2025-03-09 03:13:35
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
The Gambler Chapter 10: Opening up
Blake moved through the room with the practised ease of someone who had spent decades maintaining order in chaos. He picked up the scattered clothes, folding them neatly and placing them in a laundry basket he had retrieved from the closet. His hands moved with precision, each motion deliberate, as if every crease in the fabric mattered. Bill sat on the edge of the bed, watching him silently, his lollipop stick now discarded on the nightstand. The sweetness had long since faded, leaving only a bitter aftertaste.As Blake worked, he spoke, his voice calm and measured, like the steady ticking of the antique clock downstairs. "Your father and I met many years ago, Master Bill. Did you know that?"Bill shook his head, his eyes fixed on the floor. "No. He never talked about you much. Just called you his butler."Blake smiled faintly, his hands pausing as he smoothed out a wrinkled shirt. "I was more than that to him. We were friends long before I became his butler. I chose this role becaus
The Gambler Chapter 11: A little Gamble
The mansion’s gambling room was a secluded sanctuary, tucked away in the west wing of the house. It was a space designed for indulgence, a place where the wealthy could lose themselves in games of chance and skill. The room was dimly lit, with soft, golden light emanating from a series of crystal chandeliers that hung low over the centerpiece, a massive, circular table made of polished mahogany. The surface of the table was inlaid with intricate patterns of mother of pearl, catching the light and shimmering like the surface of a calm lake. Around the table were high-backed leather chairs, their deep crimson upholstery adding a touch of opulence to the room. The walls were lined with shelves filled with rare board games, decks of cards, and other gambling paraphernalia. A fully stocked bar stood in one corner, its shelves lined with crystal decanters of whiskey, brandy, and other fine spirits. The air carried a faint scent of leather and aged wood, mingling with the sharper tang of p
The Gambler Chapter 12: Control
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the tall windows of Bill’s bedroom, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers from the gardens below. Bill stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he stretched lazily in the silk sheets. For the first time in weeks, he had slept through the night without the weight of his anger pressing down on him. The remnants of his dreams were hazy, but they felt lighter, less oppressive. He sat up, running a hand through his disheveled hair, and glanced at the photo album on his nightstand. It was still open to the last page he had looked at a picture of him as a child, sitting on his father’s shoulders, both of them smiling. The memory felt less painful now, more like a bittersweet reminder of what once was. He closed the album gently and set it aside, his fingers lingering on the cover for a moment before he stood and walked to the window. The gardens below were alive with color, the ro
The Gambler Chapter 1: The City of Gambler’s
The air was thick with the acrid scent of cigarettes and the faint tang of desperation. The casino hummed with life, a cacophony of laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the rhythmic clatter of coins hitting tables. The spinning roulette wheels and the rolling dice created a symphony of chance, underscored by the melancholic strains of a lone pianist in the corner, his music drowned out by the raucous energy of the gamblers. Strippers and pole dancers moved with practiced precision, their performances a distraction for those who needed a break from the high-stakes games. The casino was packed tonight, every table occupied by players chasing the elusive thrill of victory or the crushing weight of defeat. But let’s be honest, gambling was never about winning. It was about the risk, the adrenaline, the dance on the edge of ruin. Table 7 was the epicentre of the chaos. Waitresses darted in and out, drinks in hand, while onlookers crowded around, their eyes glued to the young man sitt
The Gambler Chapter 2: Bill
Bill was never the type to linger at casinos for long. He’d play a game or two, then leave. The low-level gamblers were nothing more than training gadgets to him, stepping stones to sharpen his skills for the real stakes. As he walked the streets of Bethel, the townsfolk eyed him with unease. He wasn’t polite, nor kind. He took what he wanted without asking, especially when it was his by right. “Give me a cup of coffee,” he said abruptly, stopping at a small café. His voice was sharp, commanding, and devoid of warmth. He sat down in a chair, his presence immediately drawing the attention of the other customers. Bill was a prestigious figure in Bethel, known for his gambling prowess. He was among the top 10 gamblers in the town, a title that carried both respect and fear. The waitress, a young woman named Rachel, approached him cautiously. “Here’s the coffee you ordered, sir,” she said, placing the cup on the table with a slight tremble in her hands. Her voice was soft, almost timi
The Gambler Chapter 3: Another Gamble
The morning sun filtered through the thin, dusty curtains of Bill’s apartment, casting a pale golden hue over the sparse furniture. Bill sat at his small kitchen table, a cup of black coffee steaming in front of him. His fingers drummed lightly on the table, a rhythmic, almost mechanical motion. His mind, however, was elsewhere, already calculating, already strategizing. Tonight was the night. The casino. The gamble. The thrill. Bill’s life was a carefully constructed routine. By day, he was unremarkable, a man who lived alone, who kept to himself, who blended into the background of the city’s ceaseless hum. But by night, he transformed. The black suit, the red tie, the black gloves, they were his armour, his identity. He wasn’t just Bill anymore. He was the gambler, the man who walked into the casino with a quiet confidence that made even the dealers pause. The day passed slowly, as it always did when he was waiting for nightfall. He cleaned his apartment, polished his shoes, and
