"Oh, by the way, before you leave, let's play a game. It's very simple: guess which hand the chip is in—consider it an introduction so you can better understand my personality and how I do things."
Ding! A crisp sound echoed, and a glittering chip, like a shooting star, streaked across the sky before instantly vanishing without a trace. Immediately after, two tightly clasped hands appeared, held horizontally in front.
"Left or right? Get ready… I'm about to reveal the answer!" A deep, magnetic voice resonated, as if carrying an irresistible magic.
"Oh, it seems I haven't asked which side you want to choose. But it doesn't matter, because—"
Aventurine was walking towards The Trailblazer step by step, each step appearing so steady and powerful. His movements were unhurried, seemingly in no rush to reveal the answer, but rather enjoying the tense atmosphere the process brought.
The Trailblazer stared nervously at the two hands, her heart rate involuntarily quickening. She didn't know what awaited her, but deep inside, there was a strong sense of curiosity and anticipation.
He slowly opened his left hand—it was empty. Then, his right hand—also empty.
"Friend, let's make a deal." Aventurine's gaze was fixed on The Trailblazer, revealing an invisible pressure. Though his voice wasn't loud, it struck The Trailblazer's heart like a heavy hammer.
The Trailblazer suddenly felt something strange in her palm. She quickly opened her hand, only to see a delicate chip lying quietly there.
"March 7th: How did he do that?!"
"Bronya: I can't tell at all… Is this magic?"
"Fu Xuan: It's the ability of his Traces… It appeared from her hand at an extremely fast speed."
"You cannot refuse." His voice was cold and firm, as if carrying an irresistible power. "There is no reason." These words were like a sharp sword, piercing directly into The Trailblazer's heart.
Accompanying these words, Aventurine was walking towards The Trailblazer step by step, each step appearing so steady and powerful, seemingly conveying an invisible pressure to The Trailblazer. His eyes were as cold as ice, revealing a resolute and merciless demeanor.
"And no room…" The last few words were spoken very softly, but they struck The Trailblazer's heart like a heavy hammer. The Trailblazer felt as if she was enveloped by a powerful aura, unable to move.
"Hey."
A clear, cold voice interrupted Aventurine's movements and allowed The Trailblazer to break free from that strange sensation. When Aventurine turned his head, he saw a purple-haired, long-legged woman standing at the doorway, her expression icy.
"What are you… doing in my room?"
"Sushang: One room, three people all claiming it's theirs. It's getting more and more complicated. Whose room is this, anyway?"
"Dr. Ratio: Foolish."
"Your room?" Aventurine was also stunned. "Impressive, friend. You've only been in Penacony for a few days, and you've already learned to invite people to join you."
"Don't misunderstand. I just wanted to remind you—this place is a mixed bag, and there are too many people with bad intentions. Remember to be more careful, for example… remember to close the door."
"Pam: You're clearly the one with bad intentions, Pam!"
"March 7th: It's The Trailblazer! That's right! You're the most suspicious guy!"
[March 7th glanced at Pam, who was diligently typing. That's right! At this moment, the Trailblaze Crew was united, working towards a common goal.]
"Aventurine: Alright, alright, I'm scared of you guys. Don't be like this."
A slight glimmer flickered in Aventurine's eyes, it seemed… it was time for a change.
"Then I'll be taking my leave. I wish you all a pleasant time."
Aventurine left the room, walked down the corridor, and entered another room. A man, like an ancient Greek statue, stood in the room, one hand on his chin, as if deep in thought.
"Sushang: Wow, this Mr. Aventurine really wanders around everywhere. He's gone into someone else's room again."
"What's wrong, Ratio? Don't look so gloomy… Hey, I just noticed, where's your handsome plaster head?"
"You're late, exactly 4 minutes and 16 seconds. You'd better have used that time to solve the mystery of Akivili's downfall—if not, then I advise you not to trouble the Nameless." Ratio said in a serious tone.
"Trouble? Even you think so. Does no one believe that I truly just want to make friends with them?" Aventurine said with a hint of grievance in his voice.
"Noisy people don't make friends. A little knowledge: Artini peacocks are one of the most unpleasant-sounding birds in the universe, and your attire resembles a flamboyant peacock…."
As he spoke, Ratio couldn't help but frown: "It seems this peacock's feathers have also been plucked. Did the Family confiscate your luggage?"
Aventurine nodded helplessly, sighing as he replied, "Yes, they were all confiscated by that man in the gray suit. All the gift money, and the box containing the stones…"
Upon hearing this, Ratio suddenly stood up and walked towards the door without hesitation. Aventurine was surprised and quickly called out, "…Huh? Where are you going?" He turned his head with a puzzled expression, watching Ratio's receding figure.
However, Ratio did not stop, nor did he even look back, merely tossing out a faint remark: "Go home and tell the Company you've messed everything up."
"Just a few stones, why be so pessimistic? What if they're gone?" Aventurine mumbled indifferently, seemingly unconcerned about losing those so-called important items.
He stopped and replied, "Without that sha jin stone, you're just a Tzigania slave sentenced to death by the Company—or is that product code on your neck also a gift from the Amber Lord?"
"The Trailblazer: A slave?"
"Asta: I seem to have heard similar information… No offense, I just suddenly remembered."
"Aventurine: It's fine, I was indeed a slave once, so what? I've won until now."
"Sushang: Wow! From a slave to a high-ranking Company official, that's so inspiring!"
"Talent Incentive Department Staff: All talented individuals are welcome to join the Company! Talent is the Company's most valuable asset!"
Aventurine's expression was normal, only his eyelids twitched a few times. "Oh, alright, humorous! It seems our learned friend has done his homework well."
"This is my job. Otherwise, how could a gambler reclaim Penacony for the Company?"
"Don't worry, Professor, I have plenty of ways. The Family is afraid of the Company causing trouble, which is why they're constantly at odds. It's possible that Penacony has been a harmony conspiracy all along."
"If you ask me, that invitation letter is just a self-directed facade, or they want to do something outrageous at the Harmony Festival."
"Or, the inviter is someone else, but they've tacitly allowed it, wanting to play along and set up an even bigger scheme. It doesn't matter, whether it's the Family or the Clockmaker's legacy, as long as I can use it."