1 The Compulsive Gambler I
Hyakkaou Private Academy.
Founded 122 years ago in Japan and for many years since its inception, was a school where students from powerful families in the political and financial world attended.
A school where students are not evaluated by studies or sports, but through the social status they possess. This is because studies and extracurriculars are not necessary for people who are destined to have power over others.
For them it is important to be well versed in tactics, reading an opponent, and the strength to grasp victory which are abilities they have to prove and obtain through gambling.
—Inside a classroom.
"Haah."
"Haah." Seated around a table, two students, their faces tensing up, as the two—a pair of a boy and a girl—looked at the cards in their hands.
The girl was of average height with long blonde hair that is into two ponytails where they are tied with black ribbons and dark-yellow eyes. While the boy, was a pale-skinned teenage boy of average height with neck-length messy brown hair and brown eyes.
They both wore the standard Hyakkaou private academy outfit consisting of red blazer with black trim that lines the cuffs and collar and has gold buttons for decoration.
"Showdown! Full house!" The boy after a moment of hesitation, the boy slammed the cards in his on the table spreading the card, revealing a three of spades, three of diamonds, three of hearts, eight of spades and another three of hearts.
The girl's mouth corked into a mocking grin, as she threw her cards on the table, revealing an ace of hearts, a king of hearts, queen of hearts, a joker and a ten of hearts.
A mocking grin formed on the girl's face as she nonchalantly tossed her own cards onto the table. The cards displayed an ace of hearts, a king of hearts, queen of hearts, a joker, and a ten of hearts. "Too bad," she sneered, her expression twisted with mockery, her lips forming a sardonic grin. "You get an A for the effort."
Rising from her chair, the girl leaned in closer to the boy, who wore a surprised expression. His eyes widened in disbelief as he stammered, "A royal straight flush?" Sweat trickled down his flushed cheeks as the girl extended her hand, gently caressing his face.
"Now, now," she whispered into his ear, her tone devoid of mercy.
"I'm sure it will be quite an ordeal for you. But make sure you do your best." Her words, like a devilish whisper, echoed in the boy's ears, "Pocchi," leaving him trembling on his knees.
His facial expression was one that read, 'unbelievable.' All he did—rather, all he could do was to stare at the girl in fear and disbelief washed over him, evident in his perspiring face and his eyes fixed upon the girl he had lost to.
—Meanwhile.
Standing just near the door of the classroom, a boy with shoulder-length black hair and crimson red eyes stood near the door. Standing at around 6 feet tall, he wore the standard Hyakkaou Private Academy uniform.
A sadistic smirk formed on his lips as he found the scene before him intriguing.
"As expected, this school is really interesting," he muttered to himself before stepping out of the classroom.
Hyakkaou Private Academy.
A unique institution, where, money and gambling reign supreme. It all comes down to how good one is at gambling. And…Once you are caught in its depths, it becomes nearly impossible to climb back up.
By this time, they are always everywhere, afterall, this school technically runs on a gambling system. Walking through the hallway, the raven-haired teenager made his way to the nearest gambling center, the cafeteria.
"Ah! Shit! I lost again?"
"A Flush, dammit!"
"I need to memorize the cards."
Instead of a typical dining area, the cafeteria had become a bustling gambling den. "Poker, huh? Sounds fun," he whispered under his breath as he approached the nearest desk, along with a group of students gambling over there.
"Hello there, would you mind playing a game with me?" he asked, his smile carrying a hint of mockery. "Who the hell are you?" one of the students seated at the table responded with a frown as he heard how he arrogantly addressed them.
Letting out a sigh, the boy who had just arrived reached into his pocket, pulling out a Mastercard and placing it on the table. "There is exactly one million yen loaded onto this bank card," he declared. "If you can win against me in a game, you're free to take it."
His words hung in the air like a devil's whisper, causing them all to gulp nervously. They couldn't help but think at the same time, 'Hehe, we've attracted a big one.'
"Haha, sir, sit down, sit down," one of the boys stood up from his seat, gesturing for the newcomer, to take a seat. "Just call me Kinji."
"Yes, yes, Kinji-san. Let's play poker, shall we?" Kinji nodded with a smile as he sat down, leaning back in his chair. "Well then, let's begin, I'll play along with you all," he said, his lips curling back with anticipation.
—Several minutes later.
"Wh-what just happened." Their eyes widened—the players—playing against Kinji, had look of shock mixed with surprise.
