DIAMOND CASINO – YOHAN'S PENTHOUSE – NIGHT
The view of the city was breathtaking. Lights everywhere. Luxury everywhere. Yohan sat in a white leather armchair, a glass of whiskey in his hand. His phone rested on the armrest.
"Hello, Mr. Crow."
The voice on the other end was calm, almost fatherly.
"Yohan. What brings you here?"
"Midas."
Silence.
"He stole a major financial backer from me. I want to hit him hard. Arrange a meeting for me with a member of the Fifteen Greats."
"I see."
"Can you do that for me?"
"I can. But you'll have to pay the price."
"I'll pay."
Crow hung up.
Yohan set his phone down. He closed his eyes.
The door opened.
E-Dong entered. He wore a cat mask – split, mocking. A visible scar under his left eye. Black leather gloves. The posture of a warrior.
"Yohan."
"Dong. How's the game going?"
"Eight participants tonight."
Yohan turned to him.
"Eight? That's few."
"Yes. But there's a pregnant woman."
Yohan raised an eyebrow.
"A pregnant woman?"
"Perfect for the jackpot."
Yohan smiled.
"And the other pillars?"
Dong sat across from him.
"Mashima is still in shock. The loss of her… love bunny."
Yohan squinted.
"Her love bunny?"
"It was her sex toy. Apparently, he was the little brother of a famous super-hero."
"Amaru," Yohan murmured. "He disappeared."
"Yes. I think it's the Family."
Yohan stood up.
"Whoa, calm down."
He sat back down.
"I hate them, it's true. But enough to accuse them of kidnapping a man? If it's not them, and they don't have the balls to kill someone…"
He crossed his arms.
"…it simply means they're not big enough to face us."
He looked at the list of participants.
"Midas… That name rings a bell."
He frowned.
"Doesn't matter. You brought a pregnant woman. That's the jackpot. Start the games."
He turned to Dong.
"Go comfort Mashima. We need her commentary talents."
Dong nodded.
---
MASHIMA'S ROOM – SOUTH CORRIDOR
The room was dark. Stuffed animals scattered. Extinguished candles.
Mashima cried into her pillow.
Fre entered. Black mask. Slender silhouette. White gloves.
"Hey, you bitch, wake up."
Mashima threw a knife. It stuck in the wall, next to Fre's head.
"Leave me alone."
Fre didn't flinch.
"Why are you crying over that nobody? You're a pillar of Diamond Platinum. That guy was pathetic."
He approached her.
"You know, Mashima… I love you. I've always loved you."
He caressed her.
"I can fill the void he left."
Mashima looked up.
Anyway, you've slept with all the guys. Like the little slut you are.
She struck.
BOOM.
Fre crashed against the wall. Blood ran from his nose.
He started laughing.
"Hahaha… still as strong."
Mashima stood up.
"I forbid you to speak of me that way."
She grabbed her mascara.
"Whatever. You need to go to work."
She began to put on her makeup.
"Otherwise, you know what Yohan will do. And unlike me, he won't be gentle with you."
Fre wiped his bloody nose.
"Who says I don't want to work? I was born for this."
He walked out.
"See you later, clown."
Fre put his head in his hands.
"Oh, fuck… she's really the woman of my life. She got the little bird to rise again."
---
THE TREASURE HUNT – IN THE DARK
Mashima stood before the VIPs, microphone in hand.
"Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. Welcome to the treasure hunt."
Giant screen. Thermal cameras. Greasy laughter.
"The goal is simple: find the treasures in the dark."
She smiled.
"Eight participants tonight. Including a pregnant woman."
The VIPs applauded.
"Jackpot," someone murmured.
In the darkness, Midas stood. Naked. His golden hands glowed faintly, invisible in the darkness.
I need to find Silva first. And protect her.
He moved forward.
The plan is unfolding as expected.
He counted in his head.
1. 2. 3.
Go.
Today, the Diamond Casino is going to fall.
---
TO BE CONTINUED…