I should organize the order of the notifications and reminders for future Rounds.

I frowned, gazing out the rocking carriage window at the familiar yet different buildings of Genise that I passed by.

The System had diligently provided the reminders I had set for myself from the previous Round, but the timing of them was something worth improving. There was an avalanche of information, such that I had to pause the System and split some of the less urgent insights until a later and more convenient time.

Also, I was certain I'd forget some of the information when my Sanity would inevitably dip again, and then I wouldn't recall the needed information when I really needed it.

That said, the System's reminders, along with the power of Illusion Magic, helped relay all the needed information efficiently to Micah, who scribbled everything down with an impressive flurry. I still had Claude's tattoos to relay, but for that, Micah was going to find a proper artist to copy down the diagram off of the illusion I projected.

My eyes landed on a young lad selling pamphlets with the latest news to West Genise's citizens.

If I could somehow relay it all automatically into physical form, like a printing press, that would be the true ideal.

"Young master Luca, we're here." Henry pulled me out of my thoughts and opened the carriage door.

I wasted no further time sitting and jumped onto the sunny street, immediately walking inside the now familiar Ebony Alley, teeming with dubious merchants and customers. Although the buildings didn't appear all that different from the surrounding structures, this narrow alley seemed to have a veil of shadow and soot draped over it.

"Young master, why are we going up Ebony Alley?" he asked as we entered the cramped and dark alley. He was clearly on edge as he inspected the suspicious people around us.

"Because I wished to," I replied, seeing no point in explaining myself to him in yet another round. "And don't ask anything else. Just remain by my side, protect me when necessary, and follow my commands."

Another blue countdown timer was in effect before my eyes, except this one was for the time I needed to reach the casino and place my bet on Kleave—I had changed the order of my actions this time around, seeing as Micah was more than happy to lend me the necessary funds to purchase Leona.

Of course, this made me a bit nervous as the forty phoenix eyes that my brother had lent me was by no means a small sum.

I absolutely need to get to the casino in time to place the bet and gain it all back, and more.

"Got it, young master," Henry replied and continued to observe our surroundings.

There he is.

The shady-looking man with Leona's egg was set up in the same spot as all previous rounds. The tent had a faded olive green tint instead of the off-red color from the Round prior, but the man was unmistakably the same.

"Thirty phoenix eyes for the phoenix egg." I plopped down the pouch of gems onto the counter, the weight of the pouch making a satisfying thud.

The merchant's eyes widened, but he quickly composed himself and smiled, rubbing his hands together like a fly.

"You are straight to the point, dear customer. I'll bring it out." He scurried into the tent behind him, the fabric walls flapping slightly as he moved. Moments later, he emerged with the familiar clear crystal box, the phoenix egg nestled inside.

"We have a deal," I said, confirming that it was Leona's egg and taking the crystal box into my hands. The box felt cool and smooth, its weight reassuring.

I turned and walked to the tent to the right of his, not bothering to watch the man rush away like he had in past rounds. My attention was taken up by the familiar young woman with a silver patch over her right eye.

"Quite the efficient shopper, aren't you?" Orla Rex smiled. "Are you perhaps also interested in some of my wares?" She motioned toward her table.

I scanned over the various golden necklaces and silver rings, all embedded with mana stones, lying neatly in velvet-lined trays. However, none of the items looked like what I was looking for.

"I'm looking for something like this," I said, pulling out the sketch I had made based on the System's item description.

"The Stealthy Pull Tab?" I added, hopefully.

Orla Rex leaned down to inspect my drawing, her one blue eye scrutinizing every detail. A serious expression suddenly crossed her face, and her demeanor shifted.

"I do have this item," she said, straightening her back and crossing her arms. "But it'll cost you far more than what you paid for that egg."

"The cost isn't an issue," I replied, meeting her gaze. "I didn't introduce myself—I am Luca Frey, grandson of Ruth Arankagul."

Orla Rex grinned, and the multicolor mana stones in her upper tooth glinted in the light. "Ah, Madame Ruth Arankagul's grandson. What a small world… I've heard about you. I've done quite a bit of business with your grandmother. If you have 260 phoenix eyes on you, the item is yours."

