Chapter 214: The Mastermind Behind the Scenes, Sword Treasure
In the lounge, where traditional Japanese and modern styles blended, an arcade cabinet by the wall blared the intense battle sounds of Fist Overlord.
Lorna worked the joystick and buttons with both hands, going head-to-head against Shukichi Sakai. Her inputs were fast and steady. Shukichi wore a fanatical expression, frantically mashing his buttons, yet it wasn't enough to stop his character's health bar from being wiped out.
With a loud ka-pow, the arcade screen slowed down and froze. KO!
Kasei Sakai watched from the side and let out a helpless sigh. "You lost again. Play a few more rounds, brother, and you'll lose all the prize money from this run."
"I'm doing this for you, aren't I?" Shukichi sighed, slamming a fist against the arcade cabinet. "First I have to save up for your dowry, and now I have to buy a Q-grade program. Ah, the burden of a man... Men are born to earn money and support the family."
"I'm the one who always covers your gambling debts to keep you afloat!" Kasei shot back angrily.
"Hey, Drunkard, how about we fight for real?" Lorna suggested. "Bet it all—one match to decide the winner. What do you say?"
Shukichi perked up, his flushed, drunken face sobering a few degrees. But precisely because he had sobered up, he took a good look at Lorna...
Seeing his hesitation, Lorna egged him on. "We can make a rule against using any Transcendent Programs. How about it?"