Past Life Returner

Side Story 26 – The Day of Auction - Humphrey and Hans

「[Economic Issue] - Global stock markets crash simultaneously on ‘Black Monday.’ US, UK, Japan and others drop by up to five percent during trading hours.

The world's top ten global investment and asset management companies approached a whopping sixty-five percent of global stock market holdings. The combined shares of the Jonathan Investment Finance Group and the Gillian Investment Finance Group, commonly known as the 'Defenders of the Market,' have over forty-five percent of it.

Yesterday (November 4th), the top ten global investment companies urgently agreed to sell their shares, citing severe liquidity constraints in the world capital.

However, their measures to save the global economic ecosystem led to a simultaneous stock market crash. On the other hand, the US market, which had dropped by up to five percent during trading hours, eventually closed with only a two percent drop due to continuous buying…」

"We must keep buying."

Despite having invested a lot of money, the pressures from the executives were relentless. Humphrey was lost in deep thought, staring at the empty desk, even when talking to his subordinates. His gaze never left the desk.

"So, how much can we secure, assuming we put everything in?"

A document was placed on his desk. It was data about one of the top businesses of the Humphrey family.

「Changes in Major Shareholder Stakes

Jonathan Investment Finance Group: 35% -4%

Gillian Investment Finance Group: 29% -4%

...

Humphrey: 5% + 3%」

They were the two prominent players of the finance world. The stakes in Jonathan and Gillian Investment Finance Group alone accounted for a whopping sixty-four percent. The company belonged to the Humphrey family, but ever since a wrong decision was made on the Day of Advent, they were technically owned by the two famous giants.

This was the case for most companies worldwide. That was why unlisted companies took center stage.

"Their share will continue to decrease, and yours will increase, Chairman. It's time for a decision. There's a good chance new players will come in. As you know, there are many with amounts of cash similar to yours."

On the Day of Advent, almost everyone had sold their assets. All the cash lost in their way were desperately looking for an investment.

Humphrey was aware of the situation. If he did not buy the stakes released to the market by the Jonathan and the Gillian Group, new investors with fresh cash would take control of them. Also, these new investors would bring up management rights in the shareholders' meeting, unlike the former groups.

The age of blind faith in money was over. It was the beginning of an era where money was merely a means to make more money, just like old times.

Humphrey made a difficult decision after much consideration. He accidentally made a wrong choice due to the pressure from the executives on the Day of Advent, but this time, he was determined to stick to his judgment.

“If the investors want to take control, then there is nothing we can do about it. It would be great if they could trust and delegate the management to me.”

“What do you mean?”

“This matter already slipped out of my hands on the Day of Advent.”

“It is too early to give up. You got another chance, sir.”

Humphrey shook his head. Although he was in the same spot, his attitude was completely different. It was a firm stance not seen on the Day of Advent.

“I may not be able to secure an equity stake at the same level as before, but I can reach a level where I can maintain management control!”

“Are you saying you will retire?”

"I don't understand."

"You need to reconsider!"

The executives began to get noisy. Only an old man standing behind him, like his knight, remained silent, keeping his place until the executives left the place.

"Humphrey, are you planning to invest all your assets in the auction?" Hans asked while lowering his voice so no one else could hear him.

Humphrey looked up and shifted his gaze to Hans. "We could have lost everything on the Day of Advent. Not just that day. I still have nightmares of the devil appearing. I have never felt such terror in my life."

Humphrey was speaking of Doom Kaos. Although it had been only a week since that terrifying entity had appeared, it felt like ages had passed. The terror it induced deeply penetrated both his mind and the body.

Nevertheless, the reason the world could maintain its stability was thanks to Him. Without Him, there would only have been darkness. A world destroyed by the devil would surely be enveloped in such darkness. There would have been nothing left, and all those he loved would have melted into a pool of blood, abandoned in the dark.

“The auction will proceed as planned. There might be litigation between the original owner and the Korean government over the winning bid, but..."

"That's not my concern."

Humphrey had never been more certain, but since He showed the way, what needed to be done in his final years became clear.

"How much longer can I live? Maybe just over ten years at most."

