Chapter 12 – The Rule Exploiter
503 Words
Leo's henchman starts to deal the cards in a typical poker order.
Leo Eta :
"A "3", "5" and "9".
So, call or fold? We'll immediately chop off one of your fingers if you fold."
Skylah picks up the cards, takes a glimpse of them, and without hesitation, throws them forward.
Skylah :
"Fold."
Skylah proceeds to take out a pocket knife from his pocket, cut off his pinky finger from his left hand, and throw it at the middle of the table. He then turns to John and shows his bleeding hand, gesturing for healing. As John steps forward, Leo Eta starts to panic.
Leo Eta :
"Wait! That's cheating!"
Skylah :
"Why? Everything is in accordance with your rules. I folded, therefore, I'm giving you a finger."
Leo Eta :
"That doesn't make any sense! It means you have unlimited gambling opportunities!"
Skylah :
"You're complaining about a customer coming into your casino with too much currency? If you're not happy with the current rules though, I have a proposal."
Leo Eta :
"I'm listening."
Skylah :
"Instead of Poker, we'll play a game where both of us are dealt with just a single card. The player with the bigger card wins. Simple as that.
If I win, you return Ambie to us, and you answer every single question we have for you.
If I lose, my friends and I will leave you alone."
Leo Eta :
"That does not sound like a fair trade at all. I could easily just refuse to gamble with you."
Skylah :
"That is not an option. As innocent as they are to not opt for violence under normal circumstances, it would totally be justified to flatten your entire casino just to find Ambie."
Leo Eta flinches as Skylah coldly lays down his threat disguised as a calm analysis.
Skylah :
"On the other hand, you know we'll keep our word if I lose."
Leo Eta frowns indecisively as he furiously taps the tabletop, pondering on the possibilities of the outcome.
Skylah :
"If I lose, I will also surrender myself. You may lock me up or kill me or do whatever you fancy."
John immediately gestures his hand in front of Julianna to stop her as he realises her intention to intervene.
Leo Eta :
"You're not afraid to die?"
Skylah grins slightly at the remark, then pulls up the sleeve on his left arm, revealing many scars that resulted from s***h wounds.
Skylah :
"I'm not afraid of dying, Leo. I'm afraid to die meaninglessly. If you kill me now, you'll just make me a martyr.
You, on the other hand, flinched when I mentioned that this place would be flattened. I do not believe that you actually value this casino more than your life. There must be something more to it."
Leo Eta :
"Alright, you got my respect. I'll play your game. Deal!"
Skylah tears a piece of cloth from his sleeve and wraps his wounded hand to suppress the bleeding.
- Writer