I smiled apologetically. "I'm afraid I don't walk around with that many phoenix eyes on me, but I can come back in about an hour with the funds if you'll do me the favor of holding the item?"

"Sure thing," Orla replied, her expression softening. "I can certainly wait an hour."

"Wonderful, I shall be back in a bit, then." I motioned Henry to follow me back toward the carriage.

I hastened my pace, seeing the countdown numbers dwindling downward. I needed to get to the casino in time for the fight between the Ogre and Kleave to secure my small fortune.

***

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Right on time.

I beamed proudly, seeing that per the System's countdown, I still had about ten minutes before the bets needed to be placed.

I crossed the Gilded Siren's lilac stone floors and walked straight toward the main counter of the casino, with Henry trailing right behind. The casino was as loud and boisterous as ever, the air filled with the clamor of clinking chips, shuffling cards, and lively chatter. The well-off and bored tossed their chips about like chump change, their laughter mingling with the sounds of the bustling room.

"I'd like ten golden chips." I placed the pouch of phoenix eyes before the young blonde woman behind the counter.

I was thankful to Micah for sparing forty phoenix eyes on such short notice, and I suspected that even without having informed him of the loops, he would have handed over the funds without batting an eye. Thirty phoenix eyes were utilized for Leona's purchase, and the remaining ten, double the bet I made last time around, were going to help fund a very healthy slush fund to start this Round on financially strong footing.

"Of course." The woman's eyes widened momentarily, but she quickly composed herself, smiling brightly through her red lips. "Please wait just a moment. A concierge is coming here to help you around the casino."

I could hear Henry shifting uncomfortably behind me, but he didn't make any unnecessary comments this time. His gaze darted around the casino, taking in the lavish surroundings. Light stone chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, inviting glow over the space. Enormous painted scrolls and gold-framed mirrors that reflected the room's luxury adorned the walls. There were even several indoor waterfalls at the back of the casino floor.

"Young master Luca Frey?" A middle-aged woman with pulled-back black hair approached, her bright customer service smile gleaming. She was one and the same as from Round 7 and Round 8.

"Yes, that is me." I nodded.

"If you follow me, I'll provide you with complimentary food and refreshments. There's a private card game taking place in the back that you'd enjoy."

She gestured for me to follow her to a more secluded area of the casino.

I frowned. Something felt different.

She didn't ask me about what games I wanted to play. Is it because I doubled the number of golden chips?

"I'm looking for something a bit more violent than a card game," I hinted as I followed after her.

"Oh, I can assure you that card games can be quite violent as well," she laughed cheerfully, leading me toward the pair of golden doors at the back of the casino room that was otherwise obscured by an enormous indoor waterfall.

I was about to disagree, but then I remembered the card game between Jasper and Elian Vikzhou.

Tch.

"What I mean is, I heard there's a fight that will take place where the Ogre will fight multiple people. I'd prefer to participate in that bet," I replied.

"Ah, is that so?" She smiled at me. Her right hand was already on one of the golden door's handles.

"One moment." She spoke into her sleeve.

I shifted uneasily in place, watching the System's countdown moving down.

However, after she finished talking into her sleeve, instead of correctly leading me toward the hidden door in the wall, she pushed open the golden door and motioned for me to go inside.

"I'm afraid that I must insist." She smiled brightly, and several people appeared behind Henry and me. "There's a VVIP who specifically insisted on your presence, and I'm not in a position to not oblige them."

I blinked, suddenly feeling disoriented.

Damn it. Something had seriously shifted, and Round 9 had barely started.

"Ah, and I apologize. You must enter alone. Your guard must wait outside for the privacy of our VVIP guest."

I heard the unsheathing of a sword beside me. Henry had taken out his weapon, but given the nonchalant expressions of the dark-suited people surrounding us, I had a feeling that the fight wouldn't end well, regardless of the outcome.

"Young master Luca Frey, there's no need for alarm," the woman said. "I can assure you that we mean no harm to you—quite the opposite; in my humble opinion, you are being granted the possibility of a financial gain like no other."

"Really? Well, you are currently imposing on my ability for one financial gain. I was hoping to bet on the fight between the Ogre and Kleave," I voiced my frustration.

