Duo Leveling LITRPG | Post Apocalyptic | SYSTEM-Chapter 66 - Not the Only One With Insurance

Chapter 66 - Not the Only One With Insurance

The Goblin King, despite looking like a snake, gave off a surprisingly hearty and jovial air. He didn’t feel like the type to be putting on a facade. In fact, it was the sort of presence that made you think—maybe he doesn’t even need to lie.

"Care for a drink?"

"I won’t refuse."

Pete, technically still underage, wasn’t familiar with alcohol. But the way he accepted the glass—smooth, composed—there wasn’t even a hint of inexperience.

Perfect acting.

The two clinked their wine glasses together. The wine, red as blood, sloshed like waves in a storm.

Pete didn’t take a sip.

Even if it had been plain water, he wouldn’t have drunk it right away.

The Goblin King narrowed his eyes and said,

"There’s no poison. You can drink it."

"..."

"You’re cautious. I like that. But the fact you accepted the glass in the first place... I’ll take that to mean we’re aligned in thought, yes?"

"Of course."

The impostor downed his wine in a single gulp—like it was nothing but cheap wine—then continued speaking.

"Throwing around money like that in front of greedy merchants... you must’ve had a reason. Unless you were just flexing for fun before dropping dead."

"..."

"Talk. Why did you come to see me?"

Pete studied the man for a moment, then grinned beneath his mask. Thank god for the mask—he didn’t have to worry about hiding his expression.

He felt like he’d landed a big one... hopefully he wasn’t found out.

Feigning ignorance, he began,

"Your operation intrigued me. Turning a mobile dungeon into a black market? That’s bold. Whoever came up with it has real creativity."

"Glad to hear that."

"That’s why our client chose you for the job."

At that, the impostor tilted his head, curious. He refilled his glass and asked,

"...Client?"

"Yes. Truth is, we’re not that interested in the auction itself. What we’re really curious about... is the man known as ’Neon.’"

"I’m not sure what you’re getting at."

"I’m saying we want to do business with you."

Something in Pete’s tone must’ve struck the right chord, because the impostor smirked—wide and open. His expression couldn’t have been more transparent.

Pete held his gaze and said calmly,

"To be specific—a monopoly contract."

"Go on."

"We’d prefer to receive a steady supply of high-quality goods—without having to go through the hassle of the auction system. It’d be better if we removed the red tape altogether."

The "goods" they had in mind spanned a wide range—luxuries, humans, monsters... everything was on the table.

"To buy that kind of merchandise, you’d need a staggering amount of capital."

"Didn’t I already prove that with ten million gold?"

"Not enough. We want a client we can really trust."

So he was more cautious than expected. No wonder he’d managed to keep the operation running this long.

Pete decided to take the direct route.

"Frankly, I can’t reveal the client’s identity. But I can say he’s someone well-known in Ark."

"Ark, huh..."

The impostor nodded slowly and muttered,

"Yeah... that explains it. I can make a guess. If he’s behind this, then it’s credible."

...He?

Pete blinked, briefly confused. But he let it go. Now wasn’t the time to get distracted. He kept watching the impostor’s movements closely.

The man pressed his fingers to his temple, feigning deep thought.

That’s when Pete caught sight of the item resting on the man’s head—awkwardly, like it didn’t quite belong there.

An item used to control goblins.

—The Goblin Crown.

It looked deceptively ordinary.

He’s not even wearing it properly...

Still, the impostor snapped his fingers and said,

"Alright. I’ll accept the deal."

"That’s a quick decision. I like it."

Soon after, a goblin came scurrying in, arms full of paperwork. It was a stack of hidden contracts.

Pete watched as the goblin laid the documents on the table. He scanned them quickly.

Even a rough count confirmed dozens—maybe more.

A lump formed in his throat.

"You had these prepared in advance?"

"To be honest," the impostor said with a smirk, "we were expecting someone like you to reach out."

"...What?"

"You gave off such a strong scent—it was obvious. We were just waiting for you to come knocking."

He was thoroughly convinced that Pete and his team were affiliated with Ark.

That wasn’t necessarily bad.

Relaxing slightly, Pete picked up a pen and leafed through the documents one more time.

"...Fine. I’ll sign."

The signature was swift.

As they sealed the contract, both Pete and the impostor exchanged satisfied smiles.

And then, the contract’s effect activated.

Fsssst!

"The deal is done."

"Let’s hope it proves to be a profitable one."

That was when it happened.

A black chain suddenly materialized around Pete’s wrist.

He narrowed his eyes.

"...What’s the meaning of this?"

"Don’t take it the wrong way," the impostor said casually. "We just needed some insurance of our own."

Pete clicked his tongue as message after message began flooding his vision.

The true effects of the hidden contract were kicking in now.

[The effect of the Hidden Contract has been activated.]

[Your body is now bound to Player ’Isiah’.] freewёbnoνel.com

[Your inventory is now bound to Player ’Isiah’.]

[Your—...]

Wait a second. Isiah? Was that really his name?

That made the whole "impostor" thing feel slightly... ambiguous.

Interesting.

Still composed, Pete opened his mouth and said,

"You know, I think you’ve made a huge mistake."

Ssssshhhhh...

A chilling wind began to blow from somewhere unseen.

The room’s temperature dropped suddenly, as if winter had crept in. The air turned sharp and cold like a dawn frost. Darkness crept around the edges of the chamber.

Mist began to pool up to the knees.

Like dry ice spreading across a stage, an eerie atmosphere took hold of the room.

"What the—"

Creeeeeeak!

With a horrific screech, part of the ceiling cracked open—then shattered.

And ghosts came pouring in.

Dozens, maybe hundreds, of spirits cascaded down into the boss room, howling.

Pete grinned and said,

"You’re not the only one who came prepared."