Gray smoke fills the air and a sweet smell tickles my nostrils.
　The sound of a roulette spinning sounded carelessly and a lukewarm bustle crawled into my ears.

　The ceiling was lit by lights made of processed magic stones.
　However, it's a clever amount of light that doesn't illuminate the entire space.
　In the corner of the room where the light doesn't reach, adults whose expressions are hidden by the darkness are drinking.

　It's a large basement.
　However, perhaps because there are no windows, there is a strong sense of entrapment.
　I don't need to check the 《Dimension》 to know that this is a place where people with a guilty conscience gather.

　This is a 'gambling den (casino)' where the security of the country cannot reach.
　Because of the location, the place is filled with people who are well dressed but black inside.

　I was sitting at one of the tables in the casino.

　I don't want to stay there too long.
　There is a problem of my warm sense of value, but above all, I am suffering from the fact that "sensitivity" mercilessly picks up the malice of human beings.

　Nevertheless, I don't use "Dimension" openly.
　In high-class casinos, the use of magic is prohibited in order to prevent cheating. Magic stones are placed all over the place to detect magic. If those magic stones shine even a little bit, you'll be kicked out of here.

　I didn't use any magic power at all and was playing the game.

　I follow the ball as it spins around in the roulette wheel, making a caracara sound, with my eyes alone.
　I analyze and predict where the ball will go.

　I measure the ball's momentum with my inhuman kinetic vision. Then I calculate the ball's kinetic energy, speed, and estimated travel distance. The experience of manipulating dimensional magic, as well as the status 'skill' and 'cleverness' and 'parallel thinking' skills made it possible.
　Of course, that's not all. The ability of the skill "Sensitivity" to fine-tune the theoretically predicted range is also significant.

　I declare with certainty.

''I'm betting on two of the 'yang' three. The amount is--

　The rules of roulette are not so different from my world.
　It's just that the names and numbers are a little different. There is also a total take of the parents, and there is time to add bets while the balls are spinning.

　Just in time, I was glad to find a game that even I could understand.
　This game would allow me to get to my target amount in the shortest amount of time while making the most of my abilities.

-- the full amount, sir.

　The dealer taking in the parents of the place pulls a face.
　No wonder they are terrified of the customers who keep going all-in, endlessly doubling the amount of money they have to pay.

　Instead, the customers around him get excited.
　They think he's a foolish man who keeps betting all his money, but it turns out he's a rare lucky man, and they're watching. Most of them wanted to see my demise, but still, for sure, the place was on my side.

　The gorgeous roulette, decorated with gemstone magic stones, slowly lost its spinning momentum. And the ball rolling around inside, as if it were being sucked in, fell to the spot I had declared.

'This is 2 of 3 in 'yang' ....... All-in customers, it's 72 times more: ......

　The dealer declared with a shaky voice.
　At the same time, the cheers around him jumped.

　The lucky man, who had become one of the richest men in an instant, is treated with admiration and envy.
　Finally, the store calls out to him.

'Sir. Can you still continue to play the game ......?
'Yes, I bet. I was going to bet all the money again, but why not?
'That's fine, but its ....... First of all, it looks like the person above you needs to talk to you about .......

　Basically, the dealer would never make anything other than a clerical statement.
　That statement would be the same as him indicating his surrender.

　At the dealer's urging, I look to the rear.
　Late in the game, the people in the store who had been watching me win big were bowing their heads. They had probably been watching to see if I was cheating, but hadn't been able to find any evidence of it.

　I was treated like an important person (Vip) and taken to another room.
　Then, after some checks, the store tells me that I'm not allowed to use the restaurant in a distant way. I didn't bite down and accepted the ban as soon as I could. I knew it was going to happen, and I had no intention of coming here again.

　I leave the other room, checking the money I have on hand.
　With that, a beastly woman dressed in a dress approaches from a distance. The bewitching beauty's name is Sera Raydiant. If you don't 'pay attention' and check the name, even now that you've gotten used to it, you'll mistake it for something else.

"How much is there now?

　Sera-san doesn't pay attention to my safety, she just checks her hands.

It's not enough. ...... He wants you to do the rest among the customers.
...... You're in trouble. There aren't many gambling establishments bigger than this one. At this rate, time is running out and we won't get the 'ship'.

　-- "The Ship".

