aOS v.1.23

As Alex blinked, the sting of the punch still sharp in his head, one of the enforcers stepped in his way out, momentarily blocking his path. He swerved just in time, heart racing, and before he knew it, he was seated in the elder's office, a cool cloth pressed against his cheek. The walls, lined with trophies and framed photos of gambling legends, offered an odd sense of calm amid the chaos.

.A nurse hovered nearby, her expression a mix of concern and professionalism. "Just keep still for a moment, Mr. Han," she said gently, applying a bit of antiseptic to his cheek.

"I can't believe that just happened," Alex muttered, still reeling from the blow. He caught a glimpse of the elder, who sat across from him, observing with an air of calmness that sharply contrasted with the chaos he had just experienced.

"You made quite an impression," the elder remarked, his voice steady.

"Impression? More like a mistake," Alex replied, rubbing his jaw. "What was that all about?"

"You were disrespectful. That's not something you can afford in this world," the elder said, his tone almost casual, as if he were discussing the weather.

"Disrespectful? You punched me!" Alex shot back, irritation simmering just beneath the surface. "Who do you think you are?"

The elder leaned back in his chair, unfazed. "Someone who sees potential in you. But you need to learn the rules."

"What rules?" Alex pressed, the curiosity beginning to overshadow his annoyance. "Why would you care about me?"

"Because you're a threat," the elder replied, his gaze unwavering. "New players tend to disrupt established dynamics, and I don't tolerate chaos."

"So you just take matters into your own hands?" Alex challenged, crossing his arms. "What do you want from me?"

"I want to see if you can survive this game," the elder said, his expression inscrutable. "You have potential, but it's unrefined. The question is whether you can harness it without getting yourself killed."

At that moment, Kofi's voice crackled in Alex's ear, dripping with sarcasm. "Wow, Mr. Tough Guy over here is really laying it on thick, isn't he? Did he just call you a 'threat'? I'd say that's a compliment!"

"Not helping, Kofi," Alex muttered under his breath.

"Hey, I'm just stating facts. But seriously, are you really considering letting this guy take you under his wing?" Kofi continued, a hint of mockery in his tone. "I mean, he just punched you. That's a bit of a red flag, don't you think?"

"You're not making this any easier," Alex shot back, trying to focus on the elder.

"I'm just saying, you should ask yourself: what's in it for him?" Kofi advised. "Trust me, nothing comes for free in this game."

Alex frowned, weighing the elder's words against Kofi's warnings. "So you're offering to help me? Why?"

"Because I've seen too many promising talents squandered by recklessness," the elder said, his tone firm. "If you're willing to learn, I can teach you how to navigate this world. But it won't be easy."

"I'm not looking for charity," Alex retorted, keeping his guard up. "What's the catch?"

"No catch. Just an investment in someone who might either rise to greatness or become a cautionary tale," the elder explained. "I don't take on many protégés, but you intrigue me."

"Intriguing isn't exactly a glowing recommendation," Alex said, skepticism lacing his voice.

"Fair enough," the elder replied, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "But let me be clear: I'll guide you, but the choices you make will define your path."

"And if I refuse?" Alex pressed, testing the waters.

"Then you risk becoming another casualty of this unforgiving world," the elder warned, leaning forward. "Your decision."

"Right," Kofi chimed in, "because getting punched in the face is definitely the way to win a mentorship program."

Alex took a deep breath, the weight of the elder's words settling in. Kofi's skepticism echoed in his mind, making him wary of the elder's intentions.

"Look, I get it," Alex said finally, his voice steady. "But I'm not about to jump into whatever you're offering without knowing your angle."

"Smart choice," the elder replied, nodding in approval. "Observe tonight. Learn who you're dealing with, and take your first steps wisely."

"Sure, but I'm not your pawn," Alex said, maintaining his defiance.

"That's the spirit," the elder said, a glimmer of respect in his eyes. "Just remember, every game has its rules. Play wisely."

