Grand Casino [2]: Adam's plan

Life is a risk and one cannot truly enjoy it without heartthrobbing stakes, that's my motto as the creator of the grand casino and guiding principle as a woman.

As the conductor of this train, I've had the pleasure of interacting with a variety of different characters over the years— some interesting, some annoying, some so cute I want to gobble them up as well as those so infuriating I want to crush their everything, body and soul.

A perfect example of one of those infuriating characters just happens to be on my train tonight— a pompous, arrogant little punk who seems to think he's invincible.

He's like one of those third rate villains in a B rated movie who you want to see get hurt so bad, they start looking pathetic, or the annoying guy who always seems to die first in a horror film. However, this guy's arrogance just keeps growing because he just doesn't lose.

This little punk even had the audacity to say my games aren't worth his time which is why he's coming for me directly, can you believe the nerve of that brat?! Well, he's not the first pompous windbag who's stained these floors and he certainly won't be the last.

And like all those fools before him, he'll taste defeat at my hands and begin his spiral to oblivion. Come at me Adam Graves, I'm ready for you!

I looked through the security cameras and noticed the arrogant blond haired brat had won a game in the fifth car and was heading for mine next.

Like any respectable business owner, I intended to greet him with professionalism, kindness and courtesy—— and crush him like the puny little man he is.

*Creak

The doors to my chambers parted for him where I was seated in my luxurious chair prepared to break him— I mean, start the game.

"Welcome gambler, to the final frontier....."

I greeted with a smile. The brat before me was silent, perhaps captivated by my beauty and charm, well, I guess before 'all this', even chatterboxes like him keep quiet.

"...."

It took a second for me to hear the words he muttered.

"Wow, a real life MILF"

WHAT THE HELL DID HE CALL ME!!! Ooh, this brat is going down!

"I'm sorry, what was that?"

I retorted, struggling to main my composure. On the other hand, the brat seemed to have caught his second wind as the expression on his face changed.

He brushed his hair with his fingertips trying to imitate a model from some magazine.

"Apologies, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Adam Graves, gambling extraordinare, king of games and future owner of your heart. I guarantee once this night is over you'll be thinking of me non-stop"

Bleerhh, f**k you kid, once this night's over you'll be neck deep in despair. Maybe I'll keep you as a pet as punishment for your insolence.

"You're quite the jokester young man, fufu. Now then, shall we begin the game?"

"By all means. So what is it this time? Blackjack? Russian roulette? Or maybe...."

".....are you familiar with the game 'twenty questions'?"

"Huh?"

You haven't even heard of a simple game like twenty questions? Some 'king of games' you turned out to be.

"Well then, allow me to explain the rules. First I'll write out the name of something I'm thinking about on a piece of paper, fold it and place on the table. Then, you'll have to guess what I wrote, you are allowed to ask me twenty 'yes' or 'no' questions before providing your answer, what you choose to do with them is up to you...."

"....So I get twenty 'yes' or 'no' questions to help narrow down the possibilities, huh? Seems easy enough"

The smirk on the brat's face made me want to throw the table at him.

"At least, those are the rules for a regular game of twenty questions"

"Huh?"

His expression changed slightly, showing some degree of caution.

"Don't make such a scary face mister. The only difference between regular twenty questions and the ones at our establishment are the number of questions you're allowed to ask"

"Oohh?"

"At this establishment, you're only allowed ten questions. Clear the game and you're free to leave with your winnings"

His face got tense for a second. It seemed he understood the implications of having just ten questions as well as the difficulty of this game.

Twenty questions is a game usually among friends or people who know each other quite well, sometimes used to test just how well they know each other and if they can figure out what the other person is thinking.

From a person's natural behavior and thought process, it's easy to narrow down the possibilities by quite a large margin and the player has 20 questions to break it down even further.

However, in this case, it's different.

With a stranger you've just met for the first time, the possibilities are endless. You have no idea what the person's interests are nor the limits of their knowledge and imagination, fishing for the correct answer in this game is like searching for a needle in the ocean, and to do it within ten questions makes it all the more difficult.