　After the tournament, we escaped from Lauravia and headed for the southern country of Gliard.
　But as we were about to head out to sea, we stopped.
　Rastiara said that if we were foolish enough to board the ship, we would have all the people we wanted to chase. And she was so excited that she suggested that we should have our own ship.

　It wasn't a bad idea.
　It would be for the sake of the future to be able to install the 《Connection》 on the ship without worrying about it. However, it was also certain that this was Rastiara's hobby.

　After that, when we looked for a special ship that could be moved by us alone, we would find that it would require an exorbitant amount of money.
　But we don't have time to dive into the labyrinth and save up the money without a fight. Then Rastiara says, "Go earn some money by trolling the gambling den. You must not lose," she said, and left me and Sera here.

　--And now, to this day.

　It hasn't even been a few hours since the 'Dancing Tournament' escape.
　But as long as we get the ship, we can rest as much as we want. Repeating this in my mind, I whip my tired body to move.

　I moved with Sera to a corner of the gambling hall.
　Then I ask for a drink at the bar in the gambling hall.
　We take our seats and have a strategy meeting. By the way, I don't drink just because I ask. I don't drink just because I ask. I can't drink, but I can pose.

It's a waste of time to move. We'll find a private partner here and continue to place our bets.
But you were winning so much. How many people would be interested in gambling with you?
No, I think it's okay. There are probably a lot of people in the same position I'm in right now in this casino: ......
The ones who were watching from afar while you were winning?
'Quite a feat, Sera. You're the one. Now let's wait for them to call me. They'll think I'm an up-and-coming rookie.
I'll do what you say. If not, I'll just sell you to the Hoosiers for money.
'What?　I have a bounty on my head: ......?
'Even if it doesn't cost you, you can take it where you want to take it and it will be worth the money. If you turn it in to the Walker family or around the Hoosiers, you'll get enough gratuity money to play it to death.
I have his permission for both of them. ...... I'll check later to see if I have a bounty on them: ......

　Sera and I continue to chat, counting the amount of gold we've gambled away.

　Just as Sera asks for her third glass of fruit wine, a man approaches us.

　He is a small, fat, thin-eyed, middle-aged man.
　He wears gleaming ornaments and his clothes are of fine silk. Perhaps a mansion could be built with just what he wears.

　The man takes his place across from our table and asks for a fine drink.
　He immediately 'gazes' at the man.
　And, of course, the strong men who are standing behind him.


[Status]
　Name: fey als HP33/33 MP0/0 Class: merchant
　Inherent Skill:.
　Acquired Skill: Fraud 1.33 Negotiation 1.06


　Finally, the man I had been waiting for arrived.
　I waited for the man's words, trying not to let my inner joy leak out.

You have earned a lot of money, haven't you? You have a lot of guts for such a young man.

　I respond to the man who speaks to me in a friendly manner, and I respond to him in a friendly manner.

...... No, it was just an accident. In desperation, I was repeatedly betting all of my money in desperation, and it seems that I've used up a lifetime's worth of luck. Oh no, it really was on today.
"Haha, just by chance? It's not just a coincidence, it's not just a coincidence, it's not just a coincidence, it's not just a coincidence, it's not just a coincidence. ...... But from what I've seen, you still don't have enough to play with?
'I can understand. ...... Perhaps you've been listening to us?
Yes, with all due respect, a little. Apparently, I'm going to need a lot of money by the deadline.
'Ha, I'm ashamed to say, but I'm in debt. That debt is due today. But I'm short of a few more. I'm in a bit of a bind.

　The conversation moves along at a brisk pace, like a greeting.
　We already know each other.
　Neither I nor the man have any use for this random chitchat; our only goal is to gamble.

　The man laughs and tries to end the farce.

Hmmm, hmmm, you're really lucky. And I'm lucky too. On a whim while peddling, I stopped by and found someone in my situation. Maybe this is fate.

　And then we get to the point.

"-- I don't know. Would you like to play a bet with me?

　I answer immediately, not cracking a smile.

'Yes, I hope so.'
'Oh, wow, what a quick answer!　After all, he's a young man as you might expect: ......!

　The man contorts his face and laughs, holding my hands.
　Then he repeats the compliment, not letting me off the hook.

