Chapter 174

"Argh, damn it!"

"Why, how!"

"Haha, I won… what? No!"

Screams and shouts filled the narrow corridor. Cards from the defeated players flew through the air, followed by the spectators' gasps and laughter.

In all four games so far, Seoiin had completely outplayed the three participants.

"You-you! Are you a thief yourself?"

"Are you talking about me?"

"Yeah, you! How did you… What trick did you pull?"

"Just lucky, I guess. Isn't it all about luck in this game?"

"Luck my ass! I saw it clearly… This damned… really…"

Hunir and the two others trembled with frustration.

But what could they do? It was the 7th basement rule.

No one in this place knew how Seojin was tricking them, and every round, they were outplayed by Seojin's higher hand.

"When I played a Lich, he'd pull out a Dragon! And when I tried a Knight, there came the Lich!"

"That's how you win."

"But how did you know that?!"

"Good luck, maybe?"

Everyone knew it was nonsense—Seojin, the losers, and the spectators. Luck plays a big part in gambling, but skill could overcome it, especially against thieves. But since the truth wasn't ever going to be revealed, Seojin didn't need to reveal his methods.

"No objections, right?"

With a sweep of his hand, Seojin collected the chips.

These were the participants' last chips, and their stakes now belonged to Seojin.

"This is info on Count Dunberton's private life, and this is a red gem that even appraisers couldn't identify… What was yours again?"

Seojin received the items the thieves had staked. The last man gloomily tossed over a small pouch.

"Got it. Ah, it was herbs, wasn't it? Aged about two hundred years. Now I remember."

The three of them looked at Seojin with slumped over shoulders. In reality, their gloominess wasn't because they had been robbed of such things.

"…It's Urek."

"Hunir."

"It's Poyeon."

That was the real reason for their gloomy mood. Their names had been called out by the crowd. But staking a name wasn't just about revealing one's real name to an opponent.

Secured three guarantors.

Alert level downgraded to High.

This meant gaining status within this group. The effect was immediate. Until a moment ago, the thieves' looks towards Seojin were filled with curiosity and caution, but now, they were much softer.

"Adventurer, have you played this game before elsewhere?"

"No."

"That was your first time?"

"It was. I heard about the rules from a close acquaintance recently. Just tried my luck."

"And you mopped the floor with three people?"

"Beginner's luck, I suppose."

"Seems too suspicious…"

Kartna's gaze grew suspicious. But what could he do?

He didn't know about Flappy, or whether Seojin was telling the truth or not. In fact it didn't matter. The only important truth was that Seojin had already gotten the three thieves' names. And although it didn't work on Kartna, Seojin's words had an effect on others.

"I knew there was something off about the way you held those cards. Ready for another round?"

"Anytime. As long as you have something to stake."

"You seem to have your eyes on something. Let's be honest, you're new here."

A new challenger smirked, and Seojin returned the smile.

"I like your style. I'll stake this necklace as is. Let's all put our names on the line and have a match."

* * *

Hailey Crowd, the one in charge of the Valaran–Camilton border, watched the unfolding scene with keen interest.

The man accompanying his friend Kartna, who led the thieves of Valaran, had already defeated nine thieves. Initially, the adventurer was a subject of caution, but the man was now in a position where, as long as he didn't stir up any trouble, he could freely use the passage.

'I can't call him a friend yet though.'

She didn't know the adventurer's identity either. But one thing was clear: the adventurer knew the psyche of the thieves too well. That's why they all had boldly staked their name.

While many adventurers had come here before, none had approached the situation this efficiently.

'Of course, the previous adventurers probably lacked the confidence to beat the thieves.'

No adventurer had ever been able to match the thieves in a sleight of hand. Even if they were mages, the thieves had prepared for every conceivable possibility. Surprisingly, this adventurer was winning through unexpected means.

'Or it might just be pure skill.'

This was something Hailey wouldn't have normally imagined. However, the adventurer's actions were so extraordinary that even this far-fetched idea seemed plausible.

Then, after five more thieves were defeated, Hailey finally stepped forward.

"Shall we have a game?"

"Of course. If there's anyone else…"

"Just the two of us."

"…That doesn't make financial sense, does it? If I can get three at the same time, isn't that better?"

"Impressive confidence. Not all names are of equal value. If you beat me, you're free to use this passage as you please, until I leave this post."

"Now that's a different story."

Seojin adjusted his posture, having sensed the change in the atmosphere among the other thieves when this woman appeared. And as Flappy had said:

-She's the boss here. Saw her inside earlier.

Her name was Hailey Crowd. To govern a sensitive area like a border zone, her skills must be exceptional.

"I'm a bit nervous. The stake remains the same?"

