[78] The Power of the Shadow

Chapter 78: The Power of the Shadow

The onlookers buzzed with excitement, but as the person directly involved, Shunsuke felt nothing in particular.

After all, he never listened to dice rolls.

Even if he had the precision of Star Platinum to hear every sound, he still wouldn't bother.

Whether it was one die or five, it made no difference to him—cheating players feared nothing.

Watching Shunsuke's casual agreement, Runa narrowed her eyes slightly, while Kirari, observing from the second-floor balcony, flashed a faint smile.

"Well, since Shun-kun has conceded so much, it'd be unkind of me as his senior to push further. Let's get started, then," Runa said, picking up the dice cup.

Unlike in outside casinos, Hyakkaou Private Academy's purpose was to hone students' gambling skills and abilities, so all dice rolls were done by hand.

From Runa's relaxed demeanor, it seemed like she was genuinely making a concession.

At least for the first round, she didn't seem to have any underhanded plans—perhaps she wanted to gauge Shunsuke's skill level first.

After shaking the dice cup for about ten seconds, Runa slammed it onto the table with a resounding thud, then stepped back with her palms up.

"Your turn, Shun-kun. Place your bet."

The game used five dice, with 5–17 being considered "small" and 18–30 "big." The chance of rolling a triple was significantly lower, so statistically, betting on "big" or "small" was the optimal choice.

Shunsuke nodded.

Za Warudo!

Time stopped as Shunsuke used The World to peek at the dice results.

2, 2, 1, 5, 4—Small.

Time resumed its flow as Shunsuke casually tossed his chips onto "Small."

"That was quick. You're very confident, Shun-kun."

Shunsuke shrugged. "Because the outcome's already decided."

"Ni-he-he-he, as expected from someone the president values!" Runa chuckled, reaching for the cup. "Then I shall—"

"Wait." Shunsuke's hand shot out, grabbing hers mid-motion.

"Hey, hey, hey, don't tell me you're backing out? What kind of casino allows bets to be taken back after being placed?"

Runa's face twisted dramatically, her expression morphing into something almost comical.

The spectators instinctively took a step back, overwhelmed by her sudden change in demeanor.

"No, it's just that I don't trust you, Yomozuki-senpai," Shunsuke said with a smile. "If you're the one revealing the dice, I can't shake the feeling that the numbers might mysteriously change."

Although Shunsuke could immediately reverse any tampering with Za Warudo, it was exhausting to stay on high alert all the time, not to mention inefficient.

"Shun-kun, what are you saying? I'm a completely neutral dealer," Runa replied.

Shunsuke simply chuckled.

Seeing his unwavering stance, Runa retracted her hand. "Fine, since you clearly wouldn't trust a dealer from the Discipline Committee either, pick anyone you like."

"Thank you, Senpai." Shunsuke scanned the room, his gaze landing on a random classmate. "That student over there—you'll do."

The classmate, stunned, pointed at himself. "Me?"

"Yes, you."

The student's face fell in despair. "Why me...?"

"Quit wasting time and get up here if you've been chosen," Runa snapped impatiently. "Don't waste everyone's time."

"Yes, ma'am!" he stammered, hurrying forward.

It seemed the oppressive authority of the Student Council loomed heavily over the school.

The student, visibly nervous, approached with trembling steps.

Sweat poured down his face, making him appear every bit the supporting character.

However, if one were to look at his future exploits—where he ended up orchestrating a tie in a high-stakes gamble between Yumeko Jabami and Kirari Momobami—he'd seem more like a shadowy powerhouse hiding in plain sight.

Of course, Shunsuke knew nothing about shadowy powerhouses, let alone any anime references.

He'd already transmigrated before any of the summer 2024 shows aired.

"For the next round, you'll be the one to reveal the dice," Runa commanded from her elevated position.

"Understood!"

Ryota Suzui clasped his hands together on his knees and responded loudly.

Looking at this... well, supporting character, Shunsuke was unsure how to replace him—replace his status as a background character?

Fortunately, the system seemed to have its own evaluation criteria.

Characters like this protagonist had pathetically low point values.

He probably couldn't even compare to some random classmate named Natsukawa, let alone someone like Hachiman's first love.

Releasing Runa's hand, Shunsuke gestured politely. "It's all yours."

"No problem, no problem," Ryota replied nervously, forcing a smile as he stepped forward. He grabbed the top of the dice cup. "Sh-should I lift it now?"

"Just get on with it."

"Open it."

Urged by both of them, Ryota took a deep breath and finally began lifting the cup.

A split second before he did, Shunsuke activated Za Warudo to freeze time again. He checked—no changes.

2, 2, 1, 5, 4—Small.

As time resumed, the dice results were revealed.

"It seems I've won the first round. Thank you, Senpai, for going easy on me," Shunsuke said with a polite smile.

"Nye-he-he-he, there's no such thing as going easy in matters like these," Runa replied casually, unwrapping a new lollipop as she smoothly retrieved the dice cup. "Well, then, let's move on to round two."

Watching these two act as if it were nothing, Ryota felt a chill.

This was a 1 billion yen gamble!

Even Saotome, the ace of their class, would instantly be demoted to livestock with one loss.

As round two began, Runa, while still maintaining her playful demeanor, noticeably got more serious.

Her movements were unpredictable—at times lightning fast, creating chaotic noise, and at other times slow and utterly silent.

Her techniques varied endlessly.

When she finally slammed the cup onto the table, the sound echoed with weight.

"Shun-kun, place your bet."

Runa's expectant expression didn't faze Shunsuke. He wasn't going to humor her theatrics.

All these flashy techniques?

Sorry, lady, times have changed.

Freezing time once again, Shunsuke inspected the dice: 3, 3, 3, 4, 4. A total of 17—barely Small.

A risky number.

If he had to rely on auditory or tactile cues, one mistake could spell disaster.

But for him, it was all the same.

With a calm motion, Shunsuke tossed two chips onto "Small."

"Going all in? Not even keeping one chip as insurance?" Runa teased.

"Doesn't it make things quicker? Or perhaps… more to your liking, Senpai."

"Nye-he-he-he, Shun-kun, are you trying to woo me? You're really working hard to please me."

"Just a simple meal, that's all. Senpai, you're not some childish person who reads too much into things, are you?" Shunsuke replied nonchalantly.

While the two casually chatted as if nothing was at stake, Ryota, caught between envy and fear, nervously revealed the dice.

3, 3, 3, 4, 4—Small.

The moment Shunsuke won again, the murmurs around them grew louder.

At Hyakkaou Private Academy, no one was naive enough to chalk this up to mere luck.

It was becoming clear that this outsider wasn't some clueless rich kid but someone with genuine skill.

Could it be that today, they might witness the defeat of a Student Council member?

The thought sent a wave of excitement through the students who harbored dissatisfaction with Kirari Momobami's reign.

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