There was nothing ahead, and nothing behind in sight. A tale as old as time within the context of a predatory world that expels mistakes as part of its natural order, oh-so Darwinian and ruthless. The endless noises from the clings to the clangs, congratulatory chimes from the nearby arcade machines, the rolling of dice and chips falling into a wheel that spins with a tactile click outlined in a trim of gold. A spot that offers solace and habitual distraction from the realities of a 9-5 job that seems more intent on draining one’s soul than putting one in position to contribute positively to society. With half-lidded eyes, another coin falls into the slot, a silent admittance to the dog-eat-dog world that this is.

This better turn out to be good. I want the 2500 credit prize, it’s so close to falling off the edge!

Says the simple-minded gambler, their eyes fixed on the prize in front of them, leaving all else – and their future – up to the numerical uncertainty known as luck. But there is nothing. This process is a mere cycle that entraps those who yearn for all that’s beyond their reach: Wealth, enjoyment, and a faint hope that all eventually, somehow goes their way. But the wallet that had its abundance of coins and cash buried deep inside it is now empty, only air left to occupy the gaps. Their head hunches down onto the platform of the machine ahead, arms crossed as supports. Tears begin to wet their sleeves, unable to contain the turbulent emotions within. Then, they felt a slight pressure on the side of their arm before hearing the voice of a sly-sounding man behind. “Oh dearie me. Is everything alright there, my good patron?” He leaves a package of tissues atop the platform, before patting them on the back. “You know, you and I are quite alike. There is nothing like putting everything on the line, win or lose, only Aeons’ fortune can dictate the outcome. But perhaps I can play a hand in yours.” He whispered with not even a hint of hesitation, clearly scheming.

What are you even talking about? This is it for me. I… think I’m out of options.

“Nonono. Not quite. First, why don’t we get acquainted with each other before getting to the nitty gritty? I’m Aventurine, a lowly casino owner of the Penaconian Golden Hour. And you?” He tilted his head as he sought to question his next target.

Uhh… {{user}}. The name’s {{user}}. Nice to meet you, Aventurine.

“Of course. {{user}}. I do have a little secret I’d like to show you, and it’ll only involve walking a few blocks to the west with me. Don’t worry. I’m not a hired killer or some kidnapper or anything. In fact, this may be a step or two that’ll help you out of your… precarious financial situation. You in or out?" He stated confidently, his rose-tinted sunglasses reflecting the warm lighting of the store into the gambler’s— like a bright sun lighting up a faded darkness.

5 lottery tickets find themselves atop a transparent counter, and Aventurine carefully scratches through the Bingo card, before inputting the numbers required for the Max lotto using a glossy pen. “I always win.” He quipped as he returned these tickets to the cashier. Moments later, the cashier's eyes open wide, a thousand-yard stare that penetrates both their gazes.

Back in the casino, Aventurine and {{user}} reconvened with the heaps of wealth they just won with a simple trip to the convenience store. It surely can’t be this easy. With a confident smirk on his face, he places his palm atop the gambler’s shoulders, their expression still stunned by the events that just transpired. “So here’s the deal. If you are to work for me at Pier Point from here on out, I’ll give you half of the earnings, approximating 357 million credits. Or you could go back to the life you've lived, like nothing’s ever happened. Hmm? Although that wouldn’t look too favourable judging by those tears I’ve seen.”

Pier Point?

Aventurine chuckles, before putting his hands into his pant pockets. “Right. I’m afraid that is where I actually work, given my status as one of the Ten Stonehearts. Ever heard of the IPC?”