“Bluffing won't work on us. If you could really do it, you'd have had plenty of chances by now.”
Herta, with one hand on her hip, calmly exposed Aventurine's lie.
“Are you betting against me? Alright, I'll bet with you too. I bet I can achieve a complete victory and prove that the harmony's oath is a complete joke with an unprecedented explosion.”
Aventurine's tone remained confident, as if he already had victory in his grasp.
“You can't do it.”
Herta also spoke the most confident words in the most understated tone.
“Of course I can do it, it's just another gamble.”
Finally, as if to prove himself, Aventurine continued, “I came from the desert of Tzvetograda. For 60 copper coins, people branded me, shackled me, put me on the gallows, and buried me in the yellow sand...”
“The sun couldn't kill me, and the quicksand instead delivered me into the embrace of the Scholars and the Company. Remember, I didn't win by chance; I have never lost.”
Then, Aventurine's tone became a bit lower:
“Let me share a proverb with you all: 'Sleep is a rehearsal for death.' Why does life fall asleep? Because we are not yet ready to face death. Every night's dream is no different from facing death, just like you and I at this very moment, with the will to die, hiding in the land of slumber. And 'death'... will come because of our dreams.”
Suddenly, Aventurine's tone became high-spirited.
“Friends, the game has begun. You cannot refuse — there is no reason, and no room.”
The scene abruptly changed, and everyone quickly took out their weapons.
“The dice have been cast — everyone, are you ready to show your cards?”
Aventurine's figure suddenly appeared on the big screen, and Stelle also gripped the Flaming Lance in her hand.
Aventurine looked at everyone, then focused his gaze on Stelle, speaking dismissively: “The builder's inferior stone... Hahahaha, worthless.”
As soon as Aventurine finished speaking, he threw three Star Rail dice, all landing spades up.
And Aventurine confidently declared: “I will bet, I will gamble, I will win.”
At this moment, Aventurine had completely transformed; on the screen, he was in the form of Aventurine, the Gambler.
“I let fate spin the wheel, stake everything, and traverse through death to find life. All for... the Amber Lord!”
March 7th: “Are... are they fighting? And with us?”
Stelle: “Even though you're an enemy, I have to admit you look pretty cool right now.”
Company Employee A: “I've never seen Director Aventurine make a move before...”
Company Employee B: “It's normal that someone of your rank hasn't seen it, isn't it?”
Himeko: “Mr. Aventurine, we need a reasonable explanation.”
Pam: “It always gets so dangerous, Pam. Passengers must be careful!”
Boot Hill: “Heh... fighting the Company dogs? He's a son of a gun, I gotta go help out too.”
Herta: “Beautiful, love to see it, hehe.”
Dr. Ratio: “Heh, damn gambler, did you not listen to a single word of my warning?”
Sunday: “The Astral Express is a distinguished guest of the Family, and the Family will not allow you to act recklessly.”
Aventurine: “Heh, that sounds really good. If the Family really thought that way, I wouldn't believe there wasn't a single tourist in such a large venue.”
Sunday: “For safety's sake, Mr. Aventurine, upon arriving at Penacony, please entrust your keystone to the Family for safekeeping.”
Guinaifen: “Although the atmosphere is a bit off, doesn't anyone think he's quite handsome?”
Jiang Lin: “Keystone, huh... That's really something good...”
Jing Yuan: “Such power is indeed extraordinary.”
March 7th: “Wait, what? Where are the Family members? Are the Family just watching? No support?”
A Certain Fictional Historian: “According to historical records, that purple-haired lady resembles a harmony Emissary.”
Black Swan: “A wonderful memory, truly mouth-watering.”
Sampo: “I've tasted it, it's history.”
Stelle: “Thanks, Shennong.”
In the scene, everyone's confrontation officially began.
“Come on, let's see who gets the last laugh — game on!”
Aventurine's tone was high-spirited as he launched the first attack, several chips flying towards everyone.
But this was merely a probing strike and did not cause any effective damage to the Astral Express Crew.
Then, the Astral Express Crew also began to counterattack; March 7th drew her bow and shot arrows, and countless small Pam exploded around Aventurine.
Welt also released gravity, attempting to trap Aventurine in place.
However, everyone present, except for Aventurine, barely noticed Herta quietly slacking off in the back.
The battle gradually became intense, and Aventurine slowly found himself at a disadvantage.
“Even in adversity, as long as people still have hope, they will definitely follow the bet... The possibilities you hold are worth me going all in.”
Aventurine tangled with the Astral Express Crew for a moment longer, knowing full well that the shattered Aventurine Stone had no more strength to prolong the delay.
“Hmph, everyone is like this... Why — can't you live a little more freely?!”
Then, Aventurine threw Stelle, who was charging at him again, to the side, but Himeko seized this opening. An orbital cannon descended from the sky, directly hitting Aventurine, and instantly smoke billowed.
When the smoke cleared, Aventurine stood unharmed in place. He raised his hand and pointed at everyone.
“Slow playing a strong hand, putting on an act... You're making me a bit impatient.”
Then Aventurine flew high into the sky: “Heh heh hahahaha...”
“For the thrill of it, everyone — I'm going all in.”
Aventurine threw the chips in his hand upwards.
“Only by casting aside rationality is it true gambling.”
In the very next moment, a giant rift appeared in the sky. The rift revealed a golden background and rapidly expanded outwards, dispelling dark clouds, erasing lightning, and covering the city below.
Stacks of golden chips appeared from within and continuously fell towards the city below.
Aventurine spread his arms, his voice filled with excitement, and perhaps even pleasure.
“Emissary — you'll definitely call, right?”
March 7th: “Ah... Oh my god, how do we fight this?”
Stelle: “It's over! Mom, I'm going to crash.”
Kafka: “It's alright, Sam will come to save you.”
Aventurine: “This is truly an exhilarating performance! But... Emissary?!”
Company Employee A: “Director Aventurine is amazing!!!”
Jade: “May you achieve your desires.”
Company Employee B: “Hiss~ If I'm not mistaken, isn't that uncle next to him rubbing a black hole?”
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