It's the ultimate game to test your deductive reasoning, decision making and imagination, because unraveling the infinite possibilities of answers require the right set of questions and the intelligence to make the most of each question.

The tension on the annoying brat was gone and he asked a rather unexpected question—well, considering his overblown ego it was actually expected.

"You said if I clear the game, I walk out of here but that's not all I'm after"

"Hmm?"

"A little birdie told me you grant wishes, is that true?"

You really should know your limits boy!

"That is true. However, to earn a wish you'll have to play at level 2"

"Level 2?"

"Yes. In this level, you're only allowed to ask five questions"

The boy seemed to be pondering for a few seconds. Then—

"And I can wish for anything I want?"

"Not exactly, terms and conditions apply ofcourse. Your wish has to be within reason and I can reject your wish if I deem it undesirable."

"Is a trillion dollars undesirable?"

"No actually. However, bringing the dead back to life or making someone else fall in love with you is a no...."

"What if I wish for you to become mine?"

"I'll refuse!"

"Hahaha, I was kidding.....After all, once this night is over, you'll be head over heels in love with me anyway"

This brat definitely gets a rise out of raising my blood pressure

"So, I assume you'll be going with level 1?"

"Nah, bring on level 2"

"Are you serious?!"

Is he serious?!

"I wouldn't be much of a man if I didn't take risks. Besides if I lose, I can just win at the other cars and challenge you again"

This arrogance.... Well, if you want to go down the rabbit hole, who am I to stop you.

"However, that won't happen"

"Huh?"

"I will not lose!"

"You sure are confident mister"

"Infact, I'll use this as an opportunity to show you why you should become mine. I predict...."

He raised three fingers up

"I'll win this game after three questions"

WHAT THE HELL IS WITH THIS BRAT?!

However, if he ends up achieving it, it would be amazing. Why exactly is he so confident? Does he believe in his ability that much? Or does he have a surefire way to win? Either way I'll have to watch and see.

"Nevertheless, you have five questions. Please use them wisely. Also you have to clearly state that you're asking a question, no cheating."

I wrote the word in a piece of paper, folded it and placed it on the table.

"Now then, let's begin."

The ball's in your court now. Show me what you got, Adam Graves.

"First question, is it alive?"

"No"

Like it'll be that easy!

"So it could be something abstract....or an inanimate object?"

I didn't reply.

"Hehe, you got me. I was waiting to see if you'll slip"

"I was the one who said you have to clearly state that you are asking me a question. Did you really expect me to..."

"...But you did slip up though"

What? When? How? I refuse to believe it. However, the expression on his face makes it hard for me to believe he's lying.

"Even if you don't say it with your mouth, I can tell from your expression and body language. Try as you might you might you can't hide it from me, that's why I know what you wrote was an inanimate object and not something abstract"

He's correct, but how can that be? I had my pokerface on the whole time and I made sure not to give myself away, so how? Can he read my mind or something?

"The expression on your face says you don't believe me. Well, I'll have you know that ever since I walked into this room I've been watching the changes to your expressions and body language and got a read on you before the game began. Maintain that pokerface all you like, I can read you like a book"

No way

"Ofcourse, It's not a hundred percent efficient so I'll save my moves for the very important questions. I'm going to end this in three moves after all."

The smile on his face was like that of a demon— full of arrogance and pride, as though he has already won.

"Did you really think you could have the king of games eating out of the palm of your hand? Let's have a fun game now shall we?"

There was nothing I could do to stop him within the rules of the game. The game forbids me from doing anything "supernatural" to shift things in my favor without good reason— like if he was cheating somehow.

However, making deductions based on my expressions aren't exactly cheating. Damn it!

"Second question, is it something that can be lifted by someone with my physique"

"Yes"

"So that rules out bigger objects like vehicles, huh?"

"...."

He asked a myriad of other questions while watching my reaction and each one seemed to narrow down his list even further—on the size, shape among other things.

During the game, I started getting the feeling that perhaps his earlier statement was just a bluff—one to hide his actual winning conditions. After all, he had no real reason to tell me all that aside from misdirection.

