Chapter 21: The Rise of a New Gambler
The tension froze the entire hall.
Cheers caught in throats, the atmosphere hanging by a thread, ready to snap at any moment.
Abe Ishi and his companions stood with eager eyes, all focused on Mori Haizou, seated calmly at the gambling table. Known as the "Dice Overlord," Mori looked confident—especially since this time, the dice were his own. Three special dice he had meticulously prepared.
His previous win had been dismissed as mere luck. But in this final round, where the stakes were highest and only two contenders remained, luck alone wouldn't cut it.
"Who rolls first?" someone asked.
Hideo leaned back in his chair, still feeling the sting in his leg from Liu Yufei's earlier kick. "Go ahead, Mr. Mori," he said casually.
Mori gave a silent nod, took the three dice, closed his eyes, and inhaled deeply.
Meanwhile, Hideo leaned over and whispered to Liu Yufei, "Is he summoning the spirits of his ancestors or something? Feels like a demon ritual in here."
He held out his arm. "Look—goosebumps. My body can feel it!"
Liu Yufei, who had been tense all this time, burst out laughing. A few spectators turned their heads, confused by their antics.
Abe Ishi and his gang glared furiously. Hideo was clearly trying to break Mori's concentration. But Hideo simply returned their stares with innocent eyes, as if he had no idea what he was doing.
At last, Mori opened his eyes and rolled all three dice.
Everyone held their breath.
The dice bounced across the table. Their clatter echoed through the hall.
"Come on, guess now!" Abe Ishi shouted at Hideo. "What's your prediction?"
Hideo eyed the spinning dice and smirked. "My guess? Sixteen."
Dai Izuma frowned. "Sixteen? Are you sure, Young Master?"
Hideo nodded. "Just a feeling. And I always trust my instincts."
The first die stopped—six.
Then the second—five.
Cheers erupted. All eyes turned to the final die.
Mori looked relieved. The total so far was eleven. If the third die showed five or more, they'd hit or pass sixteen—and Hideo's prediction would be dead-on.
Louder cheers followed. Mori let out a smug grin.
"If you manage to hit sixteen," he sneered, "I'll kiss this floor."
"Don't. The floor's filthy," Hideo replied coolly.
He then picked up the three dice and rolled them with a casual flick.
The dice spun again. Everyone held their breath once more.
The first die stopped: 6.
The second die: 6.
Gasps filled the air. Eyes widened. If the third die showed a 4 or more, Hideo would win.
The third die spun wildly...
Mori narrowed his eyes. It looked like it would land on 3—but then it slipped, hit the edge of the table... and stopped at 4.
"Total: 16!!" Dai Izuma shouted.
The hall exploded.
Mori froze. His jaw dropped. Abe Ishi covered his mouth in disbelief.
Dai hugged Hideo. "A NEW GAMBLING KING IS BORN!! Young Master, I knew it! I had a good feeling about you!"
Hideo grinned. "I think the dice like me."
Mori Haizou was speechless. His hands trembled as he covered his face. His rigged dice, his strategy—it was all shattered... by a single number.
Hideo had read the movements of the dice with sharp analysis and precise observation. Through experience and honed instincts, he could see the patterns in the so-called randomness. In his mind, calculations of dice physics and play dynamics came together, sharpening his lethal prediction.
At that moment, a guard rushed in. "Sir Mori, Mr. Abe—"
He stopped mid-sentence, taking in the scene. One look at their faces told him all he needed to know: defeat.
Hideo stood up. He picked up one of the dice and spun it between his fingers, his eyes sharp as they pierced through Mori.
"I'm just a rookie," he said softly. "But even a rookie knows—never underestimate your opponent."
Then he flashed a wide grin and threw both hands up.
"I'M RICH!!" he yelled.
Dai's laughter echoed as he carried off a sack full of gambling chips. They walked out of the hall, steps light with victory.
No one noticed...
...that a single cup of warm tea on the table had vanished.