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Page 438
The demonic eye he had just formed with his right arm is now even more complex, and a shell resembling a crab's shell has begun to grow on the surface of his skin.
That was the power of transformation he inherited from the Orphic deity Zagreus.
However, the shell had just taken shape when cracks appeared, and after it broke open, it shattered into pieces, as if even this change in intensity could not withstand the pressure exerted by Van Fem.
It was thought that Bai Ruolong's body would collapse under that kind of overpressure, but surprisingly, the changing carapace stopped the moment it broke, as if it had encountered some kind of barrier.
The oppressive feeling dissipated in an instant, and his carapace gradually returned to his original brown skin.
“This is—” Van Fim groaned softly, clearly sensing the abnormality of this change.
Bai Ruolong shook his head. Although his whole body was still trembling slightly, his expression showed no fear.
"Reconstituted bodily fluids take time."
His voice was low and tired, yet full of calm and determination.
"Deep-sea fish are able to withstand such enormous pressure because the pressure of their body fluids is consistent with that of the external seawater."
He looked at Van Fem, a hint of provocation in his eyes, "Then, all I need to do is change my body into that adaptable form."
"Greek mythology should include a chapter on deep-sea fish."
Van Fem murmured softly, a hint of melancholy in his voice. His words carried a touch of irony, yet could not conceal the deep emotion within.
Suddenly, an unusual ripple arose from the depths of the sea. Something sharp silently emerged within the deep-sea whirlpool. It wasn't a physical entity, but rather a manifestation of an emotion—
Murderous intent? Hostility? Or perhaps some deeper emotion?
Chapter 489 The Spirit of Law-Abiding
"Wait a moment!"
A sudden shout broke the tense atmosphere in the sea, and all eyes instantly turned to the figure with flowing blond hair.
She stood deep within the red sea, completely unaffected by the oppressive atmosphere, her gaze calm and composed, as if the sea itself could not disturb her presence.
"Luvia".
Van Fem raised an eyebrow and focused his gaze on the woman.
Her golden hair danced in the seawater, like an immortal being from mythology, while her aquamarine gem shimmered slightly in her throat, emitting a faint glow.
That gemstone is more than just decoration; its interaction with the seawater seems to resonate with all elements, even making the seawater itself as fluid as air.
Luvia didn't respond immediately; instead, she gently pressed the gem against her throat. Instantly, the waves of the sea seemed to be manipulated by some invisible force, the vibrations spreading among the three of them, creating a peculiar resonance.
"If you two are really fighting in a place like this, it's not just a matter of mysterious concealment, is it? Bai Ruolong is one thing, but Van Fem, you're also one of the managers of Monaco, aren't you?"
Her voice was amplified by this force, penetrating the oppressive feeling of the seawater and resonating steadily in everyone's ears.
The seawater remained still for a moment.
The three remained silent, their gazes shifting between each other, but none of them uttered a word.
The silence lasted for about ten seconds.
At this moment, Van Fem finally spoke, his voice low and calm: "May I assume you have a plan, Luvia?"
A complex light flashed in his eyes.
Luvia's posture remained unshaken; she stood tall, seemingly utterly unafraid to confront Van Fem.
“Of course.” She raised her chin slightly, her tone arrogant yet carrying a hint of barely perceptible contempt.
"Because you are Van Phim, the host of Phim's ship banquet, aren't you?"
"what?"
This time, Bai Ruolong raised an eyebrow, her voice revealing a hint of disbelief and surprise.
His expression instantly became slightly flustered, as if some hidden truth had exploded in her ears.
"You country bumpkin, it seems you're trying to say 'maybe'."
Luvia's voice drifted slowly across the red sea, carrying a hint of disdainful laughter. Her golden hair shimmered in the water like flowing sunlight. Her presence was like that of a goddess emerging from ancient mythology, exuding an unparalleled elegance.
Van Fem's expression changed slightly, seemingly realizing the meaning behind Luvia's words, and he immediately spoke: "So, you—"
His voice carried a hint of confusion, but he was quickly interrupted by Luvia's reply.
“Since Van Fem’s banquet is underway, and you are Van Fem, then…”
Luvia's voice was gentle yet authoritative, and her gaze was as clear as if piercing through the sea: "Disagreements should be resolved with a bet."
Van Fem and Bai Ruolong were both stunned. They looked at each other for a moment, as if they were discussing something in silence.
However, Bai Ruolong did not show any surprise or dissatisfaction. She simply sighed softly, pressed her brow, and looked as if she had already expected this.
"I see, it makes sense."
After a moment of contemplation, Van Fem said with a hint of self-deprecation, "Moreover, it's usually me who makes this kind of suggestion, leaving everyone around me dumbfounded."