The Gambler Chapter 4: Gamble with the old man
Bill had become a legend in the town, his name whispered with a mix of awe and resentment. His rise from a novice to a master gambler in under a year was nothing short of meteoric. But with his success came arrogance, a belief that he was untouchable, that no one in this town could rival him. He craved a challenge, someone who could humble him, and little did he know that someone was just around the corner. As usual, Bill walked into the casino, the air thick with the scent of cigarettes and the faint hum of slot machines. The strippers danced with practised precision, their movements a blur of glitter and skin. The tables were packed with gamblers of all kinds—rookies with wide eyes, seasoned players with poker faces, and the occasional high roller who thought they could take on the house. But as soon as Bill entered, the room seemed to shift. All eyes turned to him, the chatter dying down to a murmur. He adjusted his cufflinks, his expression one of disdain, as if the very air of t
The Gambler Chapter 5: The Decision
Bill felt truly humbled as he left Elias’s house, his mind swirling with disbelief and self-doubt. He couldn’t fathom how he had lost so badly to an old man. Was he not good enough, or had the old man cheated? No, that couldn’t be it—he had been right there, watching every move. The thoughts raced through his mind like wildfire, each one more unsettling than the last.He trudged home, his mood heavy and his spirit crushed. For the first time in a long time, he felt utterly defeated. Yet, amidst the turmoil, one thought lingered more persistently than the rest: *Who was this old man who had so effortlessly beaten him at gambling?* Elias had been calm, calculative, and unshakable. He hadn’t risen to Bill’s provocations, hadn’t shown a hint of desperation. And his house—it was a masterpiece of Japanese design, serene and perfectly suited to his enigmatic nature. What did Elias mean by all the cryptic things he had said during their game?Bill spent the evening dwelling on his defeat, rep
Latest Chapter
Chapter 12: Control
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the tall windows of Bill’s bedroom, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers from the gardens below. Bill stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he stretched lazily in the silk sheets. For the first time in weeks, he had slept through the night without the weight of his anger pressing down on him. The remnants of his dreams were hazy, but they felt lighter, less oppressive. He sat up, running a hand through his disheveled hair, and glanced at the photo album on his nightstand. It was still open to the last page he had looked at a picture of him as a child, sitting on his father’s shoulders, both of them smiling. The memory felt less painful now, more like a bittersweet reminder of what once was. He closed the album gently and set it aside, his fingers lingering on the cover for a moment before he stood and walked to the window. The gardens below were alive with color, the ro
Chapter 11: A little Gamble
The mansion’s gambling room was a secluded sanctuary, tucked away in the west wing of the house. It was a space designed for indulgence, a place where the wealthy could lose themselves in games of chance and skill. The room was dimly lit, with soft, golden light emanating from a series of crystal chandeliers that hung low over the centerpiece, a massive, circular table made of polished mahogany. The surface of the table was inlaid with intricate patterns of mother of pearl, catching the light and shimmering like the surface of a calm lake. Around the table were high-backed leather chairs, their deep crimson upholstery adding a touch of opulence to the room. The walls were lined with shelves filled with rare board games, decks of cards, and other gambling paraphernalia. A fully stocked bar stood in one corner, its shelves lined with crystal decanters of whiskey, brandy, and other fine spirits. The air carried a faint scent of leather and aged wood, mingling with the sharper tang of p
Chapter 10: Opening up
Blake moved through the room with the practised ease of someone who had spent decades maintaining order in chaos. He picked up the scattered clothes, folding them neatly and placing them in a laundry basket he had retrieved from the closet. His hands moved with precision, each motion deliberate, as if every crease in the fabric mattered. Bill sat on the edge of the bed, watching him silently, his lollipop stick now discarded on the nightstand. The sweetness had long since faded, leaving only a bitter aftertaste.As Blake worked, he spoke, his voice calm and measured, like the steady ticking of the antique clock downstairs. "Your father and I met many years ago, Master Bill. Did you know that?"Bill shook his head, his eyes fixed on the floor. "No. He never talked about you much. Just called you his butler."Blake smiled faintly, his hands pausing as he smoothed out a wrinkled shirt. "I was more than that to him. We were friends long before I became his butler. I chose this role becaus
Chapter 9: Arrival of a close one