　After the toothed compliment, we begin to decide what we're going to gamble on. There are no conditions I'm willing to put up. I'm confident I'll win, so I take the game on the terms the man offers.

'-But even though you've made a rough deal today, it still won't be enough to reach the chips I have. I don't mean to be rude, but if you don't mind if I tell you what happens if you fall short of your chips?
'We gamble. It happens. Feel free to tell me.

　The difference in money in my possession is obvious.
　Probably, from his point of view, after years of winning in this casino, I'm just a little rich man who made it in a day.
　The man's smile never falters, and he states matter-of-factly.

'If you don't have enough money in your possession, you'll pay with alternatives ....... You are young and beautiful ....... And I'm also in the business of dealing with such people ....... So, I suppose you will have to pay for the shortfall with your own body.
I see. But I don't need that kind of confirmation. You're betting here, that's the least you can do. I'm rather relieved to hear that it's very sweet.
'Hmph, of course. Still, yes. Sorry to talk about the obvious, hmmm.

　I answer the man with a smile, too.
　But I'm not at peace. In other words, he also dabbles in the slave trade.
　I reaffirm the 'class' of humans behind the man.

　Most of them had become slaves.
　Just that much makes my heart whisper.

　But now, I'll restrain myself.
　I shouldn't show it to my face.

　Rather, we should feel lucky.
　I don't care how nicely I embellish my words, I'm going to make him unhappy. So it's easier to do it with someone like him. It makes my mind easier.
　The skill '??' That's very important to me, as I have a

"-- you just can't bet on this woman. She's not mine.

　I finally tell him firmly, only that Sera is irrelevant.
　Then I saw a shadow on the man's face, who had been in a good mood all along.

'Hmm ....... I'm sorry to hear that .......

　The man puts his hand over his mouth and begins to ponder.
　From his blatant reaction, I understood that the man's goal was Sera.

　The man's persistent gaze is on Sera. Now he's thinking about how he can get his hands on her.

　I get impatient.
　If we continue to talk about Sera without her being involved, we may not be able to gamble with a high amount of money. If the man's only goal was Sera, he would cut off his gamble at the appropriate point.
　That would be a problem. It's a waste of time.

　I try to think of another way to get the man's attention.

"-- fine, Kanami. Bet me.

　But before he could answer, Mr. Serra offered himself up like a man.
　The man lifted the corners of his mouth and this time he praised Mr. Sera out of it.

'Oh, this is good. Apparently, you have the gall to be as bold as the young man.

　Immediately I get up from my seat to talk with Sera alone.

''Huh, I'm surprised too. However, can I have a little chat with her?　--Excuse me for a moment.

　We keep our distance, turn our backs to each other and talk in small voices.

'Are you sure, Sera?'
He's a scoundrel so bad that his name would have reached the Who's Yards. He's a black marketeer who bribes the state to do all sorts of bad things here and there.
'Oh. You knew about that guy: ......
I don't like those people. Until now, I couldn't touch them because I was serving my country, but ....... I've been serving my country and I couldn't do anything about it, but now I can get the guy to come up with a plan without hesitation. I won't miss it.
That's what I'm talking about.
Just go ahead and destroy him.
I'm off to .......

　It just seemed to be the result of a strange sense of justice run amok.
　But I've heard good things about it. It seems that the man in front of me is a villain with Sera-san's blessing.

　If that's the case, then it's okay to go all out.
　I turn around and declare with a smile.

We're done talking. Let's do it. You and me, one on one...

　The man responds to that with a smile.

'Then let's change places. The casino will provide you with a referee and a dealer, so you don't have to worry about it. We have a dedicated room for you.

　The man leads me through the casino side and begins to move to another room.
　On the way, I tell him of my intention to win, as I'm the one in charge of Sera-san's body.

'Leave it to me. I'll do my best as long as you trust me.
"Hmm ....... I don't have any faith in .......

　Sera denies it with a thin smile.
　Then she cites her trusty Rustyala.

...... just doesn't think that you, by that young lady's own admission, can be beaten by this guy.

　There was a distorted form of trust there.
　I would never be able to lose for the sake of Rastiara's honor.

　While entering another room hidden in the shadow of the large casino, I vowed to win.


◆◆◆◆◆ ...


　A separate room with no windows.
　When we arrived at the table, the casino dealer dealt the cards to us.