"Don't take it as an old man interfering, and just hear me out. There are many like you. You believe in His relic, but most competitors will see it as an investment. Can you really win from those people? There are many rich men in the world, just like you. The only certainty now is that if you miss this chance, you might lose your business. Rather than betting on uncertainties, seek something that is guaranteed first. Isn’t that your motto?"

Hans continued.

"I think I know what you're thinking. But that's not what He wants. The same goes to why His father is having activities for good will. He wishes to be called someone's son, not a god. What or who do you worship for? Please stop meeting people who frantically worship Him. You might get into trouble. I'm scared for you."

Humphrey rubbed his neck and looked at Hans. "Are you stalking me these days?"

"There's no need to stalk. Everyone, including the executives, knows but pretend we do not."

"It is not the sketchy gathering you think it is. If you knew more, then you wouldn't say that."

"I know Pastor Hamilton is hosting it. I also know the venue is a church. But he's not all that transparent either. So he preaches so covertly..."

Humphrey interrupted, "I won't invite you. You and I just have different methods. However, I will make it clear that it's not the kind of gathering you're prejudiced against."

Humphrey looked displeased. Although he wanted to send Hans away, indicating he wanted to be alone, Hans sat down in front of him.

"If you win the auction, are you going to keep it? Have you agreed to hand it over to Pastor Hamilton's gathering? At least tell me that."

Hans wasn't going to leave without an answer.

“You have already branded us as cultists.”

As Hans was about to speak, Humphrey immediately retorted, “I plan to dedicate it to Him. It is not something that individuals like us should have. Who knows what intentions one might have? It is a sacred relic that should not be treated that way.”

***

Thud.

Humphrey's ivory cane hit the ground first. As he got off of the car, he started walking with the support of his executive assistant. Soon, a luxurious yacht came into view. Although Humphrey's family owned several yachts, the one in front of him was no ordinary yacht. Its sheer size and opulence were overwhelmingly superior to the other yachts moored in the harbor.

He had heard that the auction was hosted by a tycoon of Asian descent with an American nationality. Moreover, renowned masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt were said to be on offer.

"An American of Asian descent, huh..."

Of course, such scant information couldn’t ascertain the identity of the host. However, one obvious fact was that he would be a formidable competitor.

"You've proven your conviction just by coming this far. It's not too late. If it was an item precious to Him, then why would He allow the auction to proceed?" Hans said.

He knew he couldn't shake Humphrey's faith, but felt compelled to dissuade him. If it was a collection related to Him, then the price would only increase, and Humphrey planned to pour all his life's fortune into such a gathering.

In truth, if Humphrey had wanted the piece for personal collection, Hans wouldn't have bothered to advise against it. Such a collection, related to Him, would have been the most valuable pieces in human history.

"As you get older, you seem to nag more. Just enjoy the party and move on," Humphrey retorted.

Dressed according to the dress code, they both resembled British nobility. Even their executive assistants, who accompanied them, gave off an air of affluence. However, compared to the guests already on the yacht, they weren't particularly outstanding.

"Do you know who the host is?" Humphrey asked the guard at the entrance, but as was typical at secretive high-society parties, the guard remained silent. He simply checked their invitation against a list. Only after the guard stepped aside could Humphrey and Hans board the yacht.

Once on the deck, the true nature of the party was revealed, and even to the discerning eye of Humphrey, it was impeccable. Humphrey soon felt eyes on him. But guests only showed signs of disappointment and quickly shifted their gazes away, returning to their conversations.

Like everyone else, they were curious about the identity of the auction's host, who was also the owner of the yacht.

Suddenly, every eye turned to look over Humphrey's shoulder. Then their expressions turned to shock.

Who has arrived?

Humphrey and Hans turned to look. Not far behind them, a built man of Asian descent was stepping onto the deck, and his arrival was as shocking to them as it was to the other guests.

"Caliber!"

The chant started and echoed throughout the deck.

"Cal-i-ber!"

"Cal-i-ber!"

"Cal-i-ber!"

The distinguished guests who valued their reputations started chanting and punching the air in rhythm. It was only natural even for the elderly Humphrey and Hans to do the same.

"Cal-i-ber!"

Humphrey became overwhelmed with emotion and shouted with all his might. One of the heroes of mankind, the Caliber Kwon Seong-Il was walking into the yacht.