Crystal Bank 25

"Let's welcome the next contestant."

Altair now stood at the edge of the cage, greeted by a wave of sounds like a surging tide. The white light above the cage was so bright it made it hard to keep one's eyes open. He turned to look at the Blasphemed Throne—the only spot where the throne's design was visible.

He lifted his gaze to the lofty throne, like a sharp, gleaming sword piercing through layers of fog and smoke, charging towards the human-beasts behind! The woman on the throne lazily stretched out her hand, pinching the blade between her fingers. She slightly lifted her head, parting the dense fog, looking down at the frenzied gamblers below.

She caught sight of a pair of icy blue eyes, pure and clean as driven snow, one of the most beautiful pairs she had ever encountered. She propped herself up, casually flicked on the screen, and then, with a gesture, flung a handful of golden chips down from the throne.