　The new game was a card game.
　The high rank of this game can be seen from the fact that the cards are handled in a clean manner that is not unlike this world. The cards were laced with pieces of magic stones, which seemed to make them sturdy and also prevent cheating.

　However, the presence of magical stones means that the casino has a chance to incorporate a magic formula into the cards. If the enemy man and the casino teamed up, they would be able to cheat as much as they wanted.

　And I knew that I would be cheated for sure.
　A person who bribes the country and earns a grudge from a knight can't be connected to the casino. There's no way they wouldn't cheat.

　In fact, we start playing a game in the other room, and soon I find out about one of my cheats.
　At the beginning I have the upper hand, but the game is slowly tipping and my money is dwindling. There was no doubt in my mind that the man had the game in his hands.

　Nevertheless, I pretended not to notice and continued to play the game in a straightforward manner.
　This is also similar to the game of 'Dancing Tournament'. The same way as in the Celestial Knights battle, I will remember everything.

　I remember the man's spilled words and actions, emotions, habits, and eye movements, and continue to guess what my opponent's next move will be.
　Since I don't have 《Dimension》, I can't grasp even the creaking of my muscles. However, right now I have 'sensitivity'. As long as I have that, I can understand the flow of this place.

　While the cards are being dealt, the man continues his cheating.
　Most of the cheating is not of the kind prepared in advance, but is purely technical. He distracts you with his storytelling and gestures, and he successfully conceals (palms) and switches (switches) the cards.
　They may think they are not worthy of being seriously fooled.

　-- keep watching it (・・・・).

　Of course, watching is not enough to fight back.
　Sure enough, I lose a lot of times, just in time.

'Looks like I'm losing, ....... Hmmm, I'm in trouble. Your money is starting to dwindle .......
'Hmmm, I see your luck is leaning a bit towards me: ....... Would you still like to play?　Or would you rather not?

　A man asks the obvious.
　He knows we need a sum of money to meet our deadline.
　There's no way I can stop now.

"No, I'll just keep going.

　The man greets me with a smile as I continue.

　The cards are dealt again.
　In the middle of it all, Sera-san behind me whispers to me in a whisper.
　The table is wide and far enough away from the other side that I don't have to worry about being heard.

'Hey, aren't you being cheated on ......?'

　Apparently, Sera noticed it too.

'Yes, you have been.'

　When I answered immediately, Sera's expression distorts.

I knew it. Then it's a game no game like this. There's no need to continue, Kanami.
'No, Mr. Serra. There's no point in suing me without proof. Just give me some more. It's a very nice hoax, this one.
What's the point of cheating? You're going to lose all your money if you keep this up?
No, it's a step in the right direction. I'm taking advantage of the fact that I've been cheated on and I'm going to cheat back.
Hm, is that so?　Then win quickly. If it happens that you lose while you're looking at it, it's no joke.
'That's never going to happen. It's a good skill, and I've been watching it a lot: ....... I've already got most of it figured out.

　As long as Sera-san is rushing me, I can't just look at it anymore.
　I have no choice but to 'display' my status as a final confirmation.


[Status]
　Inherent skill: swordsmanship 4.89 Ice magic 2.58+1.10
　Acquired skills: body arts 1.56 Dimensional magic 5.25+0.10 Sensory perception 3.56 Parallel thinking 1.46　
　　　　　　　Knitting 1.07 Deception (...) 1.02


　The skill 'Fraud' is increasing.

　It's just as Rowen said.
　There's nothing I can't master as long as I'm aware of it.
　Having obtained the skill 'Fraud', I hold the card handed to me and gloat.

'I'm confident in my dexterity. Look at .......

　I'm going to fight back.
　I do the exact same cheating that the guy is doing and take this game to a draw (even).

　As soon as the dealer declares a draw (even), the air in the room changes a bit.
　For the man, this game was probably going to be a must-win. I could see him thinking about whether he was not at fault for his 'fraud' (cheating).

　I smile along with the feeling of having caught the air of the place.

'--Because it's my game from here on out,'

　I muttered, in a voice that only Sera could hear.

　Then the game with the man entered the middle game.

　The copying of skills is complete.
　All that's left is to take his money without any qualms.
　But I can't let them realize that I have the flow of the game in my hands.

　It's not just about winning here.
　It's also important to keep him in his seat until I've taken all my money.

