Chapter 315: Destiny

Chapter 315: Chapter 315: Destiny

Long Ming raised his wristband and checked the dropping player count. He glanced at the members of the two major guilds surrounding him, his expression growing increasingly grave.

The other players nearby, however, seemed to have grown accustomed to it. This situation was clearly a common sight, and no one reacted strongly.

...

「City of Stars - First Floor, North District.」

A 300-meter-tall building shaped like an inverted die balanced on one of its points stood in the most prosperous commercial district. It was constructed from a golden material.

The entire structure was magnificent and imposing.

This was the Destiny Casino, one of the four major casinos in the City of Stars, second in prestige only to the Star Arena on the city’s second floor.

At that moment, a short, middle-aged man with a beer belly and a round face arrived at the casino’s resplendent golden gates. He wore a work uniform with the "Hongbin Restaurant" logo and carried a gourmet food basket. With him were Gu Yi, Tao Sisi, and another man—tall, thin, and scholarly-looking with glasses. They had all arrived via a hover platform.

"Alright, listen up. Once we’re inside, stick close to me and don’t wander off. And when you see anyone from the Twilight Guild, you must be respectful. Don’t be clumsy or careless!"

Gu Zhong stressed to Gu Yi, Gu Yong, and the others.

"We understand, Father."

Gu Yi and Gu Yong both responded.

Gu Zhong then glanced at Gu Yi, praising him with a look of gratification.

"Gu Yi, you’ve done very well over this past year. You’ve matured a lot! Things were too chaotic before, so we couldn’t hold a wedding banquet for you and Sisi. But once we’re past this busy spell, it’ll be time to plan your wedding."

"Thank you, Father!"

Gu Yi and Tao Sisi replied, overjoyed.

Gu Yong, who stood to the side, watched this exchange. He didn’t say anything, but his expression was clearly one of displeasure.

Gu Zhong then led Gu Yi and the others through the main entrance.

They immediately found themselves in a magnificent hall.

The floor was paved with black stone tiles inlaid with gold. The ceiling was a pitch-black dome, dotted with a sky full of stars that cast a faint, scattered light.

Fresh air washed over them.

As Gu Yi and the others breathed it in, they felt invigorated, a slight buzz of excitement running through them.

The casino floor was bustling with activity, filled with elegantly dressed gamblers.

Gu Yi and the others stared at the scene, their faces filled with amazement. They looked like country bumpkins up from the lower levels.

The hall had manned betting counters, but registered members could also choose to place their bets online.

Many of the gamblers were lining up to enter the combat arena on the upper level.

Gu Zhong, however, led Gu Yi and his group toward the elevators up ahead, which provided direct access to the combat arena’s VIP section.

Just then, a commotion of crying and shouting erupted from the loan office on the right side of the hall.

Gu Yi and the others turned to look. A man in a suit with bloodshot eyes from his losses was dragging an attractive, pink-skinned woman toward the loan office counter.

"Darling, I’m begging you, please stop gambling."

"What do you know? I’ve got a good feeling about this one. The Twilight Guild is sure to win. This is my chance to win it all back!"

The man completely ignored his wife’s tearful pleas.

A staff member at the loan office asked with a broad smile.

"Sir, your line of credit is exhausted. If you wish to borrow more, you’ll need to provide collateral."

"I’ll use her as collateral!"

The man shouted, his eyes bloodshot.

"No!"

the woman cried out in terror.

"I’m sorry, sir. While we are a casino, we still have to abide by the laws of the Star Alliance. We don’t accept people as collateral. However, if your wife voluntarily signs this document, we can extend you a loan."

Seeing that the woman had pink skin, the staff member smiled and produced a document.

"Sign it! Now!"

the man roared at his wife.

"No."

His wife shook her head repeatedly.

"I’ll kill you!"

The furious curse was instantly followed by the crisp sound of a slap.

The gamblers nearby were unfazed; this was clearly nothing new to them.

"How pitiful."

Tao Sisi said to Gu Yi.

"Tch. Scumbag."

Gu Yi muttered, unable to hold back a curse.

"Don’t get involved in things that don’t concern you. Let’s go, quickly!"

Gu Zhong urged them.

"Yes!"

Gu Yi and the others quickly followed their father.

Gu Zhong led Gu Yi and the others into an elevator and they rode it up.

Soon, they arrived in a massive, circular arena.

The arena was divided into two tiers. The lower tier consisted of densely packed rows of regular seats, filled with countless gamblers.

The second tier was lined with individual VIP platforms.

A massive hologram hovered in the center of the arena. It displayed: Twilight Guild vs. Dawn Guild. Countdown to betting open: 6 minutes, 14 seconds.

On the No. 1 VIP platform, a powerfully-built man with a rugged face, a rough beard, and a commanding presence lounged on a luxurious sofa. He had his arms around two glamorous, scantily-clad beauties.

This man was none other than Sedek, the Vice-President of the Twilight Guild.

And on the opposing No. 18 VIP platform, an exceptionally beautiful woman sat in a vintage rattan chair, her chin resting on one hand. She wore a long white lace dress, her white hair fell to her waist, and she gazed across the arena at Sedek.

This woman was Cleene, the Vice-President of the Dawn Guild.

Despite the great distance between them, they could see each other with perfect clarity.

Just then, as Gu Zhong and his group approached the No. 1 VIP platform, they came face to face with an arrogant-looking, middle-aged man with reddish skin, dressed in a custom-tailored suit.

"Lord Baidi!"

Gu Zhong called out enthusiastically as he stepped forward.

"Well, if it isn’t Gu. What brings you here?"

"Vice-President Sedek mentioned he wanted some garlic-fried fresh fish, so I rushed to deliver it!"

"You know how to get things done. Just give the food to my subordinates."

Baidi nodded upon hearing Gu Zhong’s words.

"Right away!"

Gu Yi and the others quickly handed the food baskets to the men standing nearby.

Then, Gu Zhong said to Gu Yi and his group.

"You all go wait in the main hall downstairs."

"Okay."

Gu Yi and the others promptly turned to leave.

Gu Zhong pulled an envelope from his pocket and discreetly slipped it into Baidi’s hand.

"Lord Baidi, I’ve actually come to ask for a favor."

"Speak."

Baidi gave the envelope a squeeze and replied dismissively.

"My lord, we’d like to open a restaurant in the Twilight Guild’s territory. I was hoping the guild might be able to give us the green light!"

"You’re a clever one. But your food is quite good, otherwise Vice-President Sedek wouldn’t have you delivering it. This is negotiable. Aite, take him to talk to Dakco."

"Thank you!"

Gu Zhong thanked Baidi, his face wreathed in smiles.

...

Just then, the countdown on the arena’s hologram hit zero.

Avatars and names began to appear one by one.

The names of Kaber, Ask, and others were at the top of the list.

"The roster is out!"

"Place your bets!"

...

In an instant, the total amount wagered began to skyrocket.

However, nearly all the bets were placed on either the Twilight Guild or the Dawn Guild.

Almost no one bet on the independents.

"Who are you betting on?"