The Casino

"A new Attack Skill? How did I ended up developing this?" mumbled Artis confused at the attack skill he just developed. 

Unique skills, are the skills that develops with a person since birth. But occasionally, under certain circumstances, individuals can unlock new skills or abilities through unique experiences or intense emotional states. This phenomenon is often referred to as skill development or skill evolution.

Like, for example, if an individual learns any Martial arts, he develops an attack skill of the martial art he learned, irrespective of what that individual's unique skill is. 

There are multiple types of skill an individual can learn, that includes Attack Skill, Defense Skill, Support Skill, Utility Skill, Great Skill and Passive Skill. Each type serves a specific function and can be honed through practice and experience. While unique skills are innate abilities that individuals possess from birth that one earns at the age of 10, supplementary skills can be acquired and developed over time.

It takes a lot of hard work, talent and luck to encounter a chance to learn a skill, so Artis, suddenly learning an Attack Skill out of nowhere surprised him making him skeptical for some reason.

Regardless, he sighed and clicked on [Attack Skill]

[Attack Skill- 5/5]

[Focus Energy] [Strike] [Shockwave] [Stab] [Performer]

He chose to see what [Performer] could do.

[This attack skill harnesses the power of performance to captivate, distract, or manipulate opponents. It can be used to confuse enemies, lower their guard, or even inspire allies, granting various tactical advantages in combat. The effectiveness of Performer may vary depending on the user's proficiency in performance arts, the receptiveness of the audience, and the situational context of the battle.]

"So, this skill is basically a last ditch effort skill. This skill is pretty useful if I get into some battles I can't avoid and use it to run away but, it seems that if my level is lower than that of my opponent, there is a chance this skill won't work.

"Hmmm, that is troublesome but I'll think about that in the future. Overall, not a bad skill at all." 

As Artis finished analyzing [Performer], he couldn't help but wonder why he developed this skill now, but as he analyzed the name [Performer], he formed his own conjecture as to why he managed to develop this skill. 

'Performer, as the name suggests, it is to perform. Well, I have been performing and creating some tricks in some stalls and even observing them. Can it be, I also needed a response from the audience so that this skill could develop? So, when I did the basic trick, because that Piano Lady reacted to it, was that the final step that allowed me to develop this skill?'

As he continued to ponder, Artis couldn't help but wait to use this skill in the future. Maybe it was the connection forged between performer and audience, the exchange of energy and emotion, that catalyzed the evolution of his skill.

Now, as Artis finished analyzing his newfound power, he still couldn't decide where to head next. Should he keep on going and explore the cruise ship, and discover new places, or should he just go back to his room and take a nap before dinner. 

Curiosity taking over his head, he decided to further explore the cruise ship. As he was wandering around in the hallways, seeing how the passengers were talking and interacting with each other making this cruise ship feel lively, laughter echoing through the hallways, children playing and enjoying themselves in the play area and few couples enjoying and embracing their moment together. 

As he continued to explore and wander around the cruise ship, he reached the 10th floor as he saw a luxury door lighted with neon lightings as he chose to enter there. 

It was a casino, named BlackHearts Casino.

Artis entered the place and was greeted by the soft chime of slot machines, the clinking of chips, and the murmur of voices engaged in games like blackjack, Poker, Roulette wheels and many other chance games.

The BlackHearts Casino was a vibrant hub of activity, with colorful lights flashing and the air thick with anticipation.

 Everywhere he looked, there were tables bustling with activity, from blackjack to roulette, poker to craps. 

Artis showed his ID card to one of the bouncers standing there who allowed him entry after seeing that.

As he made his way to one of the Slot machines, he noticed many people seated around tables, absorbed in their games of chance. Some players had expressions of intense focus, while others were laughing and cheering as they celebrated their victories.

The sound of cards being shuffled and chips being stacked filled the air, creating a dynamic backdrop to the lively atmosphere of the casino. Artis observed as players placed their bets, their eyes alight with excitement and anticipation.

As he kept wandering around, he made his way towards a area which was surrounded by many people, the people were all dressed in fancy suits as their expressions were all serious playing a game of Poker. 

One of the players called their hand while the few others raised their bet putting pressure on other players. Artis, observing how calm and observant some players were, tricking each other to let their guard down and strike when the iron is hot. 

As the game continued, all the players decided to call out, and one of the players managed to draw a Straight Flush, smiling smugly indicating he was winning. 

Thinking that he already won, the rest of the players showed their hand which surprised that person as one of the players managed to draw a Royal Flush surprising everyone in the crowd. 

The player, disappointed handed over the bet he made while the player who just won smiled as he took his winnings and went to the counter to convert it into cash. 

Satisfied, Artis continued to explore the casino observing various games and people showing satisfaction and disappointment as they continued to play. 

As he kept walking, he noticed a group of few people who were surrounding a woman who wore red dress and red high heels having a classy brown hair cascading down her shoulders in a wave of elegance.

Artis couldn't help but be drawn to her presence, intrigued by the aura of sophistication that surrounded her. As he approached the group, he caught snippets of conversation praising her skills and charisma.

"She's unbeatable," whispered one player in awe.

"Her luck is unmatched," remarked another with admiration.

Artis observed the woman, her skills as she dealt the cards with precision and fluid movements. 

Just as the game was continuing on, one of the bouncers came near her and whispered next to her ear that caused a shift in her expression as she stood up and hurriedly left the casino followed by the man who were following her. 

"What's going on, why did she leave all of a sudden?" whispered a man in confusion.

Artis, also couldn't help but feel confused by the sudden departure of the woman. 

Satisfied with the exploration of casino, he left the room and continued to explore the cruise even further. 

As he was wandering around in one of the floor hallways, he managed to spot the enigmatic lady again who seemed to be busy in a phone call in a low voice. 

"....yeah, everything is fine...."

"....not much time left...." 

".....Blain....next week...."

"...Don't worry...." 

Artis couldn't make out the words that the lady in brown hair was saying as he continued to hide for some reason when she was talking. 

As he was listening to her, someone had kept his hand above his shoulders grabbing him from behind.