind Ethan Hunt. When the sun rose the next morning, Ethan looked out from the top floor of his tower. He was genuinely surprised. The space outside his indestructible walls was packed. Thousands of people had gathered, but it was the quality of the crowd that mattered. His divine sense counted at least 79 Eternal Sovereigns, thousands of Origin Paragons, and countless lower-level experts. As he scanned the crowd, his heart suddenly skipped a beat. His cold, demonic exterior cracked for a split second as tears welled in his eyes. He didn’t even try to stop them. There, standing near the main gate, was a group led by an Eternal Sovereign woman. But Ethan’s eyes weren’t on the leader. They were fixed on four faces he would never forget. Rose. Zara. Ryan. And Riya. "Finally... we meet again, my dear," Ethan whispered, his voice was thick with emotion. He quickly regained control, wiping his eyes and hardening his expression. He wasn’t ready to reveal his true identity yet. However, his joy was instantly replaced by a boiling, murderous fury. A group from the Fire Dragon race had approached Rose’s party. At the lead was a handsome man with a smug, arrogant smile. "Hello, Lady Melida," the man said, bowing to the Eternal Sovereign woman leading Rose’s group. "It is nice to meet you again. You look radiant." "Hello, nephew Trian," the woman, Melida, replied with a warm smile. She was Rose’s current master, and it was clear she favored the Fire Dragon prince. "You look as elegant as ever." Trian then turned his gaze toward Rose. His eyes were full of a possessive, greasy lust that made Ethan’s skin crawl. "Lady Rose, we meet again," Trian said smoothly. "I told you, I am not going to leave your side. I love you." Rose didn’t even turn her head. Her face was like a mask of ice, her eyes cold and distant. For some reason, she felt a physical repulsion whenever men like Trian approached her. It was as if her soul was waiting for someone else. "Rose!" Melida snapped, her voice cold. "You should try to remember your place. Be polite to Trian. He will be your husband soon. This alliance is vital for the Ice Dragon race." "Master," Rose said, her voice flat and firm. "I will not get married. It is as simple as that." Melida’s face turned bright red with anger. She raised her hand, her Eternal Sovereign aura flaring, ready to strike Rose for her defiance. But Trian reached out and caught her wrist, acting the part of the "gentle" savior. "She is still muddle-headed, Lady Melida," Trian said with a fake smile. "Don’t force her. Once she realizes there is no one better than me in this world, she will fall for me naturally." "Dream on," Zara muttered from the side, crossing her arms. "What did you say, you little bitch?" one of Trian’s lackeys roared, stepping forward. Rose’s eyes snapped to the lackey. The temperature around them dropped a hundred degrees in a heartbeat. "Say another word to her, and you die," she spat. The lackey froze, terrified by the sheer killing intent in her voice. Trian just laughed it off. "Ah, the doors are opening soon. Why don’t we enter together?" Suddenly, Ethan’s massive projection appeared in the sky again. Beside his face, a glowing scroll unfurled, listing the entry fees for the auction. The crowd went silent as they read the strange list: Primordial Realm: 100 Origin Coins Genesis Realm: 1,000 Origin Coins Axiom Dominion: 10,000 Origin Coins Origin Paragon: 100,000 Origin Coins Eternal Sovereign: 1,000,000 Origin Coins Source Authority: Free Ladies named Rose and Zara: Free Gentleman named Trian: 10 times the normal price The list caused an immediate uproar. People were scratching their heads, confused by the personal nature of the rules. Zara burst out laughing, poking Rose in the shoulder. "Sis! Looks like the new owner of this tower has gone crazy for your beauty! It’s a shame you aren’t getting married, because this guy is definitely a fan." Rose looked at the projection with a complicated expression. She felt a strange tug in her heart, but she shook it off. "My name is Rose," she shouted toward the tower, her voice cold. "But if you do not take money from me, I will not enter. I do not accept charity from strangers." In the top office, Ethan smiled. That was his Rose. Stubborn to the core. The projection flickered, and Ethan’s voice rang out. "My lady, you are so serious. Very well, you may pay for yourself, but please... let me at least treat Lady Zara." Rose didn’t argue further. She paid her 1,000 coins with a stiff movement. Behind her, Ryan chimed in, waving his hand playfully. "Hey, sir! I am with Lady Rose. Can me and my wife get a discount?" Ethan looked at Ryan through the projection. Seeing his old best friend made him feel nostalgic. "Fine," Ethan’s voice replied with a hint of disdain. "But you have to massage my shoulder later." Ryan blinked. "What? That’s a weird deal, but okay!" However, the light atmosphere was shattered. One of the Fire Dragon elders, an Eternal Sovereign standing behind Trian, stepped forward and roared. "What kind of bullshit prank is this?! Why does a male named Trian have to pay ten times the price? And what is this behavior? Can’t you see so many Eternal Sovereigns are standing here? How dare you make them wait outside and pay such insulting fees?" The elder released his aura, trying to pressure the building. But before his energy could even touch the walls, one of the Origin Paragon General at the gate raised a spear. The pressure from the elder was swallowed instantly. "The rules of Ethan Hunt are the rules of the universe," the general said, his voice cold and mechanical. "Pay the fee, or leave. If you roar again, your soul will be extinguished." The Fire Dragon elder turned pale. He realized he couldn’t even see the depth of the general’s power. Trian, his face twisting with humiliation, realized he had to pay 100000 Origin Coins just to walk through the door. He looked at the tower, his eyes full of hate. "Ethan Hunt... you are playing with fire."