The first light of dawn crept through the towering windows of Bill's mansion, casting long, golden streaks across the polished marble floors. The house was a sprawling modern fortress of glass and steel, perched on a hill overlooking the city. Its minimalist design was cold and imposing, with sharp angles and open spaces that echoed with emptiness. The walls were adorned with abstract art, their chaotic swirls of color, a stark contrast to the sterile perfection of the house. The kitchen, where Bill now stood, was a chef's dream—gleaming stainless steel appliances, a massive island of black granite, and cabinets that stretched to the ceiling. Yet, it felt lifeless, untouched by the warmth of shared meals or laughter.Bill, still in his rumpled pyjamas, shuffled barefoot across the cold floor. His dark hair was dishevelled, and his eyes bore the weight of sleepless nights. He reached into a jar on the counter, pulling out a lollipop, a habit he'd picked up as a child, a small comfort i
Chapter 8: Understanding the application of Ki
Sitting at home, he reflected on the events of the past day and the newfound knowledge he had acquired. The idea of applying ki to gambling intrigued him. He was aware of the concept, but it was something he had never fully explored. His father had only taught him the basics of gambling, how to read the table, manage risks, and detect when another player was using *ki* to manipulate the game. But Elias’s approach to teaching *ki* was entirely different, more profound and layered, and though he didn’t fully grasp it yet, he could feel its potential simmering beneath the surface. Elias’s patience and depth of understanding were slowly chipping away at his resistance. To his own surprise, he found himself becoming more polite, even respectful, toward Elias, something he had never imagined possible. The man he once viewed with suspicion was now becoming a mentor, a guide into a world he had only glimpsed from afar. Rising from his chair, he stretched and made his way to the one room he
Chapter 7: The world of infused ki gambling
They were done for the day. Bill, though still carrying an air of arrogance, had softened somewhat—at least toward Mr. Elias. He stood up and left Elias’s home for the night, a strange sense of clarity settling over him. For the first time, he felt he had truly learned something new about gambling, something that lingered in his mind like the faint glow of a distant light. The next day, Elias decided it was time to take Bill to one of his own establishments—a casino he owned called The Black Bulls. The name itself carried a weight, a reputation that whispered through the city’s underbelly. It was a place where fortunes were made and lost, where the stakes were high, and the players even higher. Elias knew it was the perfect place to test Bill’s newfound understanding—and perhaps, to teach him a little more. The casino was a labyrinth of light and sound, a temple of chance where fortunes were made and lost with the flip of a card. Bill followed Elias through the throng of players,
Chapter 6: Training
He sat there, waiting patiently for Elias to return, his attention repeatedly drawn to the woman moving gracefully around the room. Her movements were fluid, almost hypnotic, and he found it difficult to look away. Her curvy figure, accentuated by her swaying hips and the way she carried herself, exuded a seductive charm that left him momentarily spellbound. He tried to shake off the thoughts swirling in his mind, but her presence was intoxicating. It was a close call when Elias finally walked in, snapping him back to reality."Hey, sir," he said, quickly standing up, his voice slightly unsteady."Oh, hey, sonny," Elias replied, dusting off his feet at the entrance. He slipped off his slippers and left them on the porch before stepping inside. "What brings you here?" he asked, his tone casual but curious."I... uh... well, I came to ask for a favour," he muttered, hesitating.Elias raised an eyebrow, his expression puzzled. "A favour? What kind of favour?"The young man took a deep b
Chapter 5: The Decision
Bill felt truly humbled as he left Elias’s house, his mind swirling with disbelief and self-doubt. He couldn’t fathom how he had lost so badly to an old man. Was he not good enough, or had the old man cheated? No, that couldn’t be it—he had been right there, watching every move. The thoughts raced through his mind like wildfire, each one more unsettling than the last.He trudged home, his mood heavy and his spirit crushed. For the first time in a long time, he felt utterly defeated. Yet, amidst the turmoil, one thought lingered more persistently than the rest: *Who was this old man who had so effortlessly beaten him at gambling?* Elias had been calm, calculative, and unshakable. He hadn’t risen to Bill’s provocations, hadn’t shown a hint of desperation. And his house—it was a masterpiece of Japanese design, serene and perfectly suited to his enigmatic nature. What did Elias mean by all the cryptic things he had said during their game?Bill spent the evening dwelling on his defeat, rep
Chapter 4: Gamble with the old man
Bill had become a legend in the town, his name whispered with a mix of awe and resentment. His rise from a novice to a master gambler in under a year was nothing short of meteoric. But with his success came arrogance, a belief that he was untouchable, that no one in this town could rival him. He craved a challenge, someone who could humble him, and little did he know that someone was just around the corner. As usual, Bill walked into the casino, the air thick with the scent of cigarettes and the faint hum of slot machines. The strippers danced with practised precision, their movements a blur of glitter and skin. The tables were packed with gamblers of all kinds—rookies with wide eyes, seasoned players with poker faces, and the occasional high roller who thought they could take on the house. But as soon as Bill entered, the room seemed to shift. All eyes turned to him, the chatter dying down to a murmur. He adjusted his cufflinks, his expression one of disdain, as if the very air of t
