Chapter 222: Mysterious Rewards

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As soon as "Aha" finished speaking, an unseen force abruptly separated Bochang and Silver Wolf.

They now stood five meters apart from each other.

Unexpectedly, a long table appeared between them.

On one side was Bochang, on the other was Silver Wolf, with Aha positioned at the center.

In front of each of them emerged dice and dice cups.

The difference lay in...

Both Bochang and Silver Wolf had three dice before them, while Aha only had one, but alongside it were two sets of cards.

"You're tormenting me again, Godfather... I mean, 'Godfather,' right? Just wait, I'll make you pay someday," Bochang thought to himself.

Ever since acquiring the skill 'Godfather' earlier, Bochang knew that he would eventually have a glorious duel with Aha—it seemed inevitable to honor the implications of this ability.

"Now... please welcome the unparalleled General of the Stellaron Train—Bochang—to roll the dice first."

The orange-masked figure held the microphone in one hand and pointed towards the black-haired youth with the other.

With both arms now orange...

it finally didn't resemble that anymore.

"If you can't come up with decent nicknames, don't give me any! What's with 'Unparalleled General'..." Bochang silently grumbled to himself. Instead of rolling the dice, he asked, "Godfather, how many rounds do we plan to play?"

This question was crucial, and even Silver Wolf anxiously awaited the answer.

After all...

who would willingly spend time with an Aeon nearby?

The pressure is simply too immense. Finishing sooner rather than later would undoubtedly be preferable.

"Hmm? It seems Bochang still has doubts... Let the referee, Aha, explain once more. However, before that, I must remind you, during this game, just call me Aha. After all... even if you address me as Godfather, it won't sway my impartiality."

"As I mentioned earlier," Aha continued, "Firstly, never act on impulse; Secondly, ensure no wrongdoing goes unpunished; Thirdly, judge with absolute fairness and elegance. As the referee, Aha will uphold justice impartially."

Aha repeated the previous declaration.

Bochang could sense that Aha was thoroughly enjoying this game.

"Silver Wolf, it applies to you as well—just call me Aha."

"Now, back to business. The game consists of nine rounds, and whoever receives the least amount of punishment will be awarded a mysterious Enigmata package by Aha. So... let's give our best efforts and entertain the audience!"

Aha raised their voice enthusiastically.

Bochang perked up his ears, thinking, There's even a reward?

"Of course... if you do not cooperate and fail to delight the audience, Referee Aha will impose corresponding penalties upon you. These may include, but are not limited to, sudden deaths among your loved ones or electric shocks..."

Suddenly, Aha's tone turned ominous.

Bochang was not surprised at all. Compared to last time when Aha directly wagered the lives of everyone in Belobog, this approach seemed quite gentle. Punishments would only be imposed if the contestants did not cooperate.

In other words...

As long as they diligently play through all nine rounds, not only would they remain unharmed, but there might even be a chance to receive Aha's mysterious rewards.

Silver Wolf quickly calculated the possibilities in his mind.

Ultimately, he concluded that the potential benefits outweighed the risks; it was worth playing the game.

After all, these were rewards from Aeon, so they must be truly valuable—otherwise, how could Aha offer them with such confidence?

"Do either of you contestants have any further questions?"

If there were any doubts, Aha intended to address them promptly, ensuring a joyful gaming experience for all.

Silver Wolf pondered and asked, "What happens if Bochang and I roll the same number?"

"Very simple." Aha grinned widely, "Both parties will then face the punishment together."

Facing this situation, Bochang's inner calm remained unshaken.

The Aeon of Joy was never known for fairness; it simply had to be accepted as such.

Subsequently, Silver Wolf asked a few more minor questions before concluding.

"Are there any remaining doubts now? If not, please proceed with rolling the dice, contestant Bochang."

"Additionally..." Aha continued, offering a friendly reminder, "In the first round, Bochang goes first and Silver Wolf follows. For the second round, Silver Wolf starts first, followed by Bochang. In the final seven rounds, both players will act simultaneously. Please plan your strategy accordingly?"

This time, neither Bochang nor Silver Wolf raised any objections.

Thus...

Bochang covered three dice with the cup, then vigorously shook them on the table.

Such action could indeed be considered dice rolling.

However, no one seemed to care much about the specifics.

"Although the Dice Saint's skill description mentions rolling any desired number, I believe...this should work too."

"With three dice, let's aim for sixteen this time."

"After all, determining who receives the penalty ultimately depends on Aha's roll; mine isn't as crucial."

Bochang silently sighed within himself.

As he shook the dice cup,

Bochang noticed something unique about the Dice Saint skill. After intending to roll a sixteen, he felt an inexplicable guidance influencing his hand movements with the shaker.

Moreover...

He could subtly discern the numbers inside the dice cup through their sounds.

"Amazing."

Relying on the Dice Saint's ability effect,

Bochang shook the cup for a few seconds before revealing his outcome.

On the solid black wooden table, the three dice showed:

Six, Five, and Five.

Totaling sixteen points.

This matched exactly what Bochang had envisioned.

"Sixteen points! Competitor Bochang truly lives up to his reputation as the unparalleled general of Astral Express, effortlessly rolling such a high score."

"But unfortunately... the magnitude of the roll does not guarantee escaping punishment."

As Aha continued speaking, Bochang couldn't help but silently curse him once again for being so sly.

"Next up is the highly anticipated contestant, Silver Wolf. So... as the genius hacker from the Stellaron Hunters, what number will she roll? Let's eagerly await!"

Aha's enthusiasm surged.

Bochang suddenly felt that this host might actually have some talent for commentary.

With disdain, Silver Wolf picked up the dice cup and tossed the three dice with her other hand.

In one swift motion, Silver Wolf caught all the dice mid-air within the cup, then began shaking them skillfully above the table.

Her movements were fluid and effortless, reminiscent of a casino mogul straight out of a movie.

Noticing Silver Wolf's dismissive glance towards him, Bochang slowly typed a question mark.

While Aha was rambling, Silver Wolf quietly put back on all her clothing items she had removed earlier. Once again, she transformed into the arrogant hacker girl with countless bounties from the Interastral Peace Corporation.

Casually shaking the dice, Silver Wolf continued chewing gum and blew a pink bubble. Without stopping her, Aha simply stated, "Within ten seconds, you must reveal the dice result; otherwise, there will be immediate punishment."

Just as Aeon of Joy finished speaking, Silver Wolf forcefully slammed down the shaker cup onto the table. With a flourish, she lifted it to reveal three sixes.

"Six," Bochang announced.

He never anticipated that Silver Wolf would possess such skills; it was truly unexpected and extraordinary.

Facing the audience, Aha remarked, "It seems the Stellaron Hunters' prodigious hacker isn't one to be outdone either. Effortlessly, she rolled the highest possible score of eighteen... And with a disdainful glance towards contestant Bochang."

"The tension between them is incredibly intense!"