As the elder stood, ready to lead him into the fray, Kofi's voice was a constant reminder in Alex's ear. "You know, this whole thing screams 'danger ahead.' Just keep your eyes peeled, buddy."

With a nod, Alex followed the elder out of the office.

—---

As Alex stepped out of the elder's office, the cool air of the casino hit him, sharp and invigorating. He rubbed his cheek, still tender from the punch. The enforcer, a tall man with a stern expression, approached him, holding out a sleek black calling card.

"Name's Jin," the enforcer said, his voice low and gravelly. "Keep it handy. We don't always take kindly to troublemakers."

Alex accepted the card, glancing at it. It had Jin's name printed in bold letters, along with a number he assumed was a direct line. "Noted," Alex replied, trying to keep his tone casual.

Kofi piped up, "Ah, yes, nothing says 'welcome' like a guy with a fist of steel handing you a card. Should I be taking notes on how to make friends?"

"Very funny," Alex muttered back, pocketing the card. He couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in his stomach. "Let's find another casino."

As they moved through the crowded gaming floor, Kofi warned, "Just don't be reckless this time, alright? Losing a few coins is fine, but you need to keep your head in the game. Winning one jackpot doesn't mean you should keep playing until you're broke."

"I know, I know," Alex replied, determination sparking within him. "I'll be smart about it."

They made their way to a grander establishment, "The Golden Lotus," its glowing neon signs beckoning with promises of fortune and excitement. Once inside, Alex was struck by the sheer opulence of the place. High ceilings adorned with chandeliers cast a warm glow over the tables packed with players.

As they moved deeper into the casino, Alex's eyes widened. There, in the midst of the chaos, he spotted the elder once again. This time, he wore more humble attire—a simple, well-fitted black shirt and trousers, a far cry from his previous outfit. He stood at a roulette table, confidently placing his bets.

"Is that…?" Alex whispered, astonished.

"Looks like our old friend has a knack for winning," Kofi remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Maybe he's secretly the casino's good luck charm. Should we ask him for an autograph?"

Alex watched in awe as the elder raked in chips, the dealer nodding in recognition. A nearby display flashed, announcing that he had just hit his twentieth jackpot.

"How is he doing this?" Alex muttered, leaning closer to the table. But as the cheers erupted around the elder, the atmosphere shifted. Five imposing enforcers approached him, their expressions desperate yet intimidating.

"Sir, you need to leave," one of them pleaded, his voice strained.

"I'm not going anywhere," the elder replied, his tone calm yet unwavering.

Alex's heart raced as he sensed the tension rising. Suddenly, without warning, the elder moved with a fluid grace that belied his age. In a swift motion, he dispatched all five enforcers with precision, each man collapsing to the floor, out cold.

"What the—?" Alex exclaimed, unable to process what he had just witnessed.

"Looks like he's more than just lucky," Kofi snickered. "I mean, who knew old guys could throw punches like that? Maybe I should start a fitness program—'How to Be a Ninja at 70!'"

The elder brushed off his hands and continued playing, his expression unbothered by the chaos he had just created. Alex stood frozen, a mixture of shock and admiration washing over him.

"How is he still winning?" he muttered, taking a step back.

Just then, the elder caught Alex's eye, a sly grin spreading across his face as he motioned him over. "Why stop at ten?" he called out, his voice laced with a subtle challenge.

The elder chuckled, the sound deep and resonant, like a distant rumble of thunder. "This is a place where fortune favors the bold, young man. If you're not willing to take risks, why bother playing at all?"

Alex nodded, his heart pounding as he took a steadying breath. "Oh, right—like I'm the one who needs to learn the rules around here," he muttered under his breath, sarcasm slipping through. But deep down, he knew there was more to this than just luck.

With a mix of irritation and determination, Alex stepped forward, ready to face the challenge, even if it meant risking everything he had.