"Amazing…" Yumeko's voice carried a sweet, sticky tremble. "Staking something more important than life itself… and three [Cornerstones] at that—so amazing, he's so amazing... I really want to gamble with him, I want to gamble right now..."
"It doesn't matter how it turns out—whether I lose or win, even if the next second I fall into hell, being able to gamble one round with an opponent like this would still be nice..."
Mary Saotome's eyelids twitched hard: "Hey, Yumeko, class is about to start. Can you rein it in a little first?"
"Ah...!" Yumeko let out a short cry of surprise and hurriedly lowered her head in shame. "Sorry, it's just that I've never encountered such a perfect opponent as Mr. Aventurine before. I got a little engrossed. Ah, I really want to invite him to visit the academy..."
——
["I said it long ago—three [chips] are enough—everything, or nothing at all. Which will it be, the former or the latter? Ha, we'll soon see the real result."]
[The shadow spread his hands: "So, where is the real Aventurine Cornerstone? Take it out and show me."]
[Aventurine coldly laughed: "Heh, you don't know where it is again?"]
["I just want you to say it out loud yourself… after all, its current appearance truly matches its owner."]
["…Then I'll do as you wish. 'They' have always stayed in the most suitable place and have never left..." Aventurine looked down at the gift money bag in his hand. "Right here, inside this pile of cheap jewelry."]
["Before setting out, you already smashed the [Aventurine Cornerstone]..." The shadow lightly sighed. "…Look at its appearance. Tsk tsk, how much it resembles your fragmented life. No matter how glamorous the exterior you drape over yourself, inside it is still just a humble little pebble… this thing is far more important than your life."]
["You know the consequences of doing this better than anyone. Those who desecrate Qlipoth's holy body—do you think the Company will let you off?"]
——
DC Universe.
"Haa?? He smashed the Cornerstone?! Oh my god! This guy is crazy, completely crazy! Hahahaha!"
Inside Arkham Asylum, the rusted iron bars began to be shaken frantically. The entire corridor was filled with various rising and falling shouts. In this ghostly place mixed with the sour stench of vomit and mold, Aventurine's actions were undoubtedly a powerful stimulant injected into the patients here, making the already noisy asylum boil even more.
"Damn it! I'm starting to like this kid a little. Compared to me, he seems more suited to staying in this ghost place! Smashing the Cornerstone? Fucking cool as hell! He should give that Sunday a little [Preservation] shock!"
"I declare that Aventurine is my most outstanding student! I'm going to recommend him for admission into the Genius Society!"
"Haha, who the fuck are you? You think you're worthy? This kid dared to smash the Cornerstone, meaning he doesn't even put Emanators in his eyes! A kid this promising—staying in the Genius Society would be a waste of talent!"
"…Makes sense! This kid even dares to smash a Cornerstone—what else wouldn't he dare to do? If this kid can lead this old man out of this ghost place, forget gambling—even if he wants to destroy the world, this old man will go along with him!"
"..."
Harley Quinn gripped the bars, staring unblinkingly at the Celestial Screen. Compared to Aventurine's act of smashing the Cornerstone, what she looked forward to more was the aftermath.
The Cornerstone is gone—what now? Those sanctimonious ants of the Company will definitely panic into a complete mess! But that's also the most interesting part! When the so-called 'holy stone' is shattered, these guys will finally reveal their true faces! Fear, terror, excitement... a big mixed bag of emotions!
Just like throwing a can of poison gas into the Company's upper ranks—colorful reactions more splendid than Gotham's neon lights!
——
Dragon Raja.
"Holy shit holy shit holy shit holy shit holy shit—!!"
"This kid is really bold! Isn't he afraid of the Company settling accounts after the autumn harvest and killing the donkey after it's done grinding?"
Lu Mingfei, who had just been trying to turn over on the sofa, was so startled he nearly fell off. Fortunately the sofa in the couple's hotel was wide enough for two people to roll around on.
He stretched out his hand, trying to wake Erii who was sleeping in, to share this explosive scene from Aventurine on the Celestial Screen. But when his hand reached over, the sensation was a little off.
He clearly remembered that Erii's waterfall-like long hair was right within reach of his outstretched hand, yet what his fingertips touched now was the fabric of a shirt.
"Big brother getting handsy so early in the morning isn't very nice, is it?" Lu Mingze curled up beside him, blinking those fawn-like eyes. This child was always dressed as meticulously as if he were going to a funeral; even in bed, his bow tie was neat and orderly.
Lu Mingfei retracted his hand as if electrocuted: "Holy shit, why are you here? Where's Erii?"
"You mean sister-in-law? Sister-in-law went to take a bath!" Lu Mingze flipped over, seeming a little angry as he pouted. "Big brother really is the type to forget justice at the sight of beauty—once he has a pretty girl he forgets his dear little brother."
"Get lost, get lost! I can hear that abacus of yours from across the Pacific." Lu Mingfei muttered. He turned his head to look at the bathroom—it was empty, with no one inside.
"Cut the crap. What did you come find me for?" Lu Mingfei looked at Lu Mingze sideways.
"Nothing much. Just came to keep big brother company watching the Celestial Screen. After all, usually it's sister-in-law accompanying you—I was afraid you'd miss me." Lu Mingze smiled lightly. "Big brother, do you envy Aventurine?"
"Envy him?" Lu Mingfei paused. If it referred to his "money" ability and his status and position inside the Company, saying he didn't envy him was something even a dog wouldn't believe. That Topaz who previously held the same rank as him had long achieved financial freedom. Aventurine was definitely about the same, or even richer. If he had that much money...
It would definitely have been exchanged by giving a quarter of his life to the little devil in front of him.
On second thought, better forget it.
"Mm, envy that... courage of his to smash the [Cornerstone]." Lu Mingze said.
"Don't! Count me out of that!" Lu Mingfei quickly waved his hands. "No wonder they say some money is just destined for other people to earn, huh? Smashing a Cornerstone can't avoid being liquidated by the Company—maybe even his little life won't be guaranteed! How could I dare envy something like that? That one hammer strike—forget a quarter of a life, I'm afraid even my entire life couldn't be saved!"
"Also, I need to correct you—he has good luck, I don't! Having courage also requires having the capital for it!" Lu Mingfei added loudly.
"I am your capital—the greatest capital. So, can you summon me for something important once in a while?" He jumped down from the bed and walked lightly toward the door. At the door he looked back. "But I guess it will be soon. Danger isn't far from you. Stay alert, always keep your phone with you, and contact me by text if anything happens."
He closed the door behind him.
With the "click" of the door lock engaging, Lu Mingfei gave a start, and everything returned to normal.
The sound of running water came from the bathroom. Through the blurred glass one could see the graceful figure of a young girl. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, bringing the scent of morning dew after rain.
——
["[Diamond] has always valued results. As long as the value I create far exceeds the cost… the process and methods are not a problem."]
[Aventurine looked at his own shadow: "Without paying a little price, how can one deceive the Family? It's fine. Even if the [Preservation] Cornerstone is cracked into fragments, it can still function. Although its effectiveness will be greatly reduced, for me… it's enough."]