Page 436
Page 436
"For the first battle, each person will receive two hundred rounds."
The second battle, one thousand coins per person.
For the third round, there are no spending limits.
It has become quite complicated.
Each rule is simple, but when put together, they become quite a burden.
At this moment, Matou Ike, who had been silent for a while, suddenly spoke:
"I see... So, there's another special rule, right?"
Everyone's gaze fell on Matou Ike, as if asking him why he said that.
Matou Ike paid no attention to the stares of others and continued speaking to herself:
"Wouldn't that just turn into ordinary gambling? The fact that it's divided into three games is probably meant to let us enjoy three forms of the Fim Boat Feast—the new style, the traditional style, and magic."
He paused for a moment, then looked at the croupier's face:
"Isn't the idea that it's magic just because the fighters use magic a bit ridiculous?"
Chapter 486 A Special Bet
"As expected of Lord Matouike."
The dealer's tone remained flat, and her praise lacked genuine emotion. She then added:
"As you said, there are special rules regarding coins. This was proposed by Lord Van Fem."
Van Fem, whose name was mentioned, was slightly taken aback, then blinked, seemingly surprised that he had been called out.
"Well, after all, I changed the game content without authorization, so as compensation, I prepared this special rule." Van Fem spread his hands easily, his words carrying a hint of fearless confidence.
"What exactly are the rules?" Alette frowned, clearly curious about this sudden change in the rules.
The dealer's lips curled into a meaningful smile, a smile that was both polite and aloof—it conveyed an attitude of high-class service, yet seemed to forbid anyone from gaining any improper benefit from it.
"Before announcing the rules, I'd like to confirm that you all don't need any further explanation regarding magic circuits, right?"
“Hey, of course.” Isilid raised an eyebrow.
Magic circuit.
The simulated nerves needed for magic to be universally applicable.
Magicians generate magic from magic circuits to perform their magic. Conversely, no matter how well one studies the theory, a person without magic circuits cannot perform magic.
The magic circuit is precisely what makes a magician a magician.
For this reason, the number of magic circuits a magician's family line has is a matter of life and death.
In order to increase the magic circuits of their descendants, even by just one more circuit, magicians will engage in what can only be described as live experiments.
This is perfectly normal in this world. If reaching the root is the ultimate goal for a magician, then increasing magic circuits is an indispensable means to achieve it.
Then, Van Fem’s daughter said this based on these premises.
"In this gamble, players other than Lord Van Fem can exchange magic circuits for chips once."
"—!"
The three magicians, apart from Van Fim, were visibly shaken.
Alette raised one eyebrow, Isilid whistled, and Matou Ike showed a hint of surprise, his eyes fixed on the dealer.
"This doesn't sound peaceful. What does it mean?" Matou Ike asked calmly, but with a hint of wariness in his voice.
The dealer's face remained expressionless as she quickly picked up a small metal cube from the table and handed it to the crowd.
"Please use the formal attire here."
It was a cube, each face painted a different color, exuding a mysterious aura.
"A Rubik's Cube?" Isilid couldn't help but whisper, his eyes filled with curiosity.
The dealer nodded slightly: "The shape is very similar. As long as you touch this costume and activate its magic, you can paralyze the activated magic circuits as safely as possible."
Before she could finish speaking, she interrupted Isilid's questioning gaze and calmly continued:
"For each magic circuit you paralyze, we will provide ten chips. You can paralyze as many magic circuits as you like, but please note that the chips obtained under this rule can only be used once in the game."
As she narrated, the atmosphere in the room noticeably became more somber.
"In addition, regarding the Magic Circuit chips, you can place bets separately from the betting limit set earlier," the dealer continued, his voice calm and even.
“But,” she paused briefly, her gaze sweeping over each player, “if there are still outstanding debts when the game ends, those paralyzed magic circuits will remain paralyzed and will soon decay.”
For a long while, no one spoke.
This special rule is just that heavy.
The exchange of magic circuits and chips is not only a rule of the game, but also the lifeblood of the magician.
For magicians, magic circuits are not just a symbol of ability, but more like a vessel for the soul.
To use them as chips and squander them in a single day of gambling is tantamount to consuming the very foundation of one's life.
Isilid and Alette were clearly shocked by this rule.
As a magician, this reaction is not surprising.
