A driver in immaculate livery opened the rear door. The butler closed it with the same precise movement Raito had seen earlier.

"Try to stay safe," Jiro said as they slid into the car.

Raito looked out the window at the gate as it swung shut. The card burned in his pocket like a promise and a threat at once. The world he had been scraping by in and the world of people who bought kingdoms with a single cheque were no longer separate.

The car purred away.

For nearly two hours, the car glided through the highway, the city lights thinning until only the glow of a distant skyline remained.

Then, ahead of them, a massive structure came into view — towering and gleaming beneath the night sky. Bright golden letters blazed across the top:

BLACK GEM CASINO.

Raito leaned slightly toward the window. So this… is it.

The building looked less like a casino and more like a palace of light and money.

The driver parked at the front entrance, stepping out smoothly to open their door.

Raito followed Kira out, his eyes tracing the height of the marble columns and glass façade. "Whoa… this place is actually huge," he whispered before catching himself.

Kira's voice was sharp beside him. "Hey. Don't look so amazed. You'll stand out. Whatever you see from now on, act like it's normal."

She extended her hand toward him. "Give me your hand. We're supposed to look like a couple."

Raito froze for a second, blinking. Wha—why's she holding my hand? His pulse quickened, and his face turned slightly red.

"This is only for the mission," he muttered under his breath, rubbing his cheek with his free hand. "I'll just… endure it."

Together, they approached the front security. The guards eyed their attire, then glanced back at the sleek luxury car they had stepped out of. Without asking for identification, one of them nodded and gestured for them to go inside.

The casino interior opened up like a world of wealth. Rows of poker tables, spinning roulette wheels, slot machines flashing neon light, and laughter spilling from every corner. The air carried the scent of perfume and expensive alcohol.

So this is what luxury feels like, Raito thought, his eyes moving from table to table. Everyone here could probably buy a small city if they wanted.

Kira gave him a side glance. "Don't get distracted. The VIP section is our target."

They moved deeper into the casino until they spotted a velvet-rope entrance guarded by two towering men in black suits — clearly not ordinary bouncers.

When they reached the door, one of the men stepped forward.

"Pass," he said curtly.

Raito calmly pulled out the black-gold card Jiro had given him and handed it over.

The man examined it, frowning. "This isn't the standard VIP pass. It's for a restricted section. Are you trying to get clever with me?"

Before the man could react further, Raito vanished.

A faint thud echoed as both guards collapsed instantly, unconscious. It happened so fast that even Kira's trained eyes didn't catch the movement—only the aftermath.

She blinked. "What did you just—? That was too fast! Even the camera couldn't—"

"Let's go," Raito said simply, brushing his suit sleeve and walking toward the door.

Kira hissed under her breath, "You shouldn't have done that…"

"I didn't see another choice," Raito replied, his voice calm but firm.

They entered the VIP corridor. The noise from the main hall vanished behind them—replaced by near silence and the soft click of high heels and polished shoes. Waitresses drifted by with silver trays and crystal glasses, but few guests lingered here.

Ahead stood a large golden elevator guarded by another man — but this one radiated a different aura. His presence was sharp, cold… a hunter.

"Where are you two going?" the man asked, voice like steel.

Raito showed the same card without a word.

The man's eyes widened slightly, then he straightened. "Understood. Please, step inside."

The elevator doors closed behind them. It descended deep — deeper than any normal casino should go.

When it stopped, a soft ding echoed.

The doors slid open.

Raito and Kira stepped out… and froze.

What they saw wasn't a casino floor — it was a massive underground hall. Gold bars stacked like bricks. Mountains of cash piled high on tables. Hunters, gamblers, and masked men exchanging bets.

The sound of laughter, gunmetal, and bloodlust filled the air.

The real Black Gem Casino had just revealed its true face.

Raito and Kira stepped forward, the sound hit them: laughter, clinking glasses, and the low hum of conversations drenched in arrogance and money.

A thick black curtain hung at the far end of the room, stretching from the floor to the ceiling. Whatever was behind it — the real attraction — was hidden from sight. The air was heavy with cigar smoke and the scent of expensive liquor.

Dozens of sharply dressed men and women filled the space — politicians, billionaires, and top-ranking hunters. Raito's gaze caught one familiar face in particular, and his eyes narrowed.

Wait… that's—

A tall man with slicked-back silver hair and a hunter's badge glinting on his suit pocket was walking toward them.

"Hunter Inokami Ryo…" Raito muttered under his breath. "I've seen him on TV… What's someone like him doing here?"

The Rank-A hunter smiled smoothly as he approached.

"You two came at just the right time," Ryo said, his tone dripping with false warmth. "Before you take your seats, every participant must deposit at least fifty million yen. Only then are you allowed to gamble for tonight's prize."

Kira stepped forward calmly. "That won't be a problem."

She pulled out her sleek black card and slid it into the satellite terminal beside him. The machine beeped softly, confirming the transaction.

"Perfect," Ryo said, flashing a grin. "Please, go ahead and take your seats."

As Raito and Kira turned, another presence drew their attention — a man standing near the center of the room, surrounded by guards and wealthy patrons. His expression carried an air of power and cold amusement.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.