"Your stake and that gentleman's? I know that you were after me, after all."

"That gentleman means…"

"Whoa, there. I'm just a spectator."

Kartna backed away, but Hailey and Seojin paid him no mind.

"Accepted."

"No, Mr. Adventurer. Even though we agreed to work together, you staking my name is…"

"Didn't you watch everything?"

"But still, considering the opponent…"

"We're staking together, so we'll share the winnings. According to her, you too can freely use this passage."

"I always could."

"Anyone you bring should be able to, right?"

Kartna's mouth snapped shut. Hailey glanced at him but didn't deny it. If Seojin won, anyone could now be smuggled into Camilton through him. The conclusion was obvious.

"I've always believed in you, adventurer. Don't forget, the most cunning person here is your opponent. You'll win this time too, right?"

"Of course."

"Go, adventurer!"

A dramatic agreement was made. Hailey sat down opposite him, and the usually noisy thieves were silent for a moment.

Seojin dealt the first hand. Five cards each. Both silently eyed their hands as the count ended.

-She picked a Lich… wait, it was definitely a Lich, but now it's a Dragon. When did she switch? It's definitely a Dragon.

Flappy reported to him. Seojin played the counter to the Dragon; the Knight, and both flipped their cards simultaneously.

"Damn, again?"

"That cheating scoundrel!"

"What did he do? Did anyone see anything?"

The result was the same. Seojin won the first game.

* * *

Becoming a thief's friend was simple. All one had to do was talk, act, and think like them. Seojin approached them in their own way, continually impressing them with his actions. Their leader was no exception.

You have entered the Valaran-Camilton border branch!

All caution has been dispelled.

Members of the Valaran-Camilton border branch now recognize you as an ally.

"Now you can tell us!"

"Well, you should have figured it out by now."

"I'm asking because I couldn't. Look, everyone else is curious too. One word from you and these thieves would do anything for you. Even give you their liver."

"What am I going to do with a liver? Bring me something tasty first. If I like it, I might just tell you."

"Is this cheating method applicable in other games?"

"If it's gambling."

"Come on, I'm dying of curiosity here!"

The seventh man who approached him since their arrival at the base, burst out in frustration. They all had tried to extract Seojin's secret, the man who had out-tricked everyone in this place without being a thief himself.

"I'll tell your boss, so ask her how I won."

"Hailey's not someone that easy."

"What about me?"

"I was expecting you to be easier, but that was a mistake. Stepped right into it."

"Go stick your nose in corn porridge. I might spill it if I feel like it."

"He said, go stick your noses in corn porridge, you moles!" jeered the crowd.

Everyone seemed disinterested, but they were all focused on Seojin's conversation. Kartna, however, interpreted their reactions differently.

"You really impressed them, adventurer."

"Why wouldn't they? I staked my name."

"That's true. It was lucky I didn't challenge you. Not challenging you was the wisest choice I've made in my thirty years."

"I think so too."

"This is the second time I've accepted your task, adventurer. To share such great rewards already. I am truly grateful."

"Sure seems like there are a lot of people trying to get in?"

"That… yes. More importantly, will you really tell us? How did you do it?"

"One question, one answer."

"There are many. Lots of people want to cross into the Empire for various reasons."

"I'll tell you. But I'll make sure to get a good price."

The first to approach was Hailey.

Ordinarily, spreading such information would mean rumors spreading everywhere. But here, among these thieves, it was safe.

'Telling Hailey won't spread rumors.'

Though, it wouldn't be entirely safe from being spread.

Others, if they offered a good enough price, might be able to hear his secret.

But like this, Seojin's abilities wouldn't leak, without a price.

'It wouldn't matter much anyway even if it was.'

Seojin pushed Kartna, who was lingering around, to a corner. Only he should converse with Hailey. The value of information exists only until it's heard.

Entering a thick-doored room, Hailey, with a flushed face, awaited him.

"The show's over?"

"There was nothing to see."

"There's a lot in here. I'm not one to carelessly store important things."

"Good attitude. So, what are you offering?"

"Name what you want. I'll give it, if I can."

"Not those terms. You offer, then I judge it. I'm interested in everything related to the Camilton Empire."

"From what you won in the game?"

Seojin pondered. Revealing that would expose some of his intentions, but that seemed acceptable.

"The private life of Count Dunberton."

"So that's your kind of taste?"

"It's fun to wield influence over someone. If you call that a taste, then sure."

"How about a marquis's family? Verified facts."

"Not enough."

"I'll add it to the options. Take your time and think about it."

Hailey placed a note on the desk. As she bowed her head to search for the next price, Seojin's eyes flickered momentarily.

'Marquis Welrose?'

The name on the note was familiar.