He wanted me to believe he wasn't cheating.

Perhaps he has a supernatural ability or curse that gives him an advantage in this game— mind reading maybe? No, if he could read minds, he would've known the answer right when I wrote it on paper.

Future sight then? No, he would've known the outcome even before he walked in. Truth perception then? No, he wouldn't need to waste any of his chances, he'll just ask unofficial questions only.....or maybe that's his plan to mislead me? Maybe he's using official questions to mask his truth perception?

There are way too many variables to consider, just what is it?!

"Are you listening?"

"Huh?"

"Does it consists of smaller objects inside which are what are far more important than the exterior?"

"....."

"My third question, is it something on this train?"

"Yes, it is"

"Alright then!"

Seems he's figured it out.

"Fourth question, is the answer..."

Here it comes

"....The pen you used to write your thought?"

His answer cut through me like a knife, but for a different reason entirely

"No"

"Was I overreacting? Was all he was doing just his bluster and bravado? No way, he actually had no tricks and was just full of himself?!"

My inner monologue was answered in less than a second when I saw his expression turn pale. It seems that really was all he was capable of.

"A-Are you s-sure? It wasn't a pen?"

"Is that your final question?"

I finally regained my composure. The man known as Adam Graves was crushed and quickly sinking into despair.

He walked in feeling like the king of the world and blurting out crap and even made a fuss about how he was going to win with only three questions. In the end he failed to accomplish any of the things he said and sat there a sorry mess with a single question left and ego that popped like a balloon.

Ohh this is what I live for!

"I don't mean to rush you but... You have one question left. There are others waiting to challenge me so if you could please think a little faster...."

Go ahead and ask your last pathetic question! I can't wait to make you my slave, you'll be licking my boots for the rest of your miserable life, hahahaha!

"M-My fifth question... Is it something I used during one of my games on this train?"

"Yes"

I gave a slight pause.

"You have asked five questions mister, now then, what is written on the paper?"

He spent about thirty seconds pondering then gave his answer.

"A gun?"

Huh? Wait.... What? He was....

"C-Correct"

No way, how? Dumb luck?

"Really?"

"I won't lie about something like this"

"*Sigh—Almost thought I was a goner there"

Fortune favours this fool that much?! What the hell?!

"You're free to go mister, your winnings will be sent to your bank account within the week....as for your wish..."

"..."

"What will it be? Are you still going to try and make me yours?"

"Nah, I'll pass. I won by sheer luck which proves I'm not good enough for you yet. But don't worry, I'll work my ass off to become a better gambler and then, I'll come back for you!"

I really wish you didn't!

"So then, what will your wish be?"

"Let's see.... Oh, I'd like someone I met on the train to be released as well"

"Your wish is granted, just tell me the name and it shall be done"

"Sara O'Neil"

"Huh?"

"Huh?"

"Nevermind. It shall be done"

I granted his wish and freed Sara O'Neil. As he was walking out of the train I stopped him to ask a question.

"Mister.... The arrogant gambler behavior you've displayed since C2.... It was all an act to throw me off, wasn't it? You didn't win by luck, it was your plan from the beginning"

He turned his head and smiled. This smile felt like a glimpse into the true Adam Graves, not the mask he wore since he set foot aboard this train.

"I'll leave that to your imagination"

He said as he exited the train. The light illuminated his figure and before I knew it he was gone. His entire act was a ruse to throw me off from his method of cheating and it was planned from the beginning.

He completely outwitted me, no doubt about that. More importantly, I lost my bet to that person. This turn of events leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

Adam Graves was right about one thing though— I couldn't stop thinking about him for the rest of the night

*************

★★★ Adam's POV ★★★

"Holy crap, that actually worked?!"

I muttered to myself while exiting the train.

Right after I was done gathering information, I had a thought. Whether or not I believed in the supernatural, there was no doubt our lives were at stake so I should be prepared for anything. After all, if I could read minds, it stands to reason that there's at least one person out there with even crazier abilities.

This was a casino, and like all casinos, I doubt they condone cheating. Also, the conductor may use some crazy power to turn the tide if she knew I could read minds, she may also void the whole game and leave me screwed.

