Vince Cleverly strolled through the bustling streets of the Academy City's entertainment district, hands in his pockets, and a smug little smirk on his lips.
The first-years weren't allowed in these parts of the entertainment district until after their semi-final exams, but Vince was one of the Top Ten in his batch.
And the Top Ten had privileges.
He was just leaving a private gambling lounge, walking out like he owned the place.
Which, in a way, he did.
Not officially, of course — but when you knew the right people, owed the right favors, and had a mind sharper than a guillotine, ownership was just a technicality.
At six feet tall, with neatly styled light blue hair and keen gray eyes full of condescending humor — like he was always in on a joke no one else knew — Vince gave off the air of a man who had never lost a gamble in his life.
Which would be true.