"If you so wish, you could have your guard bet on your behalf?" she suggested. "As I've stated before, you wouldn't be allowed him to follow you regardless due to the privacy of our VVIP."

Damn it.

I bit my bottom lip as I thought through my next steps.

Who could this VVIP person possibly be?

Ultimately, I concluded that it had to be either another Awakened like myself or someone like Claude Noire, who was aware of the loops. Either way, whoever it was, they were no doubt a troublesome entity.

"Young master Luca Frey?" The woman smiled and motioned toward the open door again.

I sighed.

There was an out of the following situation, but it would ultimately result in a violent and financially undesirable end, as I would likely be barred from betting my money in the Golden Siren ever again in this Round. And maybe any other Round if this VVIP had any say in the matter.

Moreover, the Fools Escape skill didn't activate, indicating that I wasn't in terrible danger, at least not yet.

A part of me was curious about who this VVIP individual was. They were likely present in the previous Round but weren't so insistent on our meeting. What changed?

"Henry, put away your sword." I turned to him. "I'll be fine."

His expression betrayed his lack of confidence in my command, but he complied.

"Take these ten golden chips and bet them all on Kleave," I instructed. "Request a Hanged Man's bet to collect 240 of the expected future winnings before the fight completes. Then go immediately to Ebony Alley and purchase the Stealthy Pull Tab from Orla Rex."

I figured the card game was a rouse, and no real bets would occur. Besides, even if there was a card game, I had no interest in actually gambling against this mysterious VVIP. I was better off betting on the surefire Kleave instead.

Henry balked at me, breaking his capacity to follow my commands.

"Young master, I can't afford to take on a Hanged Man's bet." His eyes looked down at the golden chips in his hands. "Even this much is more than I've ever held in my life."

"Oh, I don't expect you to take the Hanged Man's bet out on your name." I smiled, realizing why he was so flustered. "It'll be under my name. You can sign on my behalf, can't you?"

I met his eyes.

"You can," I added for emphasis.

He nodded, realizing what I was hinting at.

I turned to the woman. "I'll go in, but could you please escort my guard to the fight on my behalf? Ensure he is treated well and in the same capacity you would have treated me."

"Of course, that wouldn't be an issue." She smiled, and another concierge appeared to escort Henry away.

The poor guy appeared conflicted as he walked away but ultimately wasn't willing to go against Micah's command to follow my every instruction, no matter how ludicrous it was.

I took in a deep breath of air and walked through the golden doors.

"Please continue down the hall to your right. It will be the room at the very end," the woman instructed.

"You're not coming along?" I turned and raised a brow.

"No, I'm afraid I am not even allowed to set eyes on them." She bowed and closed the golden doors behind me, cutting off any noise from the casino floor. An eerie silence filled the space.

I ran my hands through my hair.

Crazy.

I looked around the hall. The space was opulent, with walls adorned in deep burgundy velvet and lit by golden light stones that cast a warm glow. The carpet underfoot was quite ornate and reminded me of the rugs I'd seen during my short trip to Dredgor.

About a dozen doors lined the hallway, each a deep mahogany with intricate gold detailing. However, the silence in this space was profound—either due to excellent soundproofing or a complete lack of other people. Or possibly both.

I walked down the hallway, taking the time to inspect the framed watercolor art of singular flowers in bloom. Ultimately I was stalling my walk toward the door at the end while I quickly thought through possible strategies and outcomes. Each of my steps echoed slightly, a reminder of the utter stillness surrounding me.

I paused before the door, its polished surface reflecting the ambient light and partially my reflection.

I didn’t know who I might find on the other side; however, I had a way of gaining some additional information when I did meet them.

“System, the signal to start the Random Character Checker for a person of my choice is as follows: two taps of my middle finger against my leg and a nod toward the subject I’d like to inspect.”

[ Noted. When you show the signal going forward, the Random Character Checker will begin. ]

I wasn’t certain how many people I might find on the other end, and I wanted to ensure I had the Random Character Checker run on this mysterious VVIP.

I nodded in approval, feeling slightly more confident.

Taking a moment to steady myself, I reached for the golden handle and opened it.