They had been so confident in their advantage, using specially marked cards that would leave any amateur helpless. But now, their faces twisted into expressions of disbelief as Kinji revealed his hand—a royal straight flush.
"—Royal straight flush!?"
"Impossible!" Several of them stared at the student—Kinji—in horror, the said student in question, parted his mouth in a sadistic grin, "You all thought I wouldn't notice?"
His dripped with condescension as he looked down on them with his crimson eyes like an emperor looking down on his servants.
"However," they all flinched as Kinji continued with his overwhelming chilling confidence, his eyes seemingly glowing crimson red, "every offence or defense, is completely useless against these eyes."
"Now then…" The pressure around the entire table diminished as Kinji regarded with a smile. "Each and every one of you, owes me one million yen."
"Wha-!?"
"That's unreasonable—!" One of the gamblers attempted to protest against Kinji, but his words faltered as soon as he met Kinji's piercing gaze. "You cheated, didn't you? I think it's only appropriate I get some sort of compensation, right? Afterall, I didn't call your illegal cards and shuffle out."
Kinji's voice was cold and menacing, sending shivers down their spines. In that moment, they realized that their initial assumption was completely wrong. This boy was not the easy prey they had thought he was, 'He-he's a demon.'
"Oya, oya, why are you looking at me like I'm some sort of devil?" Kinji's smile then turned bright and sunny, as if he hadn't threatened them seconds ago. "Seems like you all agree then. Whenever you're ready, I'll be expecting my three million yen. Hahahaha."
'Sure, it was unreasonable, but in this school, money and gambling is everything. Those who win get to dictate, and those who lose are casted aside, only to be slaves to the winners.'
With a smug expression, the young boy stood up from his seat and left the cafeteria, making his way back to his class. Satisfaction painted his face, relishing the taste of overpowering the weak.
'This is what it feels like to crush the weak,' he thought, delighting in the sensation.
'Ahh~ I can get drunk on this feeling.'
—Few days later. Year 2. Flower Class.
"Jabami! Welcome to year 2. Flower Class."
"Which school did you transfer from?"
"Any hobbies?"
"What do you do on days off."
Surrounding the seated new student was a group of fellow students, their eyes captivated by the stunning presence before them.
The girl possessed a tall, statuesque figure, accentuated by her curvy physique. Her long, lustrous black hair was fashioned into a hime-cut, cascading down her back, while her captivating burgundy eyes held an air of mystery.
Her lips shimmered with a touch of pink gloss, complementing her perfectly manicured red fingernails. Dressed in the standard uniform of Hyakkaou Private Academy, she wore a striking red blazer with black trim lining the cuffs and collar.
Beneath it, a crisp white button-up dress shirt was accompanied by a black cross tie. Her attire was completed by a black and grey checkered mini skirt, black tights, and a pair of elegant brown loafers.
As a new transfer student, her arrival came as a surprise to many, especially in a school as unique as this. Nevertheless, the students welcomed her with open arms.
Well, most of them, anyway.
Slamming her hand on her desk, standing up from her chair, approaching the new student's seat, with a seemingly friendly smile. "Nice to meet you, I'm Mary Saotome, nice to meet you." She spoke with a smile, spreading her hands sideways.
Jabami Yumeko, the new student, returned the gesture with a refined smile of her own. "I hope we can be friends too, Mary-san," she replied graciously as Saotome moved closer to her.
"Are you free now? Would you like to engage in a little gamble with me?"
Mary's statement sent shockwaves through the entire class, leaving everyone stunned. The students were well aware of Mary's reputation as the most skilled gambler in the class, making it unwise for anyone, especially a new transfer student, to challenge her.
Of course, Mary did not even try to conceal her intentions, which everyone could discern at a glance. It was clear that she aimed to make Jabami Yumeko the class's new scapegoat.
"—Jabami-san—" A boy, was a pale-skinned teenage boy of average height with neck-length messy brown hair and brown eyes, was about to go tell her to reconsider, however—
"—Calm down." Another boy with black hair and crimson eyes held his shoulder before he could move forward. "Kinji-san. But…"
"Just calm down, she's going to gamble regardless," Emiya Kinji responded, directing his gaze towards the new transfer student.
In a brief moment, their eyes met, and in that instant, he recognized it. Just like him, Jabami Yumeko possessed a level of madness that matched his own.
