Solo Leveling: Monarch of Knowledge (What If)

(Saturday, June 15, 2026 – 11:58 PM)

'What type of healing ability is it?'

[The hunter currently possesses standard A-Rank healing abilities, accelerated cell regeneration, wound closure, toxin neutralization, and moderate limb restoration. Nothing extraordinary.]

'And the unique one?'

[A dormant trait. Unawakened. Latent within their genetic structure.]

That was interesting. Abilities weren't always fully developed at the first awakening, some required double awakening to awaken. Trauma, extreme mana exposure, near-death experiences. Something had to trigger them.

'What does it do?'

[It heals the soul.]

I narrowed my eyes. 'Soul healing!'

[Correct. The ability allows for the restoration of spiritual damage. Unlike normal healing, which works on flesh and blood, this power could theoretically repair fractured souls, mend spiritual wounds, and possibly reverse damage caused by non-physical attacks.]

I tapped a finger against my knee. 'And with that information… we can now create attacks that target the soul.'

[Yes. The scanned data provides a blueprint. By reversing the principles of soul healing, it is now possible to formulate techniques that directly harm the soul.]

I exhaled slowly with my mind sharpening.

'This changes everything.'

The Monarchs, beings of pure spiritual essence. Unlike humans or magical beasts, they didn't have organic forms. They existed on a level beyond physical destruction.

But now…

I had a way to contend with them.

(Sunday, June 16, 2026 – 12:00 AM)

A deep chime echoed through the grand hall.

The lights dimmed slightly, focusing all attention toward the center stage, where a tall, regal man in a deep crimson suit stepped forward. His mask, adorned with golden embroidery, reflected the glow of the chandeliers. With a slow, practiced motion, he raised his hands.

"Ladies and gentlemen." his voice carried effortlessly through the hall, amplified by hidden speakers. "Welcome to tonight's Rome Grand Auction. As always, we offer only the finest items, artifacts, weapons, and treasures from the deepest dungeons. Let us begin."

A soft murmur rippled through the room. The excitement was palpable.

I adjusted my posture, my fingers tapping lightly against my knee. 'Showtime.'

[Stay alert. Assess first. Bid later.]

I didn't need the reminder. Spending money wasn't the problem, it was spending it wisely.

A group of attendants in matching black uniforms moved onto the stage, wheeling in a long, sleek display case. Its reinforced glass gleamed under the lights, reflecting the gathered bidders.

The auctioneer gestured toward the case. "Our first item of the night: The Shrouded Fang."

The case opened, revealing a dagger with a curved obsidian blade, lined with faint violet runes. A silver handle wrapped in dark leather completed the design.

"A-Class." the auctioneer continued. "Forged from the remains of a D-Rank Shadow Beast but enhanced with A-Rank essence stone. A weapon that thrives in darkness, allowing the wielder to move undetected and strike with lethal precision."

On cue, a nearby attendant lifted the dagger and made a quick cut through the air, silent.

'Stealth-based weapon?'

[Partially. The runes suppress sound and visibility, but only when the dagger is coated in mana. It does not provide invisibility, only a reduction in presence.]

'And the cutting power?'

[Borderline B-Rank. The enhancements do not improve sharpness, only stealth. Overpriced for combat use.]

The auctioneer's voice cut through my thoughts.

"The bidding starts at €1,200,000."

Almost instantly, hands went up.

"1.3 million!"

"1.5 million!"

"1.8 million!"

I watched as the number climbed. It's early, yet hunters are already throwing money around without hesitation.

"2.2 million!"

"2.5 million!"

A sharp chime signaled the end of bidding.

"Sold! To the gentleman in Box 4."

A slow clap spread across the hall as the first purchase was completed. The winner, a man in a deep-blue suit, inclined his head slightly, though his mask concealed any expression.

I exhaled. 'One weapon down.'

[And many more to go.]

The attendants moved swiftly, replacing the dagger with a long, silver spear. Its shaft was lined with intricate golden etchings, while the blade gleamed with a faint blue aura.

"The Stormpiercer Spear."

"A High A-Rank weapon, crafted from the fang of a Lightning Wyvern. The runes inscribed along its body allow the wielder to conduct mana-based electricity, paralyzing enemies on impact. A devastating weapon for spear users."

The murmurs grew louder. A weapon infused with elemental power was always highly sought after.

'How much of that is real?'

[The mana conduction is genuine, but the paralysis effect only works if the target isn't actively shielding themselves with mana. Against high-level hunters, the effect is minimal.]

I smirked slightly. 'So it's just a fancy A-Rank spear with lightning aesthetics?'

[Essentially.]

The auctioneer's voice rose again. "Starting bid: €4,000,000."

"4.5 million!"

"5 million!"

I watched the numbers climb. By the time the bidding ended, the spear had gone for €6.8 million.

One after another, weapons and armor pieces were unveiled and sold.

The Crimson Mantle – A mana-resistant cloak that repelled minor attacks. (€3.3 million)

Phantom Gauntlets – A pair of gloves that doubled striking force through kinetic redirection. (€5.1 million)

Nightfang Bow – An enchanted bow that absorbed ambient mana to enhance arrow speed. (€7.4 million)

Each item had its own unique effect, but none were beyond what I had anticipated.

[Every item so far has been decent but not exceptional. I can replicate superior versions of most.]

I chuckled internally. 'Not even pretending to be impressed, huh?'

[There is no reason to be.]

Then, finally, something more interesting.

The next case was revealed, drawing an immediate reaction from the crowd. Even from my seat, I could feel the faint mana pressure radiating from it.

The auctioneer stepped forward. "Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you… an Essence Stone."

A subtle shift in atmosphere. The real auction had begun.

The protective case opened, revealing a deep sapphire-colored gemstone. Small, but dense with power.

"This is a B-Rank Essence Stone, extracted from the core of a fallen dungeon boss. It holds immense raw mana, capable of enhancing both equipment and weapons alike or used as an energy source."

The murmurs intensified. Unlike weapons or armor, Essence Stones were priceless. They weren't just tools, they were direct sources of power.

'Confirm it.'

[It is authentic. Mana purity level at 89.2%. Slight residual corruption, but not enough to hinder its effects.]

I kept my expression neutral. A good stone. But not enough for what I needed.

The auctioneer let the tension build before finally speaking.

"The bidding starts at €12,000,000."

Silence.

Then!

"13 million!"

"15 million!"

"18 million!"

The numbers skyrocketed. Unlike weapons, an Essence Stone had unlimited applications. Whether for forging, energy or experimentation, they were too valuable to ignore.

"22 million!"

I remained still, watching. No need to bid. B-Rank wouldn't cut it for me.

The auctioneer's voice rang out.

"27 million! Any further offers?"

A brief pause. Then..

"Sold! To the gentleman in Box 7."

A quiet ripple of reactions followed, but it was expected. Essence Stones were always the highlight of any auction, no matter their rank.

I exhaled, shifting slightly in my seat.

[Are you disappointed?]

'No. Just waiting for something better.'

[Then hope an S-Rank stone appears tonight.]

I smiled slightly beneath my mask.

'Hope? No. If one is here, I'll take it.'