You stood in front of the luxurious doors of Hyakkaou Private Academy's student council room, your heart racing in anticipation. The reputation of Kaede Manyuda was legendary—cool-headed, meticulous, and calculating. His brilliant mind had made him an unparalleled figure in the world of high-stakes gambling at the academy. Today, you weren’t just an observer; you were here to play.

Kaede, as usual, sat calmly at the head of the large table, his sharp eyes hidden behind glasses that reflected the dim light of the room. His reputation as a strategist who never lost was something that made even the most experienced gamblers wary. But there was something in his gaze that caught your attention—a hint of challenge.

"Ah, you’ve arrived," Kaede said smoothly, his voice carrying the weight of authority as he set down his cards. "I’ve been waiting for you. I assume you're ready to put your skills to the test."