　The number of games exceeds 50, and the amount of money we have fluctuates.
　More money than the citizens could earn in their lifetimes rolls to the right and left every few tens of seconds.

　-- the game continued to be close in numbers.

　Little by little, the man is getting impatient with it.
　The trick is getting through to me.
　But due to a series of unpredictable fortunes, my money is not diminished.
　I must look like a strangely stubborn prey.

　It's all staged by me.
　The skill 'sensitivity' has completely taken over the flow of the game.
　Just like a match, the longer it goes on, the more rock solid my victory will become.


【Status】
　Inherent skill: swordsmanship 4.89 Ice magic 2.58+1.10
　Acquired skills: body arts 1.56 Dimensional magic 5.25+0.10 Sensory perception 3.56 Parallel thinking 1.46　
　　　　　　　Knitting 1.07 Deception (...) 1.34


　It took a long time due to the lack of 《Dimension》.
　However, he finally took away the man's "Fraud 1.33" and I came to "Fraud 1.34".

　Originally, I was confident of a must-win. But this also gave me further numerical assurance of my status.
　All that's left now is to let my guard down and decide the winner.

''--Kuch!　I lose again!　d*mn it!

　I act like I can't afford it and tap the table irritably.
　Fidgeting, I move my eyes to make it look like I'm concerned about time and money.

　Behind me, Serra is dismayed by my white-knuckled performance. That's worthy of staging, but I can't help but wish for a little more cooperation.

　However, the man in front of me has been properly fooled, probably because of the long production so far.

'Oh, it looks like I've won: ......'

　The man declares, looking calm.
　I open and close my palms repeatedly and pretend to be calm.

　He speaks to me, observing me with a lingering gaze.
　Of course, I don't overlook all the man's actions as he observes me.

It's a good thing that the money is running low ....... At this rate, it's unlikely you'll be able to achieve your original goal .......
I'm still working on it: ......
'But if you continue as you have been doing, you won't be able to pay off your debts. What do you think?　Why not bet big around here?
Betting big ......?

　I'm convinced inwardly that I'm going to win.
　Because if he gets impatient with me, the game is over.
　I'm going to take advantage of that little bit of caution and pride.

We're ready to take it. That's what we call a senior's margin. But we won't force you to do anything. You are free to challenge or withdraw ....... How would you like to do ......?

　There is no other way for me but to try.
　I'm sure you're aware of that, but the man aloofly boasted that he had a choice.

I'll--I'll do it ....... I'm going to do it. I'm going to reverse it!

　I happily continued my act.
　The man smiles and starts the next game.

　The highest amount of money of the night is wagered and the cards are dealt.
　The man in front of me takes it in good time. He has a look of confidence in his face that he's going to win.
　He's paying close attention to detail and is playing the most sophisticated cheat, and that's just as well. Unfortunately, I'm going to go above and beyond the level of cheating.

　Before the game began, the game was over.

　Cards of each other being revealed to the public, breaking down the high amount of chips being bet.
　The cards showed that the man had lost most of his fortune and my possessions would grow many times over.

　I decide that it's settled and stop acting like it's settled.

...... Now it looks like I'm going to win this big game.

　I take a breath, relieved of my nerves.
　No, I'm really glad.
　Despite all this, I wasn't confident until the very end. I was always thinking about what would happen if I failed at the skill 'Parallel Thinking'.

'Hey, what's this ......!　What happened to ......!　What do you mean--!

　When the man sees the results, a blue streak appears at his temples.
　Then he asks himself the question and checks the scattered chips and cards over and over again. He has no idea what has happened.
　In other words, his skill 'fraud' couldn't see through my skill 'fraud'.

　As a result, the man stood up roughly from his seat, not accepting the reality in front of him.
　At the same time, the strong men who had been waiting behind him stepped forward.

　I remained seated in my seat and spoke to the casino supervisor in the room.

'Mr. Dealer. Isn't this kind of thing against the rules ......?
I'm sorry, sir. "I'm sorry, sir, but we are only concerned with the proper conduct of gambling. That is all we are concerned with, sir. We cannot get involved in any disputes between customers off the table.
'I guess that means gambling isn't going to be normal, though: ....... But I understand. You're stuck. You really have to put your shoulder to this man .......