To avoid that, I needed a plan to misdirect her—one that makes my abnormal behavior seem normal. Similar to how it would seem unnatural for a girl to eat mountains of food without stopping but appears reasonable if she's 'plus-sized'

Looking at the choice decor and the staff, I could discern a bit about the conductor's personality. An extravagant decor is natural for a casino, but she took it a bit too far, it was almost like you could see her ego and pride oozing out it.

Also, the choice of staff was weird. The grunts were comprised of mostly men while higher ranked officials at the casino were dominated by only the female gender. On one hand, it could be fan service, but on another hand, it was a class system meant to empower females and disgrace the males

From this I could determine that she was probably a feminist who categorically looks down on males—naturally, not all feminists are like that, but some do take it a little extreme, and the conductor was one of those people.

If reading the minds of thousands of individuals has taught me anything, it's that the one thing people like that hate are arrogant, narcissistic men who think the world revolves around them and nothing gives them more pleasure than watching such men get put in their place.

My plan was simple, to don the mask of an arrogant gambler who thinks he's invincible.

I'll make a big enough fuss to draw her attention to me and use my interactions during games and communication with others to piss her off before reaching C6 and get her to formulate an unfavorable psychological opinion about me.

In C2, I used my conversation and interaction with the other players. C3 I antagonized the dealer and some of the other players and in C4 and C5, I insulted the players and gave the impression I was superior.

Once I got to her door step, I gave her a dose of both worlds— pissing her off to no extent and raising her suspicion of me, then getting her to naturally ease up and lower her guard once she believes she was just overthinking things after seeing me get the answer wrong after the third question and sink into 'despair'.

My 'arrogance' helped to disguise my usually suspicious actions during my games as the confidence of an narcissistic gambler rather than the logical conclusions of a mind reader and cheater.

All this was to prevent the conductor from catching on to an important fact— that I knew the correct answer from the moment she wrote it on the paper.

My acting skills truly deserves an Oscar if I do say so myself. Although, she found out right as I was getting off the train. I wonder what gave me away?

I did slip up a little when I saw her and I was genuinely flirting with her for a bit there, that said, if romcom mangas have taught me one thing, it's to 'lock in' when you see a beauty like that before competition spawns out of nowhere.

Another point I hesitated was when I heard she was going to make me her dog if I lost.

It was tempting, but I have responsibilities to another girl right now.

"Adam"

And there she is now.

"Where have you been? I got worried when I didn't see you by the chairs, did you get bored and feel like exploring as well?"

"Sorry about that, I was using the restroom. So, where you the one who got us out"

I asked a question I knew the answer to trying to change the subject.

"I didn't do anything worth mentioning, maybe there was a time limit or something? At least they were nice enough to drop us at the station in Stone Valley"

"Yeah. Listen, I'm...sorry for falling asleep on the bench like that, because of that I caused you a lot of troub—"

She suddenly closed in on my personal space and wrapped her arms around me.

Then, she grabbed my phone and took a selfie of the two of us together.

Hey! I was expecting something more romcom-like as well, like a kiss or something,

*sigh—

"You kidding? I got to witness something supernatural! That officially makes this the best day of my life. You also look really cute when you sleep"

The pure smile on her face and the moon illuminating her white dress instantly made me blush. She noticed it and smirked. She then sent the pics to her phone and handed it back to me

"I'll text you when I get home. See you on Monday"

"Goodnight"

She left the train station while I sat down for a bit to ponder the events over the past few days.

That said it was quite late so I left soon after, the time on my phone was 11:53pm.

The mystery of how we got on that train in the first place was still unsolved. However, in it's place something else had clicked.

This thing that felt off during the phantom of the music room incident had finally taken form. Even better, a hypothesis was starting to develop.

As much as I don't like interacting with others, this mystery was one I was involved in so I have to confirm my hypothesis at school on Monday by chatting with those involved in the case, I guess you could say I just "have to know" if I'm right.

A to-do list for Monday had formed in my mind, and the first order of business was tying up loose ends.