Chapter 19: My Incompatible Relationship with Gambling and Drugs

"...Human, what did you just say?" The vengeful girl tilted her head, her expression one of disbelief.

Amamiya turned to face the cat-eared girl beside him, his voice sincere, his eyes unwavering.

"From the very first moment I saw Shinomiya-san, I was deeply captivated, unable to tear myself away."

"And now, I want to say it aloud—"

"Shinomiya-san is my most precious treasure, far more valuable than my own heart."

"…"

Everyone in the game club, whether it was the unlucky players or the vengeful spirits, shifted their attention to Kaguya.

The beautiful girl, with long black hair and cat ears, remained composed, her expression unchanged.

"Kaguya-chan, Natsuki-san just confessed to you!" Chika's eyes widened in surprise as she exclaimed.

The cat ears atop Kaguya's head twitched slightly, and she glanced over at her friend.

Use your brain—obviously, this isn't a confession! He's clearly just using me as a tool!

Still... from childhood until now, I've never received a single love letter, let alone had someone confess to me face-to-face.

Now, here I am, a boy "confessing" in front of everyone. Even though I know it's just an act, it feels... complicated.

The first time anyone confesses to me, and it's just to use me as a tool. So cold!

"Hehe." 

The ghost girl let out a sinister chuckle, her smile growing even more grotesque. Her eyes landed on Kaguya, and in a raspy voice, she said, "You heard what I said earlier. Are you willing to become this boy's wager?"

As the genius she was, Kaguya remained calm and replied coolly, "I am."

The ghost girl blinked in surprise, raising her right hand. Her sharp nails were stained with blood as she glared menacingly. "If he loses, I will tear your heart from your chest."

Kaguya folded her arms. "I believe in Natsuki-san."

"Tsk~" The ghost girl clicked her tongue in frustration, her face twisted in a vicious grin. "In that case, don't regret it later."

The unlucky players cowering in the corner were in shock.

"Wait, wait... you can play the game like this?"

"Using a girl as a shield, how low can you get?"

"Damn it! We're in a horror game, and we still have to deal with this love-drama nonsense!"

"They don't even realize how terrifying this game is. They'll regret this soon enough."

"..."

"Enough chit-chat," the ghost girl snapped impatiently. "You have one minute to choose your game, and then we'll settle this. Win, and you walk away. Lose, and I'll rip out her heart."

"It won't take a minute." Amamiya glanced around the room nonchalantly. "Let's play dice. Highest score wins."

Several players gasped in shock.

"Is he an idiot?"

"At least if we played a fighting game, there'd be some skill involved. Dice? That's pure luck!"

"Wrong place, wrong time."

"Damn, why did such a cute girl have to meet such a scumbag?"

"..."

"Very bold. I admire your bravery." The ghost girl crossed her arms and pointed to the mahjong table. "There are the dice. You go first."

"I'll go first," Amamiya said, taking two steps forward. He picked up the dice from the table and tossed them in front of everyone.

"One shows four, the other five."

"That's nine. Seems I'm in luck," he commented, looking over at the ghost girl. "Your turn."

The ghost girl picked up the dice and threw them. The first die quickly stopped at four.

Seeing this, the players let out a breath of relief.

"That's four. If she wants to win, she needs a six. Only a one-in-three chance."

All eyes were on the second die, even Kaguya and Chika couldn't look away.

The die slowed its roll and landed on three.

"Kaguya-chan, we won!" Chika exclaimed with joy.

But in the next moment—

Bang!

The ghost girl slammed the table, causing the die to roll over to six.

"Ah, it seems I've won," she said with a ferocious grin.

"You cheated!" Chika protested angrily. "We had clearly won!"

"I never said cheating wasn't allowed," the ghost girl replied, licking her lips as her eyes turned towards Kaguya, a flash of red in them. "Now, as promised, I'll take her heart."

Amamiya, expressionless, spoke up.

"You cheated in a game. Can't you handle a fair play?"

"What did you say, human?" the ghost girl snapped, turning her gaze toward him. "Do you think I won't tear you to pieces?"

Amamiya kicked over the table. "If you can't handle losing, don't play."

"You're dead!" The vengeful girl erupted in rage, tears of blood streaming from her eyes as she charged at him.

Amamiya quickly stepped back, ducking behind Kaguya. Then he yelled, "Dean! Someone's bullying the cat!"

"…"

Bang!

The door burst open.

The tall, silent dean, cloaked in black mist, entered the room.

The vengeful girl froze in terror, retreating like a mouse caught by a cat.

Amamiya pointed to Kaguya's shoulder. "Look, she hasn't even wiped the blood off yet. Clearly a cat abuser."

"That's not true! You're lying!" the ghost girl cried, tears of blood spilling. "It's a human bloodstain! Are you even human?"

"Not only does she bully cats, but she also runs illegal gambling in the clubroom," Amamiya added, his voice righteous.

"I'll kill you!" The vengeful girl lunged again, but the dean extended his right hand, gripping her head. With one swift movement, he crushed it.

"Gambling is prohibited in school. Punishment is severe," the dean muttered coldly.

"…"

At that moment, a prompt echoed in every player's mind:

[Critical data lost. Scene collapsing.]

[Congratulations, you've successfully cleared this game scene.]

"Wait... we actually won?" The players hiding in the corner were stunned, then overjoyed.

Without lifting a finger, they had passed the test. Nothing could be sweeter.

"Done." Amamiya pocketed his hands, looking over at Kaguya with a smile. "Shinomiya-san, eternal goddess."

Chika nodded in agreement. "Kaguya-chan, eternal goddess."

Amamiya continued, "Please, let me continue clinging to your greatness."

Chika added, "Cling to greatness."

Unable to bear it any longer, Kaguya folded her arms and sighed. "...Both of you, shut up."