He turned to look at Bai Ruolong, a mocking glint in his eyes: "You don't care, Bai Ruolong?"
Bai Ruolong's response was calm and unhurried: "Although my contract with my old man is absolute, the bet is equally sacred. If only one party can carry out their claim, this idea isn't bad."
Her attitude remained unwavering, as if she had long anticipated this gamble.
The intense hostility gradually faded in the air.
Luvia clenched her fists tightly behind her back, a barely perceptible hint of tension on her face.
She knew that the betting was not a simple game, but a symbol of divine judgment.
Although the proposal was somewhat far-fetched, if Bai Ruolong was truly the goddess Chazagerous, she firmly believed that this method would work.
However, at this moment, Van Fem added: "—but."
He extended his long, slender index finger and pointed it at Luvia, as if declaring some inevitable fate: "Since you made the suggestion, please take responsibility, Luvia."
Luvia's eyes narrowed, as if she realized the true meaning of the challenge.
"The beautiful warrior has finally descended upon the arena of the Deathline Joy Ship."
Van Fem's voice was deep and powerful.
Then, the scene of the arena appeared.
It was a circular space about twenty meters in diameter, with extremely wide surroundings and an unusually high ceiling, as if it had been expanded by some kind of magic, making the space appear irregular yet strangely harmonious.
The ground was covered with sand, providing a solid foothold for both sides.
Luvia gently bent her arms, squatted down, and began to stretch.
The magic circuit was working smoothly.
Since the magic circuit is a kind of pseudo-nerve that can synchronize with every movement of the body, Luvia knows that keeping the circuit synchronized with the movement and confirming the operational status of each circuit through dynamic meditation is undoubtedly an essential skill.
She focuses on every tiny change, striving not to be held back by any details during the battle.
.........
The third game has begun.
Matou Ike and the other players should already be seated in their places, silently observing the situation. Luvia could even imagine Matou Ike's expression—frowning, with a hint of disdain.
However, she felt no guilt whatsoever.
The rules of the game have already been set, and the outcome is already predetermined.
She raised her head, her gaze piercing through to the other side of the arena.
The iron gate slowly opened, and a huge beast emerged from behind it.
Luvia's eyes flickered slightly, and her heartbeat suddenly quickened.
That was a lion.
However, to her surprise, its body was in the shape of a goat, while its tail was that of a snake that spewed purple venomous mist.
Poisonous smoke and snow-white fangs emanated from its mouth, radiating a deadly threat.
"—Qi, Mei, La."
Luvia said in a low voice, her face darkening.
In Greek mythology, the chimera is an extremely dangerous monster, possessing the ferocity of a lion, the stubbornness of a goat, and the venom of a snake. Clearly, this is not an ordinary beast, but a fantastical creature replicated through special magic.
"Wait, a fantasy species!" Luvia immediately became alert.
Suddenly, a cold broadcast rang out in the empty arena: "Based on the spirit of law-abiding in modern society, the fantasy species in the arena are models reproduced using our technology."
"What kind of law-abiding spirit is this! They completely disregard human safety!" Luvia shouted angrily, almost losing her temper.
The rules of this game have far exceeded her tolerance.
However, the operators seem unconcerned about the fighters' outrage.
The calm, mechanical voice sounded again: "Which side will emerge victorious, the gladiator or the model of the fantasy species? Stay tuned."
Chapter 490 Beginning
As the gamblers remained silent, watching the images on the round table, the dealer continued calmly, explaining:
"Everyone, once you've decided on your betting method, please pick up the cube over there and silently recite it. The amount of chips you bet and the number of magic circuits you have can also be declared with just your thoughts. When players negotiate with each other, they can also do so with just their thoughts."
A hint of doubt flashed in Matou Ike's eyes, and he couldn't help but ask, "Negotiations between players?"
"Yes. I think you'll understand soon enough after you try it." The dealer's tone was completely flat, as if everything had already been arranged.
As previously mentioned, there are three main ways to place bets in a gambling game:
Betting on which side will win. Betting on how they will win. Betting on when the game will end.
However, the key complexity lies in the additional special rules. Each rule contains unfathomable implications, and any misstep could alter the course of the game.
Matou Ike picked up the cube-shaped Mystic Code that devoured magic circuits and pondered its meaning.
Their gazes involuntarily fell on Van Fem. The man's relaxed smile suggested he had already seen through their hesitation—this was a truly experienced gambler, capable of discerning everyone's psychology in an instant.
But then, how should one place bets?
The dealer spoke to the gamblers, including Matou Ike, who were struggling with their inner turmoil.
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