Chapter 22: The Big Winner

Reno White Heritage Hotel Casino

Tonight's annual Texas Hold'em tournament was still on break. During the intermission, several people approached George, offering to invest money for him to play on their behalf. But George politely declined. With nearly a million U.S. dollars in capital, he had no need to gamble on behalf of others.

Moreover, as a complete newcomer among well-known poker veterans, most assumed George's win was just luck. He suspected some were just trying to feel him out. He wasn't interested in working for others and didn't want unnecessary attention. Still, he made a point to chat with a few Hollywood big shots—connections he figured might come in handy later.

When the break ended, the venue transformed. A massive poker table was set up at the center with ten chairs for players and one for the dealer. Due to the table's size, the dealer used a long transparent board to deal cards. Spectators stood five steps back, surrounding the table.

George had stationed his ten Shadow Clones behind each opponent. With access to everyone's hole cards, he held a clear advantage.

By the end, George emerged as the night's biggest winner—walking away with $12 million in winnings.

In those days, $12 million was astronomical. For perspective, General Motors was valued at around $40 million. In modern terms, this would be equivalent to hundreds of millions. Yet for Nevada—the only U.S. state where gambling was legal—this amount was just a small part of its booming gaming industry.

After depositing the money into the American Bank, George was swarmed by reporters. Camera flashes lit up the night. Film rolls were expensive in that era, yet flashes popped constantly.

George held a brief press conference at the casino entrance.

"Good evening, friends from the press. I know you have questions, but time is short. I'll answer four. Please raise your hands."

Hands shot up. George pointed to a beautiful woman near the center—being attractive had perks.

"Hello, sir. I'm Karyn from the Reno Daily. May I ask your name, where you're from, and your profession?"

"That's two questions, but I'll allow it," George smiled. "My name is George Orwell. I'm from Tennessee. I'm a university student and just published my first novel—so I suppose you could call me a writer."

Next, George selected a man in the front row. "Hello, Mr. Orwell. I'm Kort from the California Times. What's the name of your novel, and how do you plan to use your winnings?"

"Gentlemen don't get special treatment," George quipped, prompting laughter. Then he continued, "But I'll answer anyway. My book is titled Of Mice and Men. As for the money, I don't have any solid plans yet. I honestly think luck had a lot to do with my win."

Reporters murmured among themselves. George overheard a few identifying him as the young author of Of Mice and Men.

The next reporter asked, "Mr. Orwell, you're so young—are you legally allowed to gamble?"

George chuckled. "Thanks for asking! I'm over sixteen, which meets the legal age for gambling here in Nevada. No problems there. That's all for tonight. Kort, could I ask you a favor?"

"Of course, Mr. Orwell."

"The journalists have worked hard. I'd like to treat everyone to a late-night meal, but I have to leave. Could you take care of it?" George handed him a check for $500.

"Absolutely. Thank you for your generosity, sir," Kort replied, as the other reporters expressed their gratitude.

With the path cleared, George left the hotel with bank security and headed out of Reno.

In truth, the one en route to Los Angeles was a Shadow Clone. George had split it off in the restroom after the game ended. Meanwhile, the real George changed his appearance and clothes, then slipped away to a hidden location to store the stolen cash and weapons.

The Jewish Gang's stronghold in Reno had yielded a trove of firearms. George collected a Webley VI revolver with a box of bullets, a Browning automatic rifle, several handguns, and assorted ammunition.

Once the area was cleaned, George transformed into a bird and flew to the clone accompanying the bank. In a dense forest, he switched places with the clone, then resumed the journey in the bank security car toward Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, the Jewish Gang scrambled to find those responsible for the attack. But with the low-level leader who knew of George now dead, they had no leads. George preferred clean jobs.

If they ever came after him, he'd simply deal with them.

Upon arrival in Los Angeles, George tipped the security guards $1,000 and checked into the city's largest hotel for some well-earned rest.

May 1st

In the morning, George used 30 energy points for his next draw from the Suicide Squad World. He obtained Deadshot's full equipment set and comprehensive firearm knowledge.

This included an electronic eye with features like infrared vision, night vision, binoculars, and a wind speed meter, along with weapons: revolver, flare gun, M1 carbine, Gatling gun, rocket launcher, large-caliber short pistol, Uzi, grenade launcher, Desert Eagle, two modified 9mm wrist pistols, a combat suit, and a mask.

George spent the morning getting familiar with each firearm and reviewing the knowledge downloaded into his mind. The information was enough to run a modern arms factory. Many of the weapons hadn't even been invented in this era—giving George a massive edge.

He counted his cash: six wrapped bundles totaling $1.75 million. However, the money couldn't be directly invested—it needed laundering.

In the afternoon, he practiced Chakra refining in his hotel room. Though it didn't increase his strength anymore, it helped calm his mind.

Holding that much money for the first time was exhilarating. But thinking about the tons of Vibranium and the priceless Chaos Pearl in his space helped him regain his composure.

May 2nd

George had little interest left in the Suicide Squad World, but not wanting to waste time, he used one energy point to draw Harley Quinn's twin revolvers—Love and Hate.

These Chiappa Rhino revolvers could fire .357 Magnum and two kinds of 9mm rounds. They featured 101.6mm barrels and hexagonal cylinders for improved concealment.

Beautiful and functional, George decided they would become his main weapons. He added them to his space.

Then he checked out—it was wine delivery day for the Corleone Family.

A week later, George stood in Times Square. He had already completed the delivery. There, he met Tessio, Vito Corleone's trusted lieutenant.

"Mr. George Orwell, thank you for your continued support. Mr. Corleone would like to invite you to dinner," Tessio said.

"It would be an honor. When is he available?"

"Tonight, if convenient for you."

"Perfect."

"Shall I arrange a car for you?"

"Yes, please."

They exchanged smiles. Before parting, Tessio handed him two sales contracts and a check—one for buying land from a farmer, the other for resale. George signed both and took the check for $1.1 million.

Then he instructed the driver to drop him at the Plaza Hotel and return in the evening.

— End of Chapter 22 —

Translator's Note:

Thanks for reading Chapter 22! If you enjoyed it, please leave a comment, share your thoughts, and point out any typos or inconsistencies. I appreciate your support—and don't forget to toss me a Honey Power Stone! 🍯