The magic circuit meant more to them than any gambling chip.
If the rule were changed to "take a life," perhaps they would be better prepared.
The dealer paused for a moment, then nodded again.
“These are the rules.” She looked around again, lingering on each player’s face for a second.
"Now, I'd like to confirm everyone's magic circuits. Because this involves sensitive issues, if you don't wish to disclose them publicly, you can tell me privately. If necessary, I can also conduct an inspection."
A magician's average number of circuits is about twenty, and the amount of magic that each circuit can produce and the precision with which it can be used are not the same.
Therefore, the number of magic circuits is not the only measure, but it is the most direct and explicit indicator. How many circuits, how much potential, how many possibilities.
First, Alette spoke.
"Sixty."
She said it simply.
This means there's no need to hide it.
That's three times more than the average magician.
Although some people say behind the scenes that the Escaldes family represents a regression in history, they are not to be underestimated.
Even on London's clock tower, such numbers would stand out among the top, holding a position that cannot be underestimated.
Then, Isilid spoke.
Then, Isilid calmly added, "I have ninety of them."
This number is even higher than that of Alette, which is enough to show that he deserves to be the head of the Clock Tower Monaco branch.
Although Isilid appears casual and relaxed on the surface, this ability is backed by his outstanding magic skills.
Recalling the second game, he used a magic trick to mask the sound, and the magic skills he displayed with his understated movements were undoubtedly impressive.
then.
“One hundred and eight,” Matou Ike said calmly.
There was total silence.
Isilid cleared his throat.
He said nothing, but with an awkward expression that seemed to regret saying there were ninety items, he slowly looked away.
Alette nodded.
She shook her head at exactly thirty degrees.
Her demeanor was even as disciplined as a soldier's. Whether it was an interest or a belief, this woman seemed to possess something very hard and unshakable within her.
After a moment of silence, Alette finally spoke, breaking the deadlock:
“Alright, let me confirm the victory conditions too. I know that the person who collects the most chips wins, but specifically? Does it mean the person with the most chips out of the four wins? Or is it simply a matter of defeating Mr. Van Fem?”
Chapter 487 Fighters
"The player with the most chips among those who defeat me will be the winner of the banquet."
Van Fem said slowly, his tone carrying a hint of meaningful ease:
"Because this is Fim's banquet on his ship. If no one can beat me, then there is no winner. To prevent the other players from teaming up, the only winner is the one with the most chips. This rule is to maintain fairness and purity."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, "Then, the ultimate winner will be able to choose any treasure they desire from my treasury."
"A treasure vault?" Matou Ike raised an eyebrow slightly.
Upon hearing this word, his heart skipped a beat. After all, Van Fem was a high-ranking Dead Apostle who had lived for over two thousand years. Behind each of his treasures lay immeasurable power. Even a single glance was enough to send shivers down one's spine. Not to mention, the prospect of choosing one to take home was an irresistible temptation that could shake the very balance of the magic world.
Matouchi carefully considered this information and had already made some plans in mind.
He slowly raised his hand. "I want to confirm something."
"Please say."
Van Fem's tone remained relaxed.
"Suppose the player with the most chips is murdered or otherwise disqualified during the competition, will the right to win the banquet transfer to the second-place winner?" Matou Ike's eyes were sharp, and his tone was not impatient at all, as if he was full of interest in every detail of this bet. "Of course, that is, provided that the second-place winner also defeats you, Lord Van Fem."
A slight ripple appeared at the gambling table; the other gamblers seemed to be anticipating Van Fem's answer.
Van Fem's lips curled up slightly. After a moment of silence, he ran his fingers lightly along the edge of his top hat, a meaningful glint in his eyes.
“I see. That is indeed a rule that needs to be clarified beforehand. Otherwise, the moment the winner is determined, it is indeed possible that someone will shoot the winner, just like in a Western movie.” He chuckled. “If that happens, then there will be no winner, the competition will be cancelled, and all participation fees will be refunded.”
He paused, his tone becoming slightly more serious, "In addition, I would like to add that if any killing occurs during my ship's banquet, the player involved will be immediately disqualified and permanently banned from the competition."
Upon hearing this, Matou Ike slightly pursed the corners of his mouth, seemingly feeling somewhat helpless about the rule, but he didn't say anything more.
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