　The dealer nodded.
　There must be a lot of pressure from the state, bribery, and various other things involved there.
　Confirming this, I slowly voice my criticism.

'It's awful, Faye (...) Aels (・・・・・・) ....... From the beginning, you've been planning to prey on me. ......

　I mutter the name of the man I identified in the 'display' and grieve.
　Half of it is an act, half of it is serious.

　In the face of my expression and words, the man who had never said his name, Faye Aels, became upset and shouted back.　

'Oh, of course. ......!　The game starts before it starts, and it's over before it begins!　That's the basis of the game!　Don't think that a little boy who doesn't even understand the basics of it can get by on mere luck!

　He admitted.

　And he called my victory a stroke of luck.
　That means he couldn't see the cheating of the game until the end.

　No, he couldn't have seen it coming.
　Before the game, he was right, I was a little boy who didn't even understand the basics of the skill "fraud". In a few dozen minutes during the match, the boy had surpassed the Fey Aels' fraud that he had spent decades cultivating.

　To put it bluntly, it was insane.
　It was so unfair that it made me feel sick.
　It would be unbelievable to my relative Faye Aels, even if she knew it was true.

'...... That's right. ...... That's right.
'The only time a wager between individuals is made is when positions and power are at stake!　Now you're all about the girl!　Oh, I'm not losing!　There's no way we're going to lose!

　A very upset Faye Ales very politely explains the rules of the game to me.
　I was grateful, but I could only feel sorry for him any more.
　I start to round up.

'So, whatever happens here, the store has no choice but to keep quiet. Is that right?

　I gave the dealer one last check.
　The dealer nods silently at that too.

　Preparing myself, I bow to Sera.

'Sera-san, please. Do you need a sword, sir?
...... Hey. I'm in a dress now, okay?　Do it yourself.
I'm not done playing the game with him. Sorry.
Oh, well, that's no problem then. I don't need the sword.

　Ms. Sera rips a tear in her own skirt and steps out in front of the strong men with her bare hands and empty fists.
　Faye Aels shouts in a rage.

'Hey, you guys!　Keep that woman and the kid under control--

　-- immediately, the strong man was blown away and hit the wall.

　Fei Aels was unable to close his open mouth.

　Sera's fist, which was trained to the highest level of a human, only struck the strong man in the face. However, it, which also had the correction of a beastman's arm strength, made the man's body, which must have weighed a hundred pounds, dance lightly.
　The men who had been killed by the beast attacked Sera with a roar.

　But Sera calmly fights back.
　She takes arms that try to grab her and slams the men to the ceiling and floor.
　It was overwhelming.

　The men prepared by Faye Aels were indeed strong.
　Most warriors would have had the ability to suppress them.
　But Sera-san is not 'most warriors'. She is the best knight.

　As men hover in the air in the face of Sera's overwhelming power, I say to them, "Let's continue.

'Let's continue (・・・・・・).'

　With a jolt, Faye Aels' shoulders trembled.

　My resolve has already been decided.
　As soon as he admitted his malice, I couldn't back down.

'Take your seat, Mr. Fay. I haven't heard that the game is over yet, have I?

　I encourage the game to continue.
　Now Faye Aels is losing money. And I know that he is a merchant. I'm sure that the loss won't be contained to the individual and will be a hindrance to his future business.

　It's because I know that that's why I'm lying to you.
　The men prepared by Faye Aels all fall down. The chips scattered on the table are all mine.
　I invite him to join me, indicating the devastation with the palm of my hand.

'If you're not happy with this (...), you can get it back in the game. Yes, you too (・・・・) can still turn it around if you bet everything you have on yourself. Unlike you, we're not going to break our word. We'll take your challenge and swear we'll continue to take it to the end.

　A big lie.
　But the man in front of me sat down in his seat, as if clinging to him.

　The skill 'fraud' worked normally.
　There was no more 'no chance of reversal'. Still, he had no choice but to sit down. Even if he knew that he was being deceived--

　Thus, the game came to an endgame.

　During the game, there were some disputes.
　However, the casino side acquiesced to them.

　Originally, Faye Ales and the casino had made such a promise to each other.
　In addition, since I was to receive a bribe and connection from me, who was discovered to be the winner of the "Dance Competition," there was no reason to interfere with the casino side.

　Half an hour later, Faye Aels